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Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific narrows H1 loss, eyes better end to year
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific narrows H1 loss, eyes better end to year
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific on Wednesday reported losses had narrowed in the first half after an "extremely difficult start" to the year, but said its capacity will improve in coming months as travel sentiment improves. Hong Kong has taken tentative steps toward reopening its borders after being internationally isolated for two and a half years owing to strict Covid rules for travellers.

China warns it will not tolerate Taiwan 'separatists'
China warns it will not tolerate Taiwan 'separatists'
World
by  AFP

China on Wednesday vowed zero tolerance for "separatist activities" in Taiwan and reaffirmed that it would take the self-ruled island by force if necessary. It added, however: "We will only be forced to take drastic measures to respond to the provocation of separatist elements or external forces should they ever cross our red lines."

In Norway, old oil platforms get a second life
In Norway, old oil platforms get a second life
World
by  AFP

At an industrial yard in southwestern Norway, decommissioned oil platforms are slowly being dismantled for a second life in the circular economy. Many of the oil platforms there are coming to the end of their life spans.

Billboards get Poles talking low birth rate
Billboards get Poles talking low birth rate
World
by  AFP

The billboards are hard to miss: large and plastered all over Poland, they show two blonde girls in immaculate white posing in a wheat field. Observers have been quick to point out that the figures in the original billboard are incorrect: official statistics show Polish women were having fewer than four children on average during the 1950s.

Kabul airport, symbol of chaotic US exit from Afghanistan
Kabul airport, symbol of chaotic US exit from Afghanistan
World
by  AFP

Tens of thousands of Afghan men, women and children rushed to Kabul's airport a year ago in a desperate bid to flee the advancing Taliban, who seized power on August 15, 2021. One year on, Taliban authorities gave AFP photographers access to the airport to shoot the facility and areas that were trashed last year.

South Korea flooding death toll rises to nine
South Korea flooding death toll rises to nine
World
by  AFP

At least nine people were killed and seven others missing in South Korea after record downpours flooded major roads, metro stations and homes, officials said Wednesday. "There are a total of 16 casualties, including nine deaths and seven missing," an official at the Interior Ministry told AFP. In all, around 600 people have been affected, he said, with many forced to leave their homes.