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Philippine bakeries shrink 'poor man's bread' as inflation bites
Philippine bakeries shrink 'poor man's bread' as inflation bites
World
by  AFP

As the war in Ukraine pushes up wheat prices and a weaker peso raises the cost of imported edible oil, many Philippine bakers are shrinking the size of a popular breakfast roll to cope with higher inflation. Inflation in the Philippines hit 6.1 percent in June, the highest level in nearly four years, as steep fuel price hikes pushed up food and transport costs.

Why is the world worried about China's property crisis?
Why is the world worried about China's property crisis?
World
by  AFP

China's troubled property sector suffered another blow this month when frustrated homebuyers stopped making mortgage payments on units in unfinished projects. People who had bought units in still-unfinished projects announced they would stop making payments until construction resumed.

Egypt's small farms play big role but struggle to survive
Egypt's small farms play big role but struggle to survive
World
by  AFP

Egyptian smallholders grow nearly half of the country's crops, a lifeline role increasingly important after grain imports were stalled by war in Ukraine -- but they are struggling to survive. Ordinary Egyptians eat bread at almost every meal, and Egypt’s wheat farmers ramped up production to 40 percent of the country's needs.

Turf wars stall Ireland's green agenda
Turf wars stall Ireland's green agenda
World
by  AFP

In the aftermath of the hottest day in Ireland for more than 130 years this week, small family groups picked their way across the Bog of Allen in the country's midlands collecting sun-dried turf. For Patsy Power, a turf cutter whose family has rights to cut and remove turf on the Bog of Allen, the changes will make virtually no difference to the way he operates.

Gaza's women and girls see no escape from violence
Gaza's women and girls see no escape from violence
World
by  AFP

Seventeen-year-old Istabraq Baraka fell pregnant soon after her wedding in the Gaza Strip. "The law is not on women's side all the time in the Gaza Strip," said Aziza Elkahlout, a spokeswoman for the social development ministry which runs one of the refuges.

Macron says Iran nuclear deal 'still possible'
Macron says Iran nuclear deal 'still possible'
World
by  AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday told his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi that reviving the landmark 2015 deal on Tehran's nuclear capabilities was "still possible" but must happen "as soon as possible".

Arrests as Madagascar opposition protest living costs
Arrests as Madagascar opposition protest living costs
Africa
by  AFP

Police in Madagascar detained two leading members of the main opposition party on Saturday during a protest in the capital against rising living costs and economic hardship. "We came to demonstrate against the high cost of living."