Author: REUTERS

Reuters is a British news agency founded in 1851, but owned by Thomson Reuters Corporation, a Canadian conglomerate. As a news agency, Reuters covers a diversity of topics from around the world.

By REUTERS Turkey is mediating talks between Somalia and Ethiopia regarding a port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The negotiation aims to improve diplomatic relations between the two East African nations, strained when Ethiopia leased coastline from Somaliland in exchange for recognizing its independence. This move was met with opposition from Mogadishu, leading to the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador and threats to withdraw troops aiding in the fight against insurgents. Although the outcome of the talks is uncertain, there are doubts about a resolution due to Somalia’s firm stance. Turkey’s involvement in the region, providing security support and development…

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The tech industry trade groups NetChoice and the CCIA challenged laws in Florida and Texas that aimed to regulate social media platforms. These laws would limit the platforms’ ability to moderate content, sparking a debate on free speech and censorship. The Supreme Court intervened, blocking the implementation of the laws in both states, acknowledging the complex issues at play. At the heart of the matter is whether the platforms have the right to editorial discretion in curating content to prevent spam, bullying, extremism, and hate speech. Republicans argue that social media platforms suppress conservative voices under the guise of moderation,…

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Australia has recently made significant changes to its visa fees for international students, more than doubling the cost to $1,068 in an effort to manage the impact of record migration on the housing market. The increased fee, effective July 1, is part of a broader strategy to create a fairer and more manageable migration system. These adjustments come in response to a staggering 60% increase in net immigration to a record 548,800 people, further highlighting the need for stricter visa regulations. With the new fee, applying for a student visa in Australia now exceeds costs in competing countries like the…

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The Legacy of Ismail Kadare: A Tribute to an Albanian Literary Giant Belgrade: Ismail Kadare, an acclaimed Albanian novelist and playwright known for defying his country’s Communist rulers through his writing, has passed away at the age of 88. His editor confirmed that Kadare died in a Tirana hospital after suffering a heart attack. Kadare rose to prominence in 1963 with his novel “The General of the Dead Army,” which garnered international acclaim. Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed him as a “monument of Albanian culture” in a tribute on Facebook. Throughout his career, Kadare received numerous prestigious awards, including the…

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North Korea has recently switched its state TV broadcasts to a Russian satellite from a Chinese one, posing a monitoring challenge for South Korea’s government agencies and media, as reported by the country’s unification ministry. This change took place on June 29, with signals now being carried by the Russian satellite Express 103 instead of the ChinaSat 12. This shift follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in June, where cooperation and defence agreements were signed. Access to North Korean TV online may now face delays or quality issues, affecting how information is gathered about the reclusive state.…

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In a significant move, North Korea has shifted the transmission of its state TV broadcasts from a Chinese satellite to a Russian one, posing a challenge for South Korea’s government agencies and media in monitoring the content. The Russian satellite, Express 103, began carrying signals from North Korea’s Korean Central Television on June 29, indicating a change in alliances. This switch followed a recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, where they pledged mutual cooperation. As a result, watching North Korean TV online has become more difficult, with potential delays and lower quality.…

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The French far-right bloc, led by the National Rally (RN) party, made history by winning the first round of the parliamentary elections with 33% of the votes. In the wake of this victory, President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist bloc and the leftwing New Popular Front secured 20% and 28% of the votes, respectively. Marine Le Pen’s RN party celebrated historic gains in the election, rallying ahead of their leftist and centrist rivals. The results mark a significant setback for Macron following a defeat in the European Parliament elections. The RN’s success in the election raises questions about their ability to form…

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Australia has increased the visa fee for international students to A$1,600 (US$1,068) from A$710, aiming to manage the rising migration and the strain it puts on the housing market. The government is also prohibiting visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas from applying onshore for a student visa. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil believes these changes will enhance the integrity of the international education system and create a migration system that is fairer and more efficient for Australia. This move follows a 60% rise in net immigration to a record 548,800 people in the year to September 30,…

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As the aftermath of the first presidential debate lingers, Democratic leaders are rallying around Joe Biden’s candidacy while hinting at the possibility of selecting a different nominee. Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock firmly rejected any talk of replacing Biden, emphasizing the importance of sticking together to defeat Trump in November. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed this sentiment, viewing Biden’s setback as a setup for a comeback. Despite Biden’s shaky debate performance, Senator Chris Coons affirmed his belief that Biden is the only Democrat capable of beating Trump. However, Representative Jamie Raskin hinted at ongoing discussions within the party about potentially…

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In the ongoing French parliamentary elections, 289 seats are needed for an absolute majority in the National Assembly, France’s lower house of parliament. The first round of elections has seen high turnout, with President Macron calling for a broad alliance against far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen. Marine Le Pen, leader of National Rally, arrives to vote at a polling station in Henin-Beaumont, France on Sunday. (Photo: Bloomberg) The elections have highlighted French voters’ frustrations with economic concerns and Macron’s leadership, with Le Pen’s National Rally party leading in pre-election polls, tapping into discontent among voters. The outcome of…

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