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Myanmar junta to release former British ambassador, Australian adviser and Japan journalist

Myanmar's junta said Thursday it will release 700 prisoners, including a former British ambassador, a Japanese journalist and an Australian adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi's ousted government.. Former British envoy Vicky Bowman, Australian economics adviser Sean Turnell and Japanese journalist Toru Kubota "will be released to mark National Day", a senior officer told AFP. Bowman, who served as ambassador from 2002 to 2006, was detained with her husband in August for failing to declare she was living at an address different from the one listed on her foreigner's registration certificate.

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 1 mins read

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Republicans seize control of US House, Congress split: projections

Republicans on Wednesday took control of the US House of Representatives from Democrats, networks said, narrowly securing a legislative base to oppose President Joe Biden's agenda for the final two years of his term –- and leaving power in Congress split.. With inflation surging and Biden's popularity ratings cratering, Republicans had hoped to see a "red wave" wash over America, giving them control of both houses and hence an effective block over most of Biden's legislative plans.

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 2 mins read

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UK budget set to deliver more economic pain

Britain is set Thursday to unveil hefty tax rises and spending cuts at the risk of worsening a cost-of-living crisis for millions in the recession-bound economy.. The BoE says that Britain is probably already in recession after its economy shrank in the third quarter and is set to do so again in the final three months of the year.

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 3 mins read

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Climate change fuelled rains behind deadly Nigeria floods: study

Heavy rains behind floods that killed over 600 people in Nigeria this year were about 80 times likelier because of human-induced climate change, scientists reported Wednesday.. The heavy rainfall that sparked the floods was 80 times likelier because of "human-caused climate change," according to their findings. 

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 2 mins read

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Musk testifies at trial over his $50 bn Tesla compensation

Tesla tycoon Elon Musk took the stand on Wednesday as part of a trial over his $50 billion pay package as CEO of the electric car giant.. Tornetta alleges that Musk dictated his terms to directors who were not sufficiently independent from their star CEO to object to a package worth around $51 billion at recent share prices.

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 2 mins read

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WFP says its first aid convoy since Ethiopia peace deal enters Tigray

The World Food Programme said its first aid convoy since the signing of a landmark peace deal between Ethiopia's government and Tigrayan rebels had arrived in the war-torn Tigray region on Wednesday.. The WFP announcement followed the arrival on Tuesday of a medical aid convoy from the International Committee of the Red Cross, the first ICRC trucks to arrive in Tigray since the deal between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 2 mins read

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'A terrible explosion': Polish village shaken after missile blast

When a blast jolted a small Polish village near the Ukrainian border, resident Joanna Magus's first thought was that something had happened at the nearby grain drying facility.. Poland's foreign ministry said the blast occurred at 1440 GMT on Tuesday, and  residents said it hit a local grain drying facility, near a school.

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 2 mins read

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Russia accuses Ukraine of Poland missile blast

Russia on Wednesday accused Ukraine of a deadly blast in Poland, with Belgium saying it was probably caused by Kyiv's air defences firing at Moscow's incoming missiles.. The conflict has caused deep unease in Poland where memories of Soviet domination are still raw.

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 4 mins read

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Indonesian leader says negotiations on G20 declaration 'very tough'

Indonesia's president said Wednesday that negotiations for a joint G20 summit declaration were extremely difficult, but hailed the leaders' agreement.. Widodo handed over the G20 chair to New Delhi, which maintains strong economic ties with Moscow, at a ceremony with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. dsa-agn-jfx/arb/dva

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 1 mins read

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UK householders face squeeze as budget looms

Thursday's government budget is unlikely to be uppermost in the minds of people enjoying the annual light show on the seafront promenade of Blackpool.. Some 3.5 million people flock to Blackpool for its Illuminations, the free light show that starts in September and runs to the end of January.

Wed, Nov 16, 2022 3 mins read