Factbox-The Chinese groups accused of hacking the US and others

(Reuters) – Chinese hacking teams have been blamed by Western intelligence agencies and cybersecurity groups for digital intrusion campaigns across the world, targeting everything from government and military organisations to corporations and media groups. Cybersecurity firms believe many of those groups are backed by China’s government. China’s authorities have consistently denied any form of state-sponsored…

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Exclusive-Audit fails to win U.S. backing for release of Afghan central bank funds – U.S. officials

By Jonathan Landay and Charlotte Greenfield WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – A U.S.-funded audit of Afghanistan’s Taliban-run central bank has failed to win Washington’s backing for a return of bank assets from a $3.5 billion Swiss-based trust fund, said two U.S. officials and a former U.S. official, a move that would help ease the country’s financial crisis….

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US to ‘beat up’ airlines when necessary for passengers – transport chief

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he is willing to take a hard line with airlines when necessary as the Biden administration vows a sweeping upgrade in passenger consumer protections. “We’re continuing to work to make sure that airlines live up to their obligations, which we will enforce,” Buttigieg…

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New York governor directs agencies to investigate lead cables

By David Shepardson and Mrinalika Roy (Reuters) -New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday directed state departments to investigate health risks associated with old lead-clad cables left by telecommunication companies. The Wall Street Journal this month reported that telecom companies, including AT&T and Verizon Communications, had left toxic lead cables on poles, underwater and buried…

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US, Vietnam to hold regular economic talks, explore technical partnership

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and Vietnam on Thursday said they had agreed to hold regular, senior staff-level talks on macroeconomic policies and efforts to maintain financial stability, and would also explore a possible technical assistance partnership. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and State Bank of Vietnam Governor Nguyen Thi Hong…

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