China COVID protesters released after four months’ detention – sources

By Laurie Chen BEIJING (Reuters) – At least two Chinese women who joined historic “white paper” demonstrations in Beijing calling for an end to COVID-19 curbs were released on Wednesday after almost four months in detention, two of their friends told Reuters. The protests, unprecedented in President Xi Jinping’s decade in power, began in late…

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India economic growth seen stuck in low gear: Reuters poll

By Madhumita Gokhale BENGALURU (Reuters) – India’s economy will slow considerably this fiscal year as the global economic slowdown impedes domestic growth prospects, according to a Reuters poll, which showed inflation will remain elevated despite recent interest rate hikes. While the expected expansion would be faster than other major economies, it will be below the…

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New Sudan ceasefire attempt fails with vital supplies running short

By Khalid Abdelaziz and Nafisa Eltahir KHARTOUM/CAIRO (Reuters) -A new attempt at a ceasefire in fierce fighting between Sudanese troops and paramilitary forces in Khartoum failed on Wednesday, leaving people fearful about dwindling food supplies and a breakdown in medical services. The 24-hour ceasefire – lobbied for by countries trying to evacuate their citizens after…

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Germany’s foreign minister: Parts of China trip ‘more than shocking’

By Alexander Ratz BERLIN (Reuters) – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday described parts of her recent trip to China as “more than shocking” and said Beijing was increasingly becoming a systemic rival more than a trade partner and competitor. The blunt remarks followed Baerbock’s visit to Beijing last week where she warned that…

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Factbox-Key recommendations in Australia’s review of the RBA

By Alasdair Pal SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia on Thursday released its review of the Reserve Bank of Australia, the first external review of the central bank and the operation of monetary policy in four decades. The report made 51 recommendations, including moving to a clearer monetary policy framework and greater accountability. Here are the key…

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Japanese firms want stability rather than change from new BOJ governor -Reuters poll

By Tim Kelly TOKYO (Reuters) – Most Japanese firms want Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda to focus on financial market stability at his first policy meeting next week, with few seeing benefits from any easing of its ultra-loose monetary policy, a Reuters monthly poll showed. Ueda has so far signalled his intent to maintain…

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