The meds they bought were toxic. Now Gambian parents seek justice

By Edward McAllister DAKAR (Reuters) – Families of 20 Gambian children who died after consuming cough syrups made in India will take their government to court this month for allegedly mishandling drug imports – a rare step in one of Africa’s poorest countries, where few have the means to challenge authorities. The parents’ allegations and…

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US asks appeals court to pause Microsoft deal after lower court refuses

By Diane Bartz and David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday asked an appeals court to temporarily stop Microsoft from closing its $69 billion purchase of “Call of Duty” maker Activision Blizzard, just hours after a federal judge rejected a similar request. The San Francisco federal court had ruled in favor…

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Russian Duma completes passage of bill banning gender change

By Lucy Papachristou (Reuters) – A sweeping Russian draft law to ban legally or medically changing gender was approved by the lower house of parliament on Friday in its final reading, part of a crackdown against LGBT rights under President Vladimir Putin. The bill would bar Russians from changing their gender on official identity documents,…

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Divisive China, Taiwan bids to join Pacific trade pact in focus at meet

By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) – Members of a major trans-Pacific trade pact meeting in Auckland on Sunday are set to discuss applications by China and Taiwan to join the group, proposals that have deepened the rancour among the neighbours and divided the opinions of member-nations. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)…

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