South Africa's communications minister refuted the claims that a draft policy easing Black ownership requirements for tech firms was designed to favor Elon Musk's Starlink. Minister Solly Malatsi defended the directive before Parliament, denying it was specifically for Starlink, despite Musk's criticism of the ownership laws. The policy aims to boost competition by allowing more operators into the market.
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Thousands in Bulgaria protested against adopting the euro, demanding a referendum on abandoning the lev. Organized by civic groups and nationalist parties, demonstrators voiced concerns over economic impacts and national sovereignty. President Radev, citing public anxieties about inflation, supports the referendum, but parliament rejected it, accusing him of pro-Russian sentiments.
The EU is grappling with a surge in Russian fertilizer imports despite efforts to cut ties with Moscow. While reducing Russian oil and gas, the EU's fertilizer purchases have increased significantly, now constituting 30% of imports. To counter this, the European Parliament has endorsed tariffs on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers, aiming for a 50% duty by 2028.
Sweden on Saturday announced new rules upping checks on foreign vessels in the Baltic from July 1, reinforcing a crackdown on Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers deployed to circumvent sanctions on its oil trade. The Swedish government said in a statement that the new rules "reinforce checks on foreign vessels by requiring insurance information".
France's lower house on Tuesday approved a right-to-die bill in the first reading, the initial step in a lengthy process that could grant patients medical assistance to end their lives in clearly defined circumstances. The National Assembly vote was an initial stage for the draft law, which will now go between the lower house and the Senate for modifications acceptable to both houses.
A delegation from northeast Syria's semi-autonomous Kurdish administration was headed to Damascus on Saturday for talks on implementing a March deal to integrate Kurdish institutions into the state, a member of the delegation said.that "a delegation from the autonomous administration is on the way to Damascus to discuss" details of the March deal.
A minor earthquake, registering a magnitude of 2.4, struck Long Beach at 11.34 pm Pacific time on Sunday night. The US Geological Survey reported the quake originated at a depth of 7.6 miles, with its epicenter situated less than a mile from Los Angeles. The region typically experiences around 59 similar-sized earthquakes annually.
Since relocating to California in 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's presence in Montecito has drawn varied reactions. While Prince Harry is seen as approachable and friendly, Meghan Markle maintains a low profile, says local journalist Richard Mineards. He noted Markle's detachment from community events, contrasting it with Oprah Winfrey's active involvement.
Israel on Friday said Hamas must accept a hostage deal in Gaza or "be annihilated", as US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire agreement was "very close". " accept the terms of the 'Witkoff Deal' for the release of the hostages -- or be annihilated."
A desperate manhunt is underway in central Washington for Travis Decker, accused of murdering his three young daughters. The girls were discovered near a campground in Leavenworth, prompting a massive search led by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. Decker, a former Army soldier with mental health issues, is considered dangerous, and the public is urged not to approach him.
President Zelenskyy is meeting Chancellor Merz in Berlin as Ukraine seeks more military aid amidst intensified Russian attacks. Germany, a key military supporter, has lifted range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. Recent heavy drone and missile attacks have targeted both Ukrainian and Russian regions, disrupting infrastructure and causing damage, highlighting the conflict's escalation.