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Russia convicts 135 over anti-Israel riots

Russian courts have sentenced 135 people to lengthy prison sentences in connection with a mass anti-Israel protest in October 2023 at an airport in the predominantly Muslim Dagestan region. Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters stormed an airport in the city of Makhachkala, where a plane from Tel Aviv had just arrived, in unrest in the North Caucasus over Israel’s war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Investigators said they had collected evidence against 142 people and completed probes into the participation of 139.

John McDonald

19 Jul 2025

Concern over Chinese solar panels

Britain is considering changing legislation to ensure its new state-owned energy company, Great British Energy, avoids the use of solar panels linked to suspected Chinese forced labour. Legislation is going through parliament to establish the state-backed company, but the government’s plans are facing criticism from some lawmakers about the origin of solar panels. Any changes to supply chain rules could put Britain’s 2050 target for net zero emissions at risk.

John McDonald

23 Apr 2025

France unveils new investments in Western Sahara

A French delegation visiting Morocco with President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled investment plans in the disputed Western Sahara as part of a broader suite of agreements and partnerships between the two countries. Projects in Dakhla and the Guelmim-Oued Noun region are among the €10 billion worth of initiatives announced during Macron’s three-day visit to Rabat, which include agreements to build and expand renewable energy and transportation infrastructure throughout the North African Kingdom.

John McDonald

30 Oct 2024

China

14 Aug 2024

China’s economy shows new signs of weakness

A recent string of dismal indicators have dulled expectations for China’s economic performance in July, in an ominous sign for the rest of 2024 and pointing to the need for more stimulus measures beyond plastering over pain points. Calls for more growth-boosting measures for the $US19 trillion economy have dogged officials after a widely expected post-pandemic recovery failed to materialise in 2023. Still, the government is targeting economic growth of around 5 per cent this year. The latest data point to a rocky start to the second half. On Tuesday, central bank data showed July new bank loans plunged to a 15-year low, while other key gauges showed export growth slowed and factory activity slumped as manufacturers grapple with tepid domestic demand.

John McDonald

14 Aug 2024

Employers urged to protect staff in heatwave

Queensland is sweltering through another intense day of extreme temperatures as a severe heatwave grips much of the state – prompting a reminder to employers to protect their staff. Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace warned businesses had an obligation to protect their workers from heat-related illness under work health and safety laws. ”Working in the heat can not only be uncomfortable: it can be dangerous and even fatal,“ the minister said.

John McDonald

07 Dec 2022

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Russia convicts 135 over anti-Israel riots

Concern over Chinese solar panels

France unveils new investments in Western Sahara

China’s economy shows new signs of weakness

Japan set to release Fukushima water

Employers urged to protect staff in heatwave