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Latest Publications — Page 998

  2. BusinessBudget

    Russian Banks Raise Deposit Rates Amidst Outflow

    In Russia, deposit rates have unexpectedly increased, with ten major banks raising their rates for three consecutive weeks in July. The average maximum rate reached 12.85% per annum, up from 12.75% in June. This trend bucks the usual pattern of decreasing rates due to a lower Central Bank key rate, and is attributed to a record outflow of money from deposits in May. Experts predict that banks will cautiously raise rates to attract depositors, but not all banks will do so.
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  3. PoliticsRegulatorsAsia

    CDU, SPD Clash Over Pension Reform: 'Retirement at 63' Under Fire

    The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD) are at odds over pension reform, specifically the abolition of 'retirement at 63'. CDU faction leader Thorsten Frei rejects the proposal from three eastern German state premiers to retain the pension-free retirement after 45 years of insurance. SPD's Tim Klüssendorf questions the CDU's stance, while SPD General Secretary Klüssendorf wants to stick to the pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions. The pension commission's proposal to abolish 'retirement at 63' faces internal criticism within the CDU, with some arguing it benefits healthier people and men disproportionately.
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  10. ScienceSemiconductorsRoboticsBiology

    Turkish University Launches AI and Robotics Programs for Agriculture

    Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) in Burdur is pioneering technology-based solutions to labor shortages in agriculture by offering new departments equipped with artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and robotics technologies. The university will accept students for programs such as Sensitive Agriculture and Agricultural Robots, Digital Farming Technologies, Smart Greenhouse Technologies, and Animal Husbandry and Entrepreneurship. The goal is to educate human resources capable of addressing labor problems in agriculture through robotic systems and AI technologies.
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  13. SocietyCorruptionAsiaDefense

    Convicted IS Fan Abdulhadi B. to Leave Germany for 6,000 Euros

    The convicted Syrian Abdulhadi B., considered one of Germany's most dangerous Islamists, has agreed to leave the country voluntarily for 6,000 euros. The 38-year-old, who was sentenced for threatening an attack on a Berlin synagogue and recruiting IS supporters, had previously demanded 144,000 euros. His departure is seen as a significant security gain and a cheaper solution than continued surveillance, which costs over 50,000 euros per month.
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  14. WorldMiddle EastEarth

    Andean Communities Celebrate Day of the Pachamama on August 1st

    Every year on August 1st, Quechua and Aymara communities in the Andes commemorate the Day of the Pachamama, a festival honoring Mother Earth. The celebration, also known as Pachamama Raymi, extends throughout the month and includes Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and southern Colombia. The term 'Pachamama' comes from the Quechua language and represents an entity present in daily life, linked to agricultural and climate cycles. The roots of this festival date back to ancient agricultural civilizations in the Andes before European conquest. The central ritual involves making offerings to Pachamama, asking for permission to sow seeds and ensuring good harvests. The celebration also includes traditional food like pachamanca and cuy, as well as drinks like chicha de jora.
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  15. WorldBillMiddle East

    Russia Violates Polish Airspace During Ukraine Attack

    Polish military scrambled aircraft after detecting an unidentified object in its airspace during a massive Russian attack on Ukraine. An investigation later confirmed that the object was a Russian missile that entered Polish territory, causing an explosion near the village of Tarnava-Kolonia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened a coordination group to investigate the incident and expressed full solidarity with Ukraine.
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  16. WorldMiddle East

    Moldova's Diaspora Days 2026: A Month of Unity and Engagement

    From August 3 to 21, Moldova is hosting Diaspora Days 2026, an event aimed at strengthening ties between the state and its citizens living abroad. The program includes an inauguration of an exhibition featuring Basarabian authors, a youth event with prominent guests, the central Diaspora Forum, and the Diaspora Cup. The forum will bring together Moldovans from around the world, representatives of public authorities, and development partners to discuss civic involvement, community consolidation, and partnerships.
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  18. SportsLocal GovCentral AsiaBudget

    Spain's August Traffic Operation: 5.6 Million Trips Expected, V-16 Beacon Mandatory

    The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has activated the II Special Summer Traffic Operation due to the high volume of road trips expected during the first weekend of August. Around 5.6 million trips are anticipated, with increased mobility due to the handover between vacationers and usual weekend trips. The DGT warns of potential congestion on major roads and the obligation to carry a connected V-16 beacon for incident signaling. Alternative routes have been proposed to reduce pressure on main roads. The operation will remain active until Sunday, August 2.
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  21. PoliticsExecutiveLocal GovNorth America

    Simplified Access for Disabled SVO Veterans to Medication and Vouchers

    Veterans of the Special Military Operation (SVO) with disabilities have been granted simplified access to free medication, vouchers for sanatoriums, and travel expenses instead of cash payments. This change allows veterans to receive these benefits at any time during the year, not just at the start, as announced by State Duma deputy Sergei Chizhov. The new law also enables veterans to submit an application once without being tied to a calendar and switch to receiving services in kind. The benefits apply to all disabled veterans, regardless of the nature of their injuries or how they were incurred.
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  23. WorldMiddle East

    Rubio: Western Hemisphere Has Mostly Pro-American Governments in 20 Years

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that for the first time in 15-20 years, the overwhelming majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere are led by pro-American governments. He attributes this shift to the policies of President Donald Trump. Rubio made these remarks in multiple statements and interviews, considering it an 'extraordinary achievement'.
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  24. BusinessTaxTradeLogistics

    Centre Releases Rs 1.09 Lakh Crore in Advance Tax Devolution to States

    The Union government released ₹1,09,019 crore to state governments as an additional instalment of tax devolution, over and above the regular monthly transfer scheduled for August 10. The advance transfer gives states additional fiscal resources ahead of the scheduled monthly devolution to support spending and development programmes, particularly capital and development spending.
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