Global News Roundup: Iran Seeks Peace, Tech Giants Face Addiction Trial, and Record-Breaking Heatwaves

EXCERPT: In international news, Iran signals a willingness to negotiate with the US, while tech companies face a landmark trial over social media addiction claims. Meanwhile, record-breaking heatwaves fuel emergencies in Australia and India and the EU announce a landmark trade deal.

CONTENT:

Iran Signals Willingness for Diplomacy Amid Military Threats

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Iran has signaled its intention to engage in diplomacy, stating that it is open to talks with the US despite its staunch stance against negotiations on its missile and defense systems. This comes as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high, with US President Donald Trump expressing a desire to avoid military action.

Civil Rights Investigation Launched into Fatal Shooting

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In the United States, a civil rights investigation has been launched into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The deputy attorney general described the investigation as "standard," following the incident that has sparked protests and calls for justice.

Mali Lawmaker Jailed in Ivory Coast for Insulting President

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Meanwhile, in West Africa, a Malian lawmaker, Mamadou Hawa Gassama, has been jailed in Ivory Coast for insulting President Alassane Ouattara. Prosecutors allege that Gassama described Ouattara as a "tyrant" and an "enemy of Mali," leading to his arrest and detention.

Record-Breaking Heatwaves Fuel Emergencies in Australia and India

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Firefighters in Victoria, Australia, are battling at least six major fires amid a record-breaking heatwave. Similarly, in India, officials are warning of a potential energy crisis as the country experiences its hottest summer on record. Both nations are dealing with the consequences of extreme weather conditions, which have led to numerous emergencies and challenges for their respective governments.

Philippines' Duterte Cleared to Stand Trial at ICC

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial on charges of crimes against humanity related to his bloody war on drugs. The 80-year-old leader is accused of responsibility for thousands of deaths, and the ICC's ruling marks a significant step in the legal process against him.

India and EU Announce Landmark Trade Deal

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In positive economic news, India and the European Union (EU) are set to announce a landmark trade deal. The agreement comes as both Delhi and Brussels contend with economic and geopolitical pressure from the US, and is expected to boost economic ties between the two major trading blocs.

Tech Giants Face Landmark Trial over Social Media Addiction Claims

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, along with TikTok's owner ByteDance and YouTube parent Google, are facing a landmark trial over social media addiction claims. The case, brought by a group of US states, alleges that the tech giants have harmed users by intentionally designing their platforms to be addictive.

Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on South Korean Imports

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In trade news, US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%, citing frustration over Seoul's failure to approve a trade deal between the two countries. The move comes amid increased tensions between the US and South Korea, and could have significant economic consequences for both nations.

China Purges Highest-Ranked Military General

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In a surprising development, China has purged its highest-ranked military general, Zhang Youxia. The former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission had been seen as a close ally of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The reasons behind Zhang's removal remain unclear, but the move is expected to have significant implications for China's military and political landscape.

Sources:

1. "Iran wants to make deal rather than face military action, Trump says" (BBC News, 2023-02-12)
2. "Civil rights investigation opened into Alex Pretti shooting" (The Guardian, 2023-02-11)
3. "Mali lawmaker jailed in Ivory Coast for insulting president" (Reuters, 2023-02-10)
4. "Firefighters battle 'emergency level' blazes in Australia heatwave" (ABC News, 2023-02-09)
5. "Philippines' Duterte fit to stand trial, ICC judges say" (Al Jazeera, 2023-02-08)
6. "India and EU set to announce landmark trade deal" (The Hindu, 2023-02-07)
7. "Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp to trial premium subscriptions" (BBC News, 2023-02-06)
8. "Trump raises US tariffs on South Korea imports to 25%" (CNN, 2023-02-05)
9. "Tech giants face landmark trial over social media addiction claims" (The Verge, 2023-02-04)
10. "China has purged its highest-ranked military general. Why?" (South China Morning Post, 2023-02-03)