Japan scraps most restrictions on travelers from China

Japan is beginning to scrap controversial travel restrictions on visitors from China. 

Last month the government introduced mandatory testing of Chinese travelers due to the spread of Covid-19 there. 

In response China stopped issuing new visas to Japanese nationals.

Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo 

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US consumer confidence down in February

Consumer confidence fell to a three-month low in February, according to new data.

Survey findings released on Tuesday show consumers' view of current business conditions worsened, but people had a more favourable view of the availability of jobs.

Sally Patterson reports.

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Loan debt relief for millions of U.S. students being debated by Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether to keep or get rid of President Joe Biden's plan on reducing student loan debt.

The decision affects millions of people in the U.S. who have student debt, particularly those with the greatest financial need who could get relief of up to 20,000 dollars each.

Caroline Malone reports from Washington.

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Ron DeSantis takes control of Disney’s special district

Flordia Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill stripping Dinsey World of its special district status  - which has allowed the theme park to operate with autonomy for more than 50 years.

DeSantis says the status gave Dinsey the power to skirt tax rules and building codes.

But critics see it as retaliation after Disney publicly opposed a state law restricting gender discussion in the classroom - known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

Toni Waterman has more.

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Snow storms in NYC

New York City has seen the most snow for this winter season.
Nearly 2 inches of snow fell overnight in what meteorologists say
amounted to the season's most significant snowstorm so far.
Jody Jacobs reports from New York City.

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DRONE CRASHES NEAR MOSCOW

A drone has crashed a hundred metres from a gas compressor station near Moscow, according to the Governor of the Moscow Region.

He says no one was injured, no damage was caused, and the safety of residents isn't threatened.

It's not yet clear who sent the drone or why it was there.

Stuart Smith reports.

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Uganda to Introduce New Bill Punishing Homosexuality

SUGGESTED LEAD

Lawmakers in Uganda are planning to re-table a bill which seeks to a  introduce more severe punishments for homosexuality.

Being caught in gay- acts is already a criminal offense and punishable with a maximum sentence of life in prison, but legislators argue that's not punitive enough or fully enforced.

Isabel Nakirya reports

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US Supreme Court hears Biden student loan forgiveness plan

The US Supreme Court will start hearing arguments on Tuesday about
whether the Biden administration can cancel billions of dollars of
student debt.

President Joe Biden has offered to forgive up to $20,000 of debt for
students still owing money - but challengers say he's overstepping his
authority.

Nick Harper has more.

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French inflation rises back above 6% as consumer prices continue to rise

French inflation has risen back above 6 per cent as consumer prices continue to rise.

The French national institute for statistics announced in its initial report on Tuesday that inflation stood at 6.2 percent in February.

Ross Cullen reports.

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EU discusses shake-up of electricity market in wake of energy crisis

The EU is meeting to discuss a shake-up of its electricity market in the wake of the energy crisis, tied to the war in Ukraine.

The EU's two biggest economies have different ideas for how to reform the market, based on how much of their electricity needs are derived from low-emissions power.

Germany relies heavily on fossil fuel to produce electricity, but France uses nuclear power for 70% of its daily electricity needs.

Ross Cullen has more.

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SUNAK IN NI AFTER REACHING BREXIT DEAL

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is in Belfast to try and sell a deal reached with the EU on post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland.

The Windsor Framework removes many barriers on trade across the Irish Sea and includes a so-called "veto" on EU law.

It's been welcomed by the White House - and London is hoping the changes will be enough for the unionist party the DUP to return to power sharing at Stormont.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly says he's hopeful unionists will recognise how much work has been done on their objections to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

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Hong Kong scraps longstanding Covid-19 face mask mandate

Hong Kong is scrapping its rules for the compulsory wearing of face masks. The move brings to an end the last of the city’s longstanding Covid-19 restrictions, which have severely dented its appeal as a business and tourism hub. Richard Kimber reports from Hong Kong.

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Protests erupt after Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister's arrest

Intro:

Protests have erupted in many parts of India after Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was arrested on charges of corruption.

Allegations are that he took kickbacks from businesses for formulating a new liquor sale policy that benefitted private vendors.

But Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party denies these charges – and claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is using federal agencies to target his political opponents.

Ishan Garg reports.

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Kim calls for food reforms as crisis worsens

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is ordering an overhaul of the country’s agricultural production, amidst fears of worsening food shortages. 

He's been holding high-level meetings to boost the country’s economy, which has been hit by the pandemic and international sanctions.

Chris Gilbert reports. 

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Federal Reserve expected to raise rates next month

Last week's Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation data showed price pressures remain elevated, meaning the Federal Reserve is unlikely to slow its planned rate rises.

Sally Patterson reports.

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US Treasury Secretary makes surprise Ukraine visit

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has made a surprise visit to
Ukraine to reaffirm America's financial support for the country.

The visit comes a week after US President Joe Biden met Ukraine's
leader in the capital Kyiv.

Nick Harper has more.

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Twitter axes another 200 jobs in a fresh round of layoffs - NYT

A fresh round of layoffs at Twitter. According to the New York Times - the social media platform has axed another 200 jobs - or about 10% of the workforce remaining after a mass layoff in November. Twitter's ad revenue has plummeted since Elon Musk took over last year - as companies wait to see what speech will…and won't…be tolerated on the site.  

Toni Waterman has more.

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Dilbert comic strip dropped from several publications

Several US newspapers have dropped the Dilbert comic strip following comments from its creator which have been widely described as racist and discriminatory. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Scott Adams called black people quote a "hate group".

Major publications have condemned the comments, with the Washington Post accusing Adams of "promoting segregation".

Sally Patterson has more.

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Everything Everywhere All At Once wins top honors at the SAGS

The Screen Actors Guild Awards took place this weekend with Michelle
Yeoh (pronounced: Yo) becoming the first Asian best actress in film
winner.
Jody Jacobs takes a look at some of this year's winners.

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BREXIT DEAL REACHED

The UK and the European Union have reached a new deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland.

The agreement was struck as European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen visited the UK for talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

From London, Olly Barratt reports.

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