German Lawmaker Criticizes Gov’t Amid Reports of US Involvement in Nord Stream Explosions
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/german-lawmaker-criticizes-govt-amid-reports-of-us-involvement-in-nord-stream-explosions-1107255131.html
February 9, 2023, 12:40 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Sahra Wagenknecht, a member of the German Bundestag and former co-chair of The Left party’s parliamentary group, on Thursday criticized Germany’s government for following the United States’ political course amid the recent reports of possible US involvement in blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry Says Biden Violated Diplomatic Etiquette Over Remarks About Xi
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/chinese-foreign-ministry-says-biden-violated-diplomatic-etiquette-over-remarks-about-xi-1107254847.html
February 9, 2023, 12:36 PM
BEIJING (Sputnik) - Statements by US President Joe Biden that he warned Chinese President Xi Jinping of losing Western investment if Beijing supports Moscow are irresponsible and violate the foundations of diplomatic etiquette, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday.
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UK Has 'No F***ing Jets' to Spare to Meet Zelensky's 'Thanks in Advance' Demand
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/uk-has-no-fing-jets-to-spare-to-meet-zelenskys-thanks-in-advance-demand-1107107614.html
February 9, 2023, 12:26 PM
The UK has already gifted rocket artillery and howitzers and more than a hundred armoured vehicles to Kiev, and has now pledged 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks and all its working self-propelled guns. But Ukraine's president flew into London on Wednesday to demand even more.
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French Central Bank Rules Out Recession in France in 2023
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/french-central-bank-rules-out-recession-in-france-in-2023-1107253779.html
February 9, 2023, 12:24 PM
PARIS (Sputnik) - The head of the Bank of France, Francois Villeroy de Galhau, ruled out on Thursday the French economy entering a recession in 2023, predicting weak economic growth instead.
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Decline in Rhino Poaching Indicates South African Authorities' Work, Official Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/decline-in-rhino-poaching-indicates-south-african-authorities-work-official-says-1107104611.html
February 9, 2023, 11:53 AM
South Africa is home to about 80% of the world's rhinoceros population, including the critically endangered black rhino species. Recently, the country's authorities declared that the number of rhino poaching cases – a problem that has long been troubling South Africa – marginally declined in 2022.
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REC to Hold Consultation on Exports to Turkiye
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/rec-to-hold-consultation-on-exports-to-turkiye-1107112686.html
February 9, 2023, 11:45 AM
The general consultation will evaluate export opportunities to Turkiye for Russian producers, the center reported.
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Top US Economists Warn Israel's Netanyahu Against Judicial Reform
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/top-us-economists-warn-israels-netanyahu-against-judicial-reform-1107126096.html
February 9, 2023, 11:43 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - More than 50 leading US economists warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday that his proposed judicial reform will have a detrimental impact on Israel's economy.
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Austrian Chancellor Calls for Building Walls Along EU External Border
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/austrian-chancellor-calls-for-building-walls-along-eu-external-border-1107113806.html
February 9, 2023, 11:35 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Walls and barriers should be erected along the external border of the European Union to fight illegal migration, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer told a German newspaper.
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Australia Plans to Check Chinese-Made CCTV Cameras in Defense Offices Amid Security Concerns
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/australia-plans-to-check-chinese-made-cctv-cameras-in-defense-offices-amid-security-concerns--1107103834.html
February 9, 2023, 11:32 AM
This comes as Beijing and Canberra have been seeking to “recalibrate” relations, which were tarnished by Australia banning Huawei from its 5G network in 2018 and a subsequent probe by Canberra into China’s purported role in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Algeria Recalls Ambassador to France Over 'Illegal Exfiltration' of Algerian Activist
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/algeria-recalls-ambassador-to-france-over-illegal-exfiltration-of-algerian-activist-1107105575.html
February 9, 2023, 11:27 AM
Algeria, a North African country which was once a French colony, gained independence in 1962 after eight-year war. However, many say France's intentions to maintain control over Algeria are still seen.
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Sweden Stops New Quran-Burning After Warnings From Security Police
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/sweden-stops-new-quran-burning-after-warnings-from-security-police-1107102485.html
February 9, 2023, 11:25 AM
In addition to the security dimension, this decision has palpable political undertones as Turkiye made it clear that Sweden's NATO bid won't be allowed to advance as long as Stockholm permits the Quran to be defaced.
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Russia, Iran Studying Use of Digital Currencies for Export-Import Operations
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/russia-iran-studying-use-of-digital-currencies-for-export-import-operations-1107113086.html
February 9, 2023, 11:25 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia and Iran are studying the possibility of using digital currencies for export-import operations, but a regulatory framework is required, Russian Ambassador to Tehran Alexey Dedov said in an interview with Sputnik.
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North Korea Boasts Enough ICBMs to Overwhelm US Air Defense, Media Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/north-korea-boasts-enough-icbms-to-overwhelm-us-air-defense-media-reports-1107110139.html
February 9, 2023, 10:59 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - North Korea appears to have enough intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to overwhelm US midcourse air defenses on the West Coast, the American newspaper has estimated.
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Russia's Lavrov, Sudanese FM Al-Sadiq Hold Joint Press Conference in Khartoum
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/russias-lavrov-sudanese-fm-al-sadiq-hold-joint-press-conference-in-khartoum-1107108623.html
February 9, 2023, 10:54 AM
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Sudan on Thursday for talks with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq and other top officials, including Chairman of the ruling Sovereign Council of Sudan Colonel-General Abdelfattah Burhan and its Deputy Chairman Colonel-General Mohamed Dagalo.
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Russia's Culture Ministry Announces Change of Management of Iconic Tretyakov Gallery
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/russias-culture-ministry-announces-change-of-management-of-iconic-tretyakov-gallery-1107109862.html
February 9, 2023, 10:52 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Elena Pronicheva has been appointed the new director of Russia’s Tretyakov Gallery to replace Zelfira Tregulova, who is leaving the position as the term of her employment contract has expired, the Russian Ministry of Culture said on Thursday.
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Hersh's Nord Stream Blasts Report Shows Need for Open Investigation, Kremlin Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/hershs-nord-stream-blasts-report-shows-need-for-open-investigation-kremlin-says-1107107943.html
February 9, 2023, 10:43 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The report of investigative journalist Seymour Hersh on Washington's involvement in the explosions at Nord Streams has once again pointed to the need for an open international investigation into the incidents and punishment for those responsible, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
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US Reporter Arrested While Covering Press Conference for Being 'Too Loud'
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/us-reporter-arrested-while-covering-press-conference-for-being-too-loud-1107107389.html
February 9, 2023, 9:40 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US broadcaster said its reporter Evan Lambert was arrested for being too loud while he was covering a press conference of the governor of Ohio.
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Aftermath of Deadly Earthquake in Aleppo, Syria
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/aftermath-of-deadly-earthquake-in-aleppo-syria-1107106016.html
February 9, 2023, 8:55 AM
On 6 February, south-eastern Turkiye and northern Syria were rattled by a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, several powerful aftershocks and then another earthquake, causing unspeakable devastation.
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South African Disaster Relief Groups Arrive in Turkiye to Aid Earthquake Victims
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/south-african-disaster-relief-groups-arrive-in-turkiye-to-aid-earthquake-victims-1107105079.html
February 9, 2023, 8:42 AM
Following the deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkiye and Syria on Monday, killing more than 15,000 people, countries across the world expressed deep condolences over the death and destruction caused by the disaster and offered their help, sending rescue teams and medical aid to the Middle Eastern states.
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Lawyer for Hunter Biden Warns Critics of Litigation Over Their Public Statements, Media Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/lawyer-for-hunter-biden-warns-critics-of-litigation-over-their-public-statements-media-reports-1107105379.html
February 9, 2023, 8:12 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A lawyer for Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, sent letters to those who made public statements about his client's infamous laptop, warning them of possible litigation, American media reported, citing a source.
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Russia, China Sign Agreement on Gas Supplies Via Far East Route
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/russia-china-sign-agreement-on-gas-supplies-via-far-east-route-1107104986.html
February 9, 2023, 7:57 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia and China have signed an intergovernmental agreement on gas supplies through the Far East route, the Russian government said on Thursday.
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'Multifaceted Cooperation': Russian FM Lavrov Arrives in Sudan
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/multifaceted-cooperation-russian-fm-lavrov-arrives-in-sudan-1107104224.html
February 9, 2023, 7:14 AM
KHARTOUM (Sputnik) - On Thursday, Lavrov will hold talks with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq and other top officials, including Deputy Chairman of the ruling Sovereign Council of Sudan Colonel-General Mohamed Dagalo and its Chairman Colonel-General Abdelfattah Burhan.
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Russia Performed 100 Successful Launches of Space Rockets in a Row For First Time, Roscosmos Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/russia-performed-100-successful-launches-of-space-rockets-in-a-row-for-first-time-roscosmos-says-1107103742.html
February 9, 2023, 6:47 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A Soyuz-2.1a rocket with the Progress MS-22 cargo spacecraft, bound for the International Space Station (ISS), was launched from the Baikonur space center on Thursday, according to a broadcast by Russian state space corporation Roscosmos.
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West Providing Earthquake Relief Only to Rebel-Held Areas, Not Government, Damascus Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/west-providing-earthquake-relief-only-to-rebel-held-areas-not-government-damascus-says-1107103445.html
February 9, 2023, 6:41 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Western countries do not provide necessary aid to the Syrian government, which is dealing with the fallout of the devastating earthquake, and only care about Turkiye or areas in Syria that are controlled by terrorist or opposition groups, the Syrian Presidency’s Special Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban said.
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N Korea Reportedly Displays More Advanced ICBMs Than Before During Parade: Photos
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/n-korea-reportedly-displays-more-advanced-icbms-than-before-during-parade--1107102295.html
February 9, 2023, 6:34 AM
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter, presided over the nighttime military parade.
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SpaceX Set to Prevent Ukraine's Army From Using Starlink Internet to Control Drones
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/spacex-set-to-prevent-ukraines-army-from-using-starlink-internet-to-control-drones--1107102679.html
February 9, 2023, 5:45 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Elon Musk's space company SpaceX has taken steps to prevent Ukraine's armed forces from using the Starlink satellite constellation for controlling and targeting drones as the technology was "never intended to be weaponized," Gwynne Shotwell, the president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, said on Wednesday.
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Sanctions on Syria Affect Aid Deliveries Amid Earthquake Response, IFRC Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/sanctions-on-syria-affect-aid-deliveries-amid-earthquake-response-ifrc-says-1107102804.html
February 9, 2023, 5:44 AM
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - Sanctions against Syria, which is dealing with the fallout of the devastating earthquake, drive prices up for everything and slow down humanitarian operations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies told Sputnik.
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China, Classified Docs & 2024 Election: What Did Biden Reveal in His Nightly Exclusive?
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/china-classified-docs--2024-election-what-did-biden-reveal-in-his-nightly-exclusive-1107097907.html
February 9, 2023, 4:29 AM
The nightly interview came a day after the American president gave his second State of the Union address before a divided Congress for the first time. The address has been hailed by observers as the commander-in-chief's foundation for his 2024 presidential election bid.
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Ghanaian Football Player Christian Atsu Still Missing After Turkiye Earthquake
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/ghanaian-soccer-player-christian-atsu-still-missing-after-turkiye-earthquake-1107100287.html
February 9, 2023, 4:02 AM
It was reported Tuesday that Christian Atsu had been found and was recovering in a hospital, but his team’s manager says he is still missing.
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Scientists Propose Surrounding Earth With Moon Dust to Combat Global Warming
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/scientists-propose-surrounding-earth-with-moon-dust-to-combat-global-warming-1107100407.html
February 9, 2023, 3:59 AM
Global warming might be averted by reducing the power of the sun's radiation reaching the Earth, some scientists state, suggesting spraying different substances into the Earth's atmosphere in order to create a kind of barrier. A new study advocates the use of lunar dust for such a purpose.
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Intel Asks for €10Bln in State Aid to Build Chip Factory in Germany, Media Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/intel-asks-for-10bln-in-state-aid-to-build-chip-factory-in-germany-media-reports-1107101037.html
February 9, 2023, 3:55 AM
BERLIN (Sputnik) - The world's largest computer components manufacturer, Intel, has requested the German government to provide 3bln euros ($3.22bln) to already approved 6.8bln euros for the construction of a chip factory in Germany amid anti-inflationary measures, German newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing government sources.
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Video: US Reporter Arrested During Ohio Governor’s Conference on Palestine Train Derailment
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/video-us-reporter-arrested-during-ohio-governors-conference-on-palestine-train-derailment-1107099971.html
February 9, 2023, 2:53 AM
At the time of the arrest, the governor was speaking about a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and the evacuation orders he put into place after hazardous chemicals aboard the train caught fire.
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Two Dead After Gas Explosion Causes Apartment Collapse in Russia's Novosibirsk City - Governor
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/apartment-block-collapses-in-russias-novosibirsk-city-due-to-gas-explosion---governor-1107099585.html
February 9, 2023, 2:05 AM
NOVOSIBIRSK (Sputnik) - An apartment block of a five-story building has collapsed in the Russian region of Novosibirsk due to a gas explosion, Novosibirsk Region Governor Andrey Travnikov said on Thursday. At least two people have died.
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Astronomers Find Anomalous Ring on Dwarf Planet in Solar System, Study Reveals
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/astronomers-find-anomalous-ring-on-dwarf-planet-in-solar-system-study-reveals-1107099178.html
February 9, 2023, 1:22 AM
Roche limit, named after the French astronomer Edouard Albert Roche, is the physical region where the gravitational forces of one cosmic body prevail over those of others. It has been considered a pillar in the study of the satellites of stars, but a new study calls it into question.
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Leaked Docs Reveal Maryland State Troopers Have Arrest Quotas in Defiance of 2006 Law
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/leaked-docs-reveal-maryland-state-troopers-have-arrest-quotas-in-defiance-of-2006-law-1107098478.html
February 9, 2023, 1:11 AM
According to a 2021 anti-corruption report by the University of Illinois at Chicago, Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, has been the second-most corrupt jurisdiction in the country over the past decade.
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Almost 75% of France's Residents Support Further Protests Against Pension Reform, Media Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/almost-75-of-frances-residents-support-further-protests-against-pension-reform-media-reports-1107098026.html
February 9, 2023, 12:35 AM
PARIS (Sputnik) - Three out of four French residents believe it is necessary to further protest against the controversial pension reform, French broadcaster reported on Wednesday.
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Biden's SOTU Speech Proved Effective at Spinning Job Record, Dismal at Offering Policy Fix - Experts
https://sputniknews.com/20230209/bidens-sotu-speech-proved-effective-at-spinning-job-record-dismal-at-offering-policy-fix---experts-1107097275.html
February 9, 2023, 12:09 AM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address was surprisingly successful at marketing his administration’s so-called accomplishments, including on the economic front, but failed to address or provide any legitimate policy solutions to the country’s most pressing problems, experts told Sputnik.
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US House Passes Bill Terminating COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Foreign Travelers
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/us-house-passes-bill-terminating-covid-19-vaccination-requirement-for-foreign-travelers-1107096842.html
February 8, 2023, 11:42 PM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US House of Representatives passed a bill ending the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 vaccine mandate for foreign travelers to the US.
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NATO Chief: Alliance Needs to Be Prepared to Provide Long Haul Support to Ukraine
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/nato-chief-alliance-needs-to-be-prepared-to-provide-long-haul-support-to-ukraine-1107096638.html
February 8, 2023, 11:11 PM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday afternoon said the alliance needs to be prepared to provide Ukraine with military assistance for a long term.
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Fossilized Remains of 340-Pound Giant Penguin Found in New Zealand
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/fossilized-remains-of-340-pound-giant-penguin-found-in-new-zealand-1107096269.html
February 8, 2023, 10:33 PM
There are 17 to 19 species of penguins living today, most in the Southern Hemisphere. Also found in New Zealand and parts of Zealandia, are other flightless birds - like an ancestor to New Zealand’s beloved Kiwi and a giant “elephant bird” that also lived in Madagascar as recently as 800 years ago.
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US to Return Kiev Embassy to Full Staffing by Summer - Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/us-to-return-kiev-embassy-to-full-staffing-by-summer---reports-1107095987.html
February 8, 2023, 10:07 PM
The US embassy in Kiev will be fully staffed once again by the summer of 2023, according to US media reports.
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Switzerland's Political Bias Affects Geneva International Forums' Neutrality - Envoy
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/switzerlands-political-bias-affects-geneva-international-forums-neutrality---envoy-1107095652.html
February 8, 2023, 9:50 PM
GENEVA (Sputnik) - Changes in Switzerland's political landscape have affected the neutrality of Geneva-based international forums, hindering Moscow's work there, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Gennady Gatilov said on Wednesday.
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West's Silence on Nord Stream Sabotage Intended to Hide Real Perpetrators, Says Russian Official
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/wests-silence-on-nord-stream-sabotage-intended-to-hide-real-perpetrators-says-russian-official-1107095833.html
February 8, 2023, 9:49 PM
BERLIN (Sputnik) - The West's consolidated position not to comment on the investigation into the Nord Stream sabotage indicates its intention to conceal the "already well-known" perpetrators, Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitry Lyubinsky said on Wednesday.
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Ex-Twitter Execs Tell Lawmakers Suppressing Hunter Biden Laptop Story Was Mistake, But Not FBI Order
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/ex-twitter-execs-tell-lawmakers-suppressing-hunter-biden-laptop-story-was-mistake-but-not-fbi-order-1107095288.html
February 8, 2023, 9:37 PM
House Republicans held a hearing on Wednesday triggered by the release late last year of what became known as The Twitter Files, a series of internal documents exposing the social media site’s content pruning efforts.
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Russian Grain Stock Estimated at 31.7Mln Tons, Up 1.5 Times in 2022
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/russian-grain-stock-estimated-at-317mln-tons-up-15-times-in-2022-1107094113.html
February 8, 2023, 8:22 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Stocks of grain and leguminous crops in Russian agricultural companies (excluding small businesses) increased by 51.8% to almost 31.7 million tons in 2022, with wheat growing by 59.6% to 22.1 million tons, Russia's Statistics Service Rosstat said on Wednesday.
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Trudeau: Canadians ‘Devastated’ by News of Bus Ramming into Laval Daycare Center
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/trudeau-canadians-devastated-by-news-of-bus-ramming-into-laval-daycare-center-1107092904.html
February 8, 2023, 8:18 PM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Canadians are devastated by the news of a bus ramming into a daycare center in the city of Laval, Quebec, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday.
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China and US Military Strength Compared
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/china-and-us-military-strength-compared-1107086943.html
February 8, 2023, 7:52 PM
House Armed Services Committee lawmakers warned in a hearing Tuesday that China had "leapfrogged" the United States on hypersonic weapons technology and was on course to "outpacing" Washington "on new battlefields as well." How do the armed forces of the world's economic superpowers stack up, and does the US really have cause for alarm?
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Unilateral Sanctions Prevent Third Parties From Sending Aid to Syria, Says Official
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/unilateral-sanctions-prevent-third-parties-from-sending-aid-to-syria-says-official-1107091030.html
February 8, 2023, 7:51 PM
JOHANNESBURG (Sputnik) - Unilateral sanctions imposed by the US and EU are preventing third parties from sending aid to Syria to help the country deal with the consequences of the devastating earthquakes, Mariam Naasan, a spokeswoman of the Syrian embassy to South Africa, told Sputnik on Wednesday.
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PRC Challenging US ‘Across Almost All Domains’, But War Avoidable if America Doesn’t Poke the Dragon
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/prc-challenging-us-across-almost-all-domains-but-war-avoidable-if-america-doesnt-poke-the-dragon-1107089567.html
February 8, 2023, 7:50 PM
At his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, Joe Biden boasted that his administration’s investments in the military, alliances, technology and innovation put Washington in its “strongest position in decades to compete with China.” The same day, a House Armed Services Committee hearing reached very different, and alarming, conclusions.
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Senior Chinese Diplomat: ‘No Point’ to Blinken Visit After Seeming US Reversal on Balloon Reaction
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/senior-chinese-diplomat-no-point-to-blinken-visit-after-seeming-us-reversal-on-balloon-reaction-1107089164.html
February 8, 2023, 6:44 PM
A senior Chinese diplomat has criticized Washington’s recent downing of a Chinese high-altitude balloon, saying the US had suggested it would react otherwise. The “irresponsible act” has made it “inappropriate” for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to resume his plans to visit Beijing.
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Pink Floyd Singer Roger Waters Says Russia Military Operation in Ukraine ‘Not Unprovoked’
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/pink-floyd-singer-roger-waters-says-russia-military-operation-in-ukraine-not-unprovoked-1107088741.html
February 8, 2023, 5:33 PM
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine was "illegal" but "not unprovoked" and all provocateurs who contributed to initiating the conflict there must be equally condemned, Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters said on Wednesday.
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C of E to Drop 'Our Father' From Prayers to Appease Trans and Non-Binary Churchgoers
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/c-of-e-to-drop-our-father-from-prayers-to-appease-trans-and-non-binary-churchgoers-1107085614.html
February 8, 2023, 5:26 PM
The Church of England, Britain's official religion headed by the monarchy, has tried to become more politically-correct in recent decades by ordaining female vicars as well as openly gay bishops — on the understanding that they remain celibate.
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West's Military Support is 'Futile' as it 'Authored' Insecurity in Africa, Experts Say
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/wests-military-support-is-futile-as-it-authored-insecurity-in-africa-experts-say-1107078878.html
February 8, 2023, 4:51 PM
A recent study on the underlying causes of the surge in violent extremism in Africa published by UNDP has suggested that insecurity in the region is mainly driven by social instability and economic difficulties. It is also the reason for the limited success of foreign military support on the continent.
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Zimbabwe to Launch New Unit at Its Largest Coal Power Plant Amid Frequent Blackouts
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/zimbabwe-to-launch-new-unit-at-its-largest-coal-power-plant-amid-frequent-blackouts-1107084497.html
February 8, 2023, 4:51 PM
Zimbabwe is suffering from an energy crisis and related frequent power outages as its main hydropower plant fails to generate the necessary amount of electricity due to a significant drop in water levels in Lake Kariba. Meanwhile, its coal-powered thermal plants are supposed to supply the baseload power, but the aging generators often break down.
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Nigerian Supreme Court Suspends Banknote Transition Deadline Amid Naira Scarcity
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/nigerian-supreme-court-suspends-banknote-transition-deadline-amid-naira-scarcity-1107079461.html
February 8, 2023, 4:51 PM
The redesign of the naira, Nigeria's currency, was launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in an attempt to tackle inflation – which currently stands at 20% – by curbing counterfeiting and promoting the use of digital assets.
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Eight Croatians Rearrested in Zambia After Lifting of Child Trafficking Charges, Reports Say
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/eight-croatians-rearrested-in-zambia-after-lifting-of-child-trafficking-charges-reports-say-1107084356.html
February 8, 2023, 4:51 PM
Following the dismissal of charges, on Monday, the Foreign Ministry of Croatia said that eight of its citizens had been told by local authorities to leave the Southern African country within 48 hours.
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Microsoft, OpenAI Team Up to Add High-Powered ChatGPT to Search Engine, Web Browser
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/microsoft-openai-team-up-to-add-high-powered-chatgpt-to-search-engine-web-browser-1107087116.html
February 8, 2023, 4:50 PM
Tech giant Microsoft announced on Tuesday it was incorporating OpenAI’s artificial intelligence into several of its internet services. Microsoft recently announced major investments into the AI research lab, which recently launched its ChatGPT chatbot.
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Putin Calls for Revision of Russia's Research-Development Strategy
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/putin-calls-for-revision-of-russias-research-development-strategy-1107087751.html
February 8, 2023, 4:48 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The strategy of research and development of Russia needs to be revised, as well as approaches to a unified state program in the field of technological development, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
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Ukraine May Have Already Reacquired Nuclear Weapons, Polish General Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/ukraine-may-have-already-reacquired-nuclear-weapons-polish-general-says-1107086142.html
February 8, 2023, 4:37 PM
Ukraine handed over the last of its Soviet-era nuclear weapons to Russia in the mid-1990s after signing an agreement on security guarantees with Moscow and Washington. Last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Kiev might revoke its non-nuclear weapons status due to “Russian aggression.”
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Half of Americans Say They Are Financially Worse Off, Highest Since 2009: Poll
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/half-of-americans-say-they-are-financially-worse-off-highest-since-2009-poll-1107086305.html
February 8, 2023, 4:21 PM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – Half of Americans say their financial situation has worsened in comparison with the previous year, which is a record high since 2009, a Gallup poll showed on Wednesday.
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What is the Chemical Weapons Convention of Which Russia, Ukraine are Members?
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/what-is-the-chemical-weapons-convention-of-which-russia-ukraine-are-members-1107076228.html
February 8, 2023, 4:15 PM
Since the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Moscow has repeatedly drawn public attention to attempts plotted by the Kiev regime to carry out attacks using chemical weapons.
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Beggar on the Streets of London: Zelensky's Surprise UK Visit — Video
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/beggar-on-the-streets-of-london-zelenskys-surprise-uk-visit--video-1107080041.html
February 8, 2023, 4:01 PM
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a high profile surprise visit to the UK, including an audience with King Charles III. But will he leave empty-handed, or with firm pledges of more arms supplies from PM Rishi Sunak?
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US Trade Deficit Reaches Nearly $1 Trillion: What Does This Say About the American Economy?
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/us-trade-deficit-reaches-nearly-1-trillion-what-does-this-say-about-the-american-economy-1107082962.html
February 8, 2023, 3:59 PM
The US trade deficit soared to almost $1 trillion in 2022, according to data released Tuesday by the Commerce Department. The gap between what the nation imports and what it exports rose by $103 billion from the previous year.
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Pink Floyd Co-Founder Roger Waters Speaks at UNSC Meeting on Ukraine
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/pink-floyd-co-founder-roger-waters-speaks-at-unsc-meeting-on-ukraine-1107075676.html
February 8, 2023, 3:04 PM
Roger Waters, musician and Pink Floyd co-founder, is known for his opposition to the West supplying arms to Kiev amid Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.
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Coincidence or Just Trolling? Russia Develops Heavy Drone Called TrUMP
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/coincidence-or-just-trolling-russia-develops-heavy-drone-called-trump-1107083573.html
February 8, 2023, 2:52 PM
The Ukrainian security crisis has once again confirmed the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern military conflict, with Russia dramatically ramping up production and research in this field last spring and summer in response to shortcomings.
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Iran Triples Arms Exports Since March 2022
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/iran-triples-arms-exports-since-march-2022-1107083414.html
February 8, 2023, 2:42 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iranian arms exports tripled between March and December 2022 year-on-year, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Seyyed Mehdi Farahi said on Wednesday.
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Sanctions, Theft, Pressure: West Refuses to Stop Tormenting Syrians Despite Quake & War Damage
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/sanctions-theft-pressure-west-refuses-to-stop-tormenting-syrians-despite-quake--war-damage-1107080946.html
February 8, 2023, 2:26 PM
On February 6, northern Syria was hit by a series of earthquakes reaching 7.8 on the Richter scale. The natural disaster killed over 2,000 Syrians and injured many more, amplifying the suffering of the war-torn nation, which has also borne a heavy burden of Western sanctions for years.
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Higher Growth Pace for Rwanda's Economy Expected in 2024-2025, Finance Minister Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/higher-growth-pace-for-rwandas-economy-expected-in-2024-2025-finance-minister-says-1107078429.html
February 8, 2023, 2:04 PM
Although energy and food crises are considered responsible for the global economic downturn, African nations continue to enjoy growing economies. One such to be bucking the gloomy global trend is Rwanda with its economy growing even in the most difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Renowned Journalist Seymour Hersh Says US-Planted Explosives Destroyed Nord Stream
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/unverified-account-of-renowned-journalist-says-us-planted-explosives-destroyed-nord-stream-1107081241.html
February 8, 2023, 1:28 PM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh confirmed to Sputnik that he authored an investigative report saying that US Navy divers planted explosives to destroy the Nord Stream pipelines last year.
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Russia's Lavrov and Mauritania's FM Merzoug Hold Joint Press Conference in Nouakchott
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/russias-lavrov-and-mauritanias-fm-merzoug-hold-joint-press-conference-in-nouakchott-1107076102.html
February 8, 2023, 1:22 PM
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Mauritania on Tuesday for talks with the Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Affairs of Mauritanians Abroad Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug.
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Borrell Conducts 'Diplomacy of Persecution' Against Russian Delegation in Africa: Foreign Ministry
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/borrell-conducts-diplomacy-of-persecution-against-russian-delegation-in-africa-foreign-ministry-1107072390.html
February 8, 2023, 1:12 PM
Earlier, Josep Borrell, the head of EU diplomacy, called Mali and Eritrea "easy countries" for Russia to "spread lies." The statement was made during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's African tour, which included the aforementioned countries.
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MH17 Investigation Does Not Have Enough Evidence to Initiate New Trials: Dutch Prosecutors
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/mh17-investigation-does-not-have-enough-evidence-to-initiate-new-trials-dutch-prosecutors-1107080506.html
February 8, 2023, 1:07 PM
HAGUE (Sputnik) - The investigation into the crash of the MH17 plane in Donbass in 2014 has failed to gather sufficient evidence to initiate new trials, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) said on Wednesday.
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Demands for Supply of Combat Aircraft, Submarines to Kiev Harm Allies' Unity: Scholz
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/demands-for-supply-of-combat-aircraft-submarines-to-kiev-harm-allies-unity-scholz-1107079899.html
February 8, 2023, 12:57 PM
BERLIN (Sputnik) - Demands for the supply of military aircraft and submarines to Ukraine only harm the unity of NATO partners, and Germany will not take part in such discussions, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday.
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Price Cap on Russian Diesel to Raise Costs for Europe, Disrupt Logistics: Energy Expert
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/price-cap-on-russian-diesel-to-raise-costs-for-europe-disrupt-logistics-energy-expert-1107077628.html
February 8, 2023, 12:00 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union's price cap on Russian diesel and other refined oil products risks putting upward pressure on inflation at home, while stressing the global market and its shipping capacities, Damien Ernst, a professor of geopolitics of energy, told Sputnik.
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DR Congo Soon to Start New Exploration for 'Green' Metals, President Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/dr-congo-reportedly-soon-to-start-new-exploration-for-green-metals-president-says-1107070439.html
February 8, 2023, 11:50 AM
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the wealthiest countries in untapped natural resources. It is possessed of one of the world's richest deposits of minerals, including the largest reserves of coltan, and significant quantities of the world's cobalt and lithium, which are in high demand on global markets for the green transition.
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SNP Sausage Party: Scottish Police ID Trans Butcher in Child Kidnap Case as Man
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/snp-sausage-party-scottish-police-id-trans-butcher-in-child-kidnap-case-as-man-1107072744.html
February 8, 2023, 11:48 AM
Police Scotland have adopted the same policy — of referring to criminals by the gender of their choosing — as the Scottish National Party (SNP) which leads the devolved regional government. But that has come under fire after double rapist Adam Graham began self-identifying as trans woman Isla Bryson.
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Devastating Earthquake in Turkey and Syria in Moments: Salvation, Loss, Miracle
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/devastating-earthquake-in-turkey-and-syria-in-moments-salvation-loss-and-miracle-1107068696.html
February 8, 2023, 10:52 AM
On 6 February, a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake with several powerful aftershocks, followed by another earthquake, rattled parts of Turkey and Syria, toppling thousands of homes and killing more than 7,000 in the two countries. The death toll is expected to climb, as more bodies are recovered from the rubble.
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Nigeria Could Be Largest Oil Refiner in Africa by 2025, Report Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/nigeria-could-be-largest-oil-refiner-in-africa-by-2025-report-says-1107071917.html
February 8, 2023, 10:51 AM
Nigeria is retaining its position as Africa's No 1 oil producer with 1.235 million barrels per day (bpd) pumped in December. Angola comes next with 1.088 million bpd and Algeria is third with 1.01 million bpd, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
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Corrupt Draft Evasion Scheme Uncovered in Ukraine, Source Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/corrupt-draft-evasion-scheme-uncovered-in-ukraine-source-says-1107075050.html
February 8, 2023, 10:16 AM
GENICHESK (Sputnik) - A new corrupt draft evasion scheme, which involves military commissars and volunteer organizations in Ukraine, has become known to the Russian security forces from sources among Ukrainian troops, a representative of law enforcement agencies told Sputnik on Wednesday.
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South Korean Parliament Votes to Impeach Interior Minister Over Itaewon Tragedy, Reports Say
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/south-korean-parliament-votes-to-impeach-interior-minister-over-itaewon-tragedy-reports-say-1107074858.html
February 8, 2023, 10:11 AM
SEOUL (Sputnik) - The National Assembly of South Korea, for the first time in the 75-year history of the country's constitution, voted to impeach a Cabinet member, Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, over the Itaewon crowd crush, which claimed the lives of 159 people, South Korean media reported on Wednesday.
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China Not Avoiding Competition With US, Stands for Cooperation: Foreign Ministry
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/china-not-avoiding-competition-with-us-stands-for-cooperation-foreign-ministry-1107074515.html
February 8, 2023, 10:04 AM
BEIJING (Sputnik) - China is not afraid of competing with the United States, but is convinced that healthy and stable relations between the countries are in the interests of Beijing and Washington, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday.
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African Tech Startup Funding Passed $3Bln in 2022, Report Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/african-tech-startup-funding-passed-3bln-in-2022-report-says-1107066059.html
February 8, 2023, 9:44 AM
According to an annual report by startup news and research portal Disrupt Africa, the continent's startups have seen significant growth despite global economic slowdown caused by multiple factors, such as the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Quran-Burning Raises Risk of Terrorism, Norwegian Security Service Warns
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/quran-burning-raises-risk-of-terrorism-norwegian-security-service-warns-1107064899.html
February 8, 2023, 9:23 AM
While Norwegian law, like in Scandinavia in general, has no concept of blasphemy and allows the burning of the Quran, a recent poll indicated that nearly half of Norwegians are in favor of banning the practice of defacing religious symbols. This debate was spurred by several copies of the Quran being burned across Scandinavia in recent weeks.
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West's Irresponsible Ukraine Policies Lead to Greater Risks to Global Stability: Russian Ambassador
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/wests-irresponsible-ukraine-policies-lead-to-greater-risks-to-global-stability-russian-ambassador-1107072008.html
February 8, 2023, 9:09 AM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov on Wednesday outlined the reasons why it was unavoidable for Russia to undertake a special military operation in Ukraine and warned that the longer Western countries continue promoting their irresponsible policies, the greater the threats to global stability.
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Nice Try, But…: How Biden's SOTU Failed to Reassure Skeptics & Address Americans' Pain Points
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/nice-try-but-how-bidens-sotu-failed-to-reassure-skeptics--address-americans-pain-points-1107071468.html
February 8, 2023, 8:54 AM
US President Joe Biden has recently delivered his second State of the Union Address, shoring up support among Democrats but still failing to overcome political division with the GOP which is now calling shots in the lower chamber of US Congress.
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US Navy Rolls Out Photos of Retrieved Chinese Balloon Debris
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/us-navy-rolls-out-photos-of-chinese-balloon-debris-recovered-1107069289.html
February 8, 2023, 8:30 AM
The US military shot down a Chinese balloon, which had previously been seen over Montana, off the coast of South Carolina. The action caused Secretary of State Antony Blinken to call off his visit to China, where he was due to meet President Xi Jinping early this week.
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Aftermath of Deadly Earthquakes in Syria's Aleppo
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/aftermath-of-deadly-earthquakes-in-syrias-aleppo-1107065460.html
February 8, 2023, 8:05 AM
On Monday, a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale ravaged parts of Turkey and Syria, with another earthquake occurring several hours later.
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Mexican Anesthesiologist Accused of Killing People With Fungal Meningitis: Prosecutor
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/mexican-anesthesiologist-accused-of-killing-people-with-fungal-meningitis-prosecutor-1107070120.html
February 8, 2023, 7:48 AM
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - A fungal meningitis outbreak in hospitals in the Mexican state of Durango that has killed 35 people was allegedly caused by an anesthesiologist who misused drugs during gynecological obstetric and prosthetic replacement procedures, Durango State Prosecutor Sonia Yadira de la Garza said on Wednesday.
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Exceptions From EU's Oil Price Caps Show Russian Oil in Demand in Europe, Russian Deputy PM Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/exceptions-from-eus-oil-price-caps-show-russian-oil-in-demand-in-europe-russian-official-says-1107068956.html
February 8, 2023, 7:00 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Exceptions from the oil price caps set by the EU show that Russian oil and oil products are in demand in Europe, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday, adding that the actions of EU politicians are illogical.
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Norway Procures New Leopard Tanks From Germany Bringing Hot Arms Debate to a Close
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/norway-procures-new-leopard-tanks-from-germany-bringing-hot-arms-debate-to-a-close-1107063272.html
February 8, 2023, 6:29 AM
In recent years, Norway has maintained a close military collaboration with Germany, including submarine cooperation. The bilateral engagements between Oslo and Berlin received a shot in the arm after the conflict in Ukraine began, as Norway replaced Russia as the EU's biggest supplier of gas.
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Kim Jong-un Attends Banquet to Celebrate Day of Army Founding With His Wife and Daughter - Photos
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/kim-jong-un-attends-banquet-to-celebrate-day-of-army-founding-with-his-wife-and-daughter---photos-1107063469.html
February 8, 2023, 6:20 AM
Kim Jong-un's daughter was seen in public for the first time during the launch of ICBM Hwasong-17 on November 18, 2022.
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Ukraine's Accession to EU Would Add Chaos That is Already in Abundance, Medvedchuk Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/ukraines-accession-to-eu-would-add-chaos-that-is-already-in-abundance-medvedchuk-says-1107065232.html
February 8, 2023, 6:17 AM
MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - The European Union could not cope with the management of the countries that had already joined it, the accession of Ukraine to the bloc would add chaos that is already in abundance, Viktor Medvedchuk, the chairman of the political council of the Opposition Platform — For Life party, banned in Ukraine, said.
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From ‘Liar’ to ‘Close the Border’: What GOP Lawmakers Shouted During Biden Address
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/from-liar-to-close-the-border-what-gop-lawmakers-shouted--during-biden-address-1107064424.html
February 8, 2023, 6:11 AM
Biden's 72-minute speech, in which he focused on US domestic and foreign policy, came as the POTUS’ public approval rating hovers near the lowest level of his presidency.
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No Grounds for Expanding List of Ukrainian Products Exported Under Grain Deal: Moscow
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/no-grounds-for-expanding-list-of-ukrainian-products-exported-under-grain-deal-moscow-1107063781.html
February 8, 2023, 5:27 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - There is no reason for expanding the list of Ukrainian products exported as part of the grain deal, Pyotr Ilyichev, the head of the Russian foreign ministry's international organizations department, told Sputnik.
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Biden State of The Union Speech Just 'Populist Rhetoric,' Not Reality, Experts Say
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/biden-state-of-the-union-speech-just-populist-rhetoric-not-reality-experts-say-1107063624.html
February 8, 2023, 5:25 AM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech was forceful populist rhetoric but did not reflect any true reality, analysts told Sputnik.
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Interruptions & Heckling: Three Dramatic Moments From Biden's State of the Union Address
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/interruptions--heckling-three-dramatic-moments-from-bidens-state-of-the-union-address-1107062552.html
February 8, 2023, 4:50 AM
US President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union address Tuesday. Speaking to a newly-divided Congress for the first time, Biden touted his administration’s accomplishments, outlined his plans for the remainder of 2023, and made attempts to reach across the aisle.
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World's First Gene-Edited Children Living 'Normal' Lives: Chinese Genetic Scientist
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/worlds-first-gene-edited-children-living-normal-lives-chinese-genetic-scientist-1107062889.html
February 8, 2023, 4:36 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The world's first gene-edited children are living "normal" and "peaceful" life with their parents, Chinese genetic scientist He Jiankui told a Chinese newspaper on Tuesday.
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McCarthy Fact Checks State of the Union Speech, Says Deficit Increased Under Biden
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/mccarthy-fact-checks-state-of-the-union-speech-says-deficit-increased-under-biden-1107062776.html
February 8, 2023, 4:31 AM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy fact checked President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech to Congress, claiming the United States’ deficit actually increased under the Biden administration after the president claimed he had reduced it.
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'Truly Exciting Discovery': Officials Decipher Letters Belonging to Mary Queen of Scots
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/truly-exciting-discovery-officials-decipher-letters-belonging-to-mary-queen-of-scots-1107061739.html
February 8, 2023, 4:24 AM
An international code-breaking team has successfully deciphered more than 50 cryptic letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots, during her imprisonment, and were intended for her trusted allies. The publication is timed to coincide with the anniversary of Mary's execution on 8 February 1587.
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Millions of People at Risk of Flooding Due to Climate Change, Research Finds
https://sputniknews.com/20230208/millions-of-people-at-risk-of-flooding-due-to-climate-change-research-finds-1107060789.html
February 8, 2023, 4:09 AM
A glacial lake is a lake formed by a melting ice caps which overlaps the glacier above the water recharge limit. Many such lakes are famous landmarks. However, a new study warns of the dangers lurking in them.
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