China launches antitrust probe into tech giant Alibaba

20 Sept 01:22 Key points summarised by AI

China initiated an antitrust investigation into Alibaba Group for alleged monopolistic practices, specifically targeting its 'choosing one from two' policy that forces merchants into exclusive agreements.
Alibaba's fintech affiliate, Ant Group, will also be summoned by financial regulators to ensure compliance with financial supervision, fair competition, and consumer protection standards.
This probe is part of an intensifying crackdown by Beijing on monopolistic behavior and 'disorderly capital expansion' within the nation's booming internet sector.
The regulatory action follows the dramatic suspension of Ant's planned $37 billion IPO and led to a nearly 9% drop in Alibaba's shares, with state media emphasizing the importance of fair competition for healthy market development.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.