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☆ Factbox: Global regulatory actions against FTX
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FTX and its local units, had already attracted scrutiny from regulators around the world. The Securities Commission of the Bahamas said on Thursday it would freeze the assets of FTX Digital Markets, the group's local unit, and also appointed a provisional liquidator for the unit. EUROPE/CYPRUSCyprus's Securities and Exchange Commission asked FTX EU to suspend its operations on Nov. 9, the regulator said on Friday. FTX announced in September it had received approval from the Cypriot regulator to operate as a Cyprus Investment Firm, allowing the company to fully own a local investment firm it had previously acquired. The local unit resumed withdrawals on Friday.

☆ Bahamas securities regulators freeze assets of FTX's unit
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Nov 10 (Reuters) - The Securities Commission Of the Bahamas said on Thursday it had frozen assets of FTX Digital Markets, a subsidiary of the cryptocurrency exchange. The regulator said it had also suspended the registration and applied to the Supreme Court of The Bahamas for the appointment of a provisional liquidator of FTX Digital Markets Ltd. Reporting by Aishwarya Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'SilvaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ FTX Digital Markets Assets Frozen in the Bahamas
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Alexander Gladstone | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Securities Commission of the Bahamas said that it froze the assets of FTX Digital Markets Ltd. and related parties on Thursday and appointed a provisional liquidator. FTX Digital Markets, based in the Bahamas, is a subsidiary of cryptocurrency exchange FTX Trading Ltd., led by founder Sam Bankman-Fried. The powers of the directors of FDM have been suspended and no assets held by the firm can be transferred without the provisional liquidator’s approval, the commission said.

The Group of Seven (G7), which includes the United States, Britain, Germany and France, agreed in September to enforce a low price on sales of Russian oil. And with just three weeks to go, time is running out to fully convince the shipping services industry it will work. Concerns are centred around a scenario in which insurers discover that oil in transit at sea, which was believed to have been sold below the price cap, was in fact sold above it. The official spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak about the matter. "This would be a bad development as no one will want uninsured ships sitting off coasts," he added.

☆ American Hospital Association's political committee falls victim to 'fraudulent activity'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Dave Levinthal | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

American Hospital Association PAC "promptly notified law enforcement after learning of the fraud," Hatton noted. American Hospital Association spokesman Colin Milligan declined further comment when reached Tuesday by Insider. American Hospital Association PAC financial filing indicating fraudulent activity. Big political money playerFounded in the late 1970s, the American Hospital Association PAC is one of the nation's most prolific special interest political committees. The American Hospital Association counts "nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members" among its membership.

☆ Palestinian rights group accuses Israel of 'mafia methods' as U.N. hearings open
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Emma Farge | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The independent Commission of Inquiry, established by the Human Rights Council, the U.N. top human rights body, last year, plans five days of hearings which it says will be impartial and examine the allegations of both Israelis and Palestinians. A U.N. human rights office has previously dismissed allegations of bias and said Israel had not cooperated with the commission's work. Neither the hearings nor the U.N. Human Rights Council have any legal powers. Israel's ally the United States has criticised the U.N. Human Rights Council for what it has described as a "chronic bias" against Israel. The inquiry mandate includes alleged human rights abuses before and after that and seeks to investigate the root causes of the tensions.

☆ 'I've grown up,' far-rightist tells Israelis worried about his rise
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Dan Williams | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Jewish Power party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir speaks following the announcement of exit polls in Israel's general election, at his party headquarters in Jerusalem November 2, 2022. Having won an election last week, conservative former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's most powerful likely coalition ally is Religious Zionism, a party led by ultranationalist Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank. "I've grown up, I've moderated and I've come to understand that life is more complicated," Ben-Gvir, 46, said in a front-page article in the biggest-circulation Israel Hayom newspaper. He said security services had "used irresponsible manipulation, which to this day has not been fully exposed, to encourage the murderer". Religious Zionism, like other Israeli parties on the right, opposes Palestinian statehood.

☆ New Mexico town delays banning abortion
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( Brad Brooks | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Clovis does not have an abortion clinic, but could be a place that could serve people from Republican-controlled Texas, to the east. On Monday, the city commission of the nearby town of Hobbs is expected to take up a similar measure. Mitchell participated in the city commission meeting by phone. What it's doing is it's putting women — women and girls' lives at risk." Laura Wight, a Clovis resident helping lead Eastern New Mexico Rising, a progressive group opposed to ordinance, welcomed the delay.

There was a lot of bleeding," Fawad Chaudhry, a spokesperson for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, told Reuters. "I heard a burst of bullet shots after which I saw Imran Khan and his aides fall down on the truck," witness Qazzafi Butt told Reuters. "Later, a gunman shot a single shot but was grabbed by an activist of Khan's party." [1/7] Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is helped after he was shot in the shin in Wazirabad, Pakistan November 3, 2022 in this still image obtained from video. Her father and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged in the same city in 1979 after being deposed in a military coup.

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationNEW DELHI, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google is pausing the enforcement of a policy that requires app developers in India to use its proprietary billing system for selling digital goods, following a ruling by the country's antitrust body. Google had previously set an extended deadline of Oct. 31 for developers in India to integrate apps with its Google Play billing system, which collects a commission that ranges from 15%-30% for each sale. The Competition Commission of India (CCI), however, ordered Google last week not to restrict app developers from using third-party billing or payment processing services in India, while fining it $113 million. In a website update to developers on Tuesday, Google said the requirement to use its billing system still applied for users outside the country, adding it was reviewing legal options in India. Google on its part has begun to allow alternative payment systems in countries including India on a pilot basis, charging lower commissions.

☆ Google pauses enforcement of in-house billing system in India on antitrust directive
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] A Huawei smartphone is seen in front of displayed Google Play logo in this illustration taken May 20, 2019. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationBENGALURU, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google is pausing its policy that requires app developers to use its Google Play billing system for buying digital goods and services in India, following a ruling by the country's antitrust body. Google had previously set an extended deadline of Oct. 31 for developers in India to comply with its payments policy. The search engine giant should not restrict app developers from using third-party billing or payment processing services in India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said last week, also fining Google $113 million. The blog said the requirement to use its billing system still applies for users outside of the country.

☆ Pakistan's powerful spy agency comes out of the shadows to deny role in the killing of a high-profile journalist in Kenya
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-29 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif was shot dead in Kenya in what police said was a case of "mistaken identity." In an unprecedented move, Pakistan's spy agency held its first-ever press conference to deny the claims. The chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, spoke to the media on Thursday alongside a military spokesperson to address Sharif's killing. Arshad Sharif, an investigative journalist known for being critical of Pakistan's powerful military, was shot dead by Kenyan police on Sunday night. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded an inquiry into Sharif's death.

☆ UN report details horrifying Ukrainian accounts of rape, torture and executions by Russian troops
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Amanda Macias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine details violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in four regions occupied by Russian armed forces. In some cases, the commission found that Ukrainian forces committed war crimes against Russian troops, though those incidents were less frequent. An 83-year-old woman described how, while her village was occupied by Russian armed forces, she was raped by a Russian armed forces serviceman in her house where her physically disabled husband was also present. The commission wrote that some victims declined to be interviewed while others have considered suicide. The report also documents Russian forces unlawfully confining Ukrainian civilians in overcrowded makeshift facilities before carrying out interrogation sessions which involved methods of torture:

The rulings come as Google faces increased antitrust scrutiny across the world. Google plans to appeal the decision, where it faces a record $4.1 billion fine. The Competition Commission of India's (CCI) Android ruling, despite involving a smaller $162 million fine, has worried Google since it seeks wider ranging remedial measures, three sources aware of company's thinking said. Google has faced criticism globally that it licenses its Android operating system to smartphones players but signs restrictive agreements that are anti-competitive. The order "will give rise to more choice and innovation for Indian developers," Indus said this week.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said Google (GOOGL.O) used its "dominant position" to force app developers to use its in-app payment system, noting the sale of in-app digital goods is a key means for developers to monetize their work. Google should ensure complete transparency in communicating with app developers and details about service fees charged, the CCI added. The investigation into Google's payment ecosystem was started in 2020, after an antitrust case was filed against Google. "The CCI order directing Google to allow alternate payment processing systems will remove the artificial barrier that Google had erected," Chopra said, declining to disclose the name of the complainant for whom he had filed the case. Of late, Google has begun to allow alternative payment systems in more countries.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said Google (GOOGL.O) used its "dominant position" to force app developers to use its in-app payment system, noting the sale of in-app digital goods is a key means for developers to monetize their work. Google should ensure complete transparency in communicating with app developers and details about service fees charged, the CCI order added. The investigation into Google's payment ecosystem was started in 2020, after an antitrust case was filed against Google. "The CCI order directing Google to allow alternate payment processing systems will remove the artificial barrier that Google had erected," Chopra said, declining to disclose the name of the complainant for whom he had filed the case. Of late, Google has begun to allow alternative payment systems in more countries.

☆ India fines Google $113 mln in second antitrust penalty this month
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said Google forced app developers to use its in-app payment system, noting selling of in-app digital goods makes up an important means for developers to monetize their work. Google is also facing a separate probe into its business conduct in the Indian smart TV market. "The Commission hereby directs Google to cease and desist from indulging in anti-competitive practices," CCI said in a statement on Tuesday. It said Google should not restrict app developers from using any third-party billing or payment processing services, either for in-app purchases or for purchasing apps. Google has faced criticism globally for mandating that software developers using its app store must use a proprietary in-app payment system that charges commissions of up to 30% on purchases made within an app.

☆ Pakistan ex-PM Khan announces march on capital to call for early elections
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Mubasher Bukhari | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LAHORE, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on Tuesday that he would begin a protest march with his supporters from the eastern city of Lahore to Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Friday to call for early elections. "I am marching to press the government to announce elections immediately," he said, adding his supporters and party members should avoid violence. Last week's ruling has added to the political and economic uncertainty plaguing Pakistan this year. The political instability has also fuelled economic uncertainty, with international ratings agencies questioning if the current government can maintain difficult economic policies in the face of political pressure and looming elections. ($1 = 220.5000 Pakistani rupees)Reporting by Mubasher Bukhari; Writing by Charlotte Greenfield; editing by Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Michigan school shooter, 16, pleads guilty to killing four classmates
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Marlene Lenthang | Marlene Lenthang Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Ethan Crumbley, the 16-year-old accused of gunning down four schoolmates last year in a Michigan suburb, pleaded guilty Monday to all charges against him. He was charged as an adult with the murders as well as wounding six other students and a teacher at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. His lawyers had previously filed an insanity plea but they dropped that filing to go forward with the guilty plea. The Oxford High School shooting drew national attention, not just for the killings — but for the prosecution of the Crumbley's parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley. NBC News has reached out to Crumbley's attorneys and the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office for comment.

Nairobi CNN Business —Arshad Sharif, a prominent Pakistani journalist who fled the country after he was charged with sedition, has died in Kenya after he was shot by police responding to reports of a stolen vehicle, authorities said. Sharif was “fatally wounded by a police officer,” he said, adding that the incident was being investigated. “I lost friend, husband and my favourite journalist @arsched today, as per police he was shot in Kenya,” Sharif’s wife, Javeria Siddique, tweeted Monday. Sharif had “only been in Kenya for a few weeks since that is one of the few places Pakistani passport holders don’t need a visa for entry,” the associate said. “Sharif’s death has robbed the media fraternity globally of a dedicated and forthright journalist,” FPA Africa said in a statement.

☆ South Africa's Ramaphosa to give response to graft inquiry
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CAPE TOWN, Oct 23 (Reuters) - South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday submits his response to recommendations from a state inquiry into alleged corruption during his predecessor's presidency. A judicial commission of inquiry was established to examine allegations of high-level graft during former president Jacob Zuma's nine years in power from 2009 to 2018. The inquiry found that Zuma had allowed businessmen close to him - brothers Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta - to plunder state resources and influence policy, commonly known as 'state capture' in South Africa. Ramaphosa's written response has not been published, but a presidential statement said he is expected to address the nation on Sunday evening. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Wendell Roelf Editing by David GoodmanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Former Pakistan leader Imran Khan disqualified from holding office
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s elections commission on Friday disqualified former Prime Minister Imran Khan from holding public office for five years, accusing him of unlawfully selling state gifts and concealing assets, his spokesman and officials said. Chaudhry condemned the move and urged Khan’s supporters to protest publicly. Balkh Ser Khosa, a prominent lawyer, said the commission disqualified Khan from holding public office because he unlawfully sold state gifts given to him by other countries when he was in power. Banaras Khan / AFP via Getty ImagesLaw Minister Azam Nazir Tarar confirmed that the commission found Khan guilty of the charges. Tarar said Khan has been disqualified from holding public office for five years.

☆ Google calls India antitrust watchdog's Android decision a "setback" for consumers
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A man walks past the sign of "Google for India", the company's annual technology event in New Delhi, India, September 19, 2019. REUTERS/Sankalp PhartiyalBENGALURU, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google said on Friday that the Indian antitrust watchdog's decision to fine it 13.38 billion Indian rupees ($161.95 million) for anti-competitive practices was a "major setback" for consumers and businesses in the country. read moreBesides the fine, the CCI also ordered Google to change its approach to its Android platform and restricted it from certain revenue sharing agreements with smartphone makers. "The CCI's decision is a major setback for Indian consumers and businesses, opening serious security risks for Indians who trust Android's security features, and raising the cost of mobile devices for Indians." Google said it will review the decision to evaluate next steps.

☆ Indian regulators hit Google with $162 million fine over anticompetitive practices
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Swati Gupta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New Delhi CNN Business —Google is facing the heat in India. The country’s antitrust regulator has imposed a penalty of approximately 13.4 billion rupees ($162 million) on Alphabet Inc’s Google for abusing its “dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem.”The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has asked Google to modify its conduct in relation to anti-competitive practices. Google has been pouring some serious cash into India, which is a key overseas market for American tech firms. The world’s second most populous country has 750 million internet users, and millions more are expected to come online in the future. In 2020, Google said it was planning to invest $10 billion in India as part of plans to make the internet “affordable and useful” for a billion people.

The U.S. company is facing a series of antitrust cases and the tightening of existing tech-sector regulations in India. The competition watchdog is separately looking in to Google's business conduct in the smart TV market and its in-app payments system. The Android-related probe, started in 2019, was sparked by a complaint from two junior Indian antitrust research associates and a law school student. Google was ordered by India on Thursday not to restrict smartphone users from uninstalling its pre-installed apps like Google Maps and Gmail. Google's Android operating system powers 97% of India's 600 million smartphones, according to Counterpoint Research.

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