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Hungary looks to ban Ukrainian grain imports after mid-September

Published

3 months ago

September 14, 2023

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Hungary, along with Romania, Slovakia, and Bulgaria, has entered into an agreement to block Ukrainian grain imports if the European Union does not extend its existing ban, set to expire on September 15, according to Hungary’s farm minister.

However, Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov expressed a different perspective, emphasising the benefits of lifting the ban on Ukrainian imports to reduce basic food prices, alleviate inflation, assist low-income individuals, and boost budget revenues.

In Bulgaria, a parliamentary committee has already endorsed a draft decision to lift the ban on certain Ukrainian imports after September 15, with the final decision expected during a plenary session.

Meanwhile, Slovakia’s government has confirmed its intention to maintain the ban, citing concerns about increased grain transport through the country and potential market disruptions.

Romania’s farm ministry has indicated that its decision will be contingent on the European Commission’s stance, emphasising that they have measures in place to protect their farmers should the ban not be extended.

Ukraine has been heavily reliant on alternative EU export routes known as “Solidarity Lanes” for its grain exports since Russia terminated a year-old deal in July, which had allowed Ukrainian grains to be shipped through its Black Sea ports safely. As a result, neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia have faced intensified competition and market bottlenecks.

Russia, which initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine 18 months ago, has conditioned its return to the U.N.-brokered Black Sea grain deal on meeting certain requirements related to its own grain and fertiliser exports.

Hungary’s agriculture minister, Istvan Nagy, announced that the new national ban would encompass a broader range of Ukrainian products compared to existing measures.

The situation underscores the complexities surrounding regional trade and geopolitical factors, with countries balancing their economic interests with concerns about market stability and competition in the wake of Ukraine’s shifting grain export dynamics.

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The Game Awards 2023: Industry celebrates huge year

Published

13 hours ago

December 4, 2023

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The gaming community is abuzz with anticipation as The Game Awards 2023 approach, scheduled for this Friday, December 7th. This annual event has become a significant highlight for gamers worldwide, celebrating the best titles released throughout the year. With an array of outstanding games in contention, fans are eagerly speculating about the potential winner of the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) award.

Nominated Titles

The competition is fierce, with some stellar titles vying for the top spot. The nominees include:

Alan Wake 2
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Resident Evil 4
Spider-Man 2
Baldur’s Gate 3
Super Mario Bros Wonder

Each game brings a unique experience to the table, making the decision for the ultimate winner even more challenging. Fans and critics alike are engaging in heated discussions about their personal favorites and predictions.

Watch the Live Announcement Video Here

Resident Evil 4 Remake in VR: A Terrifying Experience Awaits

Capcom is set to thrill fans with a groundbreaking update for Resident Evil 4 Remake. Starting December 8th, owners of PSVR2 and the Remake will have access to a free add-on VR Mode. The immersive experience includes the entire main story with 3D audio, a shooting range for weapon interactions, and a terrifying yet thrilling encounter with the iconic game in virtual reality.

The addition of VR mode is a significant leap for the PSVR2 lineup of games, offering players a chance to dive into the horror classic in an entirely new dimension.

Experience the Chills with the RE Remake VR Mode Trailer

PlayStation 5 Slim Hits Australia

Exciting news for Australian gamers as the sleek PlayStation 5 Slim is set to hit shelves this week. Available for pre-order from major retailers, the slim version will be available on Wednesday, December 6th, just in time for the holiday season.

Options include both disc and digital consoles, with prices at $799 for the disc version and $769 for the digital version bundled with two controllers via Amazon AU. Additional accessories, such as the disc drive and vertical stand, can be purchased separately.

Get a Closer Look at the New PlayStation 5 Slim

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – A New Frontier in Gaming

In the midst of the gaming frenzy, Ubisoft is set to release Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on Friday, December 7th. This action-adventure game, set in the expansive open world of the Western Frontier of Pandora, offers a first-person perspective and promises a visually stunning experience.

Fans of the Avatar movies are in for a treat, with the game available on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. The captivating graphics seen in early footage have heightened the anticipation for this exciting addition to the gaming landscape.

Embark on a New Adventure with the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Trailer

As the gaming community gears up for The Game Awards and the release of highly anticipated titles and updates, December promises to be a thrilling month for gamers worldwide. Stay tuned for the big reveals and immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of gaming.

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EV integration and recent tax reimbursement raises questions

Published

17 hours ago

December 4, 2023

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The Victorian Government’s decision to reimburse Electric Vehicle (EV) owners over an alleged unconstitutional tax has sparked discussions about the global evolution of EV integration.

Automotive journalist Mike Costello emphasises the broader implications for environmental policies and the potential precedent this sets for other regions.

The incident underscores the importance of transparent processes in identifying and compensating affected EV owners and may prompt a reevaluation of tax structures globally.

How governments handle this situation can impact the perception of their support for green initiatives and influence the trust of EV owners.

In summary, this reimbursement marks a pivotal moment, shaping future policies and fostering a more supportive environment for electric vehicles on a global scale.