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India's gaming fans eye illegal sites after gambling ban
India's gaming fans eye illegal sites after gambling ban
Economy
by  AFP

India's ban on online gambling has shuttered a billion-dollar industry serving hundreds of millions of people and torpedoed the sponsorship of the national cricket team. India's parliament last month passed a sweeping law banning online gambling after government figures showed companies had stripped $2.3 billion annually from 450 million people.

EU business lobby head says China rare earths snag persists
EU business lobby head says China rare earths snag persists
Economy
by  AFP

European firms still face challenges in securing access to crucial rare earths from China, a business lobby warned Wednesday, despite a July deal to speed up exports. Following a tense summit in July hosted by Beijing, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said that leaders had agreed to an improved mechanism for Chinese exports of rare earth minerals to the bloc.

US Fed set for first rate cut of 2025 as Trump pressure looms
US Fed set for first rate cut of 2025 as Trump pressure looms
Economy
by  AFP

The US Federal Reserve is poised to make its first interest rate cut of 2025 on Wednesday, but it battles competing forces in the path forward -- with heightened political pressure and likely divisions among its ranks. Since its last cut in December, the Fed has held interest rates at a range between 4.25 percent and 4.50 percent.

Broadway jeering Caesars Times Square casino bet
Broadway jeering Caesars Times Square casino bet
Economy
by  AFP

The casino industry's quest to bring gambling to Manhattan faces a key test this week when an advisory panel weighs a Times Square proposal that has enraged much of Broadway. The two sides squared off last week at a rowdy public hearing, where Broadway League President Jason Laks was cheered by a sea of theater union workers in red "Vote No" t-shirts as he made his case.