World News: 20 December 2022

'Qatargate' scandal casts light on 'untouchable' EU lawmakers
Prosecutors suspect Greek member of the European Parliament (MEP) Eva Kaili and three others accepted bribes from recent soccer World Cup host Qatar in a bid to influence European Union policymaking.
The case, widely dubbed “Qatargate” in the media, is one of the biggest scandals to hit the 27-nation bloc. In raids connected to it, investigators seized 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) in cash, some stuffed into a large suitcase found in a Brussels hotel.

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Russia's Transneft receives Polish and German requests for oil
The European Union has pledged to stop buying Russian oil via maritime routes from Dec. 5, with Western nations also imposing price caps on Russian crude oil, but the Druzhba pipeline remains exempt from sanctions.

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China races to bolster health system as COVID surge sparks global concern
Some health experts estimate 60% of people in China could be infected over coming months, and that more than 2 million could die.

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Central African Republic delays crypto token listing, cites 'market conditions'
The country is one of the first in the world to declare bitcoin (BTC) legal tender, but its most senior judges have rejected an attempt to allow crypto investors to buy citizenship via $60,000 worth of sango.

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India probes possible misappropriation of incentives by EV makers
Complaints were made against 12 electric vehicle and parts manufacturers, including Hero Electric Vehicles Pvt Ltd and Okinawa Autotech Pvt Ltd, for violating guidelines under the programme, Mahendra Nath Pandey, the minister for heavy industries, said.
Other companies were Benling India Energy and Technology Pvt Ltd, Okaya Ev Pvt Ltd, Jitendra New Ev Tech Pvt Ltd, Greaves Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd, Revolt Intellicorp Pvt Ltd, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd, Avon Cycles Ltd, Lohia Auto Industries, Thukral Electric Bikes Pvt Ltd and Victory Electric Vehicles International Pvt Ltd.

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Jury finds former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein guilty of rape
Weinstein faces up to 18 years in prison on the counts for which he was convicted, but aggravating factors could increase that to 24 years.
Lawyers will return to court on Tuesday to deliver arguments related to aggravating factors.

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