EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 79-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,830 on turnover of $17.7-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Thursday as the electronics sector was in focus, but the gains were capped by technical resistance ahead of the 42,000-point mark - as the main board followed a rally on Wall Street overnight, led by large-cap AI-related electronics stocks. Taipei Zoo otter arrives in New Zealand for conservation program The Taipei Zoo says one of its Asian small-clawed otters has arrived at New Zealand's Auckland Zoo to participate in an international conservation program aimed at contributing to biodiversity. According to the zoo, the otter departed for Auckland on Tuesday evening to participate in the program, which is being coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The program selected the Taiwan-born otter to help conserve the Asian small-clawed otter population by contributing to genetic diversity through its transfer (搬遷) to the New Zealand zoo. The otter is currently undergoing quarantine procedures in Auckland, after which it will join the zoo's Asian small-clawed otter family. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter species and is commonly found in the wetlands, rivers, and lakes of Southeast and South Asia. It is listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister says India's mediator role would be welcome Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister says he told top Indian officials that Tehran would welcome any diplomatic initiative (新措施) by New Delhi regarding the West Asia war. This comes as the Foreign Ministers of BRICS nations, which include India, Russia, China, Iran, and the UAE are meeting in New Delhi. Ishan Garg tells us more. Bolivia Clashes Erupt as Miners Protest in Capital Clashes have erupted in Bolivia's capital as police use tear gas to disperse miners trying to breach the government palace. The miners set off small dynamite charges, a tactic that's become common during this second week of nationwide unrest. The unrest challenges President Rodrigo Paz, who was sworn in late last year, marking a new era after nearly 20 years of one-party rule. Thousands of miners descended (降臨) on downtown La Paz to demand labor reforms and fuel. As the hours passed, they began chanting for the president’s resignation. Blockades and marches have paralyzed the Bolivian capital in recent days. Austria Eurovision Heads into Finale The Eurovision Song Contest final lineup is set after Thursday's second semifinal. Fifteen countries competed for 10 spots in Saturday's finale, with votes from national juries and viewers worldwide deciding the outcome. Denmark, Australia, and Bulgaria are among those advancing. The U.K., France, Germany, Italy, and host Austria automatically qualify. Political tensions are clouding the pan-continental pop contest, with protests against Israel's participation and a five-country boycott. Despite challenges, Eurovision plans to expand with a spinoff (分支，番外篇) in Asia later this year. Organizers also hope Hungary will return to the contest for the first time since 2016. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn