Continental news today

Here are some of the top news stories from around the continent:

Africa

• South Africa: The country's President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a new cabinet, with several key changes, including the appointment of a new finance minister.
• Ethiopia: The Ethiopian government has announced that it will be releasing thousands of prisoners, including political detainees, as part of a bid to ease tensions and promote national reconciliation.
• Nigeria: The country's President Muhammadu Buhari has signed a bill into law that establishes a new minimum wage of 30,000 naira (approximately $80) per month for federal workers.

Europe

• UK: The UK and EU have reached a deal on the terms of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, with the two sides agreeing on a transition period and a framework for future relations.
• France: The French government has announced plans to introduce a new digital tax on tech giants such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook, in an effort to reduce the country's budget deficit.
• Germany: The German government has agreed to increase its military spending to 1.5% of GDP, in line with NATO's target, in a bid to boost the country's defense capabilities.

Asia

• China: The Chinese government has announced plans to increase its military spending by 7.5% in 2020, in an effort to modernize its armed forces and protect its interests.
• India: The Indian government has launched a new scheme to provide financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in an effort to boost economic growth and job creation.
• Japan: The Japanese government has announced plans to increase its defense spending by 1.1% in 2020, in an effort to boost its military capabilities and respond to growing security threats.

Americas

• USA: The US government has announced plans to impose tariffs on $2.4 billion worth of French and German goods, in response to what it claims are unfair trade practices.
• Brazil: The Brazilian government has announced plans to increase its minimum wage by 6.5% in 2020, in an effort to boost economic growth and reduce poverty.
• Canada: The Canadian government has announced plans to introduce a new carbon tax, which will apply to provinces that do not have their own carbon pricing schemes.

Middle East

• Iran: The Iranian government has announced plans to increase its military spending by 10% in 2020, in an effort to boost its defense capabilities and respond to growing security threats.
• Israel: The Israeli government has announced plans to build a new settlement in the occupied West Bank, in an effort to expand its presence in the region.
• Saudi Arabia: The Saudi government has announced plans to increase its military spending by 10% in 2020, in an effort to boost its defense capabilities and respond to growing security threats.

These are just a few of the top news stories from around the continent.