Japan raises rates to 1.25%, a 31-year high

That is the highest level in many years.

Yes. The bank says this is a 31-year high.

It voted to lift the rate from 1%.

So this was not a tiny change.

No, it was a clear step up.

The bank wants to slow rising prices.

And prices are a big worry there?

They are. The bank says inflation is still a problem.

It wants inflation to stay near 2%.

What about the vote itself?

It was not unanimous.

Two of the nine members voted against the rise.

So not everyone agreed.

That is right. Some members may want to wait longer.

The governor also said more rises are possible.

Possible, but not certain.

Exactly. He said the bank will look at data carefully.

It will make each choice at each meeting.

That sounds very careful.

It is. The bank does not have a fixed plan for future rises.

It also wants to watch the yen.

The yen has been weak, yes?

Yes. The currency has fallen against the dollar.

That can make imported things cost more.

So this is about prices, money, and pressure.

Yes, and the bank is trying to keep things steady.

Thanks, Ella.

Australia is pushing new rules for social media.

Now we go to Jack. He is LinguaWire's correspondent for media.

Thanks, Daniel. Australia says it wants to stop online harm.

This is about children and apps.

Yes. The government already banned accounts for children under 16.

That move has closed as many as 5 million accounts.

That is a huge number.

It is. And other countries are now watching closely.

Some, like France and Brazil, are following suit.

So Australia is not alone for long.

No. The prime minister wants more countries to act too.

He says social media can hurt children’s lives.

What is the new step now?

He has announced plans for a digital duty of care.

That means companies may need to take more care online.

And there is more than that?

Yes. He also wants new rules for algorithms.

Those are the systems that choose what people see.

So the rules could change what users get on screen.

Exactly. Users may be able to opt out.

That means they could choose not to use some systems.

Why is that idea getting support?

A poll found two-thirds of voters support it.

Only 13% were against the plan.

That is strong public support.

It is. But the plan may still face a fight.

The prime minister expects pushback at home and abroad.

So this is a live debate, not a finished law.

Yes, exactly. Australia is trying to set a new standard.

Thanks, Jack.

Let’s look at a few useful English words.

rate

This means the level of interest.

In the story: “Japan’s central bank raised rates.”

Example: The rate is lower this month.

inflation

This means prices going up over time.

In the story: “The bank says inflation is still a problem.”

Example: Inflation can make food cost more.

currency

This means the money a country uses.

In the story: “The currency has fallen against the dollar.”

Example: My currency is strong today.

has raised

We use has or have with a past participle.

Example one: “Japan has raised its interest rate again.”

Example two: The company has changed its plan.

Repeat after me: has raised