News Archives for World - 2021-01-30

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Middle East

Iran expects first batch of Russian vaccine by Feb 4

Two more batches are to be delivered by February 18 and 28, he added, without specifying quantities.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 08:52pm

Europe

Britain must decide political relationship with EU: Macron

The French president said he hoped ultimately that Boris Johnson would continue to see Europe and Britain's futures were linked.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 08:50pm

Africa

Egypt to receive first AstraZeneca vaccines Sunday

Egypt has recorded nearly 165,000 Covid-19 cases, including more than 9,200 deaths.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 08:48pm

South Asia

Israeli embassy in Delhi on high alert before bomb blast: ambassador

The envoy said he was not surprised by Friday's attack, which caused no injuries but blew the windows out of three cars.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 08:48pm

Europe

New protests in France over security law

The number of protesters who turned out Saturday was limited by bad weather and Covid-19 restrictions.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 08:33pm

Europe

Italy business lobby sees economic rebound from second half, may cut 2021 estimate

Consumer confidence would return once restrictions to control the pandemic were eased.
"However, the decline estimated for the end of 2020 and the current weakness make a downward revision of overall growth for this year," CSC said.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 08:04pm

Europe

Putin's former judo partner says he owns palace which opposition links to Russian leader

Navalny and his anti-corruption foundation have published a video in which they allege the opulent mansion belonged to the Russian leader. The video has been viewed more than 103 million times.
Now it will no longer be a secret, I am the beneficiary.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 07:58pm

South Asia

Bangladesh sends more Rohingya refugees to remote island despite criticism

Including a similar sized group who were moved on Friday, it brings to around 6,700 the number of Rohingya refugees that Bangladesh has moved to the island of Bhasan Char since December.
This time we have received a total 3,242 Rohingya in two days. Everyone is happy with the arrangements here,

Published 30 Jan, 2021 07:55pm

South Asia

Iran rejects new participants, any talks on nuclear deal

The nuclear accord is a multilateral international agreement ratified by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which is non-negotiable and parties to it are clear and unchangeable.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 07:54pm

Middle East

Bomb blast kills at least five people in northern Syrian town of Afrin

The ministry said in a statement the bomb attack took place in an industrial site at the center of the town and wounded 22 people, blaming the attack on the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia.
Ankara now retains a large military presence in the area deploying thousands of troops in the last rebel enclave.

Updated 30 Jan, 2021 07:54pm

Africa

Hundreds of Tunisians protest about police abuses

Hundreds joined a protest in the centre of the capital with scuffles erupting as police blocked the way to the main Avenue Habib Bourguiba,
"Today our right to protest is threatened by the new Ben Ali," Smida said.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:59pm

USA

Is ‘Signal’ the new spying partner of US agencies?

Signal was launched by now-defunct Open Whisper Systems (OWS) in 2013. It is the brain child of shadowy tech guru Matthew Rosenfeld aka ‘Moxie Marlinspike’.
It’s clear though that at least $2,955,000 was provided by the Open Technology Fund (OTF) 2013-2016, and the organisation’s website refers to Signal being “originally developed with OTF funding.”

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:55pm

Europe

COVID face mask painted on giant English chalk figure

Whilst this damage may have been perpetrated for humour or some other reason, the actions that have been taken are unacceptable.
"The Long Man of Wilmington is protected by law as a Scheduled Ancient Monument for its historical significance."

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:46pm

South Asia

China gene firm providing worldwide COVID tests worked with Chinese military

BGI has sold millions of COVID-19 test kits outside China since the outbreak of the new coronavirus pandemic, including to Europe, Australia and the United States.
The material shows that the links between the Chinese military and BGI run deeper than previously understood.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:42pm

South Asia

Iran imposes mandatory quarantine for travellers from Europe

Travellers from other regions, including neighbouring countries, will have to have tested negative before arrival in the country.
Travellers arriving from Europe should be holding negative test results, will be tested again and will have to self-quarantine even if their test is negative.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:40pm

Europe

Argentina seeks $44 bln IMF deal to repay debt: WSJ

For the deal, Guzman plans to narrow Latin American country's budget deficit this year to about 6% of annual economic output, from 8.5% in 2020, the report added.
Argentina and the IMF are currently in talks to renegotiate a failed $57 billion programme from 2018 which was the largest in the fund's history.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:35pm

Africa

Fresh data show toll South African virus variant takes on vaccine efficacy

The vaccines from Novavax Inc and Johnson & Johnson were welcomed as important future weapons in curbing deaths.
"Clearly, the mutants have a diminishing effect on the efficacy of the vaccines," Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:33pm

South Asia

Philippines' Duterte tightens anti-money laundering rules to avoid `grey list'

The Southeast Asian nation was at risk of returning to a Financial Action Task Force "grey list" which could delay foreign investment and make remittances from millions of Filipinos overseas.
Consistent with its foreign policy, the state shall extend cooperation in transnational investigations and prosecutions of persons involved in money laundering activities wherever committed.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:25pm

South Asia

WHO team, on tightly controlled China mission, visits hospital

"Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!", team member Peter Daszak said on Twitter.
Just back from visit at Jinyintan hospital, that specialised in infectious diseases and was designated for treatment of the first cases in Wuhan. Stories quite similar to what I have heard from our ICU doctors.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:21pm

Middle East

UAE adopts amendments to grant citizenship to investors and other professionals

The UAE cabinet, local Emiri courts and executive councils will nominate those eligible for the citizenship under clear criteria set for each category.
"The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship," Sheikh Mohammed added.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:15pm

South Asia

A year after COVID-19's arrival, India's active cases fall

A year ago, a student from the southern state of Kerala tested positive for COVID-19 after returning to India from Wuhan in China, the global epicentre of the virus.
India was reporting fewer cases until April 2020, but from May onwards cases started rising and peaked by mid-September to close to 100,000 daily cases.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:11pm

South Asia

Indonesia reports record 14,518 new coronavirus cases

The country's COVID-19 taskforce also reported 210 deaths, increasing the death toll from the pandemic so far to 29,728.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:06pm

South Asia

Myanmar military allays coup fears, says it will protect constitution

The military, known as the Tatmadaw, said recent remarks by its commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, about abolishing the constitution had been misinterpreted.
The Tatmadaw is protecting the 2008 constitution and will act according to the law.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:04pm

South Asia

After blockbuster Q4, Taiwan says economy may grow 4pc this year

Taiwan's economy grew at its fastest pace in almost a decade in the fourth quarter after contracting earlier last year. For 2020, initial GDP growth was put at 2.98%, higher than China's 2.3% rise last year..
"I see how busy they are. I think there's an opportunity for it to exceed 4%," she said.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 06:01pm

USA

Mexico leader hopeful worst of his Covid illness over

The health ministry reported Lopez Obrador had experienced brief episodes of low-grade fever and a slight headache.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:59pm

Europe

Norway to gradually ease capital's COVID-19 lockdown from Feb 3

Infections are going down continuously in Norway and we now have a better overview over the outbreak and spread.
The situation in the capital region remains uncertain, however, and the easing will therefore be gradual.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:59pm

World

AstraZeneca hit by Covid jab delays and disagreements

The Anglo-Swedish firm also won plaudits for promising to provide the vaccine on a non-profit basis to lower- and middle-income countries.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:57pm

South Asia

WHO team visits Wuhan hospital that took first Covid-19 patients

The WHO insists the probe will stick tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped from animals -- believed to be bats -- to humans.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:56pm

Europe

EU backs off jab threat in Britain row as WHO warns against 'vaccine nationalism'

The European Commission will "ensure that the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected", the EU commissioner said.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:56pm

South Asia

Malaysia reports record daily rise of 5,728 coronavirus cases

The new cases took the cumulative total of infections to 209,661. The health ministry also reported 13 new deaths, raising total fatalities from the pandemic to 746.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:41pm

South Asia

Eight Afghan security personnel killed in Taliban attack

The eight were killed when the bomber hit the base with a Humvee, the office of Nangarhar's governor said in a statement.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:40pm

South Asia

WHO virus probe team visits China propaganda exhibit, hospital in Wuhan

On Friday, the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan sought to manage expectations.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:39pm

South Asia

India cuts Internet near Delhi as hundreds of farmers begin hunger strike

Angry at new agricultural laws that they say benefit large private food buyers at the expense of producers.
"Many farmers' groups have joined the protest site since last night," said Mahesh Singh, a 65-year-old farmer from Haryana.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:37pm

Middle East

Iran hangs ethnic Baluch for 'terror', despite UN appeal

Javid Dehghan Khalad was put to death early in the morning in the restive southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Mizan Online reported.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:37pm

South Asia

Austria finds 96 foreigners in breach of lockdown rules at top ski resort

Among others Britons, Danes, Swedes, Romanians, Germans, Australians, Irish people and Poles were checked and fined.
Austria, a country of just under 9 million people, has recorded 413,208 cases and 7,703 deaths in the pandemic so far.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:35pm

Middle East

UAE to offer citizenship to select expats in rare move for Gulf

"The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship."

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:35pm

Europe

Russia and Turkey open monitoring centre for Nagorno-Karabakh

The centre, which both countries agreed to set up in November, was officially opened in the Agdam region of Azerbaijan.
Turkey said on Friday that one Turkish general and 38 personnel will work at the centre..

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:33pm

South Asia

Police tighten security as thousands join Indian farmer protests

At least 10,000 new protesters have arrived since Thursday to bolster the campaign, according to observers.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:33pm

South Asia

Myanmar army plays down coup rhetoric as fears swirl

Tensions were ramped up Tuesday when a military spokesman refused to rule out the possibility of a coup.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:31pm

South Asia

Japan woman hid mum's frozen corpse for 10 years: reports

Police told AFP that Yumi Yoshino was held "on suspicion of abandoning and hiding a female body" found Wednesday in a freezer in a Tokyo apartment.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:29pm

South Asia

Vietnam approves AstraZeneca vaccine, cuts short Communist Party congress

AstraZeneca vaccine gets state approval.
Communist Party cuts short major meeting.
Vietnam among world's most COVID-19-free countries.
'Virus to be contained by Feb. 6' - deputy health minister.
New cases linked to more transmissible UK variant of virus .

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:29pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Saturday

At least 102,002,160 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 61,888,000 are now considered recovered.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:28pm

Europe

Ireland says given no forewarning about triggering of Brexit clause

This type of provision is standard in trade agreements but in the Northern Ireland situation.
Clearly a mistake was made," Byrne said. "It's too early for me to say (how it happened) ...

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:26pm

Europe

N.Ireland chief minister calls for removal of Brexit protocol

Johnson had told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:26pm

Europe

Man charged over suspect package sent to UK AstraZeneca vaccine plant

The Wockhardt plant in Wrexham provides so-called fill-and-finish capacity for AstraZeneca's British supply chain.
Kent police said Anthony Collins, 53, has been charged with dispatching the package in the post, which was investigated by a bomb disposal squad.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:21pm

Europe

Italy extends ban on Brazil flights to Feb 15

I signed a new order pushing back the blockage of flights from Brazil and the ban to enter Italy to all those who have been through the country in 14 previous days.
The suspension will be until Feb. 15, and can "possibly be renewed" a spokesperson for the minister said.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 05:17pm

China

China launches second stealth warship for Pakistan Navy

China has launched a second advanced warship - the Type-054 Class Frigate - for Pakistan on Saturday, according to a statement from the Pakistan Navy.
The warship, constructed by China, is the country's most advanced frigate.

Updated 30 Jan, 2021 05:07pm

World

UAE adopts amendments to grant citizenship to investors, other professionals

“The UAE cabinet, local Emiri courts and executive councils will nominate those eligible for the citizenship under clear criteria set for each category," says UAE Vice President.
"The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship," said Sheikh Mohammed.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 04:19pm

World

IPRI holds webinar on the regional importance of the Afghan peace process

On Friday, the Islamabad Policy Research Institute held a webinar on the “Afghan Peace Process and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)”, featuring Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister, and Vladimir Norov, Secretary General of the SCO, as the keynote speakers.
The webinar was the first of its kind to host Central-South Asian countries in an attempt to discuss the regional connectivity pursuits, and opened a broader discussion on the sustainability of the Afghan peace process.

Updated 30 Jan, 2021 01:56pm

World

Protesting Indian farmers begin hunger strike after week of clashes

Farm leaders said Saturday’s hunger strike, to coincide with the death anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, would show Indians that the protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful.

Published 30 Jan, 2021 12:55pm

World

AstraZeneca vaccine gets EU green light

AMSTERDAM: The EU’s medicines regulator on Friday recommended the authorisation of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus...