News Archives for World - 2021-03-18

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USA

Mexico to tighten borders against COVID-19 as US plans vaccine help

Mexico has been pressing the US government for a loan of vaccines to help its drive to tackle COVID-19, and President Joe Biden is under increasing pressure to reduce a recent surge in migrants from Central America reaching the US border.
Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard confirmed on Twitter the two countries are working on a vaccine deal and said that he would provide details of the "good news" on Friday.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 10:04pm

Europe

France's Macron admonishes Iran amid slow progress on nuclear talks

Both sides so far appear unwilling to compromise. The Iranian New Year this week and campaigning for the country's presidential election in June are also likely to complicate matters.
"Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible way," Macron added.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:39pm

USA

US weekly jobless claims increase; mid-Atlantic factory activity near 50-year high

Weekly jobless claims increase 45,000 to 770,000.
Continuing claims drop 18,000 to 4.124 million.
Mid-Atlantic factory activity surges in March.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:35pm

South Asia

Indian court restrains Future chief from selling assets in dispute with Amazon

Amazon is locked in a dispute with Future, which it says allegedly violated certain contracts by selling its retail assets to market leader Reliance Industries last year. Future denies any wrongdoing.
Justice J.R. Midha also said Biyani and other respondents cannot dispose their assets. "The assets ... are hereby attached," the order said.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:31pm

USA

US terrorism sponsor listing further complicates Cuba banking

The businessmen and diplomats, all of whom requested anonymity, said the few Western banks willing to stand up to already comprehensive US sanctions on the island have stopped transactions or implemented new layers of compliance.
"These types of letters are nothing new but are increasingly frequent and common," the businessman said. He asked that the bank not be named.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:22pm

USA

US plans to send 4 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Mexico, Canada

Mexico will receive 2.5 million does of the vaccine and Canada will receive 1.5 million doses, the official said.
"This virus has no borders," the official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "We only put the virus behind us if we're helping our global partners."

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:16pm

Middle East

Lebanon's Hariri says new cabinet, IMF necessary to halt collapse

Hariri says sees opportunity to be ceased after Aoun meeting
IMF talks had stalled last year as bankers, politicians rowed
Meeting comes after heated exchange Wednesday night
Strikes and shop closures continue amidst financial collapse.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:12pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Thursday

At least 121,209,630 cases of coronavirus have been registered.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:44pm

Europe

Mario Draghi honours Covid victims at 'Italy's Wuhan'

Italy's government has set a target to triple vaccinations to 500,000 per day by mid-April, and to fully vaccinate 80 per cent of the population by mid-September.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:42pm

World

WHO reiterates call to continue use of AstraZeneca jab

EMA is also expected to announce its decision on the continued use of the vaccine on Thursday.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:41pm

Europe

Putin replies to Biden 'killer' comment: 'Takes one to know one'

Russia, he added, knows how to "defend its interests" and will work with Washington on terms that are "beneficial" for Moscow.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:38pm

Africa

30 dead in clashes between troops and militia in east DR Congo

More than 120 armed groups are active in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, many of them the legacy of regional wars in the 1990s.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:35pm

Europe

EU plans to launch dispute settlement with AstraZeneca

Mamer said the letter "will allow us to start a dialogue with the company as part of a dispute settlement process."

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:33pm

Europe

Ukraine capital imposes new curbs as virus surges

Ukraine reported its highest daily infection rate in months on Thursday, with more than 15,000 cases.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:29pm

World

Bulgaria re-imposes virus curbs as mortality rate rises

Any festivals or other large gatherings of people, even outside, will be banned while sports events will be held without spectators.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:28pm

Middle East

Suspected jihadists kill 12 in Yemen attack: official

The checkpoint in the coastal district of Ahwar was manned by members of the Security Belt, a powerful southern Yemen separatist force.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:26pm

World

Armenia PM announces snap polls to defuse crisis

The spat sparked massive demonstrations, with Pashinyan's supporters and his opponents flooding the streets of the capital.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:18pm

World

UN says refugees face long 'struggle' for Covid vaccines

There are around 80 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, according to UNHCR's latest statistics.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:17pm

USA

US employment crisis hits one-year mark as claims stay elevated

Claims filed under a special program for freelance workers not normally eligible decreased to 282,394, not seasonally adjusted, a drop of nearly 200,000 mostly attributable to a decline in filings in Ohio.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:15pm

World

Russia hosts Afghan talks as US deadline for exit looms

"In a degrading military-political situation, further delays are unacceptable," Lavrov said Thursday.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:13pm

Europe

Germany condemns Turkey's crackdown on pro-Kurdish party

"A party ban can only be the very last resort in a democracy. The case of HDP raises considerable doubt on proportionality," said a foreign ministry spokesman.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:07pm

World

EU condemns move to ban Turkey pro-Kurdish party

The statement insisted that Ankara "urgently needs to respect its core democratic obligations, including respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:06pm

South Asia

Military helicopter was shot down, says Afghan president

He did not say who was responsible, but warned "the perpetrators of the incident will be seriously punished".

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:03pm

Europe

Turkey rebuffs criticism of crackdown on pro-Kurdish party

The Turkish foreign ministry responded by saying that comments from "some countries" it did not name "were incompatible with the principle of the rule of law".

Published 18 Mar, 2021 08:01pm

USA

Chile's lower chamber of deputies set to decide fate of mining royalty bill

Chile's sprawling copper industry maintains it has already hit its limit in terms of tax burden, and that hiking royalties could put some smaller mines, with higher-costs, out of business.
Chile's National Mining Society (Sonami) told Reuters that the bill was also unconstitutional, and has repeatedly warned that its passage would could harm investment.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:50pm

USA

Touting US ties, Bolsonaro's office releases Biden letter on climate, pandemic

Last week, Brazil's Supreme Court annulled Lula's graft convictions, upending the 2022 presidential election and teeing up a likely showdown between Lula and Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro has been dismissive of the coronavirus and vaccines but faces growing pressure with numbers of infections and deaths reaching record highs in Brazil.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:47pm

Middle East

UAE tuition increase freezes create uncertainty for GEMS: Moody's

"They nonetheless create a degree of uncertainty regarding GEMS' ability to increase tuition fees consistently in the future, which may further slow down its deleveraging trajectory," Moody's said.
The agency estimates GEMS generates around three quarters of its revenue in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the economies of which have suffered from restrictions to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:45pm

USA

Travel on US roads fell 11.3pc in January over 2020 levels

For all of 2020, road travel fell 13.2% to 2.83 trillion miles, the lowest yearly total since 2001. Travel on US roads fell 10.3% in December. In January, Americans logged 223.3 billion miles, with the biggest decline in the Northeast United States, where driving was down 16.2%.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:40pm

South Asia

Pandemic pushes 32mn Indians out of middle class, says Pew Research

India is estimated to have seen a greater decrease in the middle class and a much sharper rise in poverty than China in the COVID-19 downturn.
In January last year, the World Bank forecast almost the same level of economic growth for India and China, at 5.8% and 5.9% respectively, in 2020.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:38pm

USA

IMF sees Canada's economy rebounding, says government needs fiscal anchor

"The size and scope of policy support (in Canada) has been unprecedented" during the pandemic, the International Monetary Fund's executive board said in its annual report.
The IMF forecast economic growth of 4.4% this year after a 5.4% decline in 2020.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:35pm

Europe

Britain says delay in Serum Institute vaccines contributing to supply squeeze

Delivery of AstraZeneca shots from India contributed to delay.
Britain has warned of significantly reduced supplies in April.
Serum Institute says will try to supply more vaccine later.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:32pm

Europe

UK reports five cases of rare blood clots in AstraZeneca rollout, continues use of shot

Concerns about reports of blood clots, along with low platelet levels, have led to European countries including Germany to pause the rollout of the shot while the cases are investigated. *"The available evidence does not suggest that blood clots in veins (venous thromboembolism) are caused by COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca," the MHRA said.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:18pm

Europe

Fake batch of Sputnik V vaccine seized in Mexico, Russian wealth fund says

"Earlier today Mexican authorities seized a batch of vaccines designed and packaged as Sputnik V," the RDIF sovereign wealth fund said.
The first shipment of the Sputnik V vaccine - a delivery of 200,000 doses - arrived in Mexico on Feb. 23. It was approved for emergency use by Mexican regulators earlier last month.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 07:14pm

Europe

UK says vaccine roll-out to be slower than hoped, but should pick up again in May

UK says global lumpy supply chain causing issues.
UK vaccine roll-out will be slower than hoped.
UK says vaccine deliveries to rise from May.
UK scolds EU over vaccine ban threat.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 06:52pm

Europe

Irish goods imports from Britain fall 65pc in January following Brexit

The value of imports from Britain, which does not include the British region of Northern Ireland, fell to 497 million euros in January compared with 1,403 million euros in the same period a year ago, the Central Statistics Office said.
Imports from Northern Ireland increased to 177 million euros from 161 million in January last year, it said.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 06:50pm

Europe

Spanish lawmakers approve bill legalising euthanasia

The lower house of parliament's vote in a final reading was 202 in favour, 141 against and 2 abstentions. Until now, helping someone end their life in Spain carried a jail term of up to 10 years.
Today is an important day: we are heading towards the recognition of human rights. We are heading towards a more humane and fair society," Health Minister Carolina Darias told lawmakers.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 06:18pm

Africa

In Tanzania, eyes turn to succession after president's death

Magufuli died on Weds of heart disease – Hassan.
Ruling party calls for calm.
Leader's scepticism about COVID drew global attention.
Magufuli had been out of public eye for more than two weeks.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 05:51pm

South Asia

South Korea seen revising rules on tests for foreign workers

Seoul and neighbouring Gyeonggi Province are among a number of local governments that have ordered all foreign workers to be tested, drawing accusations of xenophobia.
The news came after Britain formally protested to South Korea, multiple countries sought an explanation and several South Korean leaders called for the rules to be rescinded.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 05:36pm

Africa

African Union says use of AstraZeneca COVID shot should continue

The recommendation comes after more than a dozen European countries suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine amid concerns over the risk of blood clots.
John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a news conference the "benefits still outweigh the risks" and countries should "move forward".

Published 18 Mar, 2021 05:32pm

Europe

EU halts sanctions on Turkey oil executives as ties improve

TPAO executives to escape EU punishment over drilling.
EU March 25-26 summit no longer to be showdown over Turkey.
Turkey's Erdogan has changed tone since January.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 05:29pm

South Asia

Helicopter crash kills nine in central Afghanistan

The crash happened on Wednesday night in a volatile district in Wardak province, where Afghan forces and local militias have bitterly fought.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:44pm

South Asia

Myanmar's ousted leader Suu Kyi faces new corruption charges from junta

On Wednesday night, military broadcaster Myawady aired a video of a Myanmar businessman confessing to giving her a total of $550,000 over several years.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:36pm

Middle East

No ceasefire in Yemen unless blockade lifted, rebels say

The Iran-backed Huthis and the government have been locked in a power struggle since 2014, when the rebels seized control of the capital Sanaa.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:34pm

South Asia

French senator plans to visit Taiwan despite China protests

China has reacted with fury to plans for a visit by Alain Richard, a former defence minister and member of France's ruling party.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:28pm

South Asia

Beijing warns US of 'no compromise' on sovereignty, security at Alaska talks

"The US should meet China halfway and conduct the dialogue in a sincere and constructive manner," Zhao said.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:26pm

World

Armenia PM defies ruling to reinstate military chief

Pashinyan last week appealed to President Armen Sarkisian to appoint Artak Davtyan as new chief of general staff.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:24pm

World

G7 'will not recognise' Russia's Crimea takeover

Moscow denies the claims and blames a recent uptick in fighting on Ukrainian forces.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:23pm

World

Kremlin says 'clear' that Biden does not want better ties with Russia

These statements from the president of the United States are very bad, Kremlin spokesman said.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:21pm

World

Belarus opposition leader holds online vote on regime talks

Western governments accuse Lukashenko of rigging the election and have adopted sanctions against top government officials.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:18pm

South Asia

Indian passenger train 'rolls backwards for 35 km'

Reports said the out-of-control train reversed almost 35 kilometres, but the railways ministry did not immediately confirm the distance.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:16pm

Middle East

Tehran must release Iranian-Swede 'near death' in solitary: UN experts

Djalali has claimed he is being punished for refusing to spy for Iran while working in Europe.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:14pm

South Asia

North Korea says will ignore US while 'hostile policy' in place

Beijing warned Thursday it would make no concessions to the US on key issues including human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:12pm

Europe

Dutch PM Rutte eyes new coalition after election win

The VVD is projected to win 35 seats in the 150 seat parliament, while the other big winner of the night was the centrist pro-EU D66 party, with 24.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:11pm

Europe

WHO 'worried' about virus spread in Balkans, Central Europe

"We are particularly worried about the epidemiological situation in the Balkans, as well as many other countries around Central Europe," Catherine Smallwood, Senior Emergency Officer said.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:08pm

Europe

UK denies vaccine shortfall will slow lockdown easing plan

AstraZeneca's vaccine, developed with Oxford University, provides the bulk of Britain's campaign.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 04:08pm

South Asia

Stable Indo-Pak relations key to unlocking South Asia's potential: COAS Bajwa

On Thursday, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa stated that stable relations between India and Pakistan are the key to unlocking the potential of South Asia, ensuring regional connectivity and cooperation.
Addressing the Islamabad Security Dialogue, Gen. Bajwa noted that the region's potential has been hindered by the disputes between the two "nuclear neighbours".

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 05:39pm

World

COVID-19 reinfection rare, more common in people over 65: study

“We did not identify anything to indicate that protection against reinfection declines within six months of having Covid-19,” said Daniela Michlmayr.
Ratios of positive and negative test results–taking account of differences in age, sex, and time since infection–were used to produce estimates of protection against reinfection.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 03:19pm

World

Ukraine's COVID-19 cases exceed 1.5 million

Ukraine has faced a sharp jump in coronavirus cases in recent weeks, which Prime Minister Denys Shmygal called a "third wave" of the pandemic.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 12:57pm

World

Thai business group says Sinovac shots ordered for private vaccination scheme

The country has so far received 200,000 doses of the Sinovac Biotech CoronaVac vaccine and 117,300 doses from AstraZeneca.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 12:52pm

World

EU health agency to rule on troubled AstraZeneca jab

Antarctica was one of the last places on Earth to be affected by the virus, but on December 21, an outbreak was reported at a Chilean army base, with 36 people infected.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:07pm

World

At least 10 killed in bandit attack on Nigerian village

The state has been the hardest hit by bandits despite a government offer of amnesty in exchange for renouncing violence and surrendering their weapons.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:07pm

World

Nine members of Afghan military killed in helicopter crash

A defence ministry statement on Thursday said they were investigating the crash which took place in Maidan Wardak province and the dead included crew members and special force personnel.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 10:43am

World

Myanmar's ousted leader Suu Kyi faces new corruption charges from junta

"Aung San Suu Kyi may have her defects... but bribery and corruption are not her traits," he said, adding that most people in Myanmar will not believe the allegations.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:07pm

World

UN rights chief agrees to joint Tigray probe

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week described the violence as an "ethnic cleansing" and called for an investigation.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:07pm

World

Jordan counts on Biden as it asserts itself against Israel

"Jordan chose the right moment to scupper what was supposed to be a show of victory and a campaign event for Netanyahu," said Oraib al-Rantawi, director of Al Quds Center For Political Studies.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:07pm

World

Infected by Covid, Colombian doctor stared death in the face

Colombia is one of the top 11 countries in the world in terms of infections.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:06pm

World

6.0-magnitude earthquake strikes off Algerian coast: USGS

The USGS said the quake hit 20 kilometres north-east of the city of Bejaia at 1:04 am local time (0004 GMT), at a depth of 10 kilometres.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:06pm

World

US says move to ban pro-Kurdish party would 'undermine democracy' in Turkey

We are... monitoring the initiation of efforts to dissolve the People's Democratic Party, a decision that would unduly subvert the will of Turkish voters.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:06pm

World

Biden warns US may miss deadline to exit Afghanistan

8 Biden also took a direct swipe at Trump's Afghanistan policy, saying it "was not a very solidly negotiated deal" that the then-president oversaw.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:06pm

World

UN chief appoints personal envoy to Afghanistan

Washington wants to jumpstart the process and get the Taliban and Afghan government to agree to some form of power-sharing.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:06pm

World

Covid may become 'seasonal', UN says

"This has fuelled expectations that, if it persists for many years, Covid-19 will prove to be a strongly seasonal disease," it said in a statement.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:06pm

World

Covid reinfection rare, more common over 65: study

The rate of infection was five times higher for people who tested negative during the Spring surge of the virus and then positive during the second wave.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:05pm

World

US House reauthorizes Violence Against Women Act

Twenty-nine Republicans joined all Democrats present in supporting the measure.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:05pm

World

Coronavirus vaccine reaches Antarctica

People stationed at two other Chilean bases in Antarctica are due to receive their first doses, but those were delayed by adverse weather conditions, Videla said.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:05pm

World

North Korea says will ignore US while 'hostile policy' in place: Yonhap

But ultimately no progress was made towards Washington's declared aim of denuclearising North Korea, with a second summit in Hanoi in early 2019 breaking up without an agreement and Pyongyang still under multiple international sanctions for its banned weapons programmes.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:05pm

World

France virus cases surge as new restrictions loom

"We will take the decisions that need to be taken," he said.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:05pm

World

Suspect charged with eight murders in Atlanta shootings

"It shocks the conscience," he said of the attacks, which drew reactions of outrage and solidarity from across the nation.

Updated 18 Mar, 2021 04:05pm

World

Tanzania President Magufuli dies of 'heart condition'

"Our country shall be in a mourning period of 14 days and the flags shall fly at half-mast," said Hassan, adding that funeral arrangements were under way.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:41am

World

Russia recalls envoy after Biden says 'killer' Putin will 'pay the price'

"The conversation started off, I said, 'I know you and you know me. If I establish this occurred, then be prepared'," Biden said.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:39am

World

Four hurricane names retired after deadly destruction

Throughout the annual Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, storms are named to make them easier to identify in warning messages.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:37am

World

Dutch PM Rutte wins Covid-dominated election: exit polls

Rutte had earlier said he was "cautiously" optimistic as he arrived in trademark style on his bike to vote at a school in The Hague.

Published 18 Mar, 2021 09:33am

World

Brawls in shops as Lebanon’s financial meltdown hits supply of food

• Importers have difficulty finding dollars • Groceries close, unable to keep up with currency tumble