Latest in World Highlight
Latest in World
Voter turnout in Belarus presidential election exceeds 50%
Andrei Dmitriyev, Anna Kanopatskaya, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Sergei Cherechen are running for the presidency
US defence chief says troops in Afghanistan to be reduced below 5,000 end-November
Pentagon said in mid-July that US maintained its force level in Afghanistan at mid-8,000s, meeting conditions of US-Taliban deal signed in late February
On Hiroshima anniversary, Japan hopes for peace, world free of nuclear weapons: Ambassador Noke
Japanese ambassador sends his condolences to Lebanon over blast that rocked Beirut last Tuesday
Japan marks 75th anniversary of world’s first atomic bombing in Hiroshima
2020 memorial event was scaled back amid COVID-19 fears
From Tianjin to Beirut, Ammonium Nitrate leaves behind trail of destruction
Tuesday’s huge explosions in Beirut caused by 2,700 tonnes of chemical compound improperly stored near city’s cargo port
White House mandates random coronavirus tests for staffers
White House has already been testing Trump and Vice President Pence regularly for coronavirus, as well as individuals who come in close contact with them
Britain to introduce new 90-min COVID-19 tests
Up to 5.8 million tests using DNA and 450,000 swab COVID-19 tests will be distributed to British hospitals, care homes, and laboratories
Sudan welcomes its removal from US list of states sponsoring terrorism
Country’s removal from list of state sponsors of terrorism is historic opportunity for Sudan’s civil transformation, says Pompeo
Fitch lowers US credit outlook to negative from stable
Fitch expected the US economy to contract by 5.6% in 2020 and recover by 4% in 2021, with the massive fiscal policy response averting a deeper downturn
US teen arrested in alleged involvement in Twitter hack
“We appreciate the swift actions of law enforcement in this investigation and will continue to cooperate as the case progresses,” Twitter said
Fauci “cautiously optimistic” about safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine in late fall, early winter
An experimental COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Fauci’s agency and biotechnology company Moderna, known as mRNA-1273, started phase 3 clinical trial
UN chief calls for tackling human trafficking by reducing gender inequality
Women make up 49% and girls 23% of all victims of human trafficking. Sexual exploitation is the most common form of exploitation, followed by forced labor
About 1,750 Africans die during illegal migration attempts in 2018-2019: UNHCR
During migration attempts, at least 72% of African migrants die every month, making the routes across the continent some of the most deadly for refugees and migrants in the world, the UNHCR added.
Tokyo stocks close lower on earnings concerns, firm yen
Investor sentiment remained pessimistic sending Tokyo stocks lower for a fourth straight day amid concerns about continued negative impact of the pandemic
Coronavirus deaths worldwide top 650,000, WHO urges action
Countries should implement strict measures to suppress coronavirus transmission, including mass testing, quarantine, social distancing and wearing a mask
COVID-19 not necessarily changing with seasons: WHO expert
She said the season and weather did not seem to be affecting the spread of COVID-19, it was people gathering and not observing distance that had an effect
UN chief calls for efforts to build sustainable cities amid COVID-19
Many cities have created new bike lanes and pedestrian zones, reclaiming public spaces and improving mobility, safety and air quality
EU agency concerned with COVID-19 impact on migrants, asylum seekers
Latest FRA quarterly bulletin on migration said the coronavirus containment measures led to a 90% decrease in asylum applications in April 2020
African conservationists decry rising threats to elephants, cheetahs
WWF indicates that Africa’s elephants population stood at about 415, 000 in 2019 while nearly 15,000 die annually due to poaching and natural causes
Reusable mask “capable of inactivating coronavirus” launched in Portugal
Named MOxAd-Tech, the textile coronavirus mask “successfully passed the tests carried out by the Joao Lobo Antunes Institute of Molecular Medicine
Russia COVID-19 cases up 5,871 to 806,720
According to the statement, 597,140 people in Russia have recovered so far, including 8,366 over the past day.
Taliban attack repulsed, 50 including 27 insurgents killed in S. Afghanistan
Taliban launched massive attacks on security checkpoints in Taghri area, triggering heavy fighting during which airstrikes killed 27 militants
Japan reports 726 new COVID-19 cases, PM denies imminent state of emergency
Along with Tokyo, some other urban areas in Japan have seen sharp increases of infections since a nationwide state of emergency was lifted in late May.
Multiple COVID-19 vaccine doses essential to protect world from pandemic
US President Donald Trump resumed his press briefing on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, admitting that the situation in the country will “get worse
UNDP calls for temporary basic income for poorest people to slow COVID-19
A temporary basic income would give workers who are not covered by social protection the means to buy food and pay for health and education expenses
Oil prices climb amid demand hopes
Meanwhile, Brent crude oil for September delivery advanced 1.04 dollars to close at 44.32 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
French president calls EU recovery fund deal “historic”
The EU 1.82 trillion euros post-pandemic recovery fund recovery fund plan will be submitted to the European Parliament for approval
German FM welcomes extension of EU summit on COVID-19 crisis package
The necessary extension of EU summit also showed that “enormous efforts” were required to make Europe strong again together, Maas added.
G20 economic ministers to hold digital meeting on COVID-19 recovery
G20 ministers will discuss AI and smart cities, data flows, security in the digital economy, measurement of digital economy, and global connectivity
UN chief calls for New Social Contract and New Global Deal to address inequality
New Social Contract will tackle inequality, enable young people to live in dignity, ensure women equal opportunities as men, and will protect the sick, the vulnerable, and minorities