New Zealand’s new COVID case is the South African variant
Genome testing indicates woman who got sick caught virus from another returning traveller just before end of quarantine.
Category Archives: News
Senior North Korean diplomat defects to South: Reports
Ryu Hyun Woo, who was the acting ambassador in Kuwait, is thought to have claimed asylum in 2019.
Indian police to let farmers hold ‘tractor rally’ on Republic Day
Thousands of protesting farmers to drive through New Delhi after Republic Day parade to demand repeal of new farm laws.
Mahamat Said Abdel Kani: CAR hands war crimes suspect to ICC
ICC arrests alleged commander of Seleka militia on charges of war crimes committed during violence in Bangui in 2013.
Mexico’s Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says he has COVID-19
Mexican leader has rarely been seen wearing a mask and kept up his busy travel schedule despite the pandemic.
IMF says Iraq seeking emergency loans after oil price plunge
Iraqi government is reportedly seeking $6bn in loans, with possibility of a further $4bn, according to finance minister.
Vietnam’s Communist Party meets to pick new leaders, set strategy
Continuity expected as Vietnam seeks to balance China and the United States.
Biden reinstates US COVID travel restrictions, adds South Africa
New US president takes tougher approach to COVID-19 with more than 25 million Americans now confirmed with virus.
Israel ‘closes skies’ to air travel as COVID variants found
Flights will be banned for a week, as government tries to curb spread of variants, protect vaccination campaign.
Portugal President Rebelo de Sousa re-elected, abstentions surge
Centre-right incumbent known for his easy-going manner has won a second and final five-year term.
Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown rioters in two cities
Rioters clash with police and damage properties in Netherlands capital Amsterdam and southern city of Eindhoven.
UAE cabinet approves establishing embassy in Tel Aviv
Decision comes as Israel announces embassy opening in Abu Dhabi months after controversial normalisation of ties.
Israeli ultra-Orthodox clash with police over school closures
The clashes came as authorities face difficulties enforcing COVID restrictions in Israel's religious communities.
Russia accuses US of meddling, but says open to dialogue
Spokesman for Vladimir Putin says Russian president open to talking to Joe Biden after US slams crackdown on protesters.
Thousands displaced after Tropical Cyclone Eloise hits Mozambique
Nearly 7,000 people forced from their homes and some 130,000 hectares of crops destroyed by heavy downpours and floods.
Scottish leader promises to hold ‘legal’ independence vote
First Minister Sturgeon accuses British Prime Minister Johnson, who opposes a new referendum, of fearing democracy.
Trump lacked state-level COVID vaccine roll-out plan: Official
Joe Biden's chief of staff says Trump administration lack of planning led to lag in administering of COVID-19 vaccines.
Six Malian soldiers killed in ‘complex and simultaneous’ attacks
Army says coordinated twin assaults also left 18 troops wounded, with some 30 assailants killed in military response.
Biden security adviser vows to consult Israel on regional issues
Jake Sullivan tells Israeli counterpart the US 'will closely consult with Israel on all matters of regional security'.
Oman bars expatriates from certain jobs as pandemic bites
Various jobs in insurance companies including finance and administrative positions will be 'limited to Omanis only'.