US surpasses 20 million COVID cases on first day of 2021
US passes another grim milestone as it fails to meet year-end goal of administering 20 million COVID-19 vaccines.
Category Archives: News
Biden’s inauguration will not be the ‘largest ever’ – by design
US President-elect Joe Biden says goal is 'to keep America safe' amid COVID-19, 'but still allow people to celebrate'.
Deaths reported worldwide during New Year’s Eve celebrations
At least 11 people were killed and several injured during New Year's Eve celebrations across the world on Thursday.
After months of COVID delays, African free trade bloc launches
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to unite 1.3 billion people in a $3.4 trillion economic bloc.
Mine found on hull of oil tanker off the coast of Iraq
Attacks on vessels in the Gulf and the Red Sea have been rife as tensions flare between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Oman looks to borrow $4.2bn in 2021 to cover budget shortfall
Its economy battered by low oil prices and COVID, Oman is looking to borrow $4.2bn to plug its fiscal gap.
Afghan radio journalist shot dead in car ambush
Aimaq, editor-in-chief of Voice of Ghor radio, is the fifth media worker to be killed in Afghanistan in two months.
What will Cuba’s new single currency mean for the island?
Cuba is devaluing its peso for the first time since the 1959 revolution with profound consequences for its people.
Dozens of farmers ‘killed by ADF rebels’ in DR Congo
Farmers had gone to the fields in eastern Beni when they were attacked on New Year's Eve, an official says.
A unified Cuban peso, the Times Square ball and cashless Sweden
We round up the numbers to know from the week’s biggest economic news so you can impress yourself and your friends.
Pope shares worries for Yemen war victims in New Year message
Conflict, which has seen increased violence in recent days, is causing 'numerous innocent victims', says Francis.
UK scraps ‘tampon tax’ in move hailed by rights groups
UK says Brexit made it possible to drop sales tax on period products, given country is no longer bound by EU rules.
COVID: India’s expert panel approves Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
Vaccine to be sent to India's drugs regulator for approval after it got the nod by government-appointed panel.
UK in ‘eye of the storm’ amid surging new coronavirus cases
Cases and the number of virus-related deaths are rising, prompting concerns for the overstretched NHS.
ISIL claims deadly Chechnya knife attack
At least one policeman was killed in the attack, which the armed group has claimed without providing evidence.
COVID: BioNTech founders warn of vaccine supply gaps
Scientists fear shortages because other vaccines are not being approved, leaving Pfizer-BioNTech to fill gap.
South Sudan floods displace a million as hunger and diseases loom
Nearly a million people displaced or isolated for months by the worst flooding in memory are now threatened by famine.
Iran warns US against escalation a year after Soleimani’s killing
Iran says US show of force may raise tensions to 'alarming level' ahead of the anniversary of Qassem Soleimani killing.
New year, new era as UK begins post-Brexit future
As Brexit was completed, chaos was avoided at UK borders, but critical issues unleashed by the historic divorce remain.
Dozens killed in eastern DR Congo attack blamed on ADF: Officials
Army was chasing ADF fighters when they found bodies of civilians who had been 'taken by surprise in their fields'.