WORLD

UK announces stricter lockdown rules for England ahead of Eid

By Aditi Khanna London, July 31: Millions of households in north England, including those in Manchester, Bradford and Leicester cities, face stricter lockdown rules than the rest of the UK from Friday amidst a feared spike and second wave of COVID-19 cases. The rules include a ban on households from mingling together indoors and comes just ahead of the Eid festival, which usually involves different households getting together.

US, China consulate closures deal losses to both nations

Washington, Jul 31: In shutting each other's consulates, the United States and China have done more than strike symbolic blows in their escalating feud. They've also dimmed each other's ability to observe and to spy on critical regions of their countries.

First-ever EU cyber sanctions hit Russian, Chinese, NKoreans

Brussels, Jul 31: The European Union has imposed its first-ever sanctions over cyberattacks, slapping them on alleged Russian military agents, Chinese cyber spies and organisations including a North Korean firm. The six people and three groups hit with sanctions include Russia's GRU military intelligence agency.

Contentious budget vote could push Israel toward elections

Jerusalem, July 30: Israel's finance minister said Thursday he would bring a short-term budget up for a vote next week, setting up a showdown between the bloated government's main two coalition partners that could spark its dissolution only months after it was formed.

Iran launches underground ballistic missiles during exercise

Tehran, Jul 29: Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched underground ballistic missiles as part of an exercise involving a fake aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, state television reported Wednesday, the latest barrage in a drill that saw two American bases temporarily go on alert over the launches.

Trump again pushes unproven drug as COVID-19 treatment

Washington, July 28: A week after appearing to project a more serious tone about the coronavirus, President Donald Trump is back to pushing unproven claims that an anti-malaria drug is an effective treatment and challenging the credibility of the nation's leading infectious disease expert. Dr. Anthony Fauci pushed back Tuesday, saying he will keep doing his job.

Malaysia ex-PM Najib given 12 years in jail in 1MDB looting

Kuala Lumpur, July 28: A Malaysian court sentenced former Prime Minister Najib Razak to serve up to 12 years in prison on Tuesday after finding him guilty of crimes involving the multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund that brought down his government in a shocking election ouster two years ago. Najib was calm and stone-faced as he became the first Malaysian leader to be convicted.

Pak's Punjab govt imposes 10-day lockdown to contain coronavirus

By M Zulqernain Lahore, July 27: Pakistan's Punjab government on Monday imposed a 10-day long strict lockdown in the province of 110 million people to control the spread COVID-19 on Eidul Azha. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the decision to re-impose the lockdown in the province was taken to avoid a spike in the COVID-19 cases during Eid which will be celebrated on August 1.

India and Indonesia resolve to expand defence ties

New Delhi, July 27: India and Indonesia on Monday vowed to expand security cooperation in a range of areas including defence industries and technology sharing, as the two maritime neighbours aimed at injecting a new momentum to their strategic partnership.

Siberian heatwave: Wildfires rage in Arctic, sea ice melts

Geneva, July 24: The UN weather agency warned on Friday that average temperatures in Siberia were 10 degrees Celsius (18 Fahrenheit) above average last month, a spate of exceptional heat that has fanned devastating fires in the Arctic Circle and contributed to a rapid depletion in ice sea off Russia's Arctic coast.

World shares slip as China orders US consulate closed

Mito (Japan), July 24: Worsening China-US friction and worries over aid to Americans and US businesses combined to push world shares lower on Friday. Wall Street appeared set to extend losses from the previous day, with Dow and S&P 500 futures both down 0.3%. Germany's DAX index fell 1.5% to 12,913, while the CAC 40 in Paris skidded 1.2% to 4,972. Britain's FTSE 100 shed 1.1% to 6,144.

Always rocky, China-US relations appear at a turning point

Beijing, July 24: Four decades after the US established diplomatic ties with Communist China, the relationship between the two may have reached a turning point. Tensions have risen to new heights on what has always been a rocky road, as the ambitions of a rising superpower increasingly clash with those of the established one.

Taliban say ready for talks with Kabul after Eid holiday

Islamabad, July 24: The Taliban say they are ready for talks with Afghanistan's political leadership after the Muslim holiday of Eid ul Adha at the end of July, offering to hand over the last of the government prisoners in a week, providing the government frees the last of its Taliban prisoners.

WHO chief scientist sees no herd immunity yet

London, July 24: The chief scientist at the World Health Organization estimates that about 50 percent to 60 percent of the population will need to be immune to the coronavirus for there to be any protective herd immunity effect. Herd immunity is usually achieved through vaccination and occurs when most of a population is immune to a disease, blocking its continued spread. During a social media event on Friday, Dr.

Trump scraps Jacksonville portion of Republican convention due to virus spike

By Lalit K Jha Washington, July 24: President Donald Trump has canceled the mega Jacksonville portion of the Republican National Convention to be held next month due to the coronavirus "flare-up" in Florida, a major setback in his re-election bid.

Israel to send a research team to India as part of the joint effort to develop rapid COVID-19 testing kits

Thai serial killer cremated after decades as museum display

Nonthaburi (Thailand), July 23: For decades, some Thai parents warned their naughty children that if they didn't behave, Si Ouey would come eat their livers. If the threat of a ghostly visit from the executed child killer, long called a cannibal, proved ineffective, those children could always be taken to see Si Ouey.

China launches first Mars mission

By K J M Varma Beijing, July 23: China successfully launched its first Mars probe on Thursday, aiming to complete orbiting, landing and roving in a single mission, taking an ambitious step towards the planetary exploration of the solar system.

Witnesses: Afghan government airstrike kills at least 14

Kabul, Jul 23: A government airstrike killed at least 14 people in Afghanistan's western Herat province, many of them women and children, witnesses said on Thursday. Hundreds of people had gathered in Herat's Adraskan district to welcome home a former Taliban fighter freed from jail when aircraft pounded the gathering, said Noor Rahmati, a witness who lost three members of his family in the airstrike.

For 1st time in 75 years, world leaders won't travel to NY for UNGA as session goes virtual

United Nations, Jul 23: World leaders will submit pre-recorded video statements for the United Nations General Assembly session in September, the 193-member organisation has decided, as heads of state and government will not be physically attending the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic and the high-level session goes virtual for the first time in the UN's 75-year history.

US maintains 'tremendous cooperation' with India on Chinese border aggression: Amb Juster

Washington, Jul 23: The Trump administration has maintained close contact and "tremendous cooperation" with India on the latest Chinese border aggression, America's top envoy in New Delhi has said, asserting that the last six months have been unprecedented in terms of the bilateral relationship. The troops of India and China have been locked in a standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh since May 5.

Pak apex court orders Islamabad Police chief to submit report in two weeks on journalist's abduction

By Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, July 22: Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday gave Islamabad police chief a deadline of two weeks to submit a report on the abduction of prominent journalist Matiullah Jan, who was later freed following massive outrage across the country.

US orders closure of Chinese Consulate in Houston; China vows retaliation

By K J M Varma Beijing, July 22: China and the US were headed for a major diplomatic confrontation as Washington on Wednesday ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston, a move it said was aimed "to protect American intellectual property and private information," hinting at cyber espionage.

Qatar Airways sues, seeks $5B from boycotting countries

Dubai, July 22: Long-haul carrier Qatar Airways said on Wednesday that it launched international arbitration seeking at least 5 billion from four boycotting Arab countries for blocking its flights from their airspace and their markets, years into a simmering political dispute between the nations.

Pak journalist freed; top court expresses alarm over abduction

By Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, July 22: A top Pakistani court on Wednesday expressed alarm at the abduction of a prominent journalist Matiullah Jan, who was later freed, noting that kidnappers wore police uniforms and wanted to "scare" other people too. The Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the habeas corpus petition against Jan's abduction filed by his family on Tuesday.

Cops: 15 injured after shooting outside Chicago funeral home

Chicago, July 22: Fifteen people were injured, one person was being questioned and multiple suspects were being sought after gunfire erupted outside a funeral home on Chicago's South Side where at least one squad car was present, police said. First Deputy Superintendent Eric Carter said mourners outside a funeral home in the Gresham neighbourhood were fired upon Tuesday from a passing vehicle.

Powerful 7.8 earthquake hits Alaska seas

Anchorage, July 22: A powerful 7.8 earthquake has struck the Alaska Peninsula and a tsunami warning has been issued. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 7.8 magnitude quake struck Tuesday at about 11:12 p.m. PST. It had a depth of 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) and was centered 60 miles (96 kilometers) south-southeast of Perryville, Alaska.

'Bad Boys for Life' an homage to action films of 1990s: Director duo Adil & Bilall

By Radhika Sharma New Delhi, July 22: As children, writer-filmmaker duo Adil el Arbi and Bilall Fallah were "huge fans" of the action comedy "Bad Boys" series and getting the opportunity to direct a film in the franchise led by Hollywood stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence was a dream come true.

China cannot threaten countries and bully them in the Himalayas: Pompeo

Washington, Jul 22: Attacking China for its aggressive moves against its neighbours, including "instigating" a deadly confrontation with India in eastern Ladakh, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Beijing cannot threaten countries and bully them in the Himalayas.

US lawmakers pass legislation urging China to de-escalate situation with India along LAC

Washington, Jul 22: The US House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan legislation, urging China to peacefully de-escalate the situation with India along the Line of Actual Control.

Armed man seizes bus, holds 10 people hostage in Ukraine

Lutsk (Ukraine), July 21: An armed man seized a long-distance bus and took people in it hostage in northwestern Ukraine on Tuesday launching an hours-long standoff with police, Ukrainian authorities said. About 10 people are currently being held hostage, Ukraine's Security Service said in a Facebook statement. Police earlier had put the number at 20. It was unclear how many people had been on board to start with, and whether any escaped.

China warns UK against interference'' on Hong Kong

By Aditi Khanna London, July 21: China has hit back with a warning that Britain must bear the consequences if it continues what it believes is interference in its internal affairs after the UK suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

US virus aid far off as EU digs deep to aid ailing economies

Mito (Japan), July 21: US lawmakers remained far apart Tuesday on a deal to provide more financial relief for Americans as European leaders thrashed out a plan for their pandemic-ravaged economies. Meanwhile, testing of an experimental vaccine showed it may produce an immune response against the coronavirus. The urgency of such research is rising with the pandemic still gaining momentum in parts of the U.S.

Nepal's ruling communist party meeting fails to resolve Oli-Prachanda feud

By Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, July 21: The much-awaited meeting of Nepal's ruling communist party on Tuesday failed to sort out the differences between Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and the rival faction led by party executive chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" as political issues did not figure during the brief deliberations held in the absence of the premier.

Global shares rise after EU sets deal to support economies

Tokyo, July 21: Global shares advanced Tuesday after European leaders worked out a deal to support their virus-stricken economies. Shares rose in Paris, Frankfurt and London after a day of gains in Asia. U.S. futures also advanced. The 27 EU leaders agreed to an unprecedented 1.8 trillion-euro ( 2.1 trillion) budget and coronavirus recovery fund after one of their longest summits ever.

Phase II trial finds Chinese COVID-19 vaccine is safe, induces immune response

Beijing, July 21: A phase II clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, conducted in China, has found that it is safe and induces an immune response, a study published in The Lancet says. Scientists, including those from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said the trial sought to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate.

Nepal to resume domestic, international flights from Aug 17

Kathmandu, July 21: Nepal will resume domestic and international flight operations starting from August 17, over four months after they were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 20, the government had banned all passengers, including Nepalis, from entering the country. Four days later, it imposed a nationwide lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Toy bomb injures 5 children in northwest Pakistan

Peshawar, July 21: A bomb resembling a toy injured at least five children on Tuesday in Pakistan's northwest tribal area bordering Afghanistan, officials said. The bomb exploded when the children were playing with it in South Waziristan district. Five children aged between six and 12 years were injured in the incident, the officials said, adding that the origin of the bomb was unclear.

Pak with annual fertility rate of 3.6 among top two fastest growing South Asian nations: Report

Islamabad, July 20: Pakistan, whose total population is approximately 220.9 million, is among the top two fastest growing countries in the South Asian region with an annual fertility rate of 3.6 children per couple, according to a new report by a US-based private non-profit organisation. Strife-torn Afghanistan topped the chart among the South Asian countries with 4.

Global shares mixed as investors eye EU meeting on pandemic

Tokyo, July 20: Global shares were mixed in directionless trading Monday as the number of coronavirus cases soared in the US and investors cautiously eyed the summit of European leaders discussing the pandemic crisis. France's CAC 40 shed 0.5% in early trading to 5,043.73. Germany's DAX was little changed at 12,906.87, down less than 0.1%. Britain's FTSE 100 slipped nearly 0.4% to 6,268.07.

EU summit breaks up after all-night talks, to resume later

Brussels, July 20: A marathon European Union summit has broken up temporarily after four-days of acrimonious haggling over an unprecedented 1.85 trillion-euro ( 2.1 trillion) EU budget and coronavirus recovery fund to tackle the crisis. The weary leaders were scheduled to resume the meeting in the afternoon. The summit of the 27 EU leaders began Friday and was scheduled to end on Saturday.

Second UK-wide COVID-19 lockdown like nuclear deterrent: Boris Johnson

By Aditi Khanna London, July 19: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has likened the imposition of a second nation-wide coronavirus lockdown to a nuclear deterrent that he would rather not use. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph' to mark his one year at 10 Downing Street, Johnson said he did not think the UK would need another complete shutdown in the event of a second wave of coronavirus infections.

Indian-origin doctors warn racial bias in research behind COVID-19 disparity in UK

By Aditi Khanna London, July 19: A group of Indian-origin doctors has warned that inherent racial bias in medical research and practice could be exacerbating the disproportionately severe impact of COVID-19 among ethnic minorities in the UK and globally, as they call for a wider study into lifestyle-related risks among them.

Mandatory face cover rule to be enforced in Australia's Victoria state

By Natasha Chaku Melbourne, July 19: Australia's coronavirus hot spot, Victoria state, will enforce a mandatory face cover rule in view of rising new coronavirus infections in the state. Victoria reported 363 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths in the last 24 hours, said state Premier Daniel Andrews. "We are going to be wearing masks in Victoria, and potentially in other parts of the country, for a very long time.

Indian-American voters could make huge difference in battleground states: Top Democratic leader

By Lalit K Jha Washington, July 19: The Indian-American community could be "an absolute difference maker" in battleground states in the November 3 presidential elections, a top Democratic leader has said.

Kuwait's ruler, 91, undergoes "successful" surgery

Dubai, July 19: Kuwait's 91-year-old ruler underwent a successful surgery on Sunday that required the oil-rich nation's crown prince to be temporarily empowered to serve in his place, its state-run news agency reported. Kuwait is yet to elaborate what required Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah to seek a previously unannounced medical treatment beginning Saturday.

French firefighters battle blaze in cathedral in Nantes

Nantes, July 18: A fire broke out Saturday in the Gothic cathedral of the western French city of Nantes, shattering stained glass windows and sending black smoke spewing from between its towers as firefighters fight the blaze. Residents and tourists watched aghast, and emergency workers cordoned off the area around the St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral, in the historical centre of this city on the Loire River.

New studies clarify what drugs help, hurt for COVID-19

London, July 18: Fresh studies give more information about what treatments do or don't work for COVID-19, with high-quality methods that give reliable results. British researchers on Friday published their research on the only drug shown to improve survival -- a cheap steroid called dexamethasone. Two other studies found that the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine does not help people with only mild symptoms.

3 killed, 19 injured in building collapse in PoK

By Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, July 18: At least three persons have died and 19 were injured, mostly labourers, when a multi-storey building collapsed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. Renovation work was going on the triple-storey marriage hall building in the Chaksawari area of Mirpur district when it collapsed on Friday, trapping dozens of workers.