WORLD
Tightened Covid curbs spark protests, riots across Europe
An estimated 35,000 people gathered in central Brussels on Sunday to protest against the reinforced measures, which include the mandatory use of the 'COVID Safe Ticket' (CST) and the obligation to wear face masks in areas where a CST is required, reports Xinhua news agency. The demonstration took place near the Brussels North Station, with protesters brandishing banners saying "Together for Freedom" and "Resistance".
Afghan aid funds reach goal as financial system totters: UN
"Non-performing loans in the credit market have increased from around 30 percent at the end of 2020 to 57 percent in September of this year," said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, citing a UN Development Programme (UNDP) report. As the run on banks to withdraw savings continues, UNDP projects that the deposits' base would shrink by as much as 40 percent by the end of the year, Xinhua news agency quoted Dujarric as saying.
President Biden to nominate Jerome Powell for second term as Fed chair
The Republican Fed chair, whose four-year term expires in February, is backed by Republican lawmakers and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, but has drawn criticism and opposition from some progressive Democrats due to Fed officials' controversial stock trading during the pandemic, and Fed policies.
China alerts its companies after Congo kidnappings
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks during a regular press conference. Zhao confirmed that five Chinese nationals were kidnapped in the Province of Sud Kivu in DRC on Sunday early morning, and one police was killed when the armed group attacked the mining firm. Eight other Chinese nationals with the firm were transferred to a safe location, Zhao said.
Wuhan scientists were studying Laos bat viral samples before pandemic: Report
The new evidence gathered from the US government documents under Freedom of Information backs the theory that Covid-19 emerged from bats and that the SARS-CoV-2 virus escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in China, the Daily Mail reported. Of these, Banal-52 was found to share 96.8 per cent of its genome with SARS-CoV-2.
Summit for Democracy: PM Modi likely to attend virtual meet called by President Biden; Taiwan invited, Russia ignored
The Summit for Democracy intends to focus on matters that impact or lead to the disintegration of democracy. The leaders also aim to discuss how to protect the freedom and rights of citizens in their home countries and abroad. The virtual summit is lined up right after the impending December 6 meet between PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi.
Taliban's new 'religious guideline': TV channels shouldn't air dramas, soap operas featuring women actors
In addition to this, a mandated requirement for women television journalists to wear Islamic hijabs while presenting their reports had also been issued by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice under the Talib. "These are not rules but a religious guideline," ministry spokesman Hakif Mohajir told news agency AFP.
Joe Biden tells allies he plans to run for reelection in 2024
Of late, the US media has been speculating over growing tensions between the president and his deputy. Some of the reports went on to suggest that Kamala Harris was feeling "sidelined" in the administration as the president, in her view, had not given her significant responsibilities.
5 dead after vehicle rams into US city parade
On its official Twitter handle, the City of Waukesha said: "At this time, we can confirm that five people are deceased and over 40 are injured. However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information. Many people have self-transported to area hospitals. The Police Department has the person of interest in custody." It added that the "scene is still fluid, and the investigation is ongoing".
Australia to open borders to int'l students, skilled workers from Dec
Morrison said that eligible visa holders who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to enter from December 1, reports Xinhua news agency. The announcement comes after Australia's fully vaccination rate surpassed 85 per cent. As a result, more international students, skilled migrants and refugees who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, test negative within 72 hours of departure and hold a valid visa will be allowed to enter Australia, with priority given to skilled workers to fill vacancies.
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