Nepal’s parliament approves new map including territory controlled by India
The upper house of Nepal’s parliament approved a new map of the country on Thursday including land controlled by India, in a row that has strained ties between the South Asian neighbours.
Iran says it successfully tests new naval cruise missile
Iran said on Thursday its navy had successfully fired a new locally made cruise missile during war games in the northern Indian Ocean and near the entrance to the Gulf.
Lockdown dances for women at Madrid intellectual disabilities centre
Adjusting to life under lockdown has been tough for the 52 residents of Madrid’s Alas centre for women with intellectual disabilities, who often struggle to grasp abstract concepts and develop social and practical skills.
Former Japanese justice minister, lawmaker wife arrested for suspected vote-buying
A former Japanese justice minister and his lawmaker wife were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of vote-buying, prosecutors said, in a serious blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he struggles with falling public support.
Hong Kong security law draft to be put before China’s top parliament body
The top decision-making body of China’s parliament will review a draft of national security legislation for Hong Kong during a session in Beijing that began on Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
Kazakhstan tightens COVID-19 restrictions, former president tests positive
Kazakhstan said on Thursday it would tighten coronavirus-related restrictions during the coming weekend and an aide said former President Nursultan Nazarbayev had tested positive for COVID-19.
China tells G7 to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs
China said on Thursday that the Group of Seven nations should stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, responding to a joint statement issued by G7 foreign ministers calling for a halt to the national security legislation planned for the city.
Russia’s new coronavirus cases rise at lowest in six weeks
Russia on Thursday reported 7,790 new cases of the novel coronavirus, its lowest daily rise in infections in six weeks, bringing the nationwide total to 561,091.
Lloyd’s of London to pay for its ‘shameful’ sins in Atlantic slave trade
The Lloyd’s of London insurance market has apologised for its “shameful” role in the 18th and 19th Century Atlantic slave trade and has agreed to fund charities and organisations promoting opportunities for black and ethnic minority groups.
UK says China and Russia trying to exploit coronavirus crisis
The United Kingdom said on Thursday that China, Russia and Iran were looking to exploit weaknesses shown by the coronavirus outbreak, amid suggestions Beijing had used the crisis to push through new security legislation for Hong Kong.
