Indian bank staff want cleaner branches amid coronavirus deaths in industry
Indian bank employees are demanding better cleanliness at lenders’ branches and more flexibility in staff work schedules following the death of at least 11 bankers and bank employees in the country due to the coronavirus outbreak.
China condemns ‘provocative’ U.S. military flight over Taiwan
China on Thursday condemned the U.S. military for the “provocative” flight of one of its aircraft over Chinese-claimed Taiwan, saying the move infringed upon China’s sovereignty and contravened international law.
North Korea defectors push ahead with leaflet and aid campaigns despite South Korea legal threats
Two North Korean defector-run groups targeted for legal action by South Korean authorities say they intend to continue sending propaganda leaflets and humanitarian aid into North Korea, despite criticism from the governments of both countries.
Finland lifts travel restrictions from neighbours except Sweden
Finland’s government said on Thursday it will lift coronavirus-related restrictions on leisure travelling to and from neighbouring Baltic and Nordic countries, excluding Sweden.
Indonesia’s hundreds of suspected child virus deaths highlight danger
Hundreds of children in Indonesia are believed to have died from COVID-19, giving the Southeast Asian country one of the world’s highest rates of child deaths from the novel coronavirus that experts around the world say poses little danger to the young…
European court rules against France in Israel boycott activist case
The European Human Rights Court (EHCR) ruled on Thursday that a French criminal conviction against activists involved in a campaign to boycott products imported from Israel had no sufficient grounds and violated their freedom of expression.
Pandemic accelerating in Africa, test kits needed, WHO says
The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating in Africa, spreading to rural areas after international travellers brought it to capital cities, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.
Only Hong Kong can solve unrest, says British foreign minister
Any solution to the unrest in Hong Kong must come from the former British colony and not from China, Britain has said, adding there was still time for Beijing to reconsider a new security law that has sparked protests.
Australia won’t be intimidated in row with China: PM Morrison
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday he would not be intimidated by “coercion” after China restricted some Australian exports and urged Chinese tourists and students to avoid Australia.
Russia rolls out first approved COVID-19 drug as infections pass 500,000
Russia on Thursday rolled out a drug approved to treat patients suffering from the novel coronavirus, its state financial backer said, as the number of infections there surpassed half a million.
