Yemen’s qat markets still draw crowds despite coronavirus threat
Yemeni qat seller Hamdan Hussein’s customers still come daily to the crowded market to buy the addictive green stimulant, despite doctors’ concerns that chewing in groups and spitting it could spread the new coronavirus.
Qatar 2022 World Cup stadium workers went months without pay: Amnesty
A Qatari company helping build a 2022 World Cup stadium has been banned from the event’s projects after its labourers went unpaid for months, organisers said on Thursday, in a case Amnesty International said showed inadequate worker welfare standards.
Digital love: Britons to embrace lessons of COVID-19 dating as rules ease
Those looking for love during the COVID-19 pandemic have had to adapt to lockdown dating, but innovations such as video “pre-dates” may end up outliving the coronavirus as restrictions on liaisons are eased.
British statue of scout founder Baden-Powell to be taken down
A local authority in southern England said it would remove a statue of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide scouting movement, the latest memorial to be taken down in the wake of anti-racism protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.
Russia’s coronavirus case tally passes the half million mark
Russia on Thursday reported 8,779 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing its nationwide infection tally to 502,436.
China urges Australia to safeguard Chinese citizens’ safety
China said on Thursday its advisories warning students and traveller about risks they could face in Australia are based on facts and called on Canberra to take measures to safeguard Chinese citizens’ safety in the country.
Jobs gone, investments wasted: Africa’s deserted safaris leave mounting toll
When Khimbini Hlongwane spent most of his small safari tour company’s savings on the deposit for a new minibus in February, it seemed like a safe bet.
Australian PM draws criticism for ‘no slavery in Australia’ comment
Australian officials warned Black Lives Matter supporters they could be arrested if they breach coronavirus restrictions to take part in public protests, as debate erupted over the country’s own indigenous history.
North Korea defectors push ahead with leaflet, 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 governments in both countries.
India denies visas to U.S. panel on religious freedom, says it has no standing
India has turned down a travel request for members of a U.S. government panel seeking to review its religious freedom, saying such foreign agencies had no standing to assess the constitutional rights of citizens.
