Hard work lies ahead for Lebanon on road to IMF aid deal
With a rescue plan that will form the basis of talks for IMF aid finally in place, Lebanon must now enact painful steps and work out how it distributes the costs, with the country’s banks likely to be particularly hard hit.
France says urgent for Lebanon put into action reform plans
France said on Friday it was urgent that Lebanon implement reforms that were essential for the country’s recovery after the government adopted an economic plan and decided to request help from the International Monetary Fund.
U.S. imposes Iran-related sanctions on mining company, individual: Treasury website
The United States on Friday imposed Iran-related sanctions on an individual and Taif Mining Services LLC, the U.S. Treasury Department’s website said.
India extends nationwide lockdown, to allow relaxations in lower-risk zones
India said on Friday it would extend its nationwide coronavirus lockdown for another two weeks after May 4, but would allow “considerable relaxations” in lower-risk districts marked as green and orange zones.
Afghanistan suffers upsurge in fighting and in coronavirus
Clashes between Taliban fighters and Afghan forces intensified in northern Balkh and southern Logar province as warring sides fought to control checkpoints and the number of coronavirus cases in Afghanistan rises, officials said on Friday.
Maya villages in Guatemala spurn U.S. deportees as infections spike
Guatemala’s indigenous Maya towns are spurning returned migrants, threatening some with burning their homes or lynching as fear spreads about more than 100 deportees from the United States who tested positive for the new coronavirus.
India to keep restrictions in big cities under staggered exit from lockdown
India’s big cities will stay under tight restrictions after a nationwide lockdown ends on Sunday, while areas less hard-hit by the coronavirus will be allowed to resume some activity, according to a government letter and state-level officials.
Malaysia detains hundreds of refugees and migrants during virus lockdown: rights groups
Malaysia on Friday detained hundreds of refugees and migrant workers for illegally living in the country, rights groups said, at a time of movement and travel restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
India extends lockdown by two weeks, but loosens measures in lower-risk areas
India said on Friday it would extend its nationwide lockdown for another two weeks after May 4, but would allow “considerable relaxations” in lower-risk districts marked as green and orange zones under the government’s plan to fight the novel coronavir…
Potential UK COVID-19 vaccine producer eyes making a million doses a month
A manufacturer of a possible COVID-19 vaccine being developed by British scientists said on Friday it may know by the end of May if it can make a million doses a month with a view to building stocks for commercial supply when the vaccine is approved.
