Hong Kong says national security law will not hamper judicial independence
Hong Kong’s government said on Friday that plans by Beijing to impose national security legislation in the Chinese-ruled city would not affect its judicial independence or that of its legal entities.
Australia slashes costs of COVID-19 job subsidy to $46 billion
Australia on Friday halved the number of people expected to be covered by its coronavirus wage subsidy scheme due to reporting errors and after swiftly controlling the outbreak, a revision that will save the government around A$60 billion ($39 billion)…
Thailand to extend coronavirus emergency to end of June
Thailand will maintain its state of emergency over the coronavirus until the end of June, its COVID-19 task force said on Friday, in an effort to keep infections under control as the government prepares to ease restrictions further.
UK to set out quarantine measures for international arrivals
The United Kingdom will on Friday set out details of its plans for a quarantine for international arrivals, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said.
Poland to extend ban on international flights until June 6
Poland plans to extend a ban on international flights by two weeks until June 6 due to the coronavirus pandemic, state-run news agency PAP said on Friday citing infrastructure ministry documents.
India reports biggest 24-hour rise in virus cases as lockdown eases
India registered some 6,000 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday, the country’s biggest jump in 24 hours, as New Delhi eases a nationwide lockdown and airlines prepare to resume some domestic flights.
Australia halves number of people expected on coronavirus wage subsidy scheme
Australia on Friday halved the number of people expected to be covered by its centrepiece wage subsidy scheme, a revision that will save the government around A$60 billion ($39 billion) but mean less stimulus as efforts to revive the economy ramp up.
What you need to know about the coronavirus right now
Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
Activists call for Hong Kong to rise up against new security laws
Hong Kong activists called on Friday for people to rise up against Beijing’s plans to impose national security legislation in the city, prompting alarm that the new laws could erode its freedoms through “force and fear”.
China defence spending rise at three-decade low, still to grow 6.6%
China’s defence spending this year will rise at the slowest rate in three decades but will still increase by 6.6% from 2019, as the country grapples with what it sees as growing security threats and a wilting economy.
