China calls for businesses to shut down e-cigarette online shops
China’s tobacco regulator on Friday issued a notice asking e-commerce platforms and businesses to shut online stores that sell electronic cigarette products, in a move aimed at stopping minors from purchasing e-cigarettes through the internet.
Russia says not enough time left to draft new START arms control treaty: Ifax
Russia’s foreign ministry said on Friday there was no longer enough time left for Moscow and Washington to draft a replacement to the New START nuclear arms control treaty before it expires in 2021, the Interfax news agency reported.
China to ‘perfect’ Hong Kong leader appointment system, warns on national security
China will “perfect” the way the leader of Hong Kong is appointed and replaced, and won’t tolerate separatism or threats to national security there, a senior Chinese official said on Friday after a meeting of the top leadership.
U.S. treasury secretary to hold talks in India as pressure builds on Iran
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will hold talks with Indian leaders in New Delhi on Friday, Indian official said, as part of a tour to build support against Iran over its nuclear program and its ties to militant networks.
Hungary abandons plan for administrative courts, justice minister says
Hungary’s government has abandoned plans to set up separate administrative courts, but it will pass legislation to speed up administrative court cases, Justice Minister Judit Varga told state news agency MTI late on Thursday.
‘I stopped dancing, I’m fighting now’: Hong Kong protesters take up self-defense classes
Before protests erupted across her Hong Kong hometown five months ago, 31-year-old Pino was a dancer, taking various types of evening classes for years, from jazz to hip-hop and pole.
Germany’s Merkel likely to press for FTA in talks with Indian PM Modi
Germany is likely to urge India to restart talks on finalizing a free trade agreement with the European Union during Chancellor Angela Merkel’s meetings with government leaders in New Delhi on Friday, two sources with knowledge told Reuters.
Indian Kashmir losing migrant workers as militants find new target
A rash of killings by separatist militants targeting outsiders in India’s Kashmir has persuaded growing numbers of migrant workers to stay away, rather than risk working in road gangs, building sites, hotels and apple orchards in the restive region.
Yemen’s Houthis down U.S.-made drone near Saudi border: spokesman
Yemen’s Houthi movement said on Friday its air defenses downed a U.S.-made ScanEagle drone near the Saudi border, the group’s military spokesman said.
Lebanese banks re-open for first time in two weeks
Lebanese banks opened to customers on Friday for the first time in two weeks, following a wave of protests that led the prime minister to resign.
