S.Korea to lift mandatory quarantine for residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19
SEOUL — South Korea said on Wednesday it will offer some exemptions to mandatory quarantine measures for people who have been fully inoculated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in an effort to encourage more vaccinations.
Saudi crown prince says kingdom has no plans to introduce income tax
DUBAI — Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in televised remarks on Tuesday that the kingdom had no plans to introduce income tax and a decision last July to triple value-added tax to 15% was temporary.
India’s coronavirus toll tops 200,000 after record surge in cases
NEW DELHI — India’s toll from the coronavirus surged past 200,000 on Wednesday, the country’s deadliest day, as shortages of oxygen, medical supplies, and hospital staff compounded a record number of new infections.
Top US trade negotiator discussed vaccine ramp-up with Novavax exec
WASHINGTON — US Trade Representative Katherine Tai discussed increasing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine production in a virtual meeting on Tuesday with an executive with drugmaker Novavax, Ms. Tai’s office said in a statement.
Developing Asia to recover strongly, but COVID-19 risks remain — ADB
MANILA — Developing Asia’s economic rebound this year could be stronger than previously thought, the Asian Development Bank said on Wednesday, underpinned by expectations of a solid global recovery and progress on vaccines.
Biden’s first 100 days: COVID-19, jobs, foreign policy, immigration, guns, and dogs
WASHINGTON — US President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., completes 100 days in office on Friday, April 30.
Judging a president’s performance after 100 days in...
HK legislature to discuss new immigration bill amid ‘exit ban’ fears
HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s legislature is set to discuss a controversial immigration bill, which lawyers, diplomats, and right groups fear will give authorities...
India nears 200,000 COVID-19 deaths
NEW DELHI — India’s coronavirus death toll neared the bleak milestone of 200,000 with another 2,771 fatalities reported on Tuesday, while its armed forces pledged urgent medical aid to help battle the staggering spike in infections.
US to share up to 60M AstraZeneca vaccine doses globally
WASHINGTON — The United States will start to share up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Plc’s coronavirus vaccine with other countries as soon as the next few weeks, the White House said on Monday.
Drums of war are beating, warns Australian official
CANBERRA — One of Australia’s most senior security officials has said liberal democracies must brace for war while searching for peace amid elevated global tensions.
Australia to consider proposal to suspend flights from India
By Renju Jose
SYDNEY - Australia is set to consider a proposal on Tuesday to suspend flights from India to prevent more virulent coronavirus variants entering the...
Hong Kong leader says govt could intervene in Bar Association if necessary
HONG KONG - Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday the government could intervene if necessary in the Bar Association, whose chief has...