While rich countries experience a post-COVID boom, the poor are getting poorer
The latest International Monetary Fund and World Bank reports show a global economic boom gathering steam. This is thanks to $16 trillion in fiscal stimulus packages spent mostly across the world’s rich nations since the pandemic began.
From beef to chocolate, illegal deforestation found behind many everyday foods
BOGOTA — Nearly 70% of tropical forests cleared for cattle ranching and crops such as soybeans and palm oil were deforested illegally between 2013 and 2019, a study showed on Tuesday, warning of the impact on global efforts to fight climate change.
US, Canada, Mexico hold ‘robust’ trade deal talks, downplay differences
WASHINGTON — Trade ministers from the United States, Canada and Mexico said on Tuesday they held “robust” talks on the new North American trade deal and pledged to fully enforce its higher standards, while downplaying differences over a range of other irritants.
China says US threatening peace as warship transits Taiwan Strait
BEIJING/TAIPEI — China accused the United States on Wednesday of threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait after a US warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from its giant neighbor.
How Myanmar’s military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens
SINGAPORE/BANGKOK — In the months before the Myanmar military’s Feb. 1 coup, the country’s telecom and internet service providers were ordered to install intercept spyware that...
Israel-Gaza violence shows few signs of slowing as global diplomacy ramps up
GAZA/TEL AVIV — More than a week of fighting between Israel and Hamas showed few signs of abating on Tuesday despite intense US and global diplomacy to stop the region’s fiercest hostilities in years.
World’s coffee at risk amid Brazil drought
BRAZIL, the world’s biggest exporter of coffee, sugar and orange juice, just had a rainy season that brought hardly any rain.
New York lifts mask rules for the vaccinated
NEW YORK — New York state this week will drop face mask requirements in most public spaces for people vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), conforming with the latest US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday.
World Economic Forum cancels 2021 annual meeting in Singapore
ZURICH/SINGAPORE - The World Economic Forum has cancelled its annual meeting - the blue-ribbon event for the global elite to discuss the world's problems...
Fossil fuel giants and banks under fire for rise in single-use plastics
By Megan Rowling
BARCELONA - Production of single-use plastics is set to grow 30% in the next five years, fuelling their contribution to global warming and ocean...
S.Korea’s Genexine signs COVID-19 vaccine candidate manufacturing deal with Hanmi
SEOUL - Genexine Inc has signed a manufacturing deal for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate with Hanmi Pharm Co Ltd as it prepares to seek...
Tencent Music says facing increased China scrutiny, is committed to laws
Tencent Music Entertainment Group confirmed on Tuesday it is facing heightened scrutiny from Chinese regulators, adding it was "actively co-operating" with them and is...