Pandemic propels Auckland to top of EIU’s most livable cities ranking
VIENNA — The coronavirus pandemic has shaken up the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) annual ranking of most livable cities, propelling Auckland to first place, replacing Vienna, which crashed out of the top 10 as the island nations of New Zealand, Australia, and Japan fared best.
South Korea prepares support worth over $7B for chip industry
SEOUL — South Korea is readying plans for a support package for chip investments and research worth more than 10 trillion won ($7.30 billion), the finance...
European trust in AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine plunges, poll shows
LONDON — Confidence in the safety of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine has taken a big hit in Spain, Germany, France, and Italy as reports of rare blood clots have been linked to it and many countries briefly stopped using it, poll data showed on Monday.
India, South Africa block major deal at WTO talks
ABU DHABI — India and South Africa have filed a formal objection against an investment agreement at a World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in...
Argentina devalues peso, raises rates after shock primary vote
BUENOS AIRES/LONDON — Argentina’s government devalued its currency by nearly 18% on Monday while the benchmark interest rate was raised by 21 percentage points...
UK’s Sunak proposes tax cuts for pensioners in new election pledge
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday proposed tax cuts for millions of pensioners in his latest campaign pledge, highlighting the importance of older...
Japan, S. Korea face 25% tariffs as Trump ramps up trade war
WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS — US President Donald J. Trump on Monday ramped up his trade war telling 14 nations, from powerhouse suppliers such as Japan and...
New Taiwanese president calls on China to stop its threats
TAIPEI — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te asked China on Monday to stop its military and political threats, saying in his inauguration speech that peace...
Royal aide steps down after racist comments — Buckingham Palace
LONDON — A member of the British royal family’s household has left her role after making “unacceptable and deeply regrettable” comments about race and nationality to a woman at a grand reception at Buckingham Palace, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Slovenia becomes latest EU country to recognize Palestinian state
LJUBLJANA — Slovenia became the latest European Union (EU) country to recognize an independent Palestinian state after its parliament approved the move with majority...
EU sees ‘decisive moment’ for building single capital market
LONDON — The European Union (EU) set out its third wave of reforms in six years on Thursday to try to build a seamless...
Dozens injured in South Korea’s rare earthquake
SEOUL -- More than 50 people were injured and 1,500 taken to shelters in South Korea after a rare 5.4-magnitude quake hit the southeastern...