Patabook: January 2021

Sunday, 31 January 2021

Photos challenge negative stereotypes of Appalachia

In the coal-mining towns of southeastern Ohio, nestled in the Appalachian mountains, photographer Rich-Joseph Facun has worked on a visual study of a region that has been stereotyped for decades. Appalachia has often been viewed one-dimensionally, saddled in associations related to poverty and opioid use, and deemed &quot;Trump Country&quot; during the 2016 election.

source https://www.cnn.com/style/article/rich-joseph-facun-black-diamonds-swing/index.html

Donald Trump announces new legal team for impeachment trial after exodus

DONALD TRUMP has announced the new legal team that will represent him for his upcoming impeachment trial less than a day after his previous lawyers walked away.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1391625/donald-trump-impeachment-trial-legal-team-us-president-ont

South China Sea: US and China aircraft cross paths over Taiwan as war fears EXPLODE

CHINA and the US sent military planes into the southwestern corner of Taiwan&#039;s air defence identification zone on Sunday.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1391629/south-china-sea-usa-china-pratas-islands-taiwan-uss-theodore-roosevelt-biden-xi-jinping

Major cash infusion planned for troubled military base housing

A management company based in Australia will get more than $1 billion to make significant home improvements at six Army posts, even after its work was questioned in providing safe and healthy housing for Marine Corps families in North Carolina. The $1.1 billion capital investment for Lendlease, which owns and ...

source https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jan/31/major-cash-infusion-planned-troubled-military-base/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

Major winter storm to hit US East Coast with heavy snow, strong winds

A powerful winter storm is expected to dump deep snow on parts of the northeastern United States that are home to major cities like New York, after blanketing the nation&#039;s capital on Sunday.

source https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20210201-major-winter-storm-to-hit-us-east-coast-with-heavy-snow-strong-winds

Trump names new lawyers for his impeachment trial a day after defence team quit

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday named two new lawyers to lead the defence in his upcoming Senate impeachment trial after abruptly parting ways with his prior counsel.

source https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20210201-trump-names-new-lawyers-for-his-impeachment-trial-a-day-after-defence-team-quit

Myanmar's leader 'detained' in early morning raid amid fears of a military coup

The move comes after rising tensions between the civilian government and the powerful military that stirred fears of a coup in the aftermath of an election the army says was fraudulent

source https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/myanmar-coup-leader-detained-early-23419228

Aung San Suu Kyi detained by Myanmar army: Party spokesman

Myanmar&#039;s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained by the military, her party spokesman said early Monday. &quot;We heard the President (Win Myint) and State Counsellor (Aung San Suu Kyi) have been detained in Naypyidaw... we heard they were taken by the military,&quot; said Myo Nyunt, spokesman for the ruling National League for Democracy.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aung-san-suu-kyi-detained-by-myanmar-army-party-spokesman/articleshow/80621059.cms

Romania's young history fans battle to save imperial spa resort

Volunteers try to breathe new life into a Romanian resort once a playground for European elites.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-55827510

Three lives, one message: Stop killing Mexico's transgender women

In Mexico, the second most dangerous country to be transgender, trans women fight to be protected.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-55796384

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: What a blind man's death reveals

Asmelash Woldeselassie has given his eyesight, left arm and now his life to a succession of wars in Tigray.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-55832712

Lawyer who met with Epstein in final days hired by Trump for impeachment trial

The move follows multiple resignations from Mr Trump’s impeachment legal team

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-impeachment-lawyer-david-schoen-b1795571.html

Goodbye (and Good Riddance) 2020: Our Best Stories From the Worst Year

Happy new year, AvGeeks! As you might know, at the end of every year we take a walk down memory lane, reviewing our favorite stories from the previous 365 days of aviation adventures. We ended last year’s story by saying “I think this is the part where I say things like, 2020 is going to be bigger and better than ever!!!” Well … oof. Still, we had stories to tell, and you all were awesome about sticking with the site. We hope that reading about flying helped distract you a tiny bit from the tough times of 2020. Let’s have some fun reviewing some themes and storylines from the year. Plus, we share the top ten most popular stories on the site over the past year. You won’t want to miss it! Most-read stories of 2020 that were written in 2020 Exploring an Abandoned Lockheed L1011 Tristar on a Beach in West Africa – We LOVE it when our guest contributors’ stories make it onto the toplist. And in this case one of ’em won the gold. Jerome de Vries, one of our New Zealander readers, came across a TriStar during a 24-hour layover in Benin. He did a wonderful job documenting his time exploring the interior of the unique historic beauty. A Diagcon Look at the New First Class on an Alaska Airlines A321 – This was one of our very last true trip reports before COVID wiped out our flying for the rest of the year. David Parker Brown reviewed Alaska’s new First Class seat on their Airbus A321s, which (per current fleet plans) will be the only Airbus aircraft in the airline’s fleet by 2023. The Impact of COVID-19 on US Commercial Passenger Airline Fleets – We tried to focus on non-COVID stories to give you a break from the Coronavirus coverage everywhere else, but we did publish a few stories about the pandemic’s impact on aviation. This was one of ’em. Super VIP Transports: The Aircraft World Leaders Fly – With the new Air Force One B747-8 in progress, it was a perfect time to recap different world leaders’ aircraft. Definitely some surprises in the mix! Hmm … which head of state might you find inside this sweet ride? – Photo: Jason Rabinowitz The History of One Boeing 747-200 Named Madison – If there was ever a year to be sentimental about aviation, it was 2020. David Parker Brown wrote a few stories about individual aircraft from cradle to airplane grave. This story was about N642NW, a Boeing 747-200 that served with a bunch of airlines. And its final resting place is a fun little surprise. Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrCC Most-read stories this year that were written before 2020 The Rare Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Returns to the Skies Once More (2017) – Man, you guys really love the TriStar! We can’t blame you. A link in the #1 story on the 2020 story list probably brought many of you to this classic article from the 2017 archives written by JL Johnson about a restored TriStar. Design Your Own Boeing 787 Livery, It’s Easy! (2011) – This short story has a link to a fun Boeing website where (in 2011) you could design your own Dreamliner livery. But wait! Click the same link, and you’ll find they’ve updated the website to allow you to design your own 777X livery! There isn’t that much design customizability on the tool yet. And some weird options like a panda tail or fish scales. But it’s still fun if you’re a bored AvGeek. Requiem for a Trijet Masterpiece, the Lockheed L-1011 (2015) – Ok guys we really need to talk about this TriStar obsession. This extremely thorough history of the TriStar written by Peter JM Harrington-Cressman is good breakfast reading — and may hold your attention through to lunchtime. Who Has Wider Seats, the Airbus A320 or the Boeing 737? (2010) – One of the most common questions we are asked got its own dedicated story. We won’t spoil the answer, though many of you already know it. Inside Look at Crew Rest Areas on Different Airliners (2014) – People understandably love to see the parts of planes that the public usually isn’t allowed into. Crew rest areas are one of ’em. Read for a look into the crew beds on Dreamliners, 777s, an Antonov AN-124, and more! Flight attendant rest area in the upper portion of this LAN 787 – Photo: David Parker Brown Some themes and storylines from our year There was no avoiding the bad news – For aviation — as for just about every other part of life — the pandemic was nothing but bad news. TONS of planes went into storage, as JL Johnson saw firsthand as he took photos of grounded Delta jets at Kansas City International. Most of those grounded jets will fly again. But many airlines said their forever-goodbyes for good to fuel-guzzling long-haul former flagships like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. Jeremy wrote a particularly poignant piece saying goodbye to Virgin Atlantic’s 747 fleet, to which he felt a special connection. I said so long to the KLM 747-400 Combi, and Owen Zupp wrote a prescient story about the end of the QANTAS 747. Correspondent Brian wrote about eerie empty airport concourses. As bad a year as it was for aviation, the pandemic brought out the best in the industry in some ways, as airlines went out of their way to perform good deeds to help fight the pandemic. Photo: Owen Zupp David Parker Brown’s most recent discussion piece from November on why he doesn’t want to fly yet is still very relevant today. As a healthcare worker in my day job, I wrote about my gratitude to all of you who kept travel to a minimum to protect your communities. Here’s hoping things improve and we can safely get back in the air soon. Francis learned to fly – You might call 2020 the year without flying. That’s not entirely true. Avoidable airline travel got axed. But private pilotage was alive and well. Our very own Francis Zera got in on the action by pursuing his private pilot certification. You can read about his early adventures here, which culminated in a successful checkride in November. Congrats and bon voyage, Francis! Success! I finally earned my private pilot certificate! AvGeeking from the ground – Just because we couldn’t fly often didn’t mean we couldn’t talk and think about flying. DPB launched an AirlineReporter podcast talking about airplanes with his very non-AvGeek mom. We wrote about updating our AvGeek to-do lists. And was there a better year for a new Microsoft Flight Simulator game to get released? Can you believe this is from a simulator and not real life?? – Image: Microsoft Trip report time machine – If you can’t fly in 2020, might as well write about flights from 2019. We test-drove Austrian’s business class right before the pandemic shut things down. There was a head-to-head battle between Air France and KLM’s premium cabins. Jonathan Trent-Carlson flew Air Baltic’s brand-new Airbus A220. Speaking of time machines – Some of your favorite stories were related to aviation history. In addition to the stories of individual aircraft like Madison and Martin, JL Johnson discussed the huge concrete arrows in the ground that helped guide early air mail pilots, and we took a walk down AvGeek memory lane with planespotting highlights from ten years ago. Time for TrainReporter – We’ve joked in the past about a TrainReporter side project. But 2020 made it happen for real. David Parker Brown took a trip in an Amtrak Viewliner Roomette. I reported on Africa’s first high speed train, Morocco’s Al Boraq. And we even had a quick video plane spotting from the JFK AirTrain. Looking ahead to 2021 Although we’ve already had our share of bad news in 2021, we’re hoping the rest of the year will be better for the aviation world. Airports are taking advantage of the travel lull to make some major upgrades. And we’re excited to see the 777X get closer to its first deliveries and passenger flights. Thanks for sticking with us through 2020, AvGeeks! The post Goodbye (and Good Riddance) 2020: Our Best Stories From the Worst Year appeared first on AirlineReporter.

source https://www.airlinereporter.com/2021/01/goodbye-and-good-riddance-2020-our-best-stories-from-the-worst-year/

Making Seawater Potable in Mexico Has High Costs and Environmental Impacts

MEXICO CITY, Jan 31 (IPS) - Mexico is seeking to mitigate water shortages in part of its extensive territory by resorting to seawater, through the expansion of desalination plants. But this solution has exorbitant costs and significant environmental impacts. Read the full story, “Making Seawater Potable in Mexico Has High Costs and Environmental Impacts”, on globalissues.org →

source https://www.globalissues.org/news/2021/01/31/27243

Trump humiliated as exodus of top legal experts leaves impeachment defence in chaos

DONALD TRUMP suffered a major setback in his preparations for his upcoming impeachment trial, after a number of key lawyers quit his legal team.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1391620/donald-trump-us-president-potus-joe-biden-impeachment-trial-senate-lindsey-graham-ont

Analysis: To the brink and back on GameStop: Wall Street vs Reddit

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/analysis-brink-and-back-gamestop-wall-street-vs-reddit-0

Authorities seek to boost trust, low COVID vaccination rates among Black New Yorkers

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/authorities-seek-boost-trust-low-covid-vaccination-rates-among-black-new-yorkers

Saturday, 30 January 2021

Former pitcher Scott Erickson charged with reckless driving

Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson has been charged with reckless driving in connection to a hit-and-run in Southern California that killed two boys last year

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/former-pitcher-scott-erickson-charged-with-reckless-driving-los-angeles-los-angeles-dodgers-ap-boys-investigators-b1795302.html

FCC fines neo-Nazi nearly $10 million for hateful robocalls

He sent out more than 34,000 messages across the country

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/nazi-fcc-robocall-scott-rhodes-b1795303.html

Live: 'Very good news out of New Zealand' ahead of update on suspended travel bubble

There are no new cases of COVID-19 in the community in New Zealand, which is good news ahead of this afternoon&#039;s update from Australia&#039;s acting Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd on travel between the two countries. Follow live.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-31/coronavirus-australia-live-news-update-today-on-nz-travel-bubble/13106264

Friday visit to Rangiora

 The conversion of the N.Z.A.I Fletcher FU24-954 ZK-EUA (c/n 282) is progressing well with several manned test flights carried out. Unmanned flights will soon be conducted from another site. It is initially being set up for unmanned night time anti locust spray operations in East Africa. Arriving on Tuesday from Kerikeri for local new owners was the Pipistrel Sinus ZK-RDZ2 (c/n 515-SN 912 LSA).  This was first listed with the Dold Trust of Paihia on 05-04-2013.

source http://nzcivair.blogspot.com/2021/01/friday-visit-to-rangiora.html

Danone's Faber says not 'dogmatic' about CEO-chairman role - JDD

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/danones-faber-says-not-dogmatic-about-ceo-chairman-role-jdd

Lives cut short: Domestic abuse victims in UK honoured with unfinished portraits

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/lives-cut-short-domestic-abuse-victims-uk-honoured-unfinished-portraits

How the right foods may lead to a healthier gut, and better health

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/how-right-foods-may-lead-healthier-gut-and-better-health

Is there a secret to success on Instagram?

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/there-secret-success-instagram

The world’s rarest turtle has a shot at escaping extinction

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/worlds-rarest-turtle-has-shot-escaping-extinction

Fashion trends are often recycled. Now more clothing can be, too

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/fashion-trends-are-often-recycled-now-more-clothing-can-be-too

Dramatic shark decline leaves 'gaping hole' in ocean: Study

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/dramatic-shark-decline-leaves-gaping-hole-ocean-study

UK opens special visa route for Hong Kong residents to become citizens

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/uk-opens-special-visa-route-hong-kong-residents-become-citizens

Australia to fight crime in Asia amid sky high tensions with ‘increasingly dominant’ China

AUSTRALIA is setting up a new programme to fight crime in south-east Asia at a time of sky high tensions with Bejing over various issues - including their presence in the South China Sea.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1391334/China-news-Australia-south-east-asia-Mekong-Australia-program-transnational-crime-ont

Japan whale hunting: 'By-catch' rule highlighted after minke death

The death of a whale which got trapped in a net off Japan has once again exposed the hunting divide.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55714815

Covid: The pandemic's young widows and widowers

&quot;The grief creeps up on you,&quot; says Pamela who is raising two children alone after losing her husband.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-55805695

Billionaire Steve Cohen quits Twitter, citing threats in GameStop uproar

&lt;a href=&quot;https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/billionaire-steve-cohen-quits-twitter-citing-threats-in-gamestop-uproar/articleshow/80608289.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/80608289.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/billionaire-steve-cohen-quits-twitter-citing-threats-in-gamestop-uproar/articleshow/80608289.cms

Longtime DB Cooper suspect dies at 94, leaving mystery of daring hijacker unsolved

Sheridan Peterson was chief suspect as hijacker who parachuted from plane in 1971

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/db-cooper-hijacker-suspect-dies-b1795284.html

How hope is vanishing 10 years after the Arab Spring

Political and economic setbacks – and sheer fear among communities – continue to hamper the Middle East, writes Liz Sly

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/middle-east-arab-spring-lebanon-politics-b1792179.html

In photos: The life of a North Korean defector

A look into the world of an ex-Lieutenant Colonel who took two years to escape to South Korea

source https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/photography/north-korean-defector-south-korea-b1794009.html

Pentagon pauses ‘absurd’ plan to give Guantánamo prisoners Covid vaccine

The vaccine plan caused outrage among Republicans

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/guantanamo-covid-vaccine-pentagon-b1795297.html

Swedish Covid nurse to watch entire film festival alone in lighthouse

Swedish nurse Lisa Enroth will spend a week living alone in a lighthouse watching 60 movies.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-55875256

Lebanon ambulance driver: 'Hospitals can't take our Covid patients'

Lebanon&#039;s hospitals are turning away patients as the country buckles under Covid and economic collapse.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-55861948

Could a vaccine get rid of malaria for good?

Seventeen-year-old Victoline explores progress to tackle the disease in her home country, Kenya.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-55859679

Friday, 29 January 2021

U.S. Intelligence Officials Are Saying The Chinese Government Is Collecting Americans' DNA

A blog that covers wars, conflicts, politics, and international news.

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/us-intelligence-officials-are-saying.html

EU reverses plan to restrict vaccine exports through Irish border

Ireland welcomes EU reversal on triggering Brexit clause which would have blocked exports of COVID-19 vaccines to UK.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/30/eu-reverses-plan-to-restrict-vaccine-exports-through-irish-border

EU reverses plan to restrict vaccine exports through Irish border

&lt;a href=&quot;https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/after-outcry-eu-reverses-plan-to-restrict-vaccine-exports-through-irish-border/articleshow/80595423.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/80595423.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/after-outcry-eu-reverses-plan-to-restrict-vaccine-exports-through-irish-border/articleshow/80595423.cms

Silver Lake cashes out on AMC for $713 million after Reddit-fueled rally

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/silver-lake-cashes-out-amc-713-million-after-reddit-fueled-rally

New U.S. envoy spoke with Europeans on Iran nuclear deal -sources

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/new-us-envoy-spoke-europeans-iran-nuclear-deal-sources

This Is How The US Secretly Moved Russia Air Defence System From Libya

The captured Pantsir-S1 in Libya before shipment to Ramstein Air Base in Germany (Picture source: Twitter account of Tango III&#039;s Military News @IiiTango)  National Interest, Pantsir: How America Got Its Hands on Russia&#039;s Killer Air Defense System  This is a wild tale of Russian mercenaries, Libyan rebels, and clandestine flights to Europe.  The U.S. Air Force transported a Russian-made Pantsir air defense system out of Libya last summer, The Times reported, stating that an Air Force C-17 Globemaster flew to Zuwara airport, west of Tripoli, loaded the Pantsir, and flew onward to Ramstein Air Base in Germany.  Intelligence Value  Though the immediate reason for removing the Pantsir from Libya was likely to ensure the air defense system didn’t fall into nefarious hand and be used against targets like civilian airliners, there could also be an intelligence incentive for the United States.  “Export versions, such as the one captured in Libya,” The Times explained, “are supposedly stripped of a carefully guarded identification friend or foe database with the transponder codes for all Russian air force jets.  The system is capable of engaging multiple targets from low altitudes up to 50,000 feet and has a range of about 20 miles.”  Read more ....   More News On How The US Secretly Moved Russia Air Defence System From Libya  US secretly moved Russia air defence system from Libya, report reveals -- Middle East Monitor  Pantsir in US hands is terrible news but not a tragedy -- Army Recognition  The Times: US flew Russian air defense system from Libya to Germany -- Libya Observer  U.S. smuggles Russian anti-aircraft missile system out of Libya - report -- Ahval

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/this-is-how-us-secretly-moved-russia.html

Tonight's Movie Is 'Von Richthofen and Brown' (1971)

  From Wikipedia: Von Richthofen and Brown, alternatively titled The Red Baron, is a 1971 war film directed by Roger Corman and starring John Phillip Law and Don Stroud as Manfred von Richthofen and Roy Brown. Although names of real people are used, the story by Joyce Hooper Corrington and John William Corrington makes no claim to be historically accurate, and in fact is largely fictional.  Read more ....

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/tonights-movie-is-von-richthofen-and.html

Bill Gates issues stark Covid warning about next pandemic - 'May be 10 times more serious'

BILL GATES has warned that the world is &quot;not prepared for the next pandemic&quot; as coronavirus deaths across the globe continue to rise.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1391047/bill-gates-news-coronavirus-pandemic-global-cases-deaths-melinda-microsoft-latest-ont

India-Pakistan crisis: UN Chief warns about disastrous war of ‘unmitigated proportions’

INDIA and Pakistan going to war would be a &quot;disaster of unmitigated proportions&quot;, according to the Secretary-General of the United Nations .

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1391050/India-news-Pakistan-war-military-United-Nations-disaster-Kashmir-china-kashmir-ont

South China Sea: War fears EXPLODE as Chinese jets simulate missile attack on US carrier

FEARS of open war between the United States and China surged after Chinese fighter jets carried out mock missile strikes on a US aircraft carrier.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1391053/World-War-3-news-Taiwan-Chinese-China-USS-Theodore-Roosevelt-conflict-Joe-Biden-ont

SIA allows Tata Sons to go ahead with solo bid for Air India, waives no-compete clause

New Delhi: Singapore Airlines (SIA), with which Tata Sons operates full-service airline Vistara, has reportedly waived off a non-compete clause, and is unlikely to partner with the holding company of the $113-billion (around Rs 8.34 lakh crore) coffee-to-cars conglomerate to bid for the beleaguered national carrier Air India.In December, the Mumbai-based conglomerate had submitted an expression

source https://www.aviationindia.net/2021/01/blog-post_93.html

Star Air CEO Shares His Outlook on the Future of Domestic Air Travel in India

“My father used to say that aviation takes discipline, a sharp eye for detail, and a strong commitment to safety,” Tiwana commented. Yet, in his 12 years in the field, Tiwana has found another pillar of success in the industry. “I learned customer happiness is also equally important,” he said. “We want our customers to feel that we care.”  Star Air CEO Captain Simran Singh Tiwana speaks about his

source https://www.aviationindia.net/2021/01/star-air-ceo-shares-his-outlook-on.html

FBI says pipe bombs were planted the night before Capitol riot

Two pipe bombs left at the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees, discovered just before thousands of pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol, were actually placed the night before, the FBI says.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-30/pipe-bombs-at-rnc-and-dnc-were-planted-night-before-capitol-riot/13105700

Covid: Argentina imposes new tax on wealthiest

A one-off tax on Argentina&#039;s richest people will pay for medical supplies and help for businesses.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-55866715

Surfing duck: Pet becomes local celebrity at Australian beach

The duck - called Duck - has become renowned locally for his daily forays into the sea.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-55836596

The exiles: Hong Kong at a crossroads

Pro-democracy protesters face a tough decision over continuing to fight or fleeing to the UK.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55861946

Australian Open to allow up to 30,000 fans

Up to 30,000 fans a day will be allowed to attend the Australian Open, Victoria's minister for sport has announced.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/55866539

Amsterdam drugs: Tourists face ban from cannabis cafes

The mayor of Amsterdam has angered coffee shop owners, who fear that drug gangsters could step in.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-55765554

Russian anti-Putin anger spreads: 'We have to protest'

Russia is seeing some of the biggest demonstrations for a decade over the imprisonment of Alexei Navalny.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-55827509

Coronavirus: What's behind Latin America's oxygen shortages?

Some Latin American countries struggle with insufficient oxygen as Covid-19 continues to spread.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-55829424

Jonas Gwangwa The South African jazz icon who stood up to apartheid

Remembering iconic trombonist and exiled anti-apartheid activist Jonas Gwangwa who has died aged 83.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-55856214

How India's civil aviation sector is shaking off the stress of the pandemic

The Covid-19 crisis has challenged the very survival of the aviation industry globally during the past one year. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) estimates a loss of $370 billion gross passenger operating revenue for the year gone by. As per IATA (International Air Transport Association), a decline of about 60 per cent in world total passengers during 2020 has been observed and

source https://www.aviationindia.net/2021/01/blog-post_25.html

International Flights: India Extends Suspension of Regular Passenger Flight Services Till Feb 28

Taking preventive measures despite declining cases of coronavirus, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday extended the suspension of scheduled international passenger flights till February 28. However, the DGCA allowed certain passenger flights on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis. Issuing a notification, the DGCA said that the suspension of

source https://www.aviationindia.net/2021/01/frgn-httpswww_30.html

Thursday, 28 January 2021

ASIC chair James Shipton to step down from role, cleared of misconduct after tax bill investigation

The head of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission James Shipton will step down from his role at the corporate watchdog in the coming months.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/asic-chair-james-shipton-stand-aside-tax-bill-misconduct-cleared/13103042

Trump may be publicly mute at Mar-a-Lago, but there are early stirrings of movement

At the first opportunity to try to halt Donald Trump&#039;s impeachment trial before it begins, all but five Senate Republicans took it. And the reason is obvious: Trump has left Washington, but his influence in the Republican party base hasn&#039;t waned at all, writes Greg Jennett.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/republicans-remain-loyal-to-trump-ahead-of-impeachment-trial/13098518

6.3M travellers entered Canada and didn’t have to quarantine

submitted by /u/pmtiggobitties [visit reddit] [comments]

source https://globalnews.ca/news/7605621/covid19-travellers-quarantine-coronavirus-exemption/

These three Pacific military flashpoints could shape Biden's entire China strategy

Any suggestion that the departure of former US President Donald Trump from Washington would provide a temporary pause in US-China tensions has been swiftly dispelled.

source https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/28/asia/us-china-military-tensions-key-areas-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

Melania Trump office move hints at ‘separation preparation’ from Donald expert claims

MELANIA TRUMP&#039;s reported office move away from Donald Trump could be a sign of her preparation to separate from her husband, an expert has claimed.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1390565/Melania-trump-news-Donald-trump-divorce-florida-mar-a-lago-joe-biden-latest-ont

US-Mexico border: The gruesome attack that shocked a village

Families look for answers after 19 people were killed then set alight on the US-Mexico border.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-55829429

UK BNO visa: Can Hong Kong residents now live in the UK?

The government has granted millions of people in Hong Kong new opportunities to live and work in the UK.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-55825479

Africa's week in pictures: 21-28 January 2021

A selection of the week&#039;s best photos from across the continent and beyond.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-55839345

Judge OKs extradition of 2 wanted in ex-Nissan boss' escape

BOSTON (AP) - A U.S. judge on Thursday cleared the way for the extradition of an American father and son wanted by Japan for smuggling former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of the country while he was awaiting trial. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani rejected a request ...

source https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jan/28/judge-oks-extradition-of-2-wanted-in-ex-nissan-bos/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

NY undercounted nursing home coronavirus deaths by thousands

The report directly undercuts Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has boasted about his pandemic response.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-55850680

‘A crime against nature’: Sale of African elephants linked to corruption, critics fear

Numbers in Namibia are already falling, and auctioning 170 could worsen conflict with humans, experts say

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/african-elephants-sale-auction-b1794287.html

A Look at the World in the Year I Was Born

RUSH: I&#039;ve got something here from my uncle who sent this to me for my birthday, which was on January 12, my Uncle Steve. It&#039;s a booklet here on the year I was born, 1951. &quot;Remember When.&quot; The post A Look at the World in the Year I Was Born appeared first on The Rush Limbaugh Show.

source https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2021/01/28/a-look-at-the-world-in-the-year-i-was-born-1951/

Rand Paul’s Great Speech on the Unconstitutional Impeachment Sham

RUSH: Rand Paul has been on fire this week, the senator from Kentucky. The post Rand Paul’s Great Speech on the Unconstitutional Impeachment Sham appeared first on The Rush Limbaugh Show.

source https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2021/01/28/rand-pauls-great-speech-on-the-unconstitutional-impeachment-sham/

Biden administration to review Trump policy on Cuba: White House

submitted by /u/comethinpeaceface [visit reddit] [comments]

source https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cuba-whitehouse/biden-administration-to-review-trump-policy-on-cuba-white-house-idUSKBN29X2TA

Robinhood’s Customers Are Hedge Funds Like Citadel, Its Users Are the Product

submitted by /u/fentimelon [visit reddit] [comments]

source https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjpnz5/robinhoods-customers-are-hedge-funds-like-citadel-its-users-are-the-product

UN chief ‘particularly worried’ about power of social media giants & calls for laws to keep them in check

Regulations are needed to reign in companies like Twitter so that their actions, such as the banning of former US president Donald Trump, are “in line with the law,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. When asked during a press conference on Thursday if Twitter was “right” in permanently suspending rump, then still a sitting US president, Guterres did not answer directly, instead suggesting that social media behemoths should follow a clear set of rules – to be created – instead of wielding unchecked power. He called for “mechanisms, in which there’s regulatory framework with rules that allow for that to be done,” but said such a thing must be worked out by the international community. I don’t think that we can live in a world where too much power is given to a reduced number of companies The UN chief said that he was “particularly worried” about the capabilities that the social media giants already possess, and people’s lack of control over the data those companies harvest from them en masse. The fact that tech giants can use that information not only for advertising purposes, but also “to change our behavior” and “control” citizens, deserves a “serious discussion,” he added. Big Tech corporations like Twitter, Facebook, Google, Apple and Amazon played a major role in the recent US presidential election. After a vote that saw Trump’s initial lead evaporate as mail-in ballots were counted, Twitter flagged the then-president’s tweets alleging large-scale voter fraud as disputed. After a crowd of his supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6, Twitter, along with Facebook and other established social media, expanded their crackdown, outright booting Trump off their platforms over allegations he “incited violence.” Also on rt.com ‘Where is the line between global business &amp;amp; attempts to control society?’ Putin asks Davos as he calls out power of Big Tech Fledgling social app Parler, favoured by conservatives, also took a blow after Amazon abruptly cut it off from its servers, claiming it turned a blind eye to hate speech. Critics argue that the ongoing purge has been a coordinated effort to deplatform some of the most vocal Trump supporters, and might infringe users’ free speech rights. Others insist that tech giants are private companies, and therefore have leeway to wipe out accounts at will. Twitter’s CEO Jack Dorsey, for instance, urged users who disagree with Twitter’s current policy to simply leave the platform as he defended the Trump ban. Also on rt.com YouTube prolongs Trump suspension citing ‘ongoing potential for violence’ as Big Tech doubles down on deplatforming policies Russia’ President, Vladimir Putin, told the annual World Economic Forum on Wednesday that tech giants “in some areas have de facto become rivals to the government.” Their position of power might be favorable for business of those companies, “but there’s a question of how such monopolism fits the interest of society,” he stressed. Like this story? Share it with a friend!

source https://www.rt.com/news/513971-twitter-facebook-trump-guterres/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS

Bourke Street Mall bollards functioned as intended during vehicle incident, police say

Victoria Police say they are &quot;very happy&quot; with the way safety bollards installed in response to the 2017 Bourke Street Mall tragedy performed yesterday when another car sped down the mall.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/bourke-street-mall-bollards-kept-pedestrians-safe-police-say/13101910

Why is Joe Biden signing so many executive orders?

Joe Biden is signing a raft of executive orders, nearly six times more than his predecessor, Donald Trump. Reversing Trump policies isn&#039;t the only reason he&#039;s wielding the pen.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/what-are-executive-orders-biden-trump/13097838

PM must 'step up' for costs of international hotel quarantine, Queensland Premier says

Annastacia Palaszczuk wants Prime Minister Scott Morrison to provide more money and defence force support to manage international quarantine, as Queensland marks a year since the state declared a coronavirus health emergency.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/coronavirus-queensland-covid-premier-cases-hotel-quarantine/13100240

US tennis star mocks Tennis Australia as he's forced to spend an extra day in quarantine

With just over a week left before the Australian Open, hundreds of players are being released from hotel quarantine. But not everyone is allowed out just yet.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/tennys-sandgren-mocks-tennis-australia-over-hotel-quarantine/13102068

'I'm a believer now. I've seen it done': Paranormal experts are sceptical but diviners say folk skill strikes gold

This 84-year-old water diviner says he has the ability to find gold below the surface, so the ABC asked for a demonstration in Australia&#039;s gold mining capital of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Are you a sceptic or a believer?

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/water-diviner-bob-biggs-says-he-can-divine-for-gold/13084288

Jayscen Anthony Newby pleads guilty to murder

A Canberra man has pleaded guilty to murder after stabbing another man to death in the city&#039;s north last January.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/jayscen-newby-charnwood-murder-plea-guilty/13102212

'Thrilled to be out': Top tennis players leave quarantine in Adelaide

Some of the world&#039;s best tennis players have emerged from quarantine in Adelaide this morning, much to the delight of adoring fans, after being mostly confined to their hotel rooms for the past two weeks.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/tennis-players-emerge-from-quarantine-in-adelaide/13102072

Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Right-wing Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio went undercover for police, records show

Before Enrique Tarrio became leader of the extremist Proud Boys he was a government informant

source https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-01-27/right-wing-proud-boys-leader-went-undercover-for-law-enforcement-records-show

Canada considers designating neo-Nazis, white supremacists as terrorist groups

submitted by /u/Austin63867 [visit reddit] [comments]

source https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2021/01/27/canada-considers-designating-neo-nazis-white-supremacists-as-terrorist-groups.html?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=Federalpolitics&utm_content=neo-nazi-terrorist-group

The Wall Street Bets Discord Chat is Complete Chaos Right Now

submitted by /u/jurornumber1 [visit reddit] [comments]

source https://www.dailydot.com/debug/the-wall-street-bets-discord-chat-is-complete-chaos-right-now/

It’s time to act: Biden signs climate orders

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/its-time-to-act-biden-signs-climate-orders/articleshow/80490869.cms

Michelle Obama heard 'yelling' and ‘pushing’ Barack to stop his hugs at Biden inauguration

MICHELLE OBAMA was overheard &quot;yelling&quot; a piece of advice to her husband and the 44th US President, Barack, at Joe Biden&#039;s inauguration.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1390043/michelle-obama-barack-joe-biden-amanda-gorman-inauguration-poem-joe-biden-ont

South China Sea PROTEST as Beijing sparks huge backlash with ‘threatening’ shooting law

CHINA faces a diplomatic protest from the Philippines after Beijing passed a controversial law last week allowing its coastguard to shoot foreign vessels.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1390046/South-China-Sea-Philippines-coast-guard-law-Japan-Diaoyu-senkaku-islands-Taiwan-ont

Trump divorce: Donald and Melania '99.99%' likely to stay together after White House exit

DONALD TRUMP and his wife Melania are unlikely to divorce, according to a source close to the couple.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1390048/trump-divorce-melania-donald-white-house-potus-Biden-usa-slovenia-ont

South Australia to remove coronavirus restrictions for travellers from Sydney

South Australia will remove its 14-day quarantine requirement for travellers from the Greater Sydney area from 12:01am on Sunday morning.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-28/sa-to-remove-coronavirus-travel-restrictions-from-sydney/13097738

Man charged with murder after body dumped in wheelie bin at picnic spot

WA police charge a 28-year-old man with the murder of Dinh Lam Nguyen, whose plastic-wrapped body was found stuffed inside a wheelie bin that was partially submerged in a dam in the Perth&#039;s Hills area.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-28/man-arrested-over-wheelie-bin-murder-of-dinh-lam-nguyen/13098278

Police await autopsy results as investigation continues into fatal hit-and-run of couple

An autopsy is being undertaken today on Katherine Leadbetter to help police determine if a teenager will face more charges over the death of her unborn child following a hit-and-run at Alexandra Hills, near Brisbane on Australia Day.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-28/brisbane-bayside-alexandra-hills-crash-pregnant-couple-teen/13098178

Teen inspired by Christchurch allegedly planned machete attack on Singapore mosques

A 16-year-old is arrested for allegedly planning attacks at two Singapore mosques on the anniversary of the 2019 Christchurch attacks in New Zealand.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-28/singapore-teen-arrested-planning-christchurch-inspired-attacks/13098244

Poland to implement near-total abortion ban

Poland&#039;s Government says it is ready to implement strict new abortion laws that will ban terminations of pregnancies with foetal defects, sparking fresh protests by those who say the law will harm women.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-28/poland-puts-into-effect-new-restrictions-on-abortion/13098034

Antony Blinken: Who is America's new top diplomat?

The 58-year-old is on home turf in the state department, vowing to restore trust after the Trump era.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-55836461

Anti-Trump Republican Senators And Democrat Senators Drafting A Censure Resolution To Bar Former President Trump From Holding Office Again

Axios: Kaine, Collins&#039; censure resolution seeks to bar Trump from holding office again  Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are forging ahead with a draft proposal to censure former President Trump, and are considering introducing the resolution on the Senate floor next week.  Why it matters: Senators are looking for a way to condemn Trump on the record as it becomes increasingly unlikely Democrats will obtain the 17 Republican votes needed to gain a conviction, Axios Alayna Treene writes.  &quot;I think its important for the Senate&#039;s leadership to understand that there are alternatives,&quot; Kaine told CNN on Wednesday. &quot;If we cant get to 67 votes for impeachment, there may be another way to hold President Trump accountable.&quot;  Read more ....  WNU Editor: The votes are not there to impeach the former President. So the scramble now is to make sure that former President Trump does not run for office again. Are there enough Republican senators who are willing to go down that road? We know that five Republican Senators will vote for impeachment and/or censure. Are there five more? In my opinion it will be close. But if ten Republican senators decide do go down this road, the Republican Party IMHO is going to lose a good part of its base and will become like the Republican party in California. A minority party for the next few generations.   More News On The Move To Censure Former President Trump And Bar Him From Holding Office Again  Bipartisan Senate duo crafts censure resolution that seeks to bar Trump from office -- ABC News Senators mull censuring Trump as an alternative to impeachment trial -- FOX News  Scoop: Kaine, Collins pitch Senate colleagues on censuring Trump -- Axios  Senators discussing Trump censure resolution -- The Hill  Anti-Trump Senators Quietly Pitching Colleagues On Censure As Trump Impeachment Unlikely -- Zero Hedge

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/anti-trump-republican-senators-and.html

President Biden Freezes U.S. Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. Amid Broader Review

FILE PHOTO © Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Freeman/US Navy/Handout via REUTERS Wall Street Journal: Biden Freezes U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, U.A.E.  New administration is reviewing weapons transactions earlier approved by Trump  The Biden administration has imposed a temporary freeze on U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as it reviews billions of dollars in weapons transactions approved by former President Donald Trump, according to U.S. officials.  The review, the officials said, includes the sale of precision-guided munitions to Riyadh, as well as top-line F-35 fighters to Abu Dhabi, a deal that Washington approved as part of the Abraham Accords, in which the Emirates established diplomatic relations with Israel.  U.S. officials said it isnt unusual for a new administration to review arms sales approved by a predecessor, and that despite the pause, many of the transactions are likely to ultimately go forward.  But in line with campaign pledges made by President Biden, Washington is seeking to ensure that American weapons arent used to further the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, where its conflict with the Iranian-aligned Houthis has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread hunger. Read more ....  WNU Editor: Will the Biden administration terminate these agreements? In a normal situation I would say no. These deals would be reviewed and then approved. But these are not normal times, and President Biden&#039;s open hostility towards Saudi Arabia is well known. IMHO these deals have a very good chance of being cancelled.  More News On President Biden Freezing U.S. Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. Amid Broader Review  US puts hold on foreign arms sales, including F-35s to UAE -- AP  Biden administration temporarily holds some U.S. weapons exports, official says -- Reuters  Biden admin hits pause on Trump foreign weapon sales, launches review -- Defense News  Biden administration pauses arms sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE -- CNN  Biden administration pauses UAE, Saudi arms sales amid broader review -- The Hill  US suspends $23 billion sale of F-35s to UAE that followed Abraham Accords -- Times Of Israel  Biden administration pauses weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE -- Al Jazeera  US freezes sales of missiles to Saudi Arabia and F-35s to UAE as it reviews Trump-era arms deals -- RT  Biden freezes U.S. arms deals with Saudi Arabia and UAE -- Axios

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/president-biden-freezes-us-arms-sales.html

Brazil's Bolsonaro cries foul over reports on condensed milk

Brazil&#039;s President Jair Bolsonaro delivered a profanity-laced attack on the media Wednesday after reports that his administration spent US$3 million on cans of condensed milk in 2020 sparked outrage and ridicule.

source https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/brazil-s-bolsonaro-cries-foul-over-reports-on-condensed-milk-1.5285210

‘Their inaction cost lives’: Police union hits out at chiefs over failure to prepare for Capitol riot

Nearly 140 officers injured in the attack, union chairman says

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/capitol-riot-police-union-b1793823.html

3 teens arrested in house fire that killed 5 from Senegal

Police say three teenagers have been arrested in connection with a house fire in Denver that killed five recent immigrants, including two children, from the West African nation of Senegal

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/3-teens-arrested-in-house-fire-that-killed-5-from-senegal-house-fire-police-teens-teenagers-immigrants-b1793848.html

Whirlpool forecasts 2021 profit above estimates as demand up in pandemic

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/whirlpool-forecasts-2021-profit-above-estimates

Levi Strauss forecast disappoints as virus resurgence shutters stores

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/levi-strauss-beats-quarterly-revenue-estimates-online-strength

Reddit-fueled AMC rally gives Silver Lake $284 million gain

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/reddit-fueled-amc-rally-gives-silver-lake-284-million-gain

Biden administration temporarily holds some U.S. weapons exports, official says

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/biden-administration-temporarily-holds-some-us-weapons-exports-official-says

Czech parties agree China should not take part in nuclear tender

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/czech-parties-agree-china-should-not-take-part-nuclear-tender

Tuesday, 26 January 2021

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 21, 2021

Jane McMullen, BBC: Covid-19: Five days that shaped the outbreak  A year ago, the Chinese government locked down the city of Wuhan.  For weeks beforehand officials had maintained that the outbreak was under control - just a few dozen cases linked to a live animal market.  But in fact the virus had been spreading throughout the city and around China.  This is the story of five critical days early in the outbreak.  Read more ....   Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 21, 2021  What&#039;s at stake for China ” and the world ” as WHO scientists piece together Covid&#039;s origins -- Denise Chow and Keir Simmons and Amy Perrette, NBC  Germany has 50,000 Covid dead. Tragically, that&#039;s a relative success story -- Peter Kuras, The Guardian   &#039;Humiliation&#039;: French see Covid-19 vaccine flops as sign of decline -- France 24  2021 Access to Medicine Index: No profit, no pharma? -- Zulfikar Abbany, DW  What to do and what not to do in the Middle East -- Tamara Cofman Wittes, Brookings  Xi reads multilateral riot act to virtual Davos -- Pepe Escobar, Asia Times  Why China&#039;s Economy Isn&#039;t as Healthy as It Looks -- Freddie Hayward, New Statesman  China is building border walls with Vietnam and Myanmar to keep people out, but also in -- Iris Zhao, ABC News (Australia)  Biden and Xi fire hot first salvos over Taiwan -- Richard Javad Heydarian, Asia Times Arab Spring, European Winter -- H.A. Hellyer, Politico EU  Egypt&#039;s revolution, 10 years on: What happened to &#039;bread, freedom &amp;amp; social justice&#039;? -- France 24  Where Biden Should Be More Like Trump -- Brahma Chellaney, Proejct Syndicate  Can President Joe Biden return the US pivot to Asia? -- Wesley Rahn, DW  Why the US Hispanic conservative movement is surging ” even without Trump -- Salena Zito, NYPost  The next pandemic may be cyber ” How Biden administration can stop it -- Jamil Farshchi and Samantha F. Ravich, The Hill

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/commentaries-analysis-and-editorials_26.html

President Biden And Russian President Putin Hold Their First Telephone Conversation

Daily Mail: Biden calls Putin to press for release of poisoned opposition leader Navalny: President also warns he&#039;ll consider sanctions over Solar Wind cyberhack and bounties on U.S. troops  * President Joe Biden has phoned Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday   * Called to discuss renewing New START nuclear treaty   * Also raised &#039;concerns&#039; including 2020 election interference   * Brought up clampdown on peaceful protests and Navalny poisoning, plus invasion of Ukraine  * Bounties on U.S. soldiers and SolarWinds breach also discussed  President Joe Biden has phoned Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in office and raised a series of sensitive issues that stand between the U.S. and Russia.  Among the most pressing concerns he brought up were the Russian state clampdown on peaceful protesters following the return of opposition figure Alexei Navalny to Russia. Navalny is currently serving a 30-day prison sentence in Russia after leaving the country for medical care after being poisoned.  Read more ....  WNU Editor: Here is the Kremlin&#039;s reaction to today&#039;s Putin - Biden phone call .... Putin, Biden express satisfaction over agreement to extend New START ” Kremlin (TASS). More here .... Putin tells Biden in first phone talks that normalization of Russian-US relations would benefit everyone (RT), and here .... Putin in First Talk With Biden: Normalisation of US-Russian Ties in Interests of Both States (Sputnik).   More News On Today&#039;s Telephone Conversation Between President Biden And Russian President Putin  First Biden-Putin call shows both cautious on big concerns -- AP  Russia, U.S. extend arms pact, Kremlin says, as Biden, Putin talk -- Reuters  Biden confronts Putin over his critic&#039;s arrest, in a phone call the Kremlin describes as &#039;frank&#039; -- SKY News  Biden holds first phone call with Russia&#039;s Putin -- NBC  Biden confronts Putin over several issues in first call, White House says -- CNN  On first call with Putin, Biden raises election interference, bounties, Navalny poisoning -- Politico  Biden has first call as president with Putin, addresses nukes and election interference -- FOX News  Biden And Putin Confirm Last-Minute Push To Extend Key Nuclear Arms Control Deal After Call -- Warzone/The Drive  US, Russia making &#039;remarkable&#039; progress on extension of nuclear arms control treaty, diplomat says -- The Hill

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/president-biden-and-russian-president.html

Biden lays out plans to combat racism, says America is 'ready to change'

President Joe Biden on Tuesday issued a firm call to heal America&#039;s racial divide, taking several steps and promising more to confrontracism and inequality that he said has plagued the United States for far too long.

source https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20210127-biden-lays-out-plans-to-combat-racism-says-america-is-ready-to-change

100 jihadists killed in joint French-Malian offensive in central Mali, says army

A hundred jihadists were killed this month in a joint Franco-Malian offensive in the West African country&#039;s lawless centre, the Malian army said Tuesday.

source https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210127-100-jihadists-killed-in-joint-french-malian-offensive-in-central-mali-says-army

Live: Masks to remain mandatory in places of worship and on public transport as rules ease in NSW

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says face masks will still need be mandatory on public transport and in places of worship, beauty salons and gaming rooms, as well as for hospitality workers in public-facing roles. Follow live.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-27/coronavirus-australia-live-news-covid-19-latest-nsw-restrictions/13093246

Canadian gambling CEO resigns amid outrage over jumping COVID vaccine queue

Rod Baker and his wife have been charged after they allegedly travelled to a remove community in northern Canada, misled authorities and broke quarantine restrictions in order to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-27/canadian-gambling-ceo-rod-baker-resigns-covid-19-vaccine/13094314

'We already knew it was too late': Swimmers tell of frantic search for waterfall drowning victim

Swimmers at a popular waterfall at Maleny in Queensland recall the moment a family began a frantic search for a 40-year-old man who disappeared after jumping off rocks.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-27/maleny-drowning-at-gardners-falls/13094548

'It's important black stories are told by black people': Bringing an Indigenous perspective to Australia Day coverage

As the ABC planned television coverage of Australia Day events, the broadcaster&#039;s Indigenous staff were commissioned to produce a special TV program reflecting on the meaning of our national day from an Indigenous point of view.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/about/backstory/2021-01-27/abc-january-26-tv-program-indigenous-perspective-australia-day/13085716

Wuhan lab theory in coronavirus outbreak bolstered by declassified U.S. intelligence

U.S. intelligence findings recently declassified by the State Department provide fresh evidence for the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic likely began at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, China’s sole high-security laboratory that has links to the country’s military. The department, in a report made public this month by the outgoing ...

source https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jan/26/wuhan-lab-theory-coronavirus-outbreak-bolstered-de/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

Relative of virus victim asks to meet WHO experts in Wuhan

A relative of a coronavirus victim in China is demanding to meet a visiting World Health Organization expert team, saying it should speak with affected families who allege they are being muffled by the Chinese government

source https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/relative-of-virus-victim-asks-to-meet-who-experts-in-wuhan/2021/01/26/521849d0-6038-11eb-a177-7765f29a9524_story.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wp_world

Teenager dies and two left seriously injured after stabbing following 'dispute'

The fatal incident took place at about 9.20pm on Tuesday night, in an area of north Dublin, Ireland - one teenager has died and two others are said to be in a &quot;very bad condition&quot;

source https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/teenager-dies-two-left-seriously-23391346

Let down your hair: New Army rules for ponytails, nail color

Female soldiers can let their hair down and flash a little nail color under new rules being approved by the Army

source https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/let-down-your-hair-new-army-rules-for-ponytails-nail-color/2021/01/26/4d493504-601f-11eb-a177-7765f29a9524_story.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wp_world

Maduro’s ‘miracle’ treatment for COVID-19 draws skeptics

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro appears to be counting on yet another “miracle” to save his citizens from COVID-19

source https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/maduros-miracle-treatment-for-covid-19-draws-skeptics/2021/01/26/62fe8da4-6024-11eb-a177-7765f29a9524_story.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wp_world

LG Display reports stronger profit on iPhone demand, rising panel prices

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/lg-display-reports-strong-fourth-quarter-profit-iphone-demand-rising-panel-price

Top US Capitol security officials apologise for 'failings' in Jan 6 attack

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/top-us-capitol-security-officials-apologise-jan-6-attack

Portugal urged to seek international help as COVID-19 deaths hit record

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/portugal-urged-seek-international-help-covid-19-deaths-hit-record

US Senate confirms Biden nominee Blinken as secretary of state

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/us-senate-confirms-biden-nominee-blinken-secretary-state

Asian shares set for mixed opening, eyes on Fed, stimulus

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/asian-shares-set-mixed-opening-eyes-fed-stimulus

More than 150 charged over US Capitol rampage

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/more-150-charged-over-us-capitol-rampage

Nippon Express looking to sell Tokyo HQ building, could fetch over $965 million - Yomiuri

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/nippon-express-looking-sell-tokyo-hq-building-could-fetch-over-965-million-yomiuri

Global tally of Covid-19 cases surpasses 100 million as new strains emerge

More than 100 millionCovid-19 cases have now been recorded worldwide, according to an AFP tally on Tuesday, as newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden pledged to ramp up the United States&#039;s struggling vaccine program.

source https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20210127-global-tally-of-covid-19-cases-surpasses-100-million-as-new-strains-emerge

Lebanese lawyers seek to halt liquidation of UK-registered firm possibly linked to Beirut blast

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/lebanese-lawyers-seek-halt-liquidation-uk-registered-firm-possibly-linked-beirut-blast

Xbox surge and cloud computing deliver boost for Microsoft

A surge in demand for new Xbox consoles as well as further growth in cloud computing has helped Microsoft deliver better-than-expected results over the Christmas quarter.

source http://news.sky.com/story/xbox-surge-and-cloud-computing-deliver-boost-for-microsoft-12199919

Monday, 25 January 2021

Coronavirus: EU to tighten vaccine exports amid row with AstraZeneca

The EU says it is unacceptable that AstraZeneca is cutting the number of pledged vaccine doses.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-55805903

Covid-19: Five days that shaped the outbreak

Before Wuhan was locked down in January 2020 officials said the outbreak was under control - but the virus had spread inside and outside the city.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-55756452

Harvey Weinstein case: Court okays $17m payout for accusers

The money comes from the liquidation of a firm co-founded by the disgraced film director.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55791641

Bombshell video shows Trump article of impeachment delivery after Biden Inauguration snub

DONALD TRUMP&#039;s second impeachment trial has been formally triggered on Monday evening following the violent protests at Capitol Hill earlier this month.

source https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1388966/Donald-trump-article-of-impeachment-news-delivery-senate-video-joe-biden-latest-ont

Shyamala Gopalan: The woman who inspired Kamala Harris

The tale of her rise is rooted in an audacious journey Shyamala Gopalan made more than 60 years ago.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-55786214

Government Accountability Office Report on Close Air Support | Small Wars Journal

source https://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/government-accountability-office-report-close-air-support

SOF News: Special Operations News Update – Monday, January 25, 2021 | Small Wars Journal

source https://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/sof-news-special-operations-news-update-monday-january-25-2021

Young Australian of the Year fights period poverty and menstrual stigma with TABOO

Isobel Marshall was about to enter her final year of high school when she and her best friend came up with an idea to support women and girls at home and abroad.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-26/young-australian-of-the-year-isobel-marshall-on-period-poverty/13090472

Biden tells CNN Trump's impeachment trial 'has to happen'

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday offered his most extensive comments since taking office on former President Donald Trump&#039;s impeachment trial, telling CNN, &quot;I think it has to happen.&quot;

source https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/america-votes/biden-tells-cnn-trump-s-impeachment-trial-has-to-happen-1.5281879

U.S. President Biden Pledges To Vaccinate At Least 200m Americans In Five Months

The seven-day rolling average for daily vaccinations nationwide is currently at 1.2 million. More than 1 million COVID-19 vaccine shots have been handed out daily in US since Biden&#039;s inauguration Daily Mail: Biden makes bullish promise that everyone who &#039;wants a vaccine will have it in spring&#039;: President pledges to vaccinate at least 200m in five months and says &#039;we can be well on our way to herd immunity by summer&#039;   * President says he is confident of reaching 1.5 million doses a day &#039;within weeks&#039; and that country can be &#039;well on our way to herd immunity&#039; by summer   * But warns &#039;we will still be dealing with COVID in the fall&#039; and repeats warning of hitting 600,000 deaths   * The seven-day rolling average for daily vaccinations nationwide is currently at 1.2 million - putting 1.5 million apparently well within range   * So far the US has administered 22.4 million vaccine doses, which is 54 percent of the 41.4 million shots distributed to states by the federal government. Currently 6.8 percent of the population has been vaccinated   * It comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations fell to the lowest levels since mid-December and states reported a sharp drop in new cases and deaths   * On Sunday, there were 1,769 deaths and 130,485 new cases recorded. Just over 110,000 people were hospitalized with the virus  * To assist with the rollout, Google has just announced that it will offer up some of its US offices, car parks and open spaces as vaccination centers   * Google will add COVID-19 vaccine location information to both Maps and Search to help people find more information on where and when they can get a jab  Joe Biden said he believed that the U.S. will be able to offer vaccines to every American who wants one &#039;in spring,&#039; Monday, amid questions over how ambitious his rollout for the shots is.  He also increased his goal of 1 million vaccines a day to 1.5 million Monday, predicting his administration would reach that point &#039;soon&#039; - even though it had been surpassed already on the day he was inaugurated.  And the president also predicted that the U.S. would be &#039;well on our way&#039; to herd immunity by the summer, but warned that Americans will be dealing with the coronavirus pandemic into the fall.  Read more ....  Update #1: Biden more bullish on vaccines, open to 1.5M daily shot goal (AP)  Update #2: Biden says anyone who wants vaccine may be able to get it by spring (The Hill)  WNU Editor: The Biden White House kinda screwed up last week with this announcement, so they had to present a different and bolder goal .... President Biden Promises &#039;Wartime Effort&#039; To Beat Covid But His Target Plan Is Only 10 Per Cent More Than What President Trump Had Already Achieved (January 21, 2021).  But today&#039;s announcement of 1.5 million doses a day is also not a surprise. The vaccine makers are already ramping up production, with projections made only a month ago from the industry itself that 200 million Americans will be vaccinated by May 31 ....   .... Bernstein analysts said they expect 200 million Americans to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus by May 31, and that the people remaining at that point will either have refused the vaccine or found themselves ineligible (2021 forecast: COVID-19 vaccine rollouts: What&#039;s next for Pfizer and Moderna&#039;s mRNA shots, and which vaccines might come next? (Fierce Pharma)).

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/us-president-biden-pledges-to-vaccinate.html

Netherlands rocked by third night of rioting over COVID curfew

Police say at least 70 arrested after unrest and looting in towns and cities across the country.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/26/netherlands-rocked-by-second-night-of-protests-over-curfew

China should stop setting annual GDP targets, central bank adviser says

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/china-should-stop-setting-annual-gdp-targets-central-bank-adviser-says

Article of impeachment against Trump formally delivered to US Senate

The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday delivered to the Senate a charge accusing former President Donald Trump with inciting insurrection in a speech to his supporters before the deadly attack on the Capitol, setting in motion his secondimpeachment trial.

source https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210126-article-of-impeachment-against-trump-formally-delivered-to-us-senate

'Remember the sacrifices': Nation urged to reflect, unite on Australia Day

Australia Day has kicked off with ceremonies in Sydney and Canberra, with speakers urging the nation to reflect on its past while looking to the future.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-26/australia-day-ceremonies-sydney-canberra-urge-reflection/13089624

Live: 14 close contacts of New Zealand's new COVID-19 case test negative

More than a dozen close contacts of New Zealand&#039;s first community COVID-19 transmission in two months have all returned negative results. Follow live.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-26/coronavirus-australia-live-news-covid-19-new-zealand-contacts/13090456

Denmark offers mink farmers up to $4 billion compensation after nationwide cull

Denmark&#039;s mink farmers are to be compensated after the country&#039;s entire herd of about 17 million mink were slaughtered in November amid fears the animals were passing a mutated strain of the coronavirus back to people.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-26/denmark-compensate-mink-farmers-$4-billion-covid-19-cull/13091590

'Hear me now': Australian of the Year Grace Tame's powerful speech in full

After surviving child sexual abuse, 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame has been campaigning to have her voice heard. Here&#039;s her acceptance speech in full.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-26/grace-tame-australian-of-the-year-speech-in-full/13091710

Australia must stick by Test captain Tim Paine, says Greg Chappell

Former selector Greg Chappell says Tim Paine is still the best wicketkeeper in the country and to remove him as captain would be a big mistake.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-26/australia-must-stick-by-tim-paine-greg-chappell/13091820

EU threatens to impose export controls on Covid vaccines

UK government confident measures will not affect supply of Pfizer jabs

source https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/covid-vaccine-eu-export-pfizer-astrazeneca-b1792570.html

Trump's impeachment charge has been ceremoniously marched into the Senate. Here's what happens next

A procession bringing the impeachment article into the Senate Chamber has kicked off proceedings. It&#039;s just the first event in what could be a colourful few weeks.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-26/donald-trump-impeachment-trial-how-it-will-unfold/13089878

AstraZeneca denies reports vaccine efficacy is 'less than 10 per cent' in elderly

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca calls claims its COVID-19 vaccine is not very effective for the elderly &quot;completely incorrect&quot;, after German media report the vaccine has an efficacy of less than 10 per cent in people over 65.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-26/astrazeneca-denies-report-vaccine-less-effective-in-elderly/13091806

US House delivers Trump impeachment article to Senate

Move formally sets in motion trial against Donald Trump, accused of &#039;incitement of insurrection&#039; for Capitol riot.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/26/us-house-presents-trump-impeachment-article-to-senate

Volunteer who established air tanker base in Victoria, Australia earns prestigious award

The base is staffed completely by volunteers The post Volunteer who established air tanker base in Victoria, Australia earns prestigious award appeared first on Fire Aviation.

source https://fireaviation.com/2021/01/25/volunteer-who-established-air-tanker-base-in-victoria-australia-earns-prestigious-award/

Sunday, 24 January 2021

Biden reinstates US COVID travel restrictions, adds South Africa

New US president takes tougher approach to COVID-19 with more than 25 million Americans now confirmed with virus.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/25/biden-to-tighten-us-covid-related-travel-restrictions

Heatwave sweeps Australian cities and raises bushfire danger

A bushfire casts smoke over Adelaide as other parts of Australia face their worst fire risk in a year.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-55791319

Poll: 48% Of Likely U.S. Voters Approve of President Biden’s Job Performance On His First Day

Rasmussen Reports: Daily Presidential Tracking Poll The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll, Sponsored by SLANTED from Sharyl Attkisson, for Friday shows that 48% of Likely U.S. Voters approve of President Bidens job performance. Forty-five percent (45%) disapprove.  The latest figures include 36% who Strongly Approve of the job Biden is doing and 38% who Strongly Disapprove. This gives him a Presidential Approval Index rating of -2.  Read more ....  WNU Editor: President Obama had a 67% approval rating on his first day in office. President Trump had a 56% approval rating on his first day.

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/poll-48-of-likely-us-voters-approve-of.html

Is China Risking A Himalayan Water War With India?

Asia Times: China risks a Himalayan water war with India Chinas plan to dam the Yarlung Zangbao, the worlds highest river, threatens to spark conflict with downstream India China-India tensions in the Himalayas is shifting from confrontation and saber-rattling over contested border territory to a potentially more destabilizing conflict over water flows from the worlds highest mountain range.  The heart of the issue is Chinas plan to construct a mega-dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which flows through Tibet and eventually becomes the Brahmaputra when it enters India.  Precise technical details are lacking, but regional media reports indicate it will likely dwarf the massive Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River and generate three times as much electricity for distribution in China.  Read more ....  WNU Editor: China will go forward with this project. The benefits to China are enormous. The question that remains unanswered is what will India do? My prediction. Nothing. They are not in a position to confront China, either politically, economically, or via through military actions.

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/is-china-risking-himalayan-water-war.html

Miners rescued: Is China's mining industry becoming safer?

Eleven workers trapped inside a Chinese gold mine were brought safely to the surface on Sunday. A landmark achievement but questions linger about mine safety.

source https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2021/0124/Miners-rescued-Is-China-s-mining-industry-becoming-safer?icid=rss

China's daily Covid-19 cases rise, driven by previously asymptomatic patients

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/chinas-daily-covid-19-cases-rise-driven-previously-asymptomatic-patients

Heatwave weather continues across south-eastern Australia

Emergency officials are on alert for potential fires across Victoria, while strong winds are forecast in coastal New South Wales.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/hot-weather-fire-warnings-across-nsw-victoria-tas-sa/13087100

Eastern Freeway closed after truck carrying toilet paper bursts into flames

A large truck fire shuts all lanes on Melbourne&#039;s Eastern Freeway at Doncaster and prompts a smoke warning for surrounding suburbs.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/eastern-freeway-lanes-closed-by-melbourne-truck-fire/13088522

Mexican President López Obrador tests positive for COVID-19

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador says he has tested positive for COVID-19, but his symptoms are mild and that he is &quot;optimistic&quot;.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/mexican-president-amlo-tests-positive-for-covid-19/13088658

New Zealand's new COVID-19 community case likely caught it from another returned traveller

New Zealand authorities confirm a woman who tested positive for COVID-19 while in the community likely contracted it from another returned traveller on the same floor of her quarantine hotel.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/new-zealand-covid19-community-transmission-auckland/13088496

Adelaide Hills residents tell of 'roaring firestorm' that threatened their lives and homes

As residents in the area of the Cherry Gardens bushfire begin to count the cost of the blaze, one local describes how her family was forced to take refuge in a cellar amid the &quot;firestorm&quot;.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/adelaide-hills-residents-survive-cherry-gardens-bushfire/13088094

Global Supply Chains Are Still Overwhelmed Because Of The Pandemic

The cost of shipping a container of goods has risen by 80 percent since early November. (Nathan Laine/Bloomberg News) Washington Post: Pandemic aftershocks overwhelm global supply lines  One year after the coronavirus pandemic first disrupted global supply chains by closing Chinese factories, fresh shipping headaches are delaying U.S. farm exports, crimping domestic manufacturing and threatening higher prices for American consumers.  The cost of shipping a container of goods has risen by 80 percent since early November and has nearly tripled over the past year, according to the Freightos Baltic Index.  The increase reflects dramatic shifts in consumption during the pandemic, as consumers redirect money they once spent at restaurants or movie theaters to the purchase of record amounts of imported clothing, computers, furniture and other goods.   That abrupt and unprecedented spending shift has upended long-standing trade patterns, causing bottlenecks from the gates of Chinese factories to the doorsteps of U.S. homes.  Read more ....  WNU Editor: This impact on global supply chains makes sense. No one is travelling, going to shows, or restaurants. So why not spend it on consumer goods.

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/global-supply-chains-are-still.html

President Biden Caught On Hot Mic Saying He Does Not Know What He Is Signing, But Signs It anyway

National File: HOT MIC: Biden Says I Don&#039;t Know What I&#039;m Signing, Signs Executive Order Anyway   In the video an unidentified person told him to sign it anyway&quot;, so he did.  Joe Biden said I dont know what Im signing on camera as he proceeded to sign an unknown executive order.  In the video posted to BitChute, an unidentified person told him to sign it anyways.  This comes amid nationwide concerns over Bidens apparent cognitive decline.  The video shows Biden, without a note of humor, say that he has no idea what executive order he is signing. Another person then gestures toward Bidens left hand.  Read more ....  WNU Editor: I have a very bad feeling about this. If I am seeing this, so are certain people in Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, etc..

source http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2021/01/president-biden-caught-on-hot-mic.html

Do offsets and biobanking protect biodiversity?

Biodiversity offsets have become a widely-accepted way to attempt to compensate for the destruction of habitat in large scale developments, but do they work?

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/do-offsets-and-biobanking-protect-diversity/13085628

ASX follows Nasdaq's record high, ahead of inflation data and Australia Day

The local share market kicks off its shortened trading week, ahead of Australia Day, with slight gains.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/asx-rise-wall-street-nasdaq-inflation-cpi/13088046

Same emperor, just new clothes: Tom Brady leads Tampa Bay to Super Bowl LV

Veteran quarterback Tom Brady leads Tampa Bay to a home Super Bowl in his first season thanks to a vintage performance against Green Bay.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/nfl-tampa-bay-buccaneers-packers-tom-brady/13088044

Sydney Airport screening enhanced after NZ COVID scare, as NSW records eighth 'donut day'

For an eighth consecutive day, zero locally acquired coronavirus infections are found in NSW — but authorities tighten screening protocols at Sydney Airport after a new case is identified in Auckland.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/nsw-records-eighth-consecutive-day-of-zero-coronavirus-cases/13087956

The Pfizer vaccine has been approved. So what happens next?

Australia has approved its first COVID-19 vaccine for use — and it couldn&#039;t come soon enough. Here&#039;s what you need to know about the process.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/pfizer-vaccine-approved-in-australia-what-happens-next/13088184

WA's heading to the polls, so tell us what matters to you this election

WA goes to the polls on March 13 and we&#039;re keen to find out what you want to know before you mark your ballot. We&#039;ll pick your best questions and get our journalists to investigate.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/wa-election-2021-wa-votes-you-ask-we-answer-before-polling-day/13070166

China was largest recipient of FDI in 2020 - Report

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/china-was-largest-recipient-fdi-2020-report

Dutch police detain 240 nationwide as anti-lockdown protests turn violent

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/dutch-police-detain-240-nationwide-anti-lockdown-protests-turn-violent

Taiwan to put 5,000 into quarantine over hospital Covid-19 cluster

source https://www.todayonline.com/world/taiwan-5000-quarantine-hospital-covid-19-cluster

Egypt's dreams of democracy still alive?

It&#039;s been 10 years since Egyptians took to the streets to unseat their longest-serving President, Hosni Mubarak.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-55771736

Saturday, 23 January 2021

Sri Lanka's health minister who drank 'magic potion' to fight COVID-19 tests positive

Pavithra Wanniarachchi, who promoted an unscientific &#039;COVID syrup&#039; as a life-long inoculation against the virus, tests positive for coronavirus.

source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-24/sri-lankas-health-minister-tests-positive-for-covid-19/13086862

Netanyahu to dispatch Mossad chief to meet Biden & outline Israel’s demands for Iran nuclear deal overhaul – reports

Mossad chief Yossi Cohen may become the first top Israeli official to meet new US president Joe Biden amid concerns in Tel Aviv that his administration is set to revive the Obama-era international nuclear pact with Iran. The head of Israeli secret service and one of PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s most trusted allies, Cohen, is heading to Washington sometime next month to brief the Biden administration on a set of terms regarding any potential nucleardeal with Tehran, Channel 12 reported on Saturday, citing communications between Israel and the new US administration. Cohen is also expected to meet with the CIA chief and once again present an intelligence assessment of Irans nuclear program, which according to Israelis is secretly aimed at obtaining nukes. Cohen&#039;s team is reportedly set to demand a radical overhaul of the agreement, with far more strict from Tehran, including a full halt of uranium enrichment and production of advanced centrifuges. On top of that, Israel wants Iran to stop supporting terror groups and end its military presence in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Also on rt.com Trumps political life has ended, but the nuclear deal is still alive: Rouhani says &#039;ball in US court&#039; over JCPOA Irans president this week reiterated his countrys willingness to return to the terms of deal, but said its up to the Biden administration to make the necessary concessions. Cohen&#039;s team is reportedly set to demand a radical overhaul of the agreement, with far more strict commitments from Tehran. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed between Iran and the six major global powers in 2015 and put constraints on Tehrans nuclear ambitions. Israel lobbied the Obama administration hard against joining the JCPOA, and once Donald Trump took office, continued this effort, this time succeeding in getting Trump to withdraw and reintroduce crippling sanctions against Iran. Also on rt.com Mossad at work? Twitter explodes with speculation of US &amp;amp; Israeli involvement after killing of top Iranian scientist Since then, amid ever-escalating tensions with the US while criticizing other JCPOA signatories for their failure to bring Washington to its senses, Tehran chose to gradually renege on their side of the deal too. In January, Iran began enriching uranium to 20 percent, drifting further away from the parameters of the deal. While higher than the 3.67 percent level agreed in the 2015 pact, the new figure is still below the 90 percent level that is considered weapons-grade. Iran has also issued a symbolic ultimatum, with an Iranian spokesperson stating that the Biden administration will have one month, until February 21 to reverse sanctions. The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is tasked with monitoring Irans compliance, warned that time is running out with only weeks left to save JCPOA. Also on rt.com Only weeks left to save Iran nuclear deal, says IAEA chief Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!

source https://www.rt.com/news/513453-netanyahu-mossad-biden-iran/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS