COVID-19
Fresh Covid outbreaks put millions under lockdown in China
The fresh cases and the official response to them have deepened fears that China may be set to return to the kinds of strict restrictions seen earlier this year, when Beijing's hardline zero-Covid policy saw tens of millions locked down for weeks on end. Officials launched a new round of mass testing in Shanghai, closing karaoke bars Wednesday after some infections were linked to six such venues.
Fresh Covid outbreaks put millions under lockdown in China
The fresh cases and the official response to them have deepened fears that China may be set to return to the kinds of strict restrictions seen earlier this year, when Beijing's hardline zero-Covid policy saw tens of millions locked down for weeks on end. Officials launched a new round of mass testing in Shanghai, closing karaoke bars Wednesday after some infections were linked to six such venues.
Overseas haj pilgrims rejoice after 2-year Covid absence
One of the five pillars of Islam, the haj must be undertaken by all able-bodied Muslims who have the means at least once in their lives. But pandemic restrictions forced countless would-be pilgrims based outside Saudi Arabia to put their plans on hold.
'Deep longing': After blockade, Qataris end long wait for haj
Qataris have been unable to take part in the pilgrimage to Islam's holiest city of Mecca since 2017, when Saudi Arabia led a diplomatic, trade and transport shut-out of their small, wealthy Gulf archipelago. When the blockade was finally lifted in January last year, the coronavirus pandemic ruled overseas visitors out of the annual event, one of the five pillars of Islam.
If UK PM Boris Johnson is ousted, could Rishi Sunak replace him?
Rishi Sunak was praised for a rescue package for the economy during the coronavirus pandemic, including a jobs retention programme. But he has faced criticism for not giving enough cost-of-living support to households, his wealthy wife's non-domiciled tax status and a fine he received, along with Johnson, for breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules.
Is North Korea hiding a bigger problem behind its Covid-19 outbreak?
Choi Jung-hun smiled as I read out the latest official Covid-19 figures from North Korean state media: fewer than 5 million cases of "fever" and just 73 fatalities -- a fraction of the death toll of every other country in the world.
Is North Korea hiding a bigger problem behind its Covid-19 outbreak?
Choi Jung-hun smiled as I read out the latest official Covid-19 figures from North Korean state media: fewer than 5 million cases of "fever" and just 73 fatalities -- a fraction of the death toll of every other country in the world.
Pakistan issues fresh Covid guidelines for Eid ul Azha as cases rise
Covid cases witnessed a spike in Pakistan from mid of June, with officials fearing that the infections would spread further due to shopping and the celebrations leading up to Eid ul Azha to be observed on Sunday, the Geo News reported.
