China Reports 109 New COVID-19 Cases As Infections Persist In Northeast
BEIJING: China reported more than 100 new COVID-19 cases for the sixth consecutive day, with rising infections in the northeast fuelling concerns of another national wave ahead of a major holiday season.The National Health Commission said in a statement on Monday that a total of 109 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Jan. 17, unchanged…
Blocked From Social Media, US Extremists Discuss Turning to Radios to Plan Attacks
The US government is warning that groups could rely on radio equipment as an alternative to social media to plan future criminal activities.In a stark warning Sunday, the Federal Communications Commission's enforcement bureau said people coordinating or conducting criminal activity over radio waves are breaking the law."The Bureau has become aware of discussions on social…
China’s GDP Grew 2.3% in 2020, Slowest in More Than 4 Decades: Report
China's economy grew at the slowest pace in more than four decades last year despite a rebound after the country's coronavirus outbreak, official data showed Monday.The 2.3 percent expansion is the lowest figure since the Chinese economy embarked on major reforms in the 1970s.The National Bureau of Statistics warned of a "grave and complex environment…
Oil Drops 1% As Rising Coronavirus Cases End Supply-led Rally
TOKYO: Oil prices fell on Monday, extending losses that last week ended a rally driven by production cuts and strong Chinese demand, with the market’s recovery outlook being called into question as coronavirus infections rise.Brent crude fell 45 cents, or nearly 1%, to $54.65 a barrel by 0207 GMT, after dropping 2.3% on Friday. U.S.…
FBI Vetting Guard Troops In DC Amid Fears Of Insider Attack
WASHINGTON: U.S. defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, prompting the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event.The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have gripped Washington following…
Argentina Quake Of Magnitude 6.8 Shakes Homes, Buildings; No Injuries Reported
An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck west-central Argentina on Monday, followed by at least five aftershocks that shook buildings and sent products tumbling off supermarket shelves, but there were no immediate reports of injuries. The quake hit at a depth of 10 km (6 miles), the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said, with its…
Private Donations Pour in for Joe Biden’s Inauguration: What You Need To Know
President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration is set to take place early on Thursday amid strict Covid-19 protocols. Unlike previous inaugurations that have drawn massive crowds to the White House, this is going to be a smaller affair, which will mostly be online.Given the risks from the pandemic, and a potential threat in light of the recent…
Philippine Protest Over Permission For Security Forces To Enter University
MANILA: Philippine students and activists protested on Tuesday against a government decision to allow security forces to patrol the campuses of the country’s biggest university after authorities accused it of being a breeding ground for communist rebels.President Rodrigo Duterte’s government has stepped up efforts to end a Maoist-led rebellion, one of the world’s longest insurgencies…