Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy paper Apple Daily has announced its closure, in a blow to media freedom in the city. The publication’s offices were raided last week over allegations that several reports had breached a controversial national security law. Company-linked assets worth HK$18m ($2.3m; £1.64m) were later frozen. Police also detained its chief editor and […]
By Shruti Menon BBC Reality Check Reality Check India has launched a new vaccine policy which will see the federal government buying Covid-19 jabs from manufacturers and supplying to states. India is one of the largest vaccine makers in the world but its own vaccination drive has been moving at a slow pace. It has […]
In 2016 North Korean hackers planned a $1bn raid on Bangladesh’s national bank and came within an inch of success – it was only by a fluke that all but $81m of the transfers were halted, report Geoff White and Jean H Lee. But how did one of the world’s poorest and most isolated countries […]
Hong Kong anti-government protests Hong Kong pro-democracy paper Apple Daily has said its board will decide whether or not to close the publication at a meeting on Friday. This comes days after officials froze HK$18m ($2.3m; £1.64m) of its assets over allegations that its reports breached a national security law. Police also detained its chief […]
Up to 10,000 Japanese fans will be permitted at Tokyo 2020 Olympic venues, despite warnings from health bosses. Overseas spectators are already banned but organisers said domestic fans could attend providing crowds did not exceed 50% of a venue’s capacity. Fans will not be allowed to shout or speak loudly, and must wear face masks […]
UN calls for end of arms sales to Myanmar The UN has issued a rare call to halt to arms sales to Myanmar in response to this year’s violent military coup. The General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the military junta, which overthrew the country’s elected government in February. The UN also called for […]
One of India’s greatest athletes, Milkha Singh, has died from Covid-related complications, aged 91. Popularly known as “the Flying Sikh”, Singh won four Asian gold medals and finished fourth in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome Olympics. In 2013, his story was turned into the Bollywood film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – Run Milkha Run. […]
By Geeta Pandey BBC News, Delhi The Indian archipelago of Lakshadweep is in ferment. The collection of 36 islands – of which only 10 are inhabited – lies about 200 miles off the south-western coast of India in the Arabian Sea and depends on the southern state of Kerala for all its supplies. Famous for […]
Coronavirus pandemic Having no spectators at the Tokyo Olympics is the “least risky” option, Japanese medical experts have said. In a report, they warned there was “a risk the movement of people” would spread Covid infections and “strain the [country’s] medical system”. But other Japanese officials have indicated they want domestic fans to attend […]
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said his country needs to prepare for both “dialogue and confrontation” with the US, and “especially to get fully prepared for confrontation”. This marks the first time Mr Kim has directly commented on President Joe Biden’s administration. North Korea had earlier snubbed efforts by the new US government to establish diplomatic […]
