Putin touts vaccine as effective and safe
Moscow: The Russian President on Thursday praised a coronavirus vaccine that Russia approved for use earlier this month as effective and safe, a clear bid to address international skepticism about the shots that have only been studied for two months in a few dozen people. In an interview with the state Rossia 24 TV channel released Thursday, President Vladimir Putin insisted that the world’s first vaccine against coronavirus to receive a Government go-ahead was approved “in strict accordance with Russian laws” that are in line with “international practice and regulations.”
Europe back to school despite virus surge
Paris: A mother and her three children scanned the school supplies in a Paris supermarket, plucking out multicolored fountain pens, crisp notebooks – and plenty of masks. Despite resurgent coronavirus infections, similar scenes are unfolding across Europe as a new school year dawns.
China intercepts boat with activists
Hong Kong: Chinese authorities have arrested at least 10 people, including a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, after its coast guard intercepted a speedboat believed to be heading to Taiwan, media reports said on Thursday. The reports, citing unnamed sources, said activist Andy Li was among those detained. Li had been arrested earlier this month with nine others on charges of collusion with foreign forces under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing and was out on bail.
NZ mosque shooter sentenced to life
Christchurch: The white supremacist who slaughtered 51 worshippers at two New Zealand mosques was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the first time the maximum available sentence has been imposed.
Typhoon fury on Korean peninsula
Seoul: A typhoon damaged homes and other buildings, flooded roads and toppled utility poles on Thursday on the Korean Peninsula before weakening to a tropical storm. South Korean authorities said no casualties have been reported, and North Korean state media did not mention any deaths or injuries. The storm by afternoon was heading into China after passing near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, South Korea’s weather agency said.
Dog costs officials more than $7,000
Liberty: A curious dog got hold of a fiber optic cable that ran between county buildings in Mississippi, chewing it to pieces and costing county officials 7,000 dollars in an attempt to get it fixed.