World News in Brief: January 15
The Philippines has finalised a deal to acquire a shore-based anti-ship missile system from India for nearly 375 million USD to beef up its navy, the Southeast Asian nation's defence minister said.
Philippines confirms community transmission of Omicron, cases hit record
The Philippine health ministry confirmed the local spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant around Manila on Saturday, as infections hit a record high for a third straight day.
COVID still a serious threat, warn German health officials
German health officials warned on Friday the coronavirus remained a serious threat as the Omicron variant is set to completely replace Delta in the coming days in a nation whose vaccination rates lag much of western Europe.
Australia records highest temperature in 62 years
Australian authorities warned people to stay indoors on Friday as a severe heatwave along the northwestern coast pushed temperatures to a blistering 50.7 degrees Celsius (123 degrees Fahrenheit), hitting a high last seen 62 years ago.
Malaysia to set up four more international gateways in 2022
NDO/VNA – Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Hamzah Zainudin announced on January 13 that his country will establish four more international gateways in Sarawak, Johor and Terengganu in 2022.
WHO recommends Eli Lilly, GSK-Vir's drugs, widening COVID-19 treatment pool
A World Health Organization (WHO) panel recommended use of two drugs by Eli Lilly, and GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology for COVID-19 patients, adding treatment options as the fast-spreading Omicron variant renders many ineffective.
Japan, Thailand launch new energy initiative to promote decarbonisation
NDO/VNA - Japan and Thailand on January 13 agreed to launch a new energy policy dialogue and implement joint projects to promote decarbonisation, as the two countries aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
UN Special Envoy pledges to coordinate with ASEAN Chair to seek solution to Myanmar issue
NDO/VNA – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen held an online talks with Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General for Myanmar Noeleen Hayzer on January 13, reported the Cambodian news agency AKP.
Mekong River's water flows at record low for third year in a row
NDO/VNA – The Secretariat of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) has called on the six countries along the Mekong to urgently solve the problems of low flows in the region, abnormal changes in water levels, and drought in the context of record low flows in the lower Mekong River basin for the third
RoK to deploy Pfizer COVID-19 pills as Omicron wave looms
The Republic of Korea will begin treating coronavirus patients with Pfizer's antiviral pills on Friday, health officials said, as concern mounts over the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant.
Indonesia relaxes export ban to allow 37 coal vessels to depart
Indonesia, the world's biggest thermal coal exporter, has allowed 37 loaded coal vessels to depart after they secured approvals from authorities, the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs said on Thursday.
Taliban increase payment in wheat as economic crisis deepens
The Taliban administration said on Tuesday it was expanding its 'food for work' program, in which it uses donated wheat to pay thousands of public sector employees instead of cash as a financial crisis intensifies.