Ahead of election, Macron banks on rosy French economy, new jobs
President Emmanuel Macron will on Monday tout 21 new foreign investment projects in France and a booming economy as proof his economic reforms have been bearing fruit less than three months before a presidential election in which he is expected to run.
New COVID-19 cases in Philippines reach all-time high
NDO/VNA – The Philippine Health Ministry reported on January 15 that the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is spreading in the community in the capital city of Manila, amid a record spike of new COVID-19 cases on third consecutive day.
Volcano eruption triggers evacuation orders, metre-high waves in Japan
Hundreds of thousands of Japanese citizens were advised to evacuate on Sunday as waves of more than a metre hit coastal areas, public broadcaster NHK reported, after the eruption of an underwater volcano off Tonga triggered tsunami warnings.
England opens COVID booster jab programme to 16- and 17-year olds
England's health service said it will expand its COVID-19 booster vaccination programme to include 16- and 17-year-olds from Monday.
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.
