Ski resorts in northern Italy reopen amid COVID-19 worries
Ski resorts in northern Italy are reopening for the winter season after prolonged shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, although a recent rise in infections is spreading worries over possible new restrictions.
World News in Brief: November 20
The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan will meet in Brussels in mid-December to discuss tensions that have led to border clashes with several troops, the European Union said on Friday.
Singapore relaxes tight COVID-19 social curbs from Monday
Singapore's government is easing some of the tight social curbs it imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19, after infections stabilised in the city-state over the past month.
World News in Brief: November 19
Japan's government on Friday unveiled a fresh stimulus package with spending worth 55.7 trillion yen (487 billion USD) that it said would boost gross domestic product (GDP) by around 5.6%.
Laos approves pilot production of molnupiravir pills for COVID-19 treatment
NDO/VNA - The Ministry of Health of Laos has given approval to the State Enterprise Pharmaceutical Factory No. 3 to produce molnupiravir pills to serve treatment of COVID-19.
Vietnam calls for comprehensive political solution to situation in Afghanistan
NDO/VNA - Counsellor Phan Ho The Nam, political coordinator of the Vietnam Permanent Mission to the UN, has highlighted the importance of dialogue to seek a comprehensive political solution to the situation in Afghanistan.
ASEAN members, experts discuss maritime matters at forums
NDO/VNA - The 11th ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) took place virtually from November 16-17 under the chair of Brunei, the ASEAN Chair in 2021.
Thousands of ROK students take gruelling college exam in pandemic's shadow
More than half a million Republic of Korea (ROK) students sat for the annual national college entrance exams on Thursday, pandemic rules adding stress to the eight-hour event seen as life-defining in Asia's fourth-largest economy.
Cambodia issues new entry regulations for visitors
NDO/VNA – The Cambodian Ministry of Health on November 17 issued a decision on the facilitation of travel conditions and the implementation of health measures for travellers entering the nation.
Thailand to reopen entertainment venues on January 16 next year
NDO/VNA – The Thai Cabinet on November 16 approved the reopening date for entertainment venues, pubs, bars and karaoke joints across Thailand on January 16, 2022, said its deputy spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek.
ASEAN, Canada agree to launch bilateral FTA negotiations
NDO/VNA – ASEAN member countries and Canada have agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) during the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) – Canada Consultation which was held virtually on November 17.
Impetus created to promote the plan on rebuilding America
NDO – US President Joe Biden has signed into law an infrastructure plan worth 1.2 trillion USD after the Congress had passed it. The largest spending package in the US' history is expected to be a “nudge” to promote the plan on “rebuilding America”.