WORLD
BA.2 dominant around globe, behind Covid surges in Asia, Europe: WHO
Even as countries are increasingly lowering their guard on Covid norms, the BA.2 sub-variant also referred to as "stealth" Omicron, has emerged as the dominant strain around the world, the World Health Organisation has said. The WHO reported that the BA.2 is driving a fresh surge of coronavirus cases in many countries including the UK, the US, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, among others.
North Korea claims successful ICBM launch
Making an on-site inspection of the test, Kim stressed his country would be "fully ready for long-standing confrontation with the US imperialists", Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA report as saying. Thursday's missile launch was tracked by militaries in Japan and South Korea - Japanese officials said it flew to an altitude of 6,000 km, and fell in Japanese waters after flying for more than an hour, the BBC reported.
Russia announces completion of 1st stage of military operation in Ukraine
The main tasks of the first stage of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine have been completed in general, the Russian military has said. "The combat potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been significantly reduced," said Sergei Rudskoy, first Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, on Friday. "Our forces and means will concentrate on the main thing -- the complete liberation of Donbas," he added.
Biden supports Russia's exclusion from G20
US President Joe Biden has said he was in favour of Russia being excluded from the Group of 20 (G20). If Russia is not excluded, at least Ukraine should also be invited to the G20 group as an observer, Biden added at a press conference at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) headquarters in Brussels
Ukrainian forces have dealt powerful blows to enemy: Zelensky
In a video address posted on Facebook early Saturday morning, the President said: "Over the past week, our heroic Armed Forces have dealt powerful blows to the enemy, significant losses." Zelenksy also made a reference to the reported disappearance of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who was last seen in public on March 11.
Official YouTube channel of Pakistan Prime Minister renamed 'Imran Khan'
With the National Assembly set to vote on a no-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the YouTube channel of the PM's office has been renamed to "Imran Khan", Geo News reported. The name change is an eyebrow-raising move as the Opposition has submitted a no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan in Parliament. The motion was submitted on March 8 after the PPP's long march arrived in Islamabad.
My govt performed better than all previous ones in last 50 years: Imran
"Look at our economy, our tax collection, we have collected the highest amount of taxes in this period, we have the highest yield of crop in the country's history, we have also taken care of the farmers and have given them the correct price which had never been paid [by any previous governments]," the premier said while addressing an impressive public gathering in Khyber-Pakhtunkwa's Mansehra district.
China eyes space mission to Venus
China is considering adding a mission to Venus to its plans for planetary exploration, according to a senior Chinese space official. In a recent space white paper, China had listed its interest in missions to Mars and Jupiter. According to Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China's lunar exploration programme, China is also considering adding Venus to its targets for exploration, Space.com reported.
SpaceX raises prices for rocket launches, Starlink satellite internet
Elon Musk's SpaceX just raised prices for its launch and Starlink internet services because of rising inflation. According to Space News, the company advised customers of its Starlink service March 22 of a price increase for both the service itself as well as the terminal. "The sole purpose of these adjustments is to keep pace with rising inflation," the firm wrote in an email to existing customers.
China doesn't want unipolar Asia, respects India's role in region: Wang Yi
China does not want unipolar Asia and respects India's traditional role in the region, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during their meeting in Delhi, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Wang conveyed to Doval that China is open to 'plus one' projects in South Asia, and both countries should cooperate multilaterally, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated.
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