USA: Former astronaut and senator nominated as Nasa chief

Bill Nelson, a US senator and one-time astronaut, has been nominated to be the next head of Nasa. The 78-year-old is seen as a moderate Democrat, and his nomination by…

Turkey: Pulls out of Istanbul Domestic violence convention

Turkey has abandoned an international accord designed to protect women, despite objections from campaigners. It signed the Council of Europe’s convention 10 years ago at its launch in the Turkish…

Pakistan: PM Imran Khan tests positive for Covid-19:

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has tested positive for Covid-19, the country’s health minister has said. The 68-year-old is “self-isolating at home”, the minister, Faisal Sultan, tweeted. Mr Khan, a…

France and Poland: Increase lockdown measures as infections surge

France and Poland have reintroduced partial lockdowns as both countries battle a sharp rise in Covid infections in recent weeks. Some 21 million people in 16 areas of France, including…

Japan: No international fans at Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics

No international fans will be permitted at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Japanese authorities told the Olympic and Paralympic…

Alaska: US and China trade angry words at high-level Alaska talks

  US and Chinese officials have exchanged sharp rebukes in the first high-level talks between the Biden administration and China, taking place in Alaska. Chinese officials accused the US of…

Mar-a-Lago: ‘Covid outbreak’ at Trump’s Florida residence

Donald Trump’s main residence, Mar-a-Lago, has been partially closed after some staff members tested positive for Covid-19, US media report. The Florida resort has served as the former president’s official…

UK: Labour seeks probe over Cameron Greensill lobbying

Labour has called for an investigation following reports former Prime Minister David Cameron met Treasury officials to lobby for Greensill Capital. The Financial Times reports that Mr Cameron, an adviser…

USA: Biden condemns anti-Asian racism

President Joe Biden has urged Americans to speak up against hate, warning that “our silence is complicity” in the face of racist acts. Mr Biden made the remarks in Georgia…

Asia: China and Taiwan face off in pineapple war

It could be the world’s most heated dispute over pineapple, even eclipsing the interminable debate about whether or not it belongs on pizza. Last month, China banned Taiwanese pineapple imports,…