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,…

USA: Donald Trump’s wealth takes tumble during presidency

Donald Trump’s net worth dropped by about $700m to $2.3bn (£1.65bn) during his time as president, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Covid-19 pandemic hit his fortunes hard, with…

China: Tycoon abruptly quits tech giant he founded

Colin Huang is China’s seventh richest person and is worth more than $50bn from his stake in the online firm. The founder of high-flying Chinese e-commerce group Pinduoduo has stepped…

USA: Burnt-out Goldman Sachs bankers ask for 80-hour week cap

First-year bankers at investment bank Goldman Sachs have warned that they might quit unless their gruelling working conditions improve. An internal survey among 13 employees showed they averaged 95 hours…