Tens of thousands of civilians are still missing after being detained arbitrarily during 10 years of civil war in Syria, UN investigators say. Thousands more have been tortured or killed in custody, according to a new report detailing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by all parties. Victims and …
Read More »Turkey’s unmanned attack helicopter exhibited for first time
Turkish Aerospace Industries delivered the T129 Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter to the General Directorate of Security, and exhibited the electric-powered T629 helicopter for the first time. On Thursday, the preliminary prototype of Turkey’s unmanned and electric version of the T629 helicopter was displayed for the first time. The T629 …
Read More »UAE tourist visa extension: Travellers can stay till March 31
Several tourists, upon checking their e-visa status online, confirmed that their visas have been automatically extended. Holders of expired tourist visas can now stay in the country until March 31, Khaleej Times has learnt. A source with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) said the facility has …
Read More »Man pockets diamond lost in Dubai hotel; cops recover it in 4 hours
Public urged to hand over any lost documents or precious materials, if found, to the police to avoid legal consequences The Dubai Police managed to recover a diamond worth thousands of dirhams within four hours after it was stolen inside a hotel. According to the police, a European visitor pocketed …
Read More »Pakistan set to get three new airlines
Q-Airlines, Fly Jinnah and Jet Green Airlines are in the process of seeking regulatory approvals. Three new airlines have sought regulatory approval from Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to launch operations. The scrutiny of two airlines – Q-Airlines and Fly Jinnah – has been completed while Jet Green Airlines is …
Read More »Astrazeneca has sold its stake in Moderna for more than $1 billion: The Times
AstraZeneca sold its stake in rival COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna for roughly $1 billion over the course of last year as the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker cashed in on the meteoric rise in the U.S. company’s shares. London-listed AstraZeneca recorded $1.38 billion in equity portfolio sales last year, with “a large proportion” …
Read More »Chinese investment in Australia plummets 61%
Chinese investment in Australia plummeted 61% in 2020, the lowest number in six years. The drop in investment comes amid a growing diplomatic rift between the two countries. The Australian National University’s Chinese Investment in Australia Database (CHIIA) recorded just over $780m (A$1bn ; £550m) in investment. Only 20 Chinese …
Read More »Hong Kong charges 47 activists in largest use yet of new security law
Police in Hong Kong have charged 47 activists with “subversion”, in the largest use yet of the territory’s controversial security law. The 47, among a group of 55 arrested in dawn raids last month, were told to report to police stations for detention ahead of court appearances on Monday. Beijing …
Read More »Covid-19 – Officials hunt Brazil virus variant case in England
Health officials are trying to trace one person in England who has been infected with a concerning variant of coronavirus first found in Brazil. They are one of six cases of the P1 variant found in the UK in February. The person did not complete a test registration form so …
Read More »Iran nuclear deal – Tehran rules out informal talks on reviving accord
Iran has ruled out holding an informal meeting with the US and European powers on ways to revive a nuclear deal, insisting that America must lift all of its unilateral sanctions first. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said it was not an appropriate time for the talks proposed by the European …
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