The head of the World Health Organization said Tuesday that he is “disappointed” Chinese officials haven't finalized the permissions to allow a team of experts into China to examine the origins of COVID-19. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a rare critique of Beijing, said members of the international scientific team began departing from their … Continue reading WHO not happy with China for roles in the global pandemic
Top national security agencies in a rare joint statement Tuesday confirmed that Russia was likely responsible for a massive hack of U.S. government departments and corporations, rejecting President Donald Trump's claim that China might be to blame. The statement represented the U.S. government's first formal attempt to assign responsibility for the breaches at multiple agencies … Continue reading US blames Russia for hack of federal agencies
President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to overturn the 2020 election results — laid out in stark detail in an hourlong weekend phone call with a Georgia election official — are demonstrating his unrestrained determination to maintain a grip on power no matter the consequences for the nation’s democratic traditions. Trump, in a Saturday phone call, … Continue reading Trump’s refusal to concede is undermining America’s democratic tradition
The German government said Tuesday it is extending the country's lockdown by three weeks until Jan. 31, tightening curbs on social contacts and planning limits on people's movements in the worst-affected regions as it tries to reduce stubbornly high infection figures and worrying numbers of coronavirus-related deaths. Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was “absolutely necessary” … Continue reading Angela Merkel: It was necessary to extend lockdown until 31 Jan
Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) are to maintain a minimum of N2 billion capital base, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed in a circular signed by its Director, Payments System Management Department, Musa Jimoh. They have also been authorised by the apex bank to hold customers’ funds under its new licencing framework. According to … Continue reading CBN sets N2b benchmark for Mobile Money Operators (MMOs)
Redeemed Christian Church of God General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye has said Nigeria may not have money or resources to fight the monstrous COVID-19 pandemic, but the citizens have God. The cleric added that having God is enough to protect the citizens from the pandemic. Adeboye spoke on Sunday at the January Special Thanksgiving Service … Continue reading Adeboye: God will protect Nigerians from COVID-19
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Sunday that more onerous lockdown restrictions in England are likely as the country reels from a new coronavirus variant that has pushed infection rates to their highest recorded levels. Johnson, though, insisted he has “no doubt” that schools are safe and urged parents to send their children back into … Continue reading The UK will do whatever it takes – Boris Johnson
Pope Francis said he was very saddened that some people during COVID-19 pandemic holiday lockdowns managed to slip away on vacations while so many are suffering economic problems or are ill. During noon prayer remarks Sunday at the Vatican, Francis said that “we don’t know what 2021 has in store for us.” But, he added, … Continue reading Pope Francis: Show a little kindness to one another
Germany’s health minister is rejecting criticism of the country’s preparations for vaccination amid frustration over the gradual start to the process. Vaccinations in Germany and the rest of the 27-nation European Union started a week ago. In Germany, a nation of 83 million people, nearly 239,000 vaccinations had been reported to authorities by Sunday. There … Continue reading Health Minister Jens Spahn admits slow delivery of coronavirus vaccine
India has approved two COVID-19 vaccines, paving the way for a massive inoculation program. The vaccines are from Oxford University and AstraZeneca and local firm Bharat Biotech. In Britain, the prime minister is warning of new restrictions ahead as coronavirus infections soar. On Monday, the country plans to ramp up vaccinations using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. … Continue reading BREAKING: Italian PM warns of new coronavirus restrictions