Those who regard the scientific method as a core value of society must step forward to defend its central role By Stephen Matlin, Goverdhan Mehta, Henning Hopf, and Alain Krief On April 22, scientists from around the world marked Earth Day by participating in an unprecedented “March for Science.” The …
Read More »Activity resumes at North Korea nuclear test site
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | Satellite images indicate activity has resumed at North Korea’s nuclear test site, US-based analysts said Tuesday, as tensions remain high over fears of an sixth atomic test by the reclusive state. Images of the Punggye-ri site captured on April 25 appear to show workers …
Read More »Thirty-five British troops arrive in South Sudan
Juba, South Sudan | The latest deployment of British troops has arrived in South Sudan to continue support to the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping mission, the defence ministry said on Tuesday. An additional 35 UK military personnel will join the current UK presence providing support to the UN Mission in …
Read More »World’s first malaria vaccine
Children aged five to 17 months old in Kenya, Ghana, Malawi to test it Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have been chosen to test the world’s first malaria vaccine through a pilot program beginning next year, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on April 24. The vaccine, which has partial effectiveness …
Read More »China demands immediate halt to US missile shield in South Korea
Beijing, China | AFP | China called Tuesday for the immediate suspension of a controversial missile defence system hours after Washington confirmed the shield was now operational in South Korea. “China’s position is clear-cut and firm. We oppose the deployment of the THAAD system in (South Korea) and urge relevant …
Read More »Illegal kidney trade racket uncovered in Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan | AFP | Pakistani investigators have uncovered an illegal kidney donation racket and arrested six people, including two doctors, after raiding a house where unauthorised surgeries were reportedly underway, a senior official told AFP Monday. Authorities say the gang was involved in selling kidneys to international clients, particularly …
Read More »Trump to have a chat with Putin today
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump will speak with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by telephone Tuesday, the White House said in a statement. There was no indication about the topics of discussion for the two leaders. The call was scheduled for 12:30 pm (1630 GMT). Trump …
Read More »Huge May Day march in Moscow, turnout almost 1.5 million
Moscow, Russia | AFP | Almost a million and a half people turned out in central Moscow on Monday for the annual May Day parade, many more than in past years, Russian police said. “Nearly 1.5 million people marched on May 1,” police said in a statement quoted by Interfax …
Read More »North Korea warns of nuclear test ‘at any time’
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | North Korea warned Monday that it will carry out a nuclear test “at any time and at any location” set by its leadership, in the latest rhetoric to fuel jitters in the region. Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running high for weeks, …
Read More »CIA chief Pompeo flies to South Korea for ‘internal meeting’
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | CIA director Mike Pompeo was in South Korea Monday for an “internal meeting”, the US embassy in Seoul confirmed, following reports of an unannounced visit as tensions mount over growing nuclear threats from the North. South Korea’s largest daily Chosun Ilbo reported Monday that …
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