When Raul Castro announced three years ago that he would step down in 2021 as head of Cuba's all-powerful communist party, he surely envisioned the island on firmer economic footing and the transition to a new generation of leadership nearly complete. [...]

US and China agree to cooperate on climate change after talks in Shanghai

The US and China have agreed to cooperate on climate change after two days of high-profile meetings in Shanghai, despite rising tensions between the two countries. [...]

Myanmar releases prisoners for New Year, though likely not dissidents

Authorities in Myanmar will release 23,184 prisoners from jails across the country on Saturday under a New Year amnesty, a Prisons Department spokesman said. [...]

Pakistan welcomes UAE mediation in talks with India

Foreign Minister says meeting with his Indian counter is not planned. [...]

UAE reports 1,930 Covid-19 cases, 1,503 recoveries, 4 deaths

Over 41.7 million tests have been conducted across the country to date. [...]

India's Covid-19 warriors display exemplary dedication to service

Two doctors in Gujarat get back to work after performing their mothers' last rites [...]

DOH reports 10,098 more COVID-19 cases; over 70,000 more recover

(Eagle News)–COVID-19 cases in the Philippines reached 936133 on Sunday, April 18, after the Department of Health reported 10098 additional cases. The DOH said of the total cases, 141089 were active. Of these, 96.7 percent were mild, 1.7 percent asymptomatic, 0.7 percent severe, 0.5 percent critical, and 0.43 percent were moderate. Recoveries rose to 779084,including the additional 72607 ones. The death toll is now at 15960,with the additional 150 deaths. The Philippines vaccination drive is […] [...]

Typhoon “Bising” maintains strength but not likely to make landfall based on forecast track

PAGASA’s forecast scenario says signal no. 2 only the highest wind signal that typhoon will reach in PHL if it maintains its northwestward track (Eagle News) — Typhoon “Bising” (international name Surigae) maintained its strength and is expected to bring heavy to intense rains over Eastern Visayas and Bicol region, but is not expected to make landfall as its forecast track shows it would veer away from the Luzon landmass, according to PAGASA. But […] [...]

Canada records second case of rare blood clot after AstraZeneca shot

TORONTO, Canada (AFP) — Canadian health authorities said Saturday the country has recorded a second case of rare but serious blood clotting linked to AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine, but still recommend the shot for use. The patient, who lives in the western province of Alberta and received a version of the AstraZeneca vaccine supplied by the Serum Institute of India, “has received treatment and is recovering,” Canadian health authorities wrote on Twitter. Canada reported its […] [...]