The former head of the Vatican bank, Angelo Caloia, has been sentenced to nearly nine years in prison for money laundering and aggravated embezzlement. [...]

China says it is a 'victim' after Twitter locks embassy account

China says that it is a "victim" of misinformation after Twitter restricted the account of the Chinese embassy in the United States. [...]

Analysis: The China trade war is one thing Joe Biden won't be rushing to fix

US President Joe Biden is inheriting a tense and messy relationship with China from his predecessor. [...]

UAE strongly condemns Baghdad suicide bombing

At least 32 people were killed in the attack on a crowded Baghdad marketplace. [...]

Video: Hindu leader in UAE takes Covid jab

He is the latest faith leader to take the Covid-19 jab. [...]

Twin bombings kill at least 32, injure 110 in Baghdad

Iraqi security forces were deployed and key roads blocked to prevent possible further attacks. [...]

Fauci says he feels liberated to speak on science under Biden

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — In his first White House briefing as President Joe Biden’s top advisor on Covid-19, Anthony Fauci said it was “liberating” that he could focus on science without fear of repercussion now that Donald Trump had left office. The top infectious disease scientist was briefing reporters Thursday on the state of the US outbreak that has claimed more than 408,000 lives. Asked to compare his experience under the previous administration […] [...]

Japan PM ‘determined’ to hold Olympics despite cancellation report

TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan’s prime minister said he was “determined” to hold the Tokyo Olympics as organisers on Friday brushed off a report claiming officials think cancellation is inevitable. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s latest insistence that the postponed Games are on track comes after The Times cited an unnamed government source saying Japan has already shifted its focus to hosting in 2032. “I am determined to realise a safe and secure Tokyo Games […] [...]

DOH says PHL cold storage facilities enough for coming COVID-19 vaccines; inspections start

Millions of vaccine doses can be stored in current facilities (Eagle News) – The Department of Health said that the country will have enough cold chain storage facilities for the expected doses of COVID-19 vaccines expected to arrive starting next month. The storage facilities currently in the country already have the capacity to store millions of doses of vaccines which have a temperature requirement of between 2°C to 8°C, between -15°C to -25°C, and […] [...]