DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland's unemployment rate, reported at 4.2 percent, has reached its lowest rate in 21 years.This follows the Covid lockdowns when nearly one-third of Ireland's workforce was unemployed in April 2020.Ireland's Central Statistics Office also noted that the current unemployment rate is lower than the pre-pandemic level of 4.8 percent, recorded in February 2020.Of note, Ireland's 

At 4.2%, Ireland unemployment at lowest in 21 years

Unemployment in Ireland falls to 21-year low

Strong Ireland economy reflected in low 4.2% unemployment

DUBLIN, Ireland: The Bank of Ireland has said it expects modest growth in net interest income in Ireland this year. It had forecast that 2022 would see a stable year on year, the bank said this week, even after reporting a 10 percent drop in first half profits. Further, revenues from net interest income rose under 1 percent to 1.1 billion euros in the first six months of 2022. Officials noted that 

Bank of Ireland says 2022 income growth to be under 1 percent

After drop in earnings, Bank of Ireland sees modest growth in 2022

Bank of Ireland projects modest income growth this year

PRISTINA -- Daria Aslamova and her employer, the pro-Kremlin tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda, claim the 52-year-old reporter was hoping to travel to Kosovo to chronicle recent unrest in the region.Officials in Kosovo weren't convinced and detained Aslamova on the border. She was later released and, as of August 6, Aslamova was believed to be in the Serbian town of Raska, not far from an official border crossing poi

Who Is Daria Aslamova, The Russian Journalist Expelled From Kosovo?

Warsaw will square up to EU leadership in a row over funding, a ruling party politician saidSenior officials in the Polish conservative Law and Order (PiS) party have blasted the EU for what they perceive as a broken obligation to release billions of euros in funding, which had been frozen by Brussels as pressure on Warsaw over its perceived downslide in rule-of-law issues. If squeezed further, 

Poland to deploy all cannons to get money from Brussels top official

Washington - After Russia invaded Ukraine last February, the European Union moved to block RT and Sputnik, two of the Kremlin's top channels for spreading propaganda and misinformation about the war.Nearly six months later, the number of sites pushing that same content has exploded as Russia found ways to evade the ban. They've rebranded their work to disguise it. They've <a class="wsw__a" href="https://apnews.c

Russian Disinformation Spreading in New Ways Despite Bans

The European Union on Monday said it put forward a 'final' text to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as four days of indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials wrapped up in Vienna.'What can be negotiated has been negotiated, and it's now in a final text. However, behind every technical issue and every paragraph lies a political decision that needs to be taken in the capitals,' EU foreign policy chief Jos

EU Lays Down &#039;Final&#039; Text To Resurrect Iran Nuclear Deal

New Delhi [India], August 8 (ANI): The government has decided to offer the use of indigenous 5G Test Bed free of cost to the recognised start-ups and MSMEs for the next six months upto January 2023 with an objective to boost the 5G ecosystem in the country, the Ministry of Communications said Monday.
It is available at a very nominal rate to all other stakeholders. Department of Telecommunications, Government of India has

Govt offers use of 5G Test Bed free of cost for start-ups, MSMEs

Berlin cites lack of required certification for the pipeline to be usedGermany is not going to put Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline into operation even if the situation with energy supplies deteriorates in the coming months, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said on Monday."What is clear is that we stand firmly on the side of Ukraine, that we support the sanctions that we jointly

Germany rules out emergency use of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

Vienna - Top negotiators in renewed talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal indicated Sunday that they are optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement to impose limits on Tehran's uranium enrichment.'We stand 5 minutes or 5 seconds from the finish line,' Russian Ambassador Mikhail Ulyanov told reporters outside Vienna's Palais Coburg, four days into the talks. He said there are 'three or four is

Negotiators Optimistic About Progress on Iran Nuclear Deal

Looming recession may compromise European unity, President Sauli Niinisto saidAn economic downturn is looming over the European Union amid the Ukraine conflict, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto warned in an interview with local media released on Sunday."Even we in Finland are used to living with the idea that everything will get better next year. But now this is suddenly no longer the cas

Finland warns about imminent downturn in Europe

Agency sees 'negative' outlook for the economies of Italy, the Czech Republic and SlovakiaMoody's rating agency on Friday changed its outlook on the economies of Italy, the Czech Repu

Three EU economies downgraded by Moody&#039;s

Beijing [China], August 7 (ANI): More than 6,00,000 Chinese nationals have requested asylum from China due to Xi Jinping's repressive policies that have impelled the 'great exodus', according to a UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Since Xi took over, China has implemented several crackdowns in the country.
According to The Hong Kong Post, no citizen is spared when it comes to the crackdown. Technology giants including Al

Exodus of Chinese nationals: Over 6,00,000 requested asylum

Moody's rating agency downgraded the outlook for the economies of Italy, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to 'negative'Moody's rating agency on Friday changed its outlook on the economies of Italy, the Czech Republic and Slova

Rating outlook for three EU states slashed

&copy; Provided by Xinhua BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign trade of goods jumped 10.4 percent year on year to 23.6 trillion yuan (about 3.5 trillion U.S. dollars) during the first seven months of the year, official data showed Sunday.Exports ros

China&#039;s foreign trade of goods up 10.4 pct in first 7 months

SAN JUAN DE COLON, Venezuela - The freight company owned by Alfredo Rosales and his brothers was hustling, its 50 or so trucks constantly on the go hauling about 1 million tons of coal, cement, flour and other goods every year in commerce between Venezuela and Colombia.Their work came to an abrupt halt in 2015, when the socialist government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro shut down border crossings with i

Venezuela, Colombia Border Areas Hopeful as Reopening Nears

barcelona, spain - As a sex worker and adult film actor, Roc was relieved when he was among the first Spaniards to get a monkeypox vaccine. He knew of several cases among men who have sex with men, which is the leading demographic for the disease, and feared he could be next.'I went home and thought, 'Phew, my God, I'm saved,' ' the 29-year-old told The Associated Press.But it was already too late. Roc, t

Spain Leads Europe in Monkeypox, Struggles to Check Spread

Editor's note: Here is a fast take on what the international community has been up to this past week, as seen from the United Nations perch.Ukrainian grain starts its voyage to world markets Following the signing on July 22 of the package deal to get millions of tons of Ukrainian grain out to world markets and ease the growing food crisis, the first commercial vessels sailed from the Ukra

UN Weekly Roundup: July 30-August 5, 2022

Hong Kong, August 5 (ANI): Since Xi Jinping became President of China in 2013, human rights activists or anyone who supports and echoes democracy has been constantly targeted by the government, while suppression of ethnic minorities has become the new normal.
A recent report released by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees reveals that since 2012, 6,13,000 Chinese nationals have requested asylum from China.
Anyone who sp

Repressive policies impelled 'great exodus' in China since Xi's take over

Washington [US], August 5 (ANI/Sputnik): The United States has informed the Russian Embassy in Washington of the arrest of Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik, and diplomats stand ready to provide him with legal assistance, the diplomatic mission announced on Friday.
On Friday, Vinnik's family said that Vinnik was taken from Greece to Boston on a private plane and then transported to San Francisco.
"[T]he diplomatic mission 

US informs Russian Embassy of Vinnik's arrest, diplomats to provide assistance: Mission

Beijing [China], August 5 (ANI): Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent Taiwan visit, China announced on Friday that it was halting cooperation with the United States in a number of areas, including dialogue between senior-level military commanders and climate change.
The Foreign Ministry said dialogue between the US and Chinese regional commanders and defence department heads would be cancelled along with talks

China halts climate, military ties with US over Pelosi's Taiwan visit

LONDON, England: Due to high margins and trading on the back of soaring energy prices, British Petroleum recorded second quarter profits of $8.45 billion, the highest in 14 years, boosting its dividend and spending on new oil and gas production. But the strong performance has increased pressure on governments to impose new windfall taxes on the energy sector to assist consumers. "The company is running we

British Petroleum posts record profits as war pushes up gas prices

BP profits at 14-year high, dividends boosted on back of price surge

Profits at British Petroleum of $8.45 billion match 14 year high

Beijing [China], August 8 (ANI): As Sri Lanka continues to remain in the Chinese debt trap, the biggest petrochemical company in China, Sinopec, is likely to start retail operations in the Lankan fuel market, local media said citing sources.
The sources said that Sinopec is likely to enter Sri Lankan market for importing, distributing and selling petroleum products, reported Daily Mirror.
This comes as Sri Lankan Cabinet 

Chinese oil giant Sinopec likely to enter Lankan fuel market amid Beijing's debt-trap

Bogota, Colombia - Colombia's first leftist president was sworn into office Sunday, promising to fight inequality and heralding a turning point in the history of a country haunted by a long war between the government and guerrilla groups.Sen. Gustavo Petro, a former member of Colombia's M-19 guerrilla group, won the presidential election in June by beating conservative parties that offered moderate changes to th

Ex-Rebel Takes Oath as Colombia President in Historic Shift

HAVANA - Cuban firefighters were joined by special teams sent by Mexico and Venezuela Sunday as they battled for a second day to control a fire blazing at a big oil tank farm in the western province of Matanzas.The blaze began Friday night when lightning struck a storage tank during a thunderstorm, and the fire spread to a second tank early Saturday, triggering a series of explosions, officials have said.

Firefighters Battle Big Blaze at Cuba Oil Tank Farm for Second Day

Johannesburg - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken began his three-nation tour of Africa Sunday by visiting a museum in South Africa commemorating how the country's Black youths helped to end white racist rule.Blinken's visit to Africa is seen as part of a competition between Russia and Western powers for support from African countries over the war in Ukraine. His trip to Africa follows recent tours by Russia

US Top Diplomat Blinken in South Africa on Africa Tour

LONDON, England: British Airways has halted ticket sales for short-haul flights that depart before the middle of August from London's Heathrow airport, following the Th British Air said this week that the suspension of ticket sales for domestic and European destinations was designed to leave sufficient airport capacity for existing customers to rebook flights, if needed.The airline's website shows no tic

In Heathrow cutback, British Airways halts ticket sales till mid-August

BA closes off availability for flights leaving Heathrow before mid-August

As Heathrow reduces passengers, British Airways stops selling tickets

WASHINGTON D.C.: The U.S. Transportation Department said it could require airlines to offer passengers a refund if their flight schedules or itineraries change significantly.Under the proposed rule, even travelers with nonrefundable tickets would be compensated. Further, airlines must provide refunds if their departures or arrival times change by at least six hours for an international flight, or three hours or

US mulls requiring airlines to refund delayed passengers

US proposes expanding refund protections for air travelers

US considers rules for refunds to air passengers suffering delays

BETHESDA, Maryland: Marriott International surpassed its quarterly revenue and profit estimates, driven by better than expected occupancy levels and higher rates amidst more group travel bookings and longer hotel stays. After the end of most COVID-19-related restrictions, travelers are spending more on hotels, airplane tickets and car rentals, a trend that has shown no signs of slowing, despite surging inflation

Marriott reports higher than expected room bookings this quarter

Marriott surpasses travel demand recovery forecasts

Marriott surpasses quarterly revenue and profit estimates

BERLIN, Germany: A German union said this week that pilots in Germany working for Lufthansa have voted in favor of a possible strike action, calling the vote an "unmistakable signal" to the company, in the midst of a pay dispute.However, the Vereinigung Cockpit union said walkouts can still be avoided If the company meets its demands for a 5.5 percent pay increase this year and an automatic adjustment for infla

Amidst pay dispute, Lufthansa pilots vote in favor of possible strike

Lufthansa pilots vote for possible strike in Germany

Seeking pay raise, Lufthansa pilots take step towards strike

hong kong - Hong Kong will shorten the COVID-19 hotel quarantine period for all arrivals to three days from seven, taking another step to gradually unwind stringent pandemic rules that have isolated the Asian financial hub.Arrivals will need to self-monitor for a further four days, during which they will be forbidden to enter premises such as restaurants and bars.The measures will be effective from Friday

Hong Kong Eases COVID Quarantine Rules for Incoming Travelers

Baghdad - An Iraqi court Sunday sentenced four people to life in prison over an attack on Baghdad airport early this year that damaged two empty civilian planes on the tarmac.It is the first verdict in such a case, despite dozens of rocket and drone attacks that have mostly targeted military bases hosting foreign troops either at the airport or in other parts of the country.Sunday's conviction was for a J

Iraq Sentences 4 to Life Over January Attack on Baghdad Airport

New Delhi [India], August 8 (ANI): Union Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday highlighted the government's efforts on increasing aerial connectivity and said that over 1.5 lakh flights were started in the last 5 years.
He also noted that the number was achieved under the UDAN scheme.
"Under Udaan Yojana democratisation of the aviation sector took place and 1,93,000 flights were started based on viability

Over 1.5 lakh flights kicked off under UDAN Scheme: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Beijing [China], August 7 (ANI): China is conducting live-fire exercises from August 6-15 in the southern part of the Yellow Sea, the Maritime Safety Administration said in a statement recently, CGTN news reported.
In addition, military exercises are also being conducted in the northern part of the Bohai Sea on Saturday.
The People's Liberation Army's (PLA) drills were held in the East China and South China Seas on July 3

Beijing conducts live-fire drills in Yellow Sea amid tensions in Taiwan strait

New Delhi [India], August 7 (ANI): Highlighting the transformation of India's civil aviation industry, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday said India is witnessing the democratisation of the aviation industry and the country expects to reach 40 crore air travellers in the next four years.
Scindia along with MoS for Civil Aviation VK Singh inaugurated the first flight of Akasa Air (QP1101) from Mum

India witnessing democratisation of aviation industry, expects 40 cr air travellers in next 4 years: Scindia

New Delhi [india] August 7 (ANI): A man allegedly involved in arranging a forged passport with the help of his two accomplices were arrested by Delhi Police on Sunday at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The accused man namely Ravi Rameshbhai Chaudhary holding an Indian passport was deported from Kuwait Airport by Kuwait Airways flight no KU-383 on June 6, after he failed to clear the immigration formalities as he 

Delhi Police bust International immigration racket involved in duping people on the pretext of sending them to foreign shores

Bodeli (Gujarat) [India], August 7 (ANI): With the aim to expand its political influence in other states including Gujarat where elections are slated to be held later this year, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that if voted to power in Gujarat, he will make sure that it lasts for 5 years.
"People of BJP-Congress bring manifestoes, resolution letters which are false

Guarantee to remain in power for 5 years if voted to form govt in Gujarat: Kejriwal

Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], August 7 (ANI): Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday flayed Rajasthan Chief Minister for making "controversial statements to hide failures".
The remarks came as a reaction to the CM's statement on Friday in Delhi during the demonstration by Congress against the Central government over price rise and unemployment.
He had said that "after the Nirbhaya case, the demand 

Rajasthan: Union Minister Shekhawat slams CM Gehlot for controversial 'rape case remark'; seeks apology

Taipei [Taiwan], August 7 (ANI): As China continue to hold military drills near Taiwan coast after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent visit to Taipei, President Tsai Ing-wen has appealed for international support for the island nation and halt the escalation of the regional security situation.
In a tweet on Saturday, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said that the country's government and military are closely monitoring t

Taiwan president appeals for international support to halt escalation of regional situation

New Delhi [India], August 7 (ANI): Akasa Air is finally in Indian skies as the first flight took off on Sunday between the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, which was inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M Scindia along with MoS General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd.)On July 22, India's newest airline Akasa Air on Friday opened ticket bookings for its first commercial flights with an initial network in Ahmedabad,

India's new Akasa Air commences operations, takes off first flight on Mumbai-Ahmedabad route

Taipei [Taiwan], August 6 (ANI): In response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Chinese hackers planted the flag of China on the websites of several local government agencies across Taiwan.
While China's live-fire drills encircling Taiwan were taking place from Thursday, Chinese hackers covered a Kaohsiung government website with a China flag picture for over 10 hours from late Friday to Saturday morning,

Hackers plant China's flag on Taiwan government websites

New Delhi [India], August 6 (ANI): The NITI Aayog on Saturday said that the public policy think tank was set up as an institution with the mandate of cooperative federalism with a premise that strong states make a strong nation.
NITI Aayog was responding to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's allegations of the Centre not treating states as equal partners in efforts to make India a developed country.
Earlier on

Think tank established with mandate of cooperative federalism, NITI Ayog responds to KCR's allegations

Taipei [Taiwan], August 6 (ANI): Terming China's military actions as the root cause of regional tensions after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan trip, Taipei slammed Beijing's claim over Taiwan amid Chinese accusations that the US is changing the status quo in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in a press release issued on Saturday reiterated that China has never ruled Taiwan, reported Taiwan News.
Ta

Taiwan hits back at China's claim of US changing status quo

Taipei [Taiwan], August 6 (ANI): Many flights were cancelled, some of them rerouted following China's military drills near Taiwan after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the self-governed island.
Korean Air, Asiana and Singapore Airlines are among the carriers who cancelled flights over a Chinese military exercise in the Taiwan Strait, reported Al Jazeera.
The move comes after Beijing cautioned carriers to avoid si

China's military drills near Taiwan cause disruptions in airline industry

A disruption of titanium exports could spell trouble for plane manufacturersEurope's aerospace industry would be in danger if sanctions disrupt the supply of Russian titanium, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing the top management of Airbus.Russia's VSMPO-Avisma is the world's largest supplier of the metal and was the main trading partner for the US-based Boeing and Europe'

Europe&#039;s aerospace industry fears Russia sanctions WSJ

Phnom Penh [Cambodia], August 6 (ANI): The United States, Australia and Japan on Saturday condemned China's launch of ballistic missiles and urged China to immediately cease the military exercises.
Tensions in the Taiwan Strait heightened soon with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan. China has been increasing its military activities and even crossed the median line.
Multiple Chinese planes and ships were detec

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