UK LOOKS AT OPENING UP INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FOR VACCINATED

The UK government's looking into allowing people who've received two covid-19 vaccine doses to travel to more international destinations without needing to quarantine on return.

Ministers are investigating whether travel should be opened up to Amber list locations for those who've been double-jabbed.

Currently, Brits can only visit a small number of territories on its Green list - without facing quarantine when they get back to the UK.

The travel industry's been calling on the government to open up international travel more quickly as vaccines are rolled out.

Government minister Jesse Norman says nothing's been decided yet.

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Nigerian government seeks law to regulate social, online media

The Nigerian government has asked lawmakers to enact a bill that will regulate social and online media in the country.

The proposal comes a week after Nigeria's Broadcasting Corporation asked all social media platforms and online broadcasting service providers operating in Nigeria to apply for a broadcast licence.

Correspondent Phil Ihaza reports in Abuja

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Australian government changes advice regarding AstraZeneca vaccine

The Australian government has changed its recommendation for people over 50 to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The review of the advice comes following the death of a second woman aged in her 50s from a rare blood clot disorder with a likely link to AstraZeneca.

Shaun Bindley reports from Brisbane.

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Indian officials defend widening Oxford Astrazenca vaccine gap to 16 weeks

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Indian authorities are defending their move to increase the gap between two Oxford AstraZeneca shots to 16 weeks.

Critics say it was done to manage a vaccine shortage…

But officials claim they're following scientific advice.

Ishan Garg reports.

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US lawmakers to table pro-Taiwan bill

Republican and Democrats in the House of Representatives are pushing for legislation that will boost US support for Taiwan.

This will form part of the hard line Congress is taking against China.

Sam Wong reports.

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China Sends Astronauts to New Space Station

China has launched a spacecraft carrying three astronauts to begin construction on its new space station.

It's seen as yet another landmark establishing Beijing as a major space power.

Patrick Fok reports from Beijing.

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Hong Kong police arrest Apple Daily newspaper executives

Hong Kong police have arrested the editor and four directors of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security. The newspaper's founder, Jimmy Lai, is already serving a jail sentence for taking part in unauthorised protests in 2019. 

Richard Kimber reports from Hong Kong.

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US approves national holiday to mark end of slavery

The US Congress has voted to make the day that marks the end of
slavery a new federal holiday.

The Senate passed the 'Juneteenth' bill, with the House of
Representatives doing the same, a day later.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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Markets drop on Fed interest rate hike warning

The U.S. markets moved down Wednesday after the Federal Reserve
signaled a plan to raise interest rates sooner than expected.

And the Fed has also raised its interest rate expectations for the year.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Fed keeps rates near-zero, raises inflation expectations

The Federal Reserve is keeping interest rates steady at near-zero.

After its latest two-day meeting, the U.S. central bank also raised its projection for inflation this year to 3.4 percent.

Giles Gibson reports from Washington.

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Biden and Putin cite positive meeting but deep divisions remain

Both US president Joe Biden and Russian President Vladmir Putin say their first in person summit was broadly positive - but profound divisions remain between the two countries on issues like human rights and cyberattacks.

US correspondent Kate Fisher reports

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Boris Johnson called UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock "hopeless," claims PM's ex top aide

Dominic Cummings, the former chief adviser to Boris Johnson, has published a series of expletive-laden messages which appear to show the Prime Minister describing Health Secretary Matt Hancock as "totally hopeless."

In a lengthy blog post, Mr Cummings also attacks Mr Hancock for "openly lying" about the government's failings.

It follows appearances by both men in front of Parliament's health committee, which is investigating the handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK. 

From London, Benji Hyer reports. 

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DRC COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

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The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered the closure of night clubs and limited public gatherings to 20 people in a bid to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

President Felix Tshisekedi announced the new measures in a televised address. 

The country has recorded a spike in COVID-19 cases as it grapples with a third wave of infections. CGTN's Chris Ocamringa has more from Kinshasa.

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UK vaccination campaign in "home stretch" with more appointments for young people

Everyone in England aged 21 and over can now book their coronavirus vaccine, meaning a million more people are eligible for the jab. 

It's welcome news which comes as MPs vote on extending emergency Covid lockdown laws in England for another four weeks, amid concern over rising cases of the Delta variant. 

From London, Benji Hyer reports. 

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Historic Biden-Putin meet in Geneva

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in Geneva on Wednesday for historic high-stakes talks.

It's one of the most closely watched pieces of political theatre this year, but with relations sitting at a new post-Cold War low, expectations of any sort of breakthrough are slim.

Toni Waterman has more from Genva.

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REPORTS: UK PLANS COMPULSORY CARE WORKER JABS

It's reported the Government's decided to make coronavirus vaccinations mandatory for care home workers in England.

Staff who care for adults will reportedly be given 16 weeks to have the jab, or face losing their jobs - in an effort to protect the most vulnerable.

In some parts of the care industry there's been a lower take-up of vaccination than in the wider population.

Stephen Chandler is the President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and says he's concerned about intended consequences.

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As cases fall, India reopens public monuments

Thousands of monuments in India have reopened to the public today, for the first time in months.

The Taj Mahal is one of them. Strict measures will be in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Neha Poonia has more.

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Russell Crowe unveils plan for Australian production facility

The Australian film industry is set for another boost with Hollywood star Russell Crowe announcing his plans to construct a film studio in the state of New South Wales.

A long term resident of the town of Coffs Harbour, the Hollywood star says he's always harboured a desire to bring film production facilities closer to home.

Shaun Bindley reports.

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Japanese government to raise number of spectators allowed at Olympic and Paralympic Games

Japanese officials are set to relax restrictions on spectators at Olympic and Paralympic venues, according to domestic media reports. 

John Matthews has more in Tokyo.

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Hong Kong's American Chamber of Commerce calls for security law clarity

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is calling on the government to clarify the rules of the city's national security law. It says the legislation is undermining confidence in the business community, as many companies feel the terms of the legislation are vague. 

Richard Kimber reports from Hong Kong.

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