Muslims begin downsized hajj
10,000 pilgrims expected to attend amid restrictions Mask-clad Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday began the annual hajj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak…
DPRK leader says nuclear deterrence to firmly guarantee national security
PYONGYANG - Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un stressed the importance of nuclear deterrence on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the armistice…
Mars Perseverance rover ‘go for launch,’ says NASA
NASA on Monday gave its latest Mars rover Perseverance the all clear to launch later this week on a mission to seek out signs of ancient microbial life. "The launch…
Trump hedges bets on vaccine
US keen to immunize itself as natl security advisor falls ill US President Donald Trump's national Security Advisor tested positive for COVID-19 Monday, as the president prepared to visit a…
Guterres connects on global warming
The head of the United Nations said on Monday he will start meeting regularly with young climate activists, saying participation by youth on the front lines is critical to scaling…
WHO to review COVID-19
Global health body takes stock of virus six months on The World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday that a key committee would meet later this week to discuss COVID-19's emergency…
Latin America, Caribbean briefly overtake N. America in viral cases
Coronavirus cases in Latin America and the Caribbean surged on Sunday, briefly overtaking the total in North America, an AFP tally showed. As the worldwide case count passed 16 million,…
Zelenskiy, Putin talk on conflict, cease-fire
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a cease-fire that started on Monday, their offices said on Sunday.…
Japanese government to urge more telecommuting as coronavirus cases surge
Japan's economy minister says the government will urge businesses to aim for 70 percent telecommuting and enhance other social distancing measures amid a rise in coronavirus cases among workers, some…
Trump’s campaign loses steam
All is not well for US President with 100 days to election US President Donald Trump mounted a strident defense Sunday of his wavering reelection bid with 100 days to…