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As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine grinds on, Moscow is finding itself mired in a parallel conflict: a contest of economic and political endurance against the West.

Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, had prepared Russia for sanctions like those imposed after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, as if daring Western countries to cut off their citizens from Russian trade and see who blinked first.

But the severity of Western measures has far exceeded expectations, not only devastating Russia’s economy but also isolating its citizens from travel and even from Western brands like Apple and McDonald’s.

Now, both sides face a test of their ability to maintain domestic support for a standoff whose costs will be borne by regular citizens. More than a battle of wills, it is a test of two opposing systems.

Putin’s Russia, which rallied around nationalist fervor in 2014, now relies on propaganda and repression. Western leaders increasingly appeal to liberal ideals of international norms and collective welfare that had been in global decline — until now, they hope.

The economic balance favors the West in the extreme. One study estimated that a full trade war would curb the combined gross domestic product of Western countries by 0.17% but Russia’s by a devastating 9.7%.

Public opinion may also advantage the West, where surveys find wide support for harsh measures against Russia, whereas Putin dare not even acknowledge the war’s extent for fear of triggering more protests.

Still, Western leaders must maintain unity across 20-plus fractious democracies, persuading citizens from Canada to Bulgaria that spiking energy prices — which may be just the start of the economic shocks — are worth the sacrifice.

Political fissures will inevitably open within the West, said Jeremy Shapiro, the research director for the European Council on Foreign Relations.

“The polls really tell us nothing about how people will actually react to economic pain and masses of refugees,” Shapiro said.

The question is when.

Putin, meanwhile, must maintain his grip on both Russia’s public and the network of political power brokers who back him. If their tolerance of the war’s rapidly rising toll slips before Western resolve does, it could imperil not just his war, but his very hold on power.

The question of who breaks first may shape Ukraine’s fate as much as any weapons transfer or tank assault. And although the outcome is impossible to predict, a range of economic indicators and political signals offer some clues.

The West’s Challenge

Western countries’ secret weapon, nearly as important as their economic edge, may be their citizens’ sudden desire for concerted and unified action.

In polls, Europeans across the continent express a moral imperative to punish Russia’s invasion, as well as a belief that Russia now poses a direct threat to their countries.

In a seven-country survey taken just before the invasion, a plurality said they were willing to personally bear the economic toll of isolating Russia, which provides much of Europe’s energy. Country-specific polls suggest that share has likely increased.

In Germany — the European Union’s largest economy and often its decider on Russia matters — only 38% supported increasing military spending as of September; now it is up to 69%.

In past standoffs, European leaders often went against the will of their voters to confront Moscow, seeing it as a grim necessity.

Now, leaders such as Olaf Scholz of Germany and Emmanuel Macron of France are seeing their approval ratings surge as they rally against Russia. Far from playing down the costs to everyday citizens, some emphasize it as a point of pride.

Political risks are further eased by the election calendar: Macron is nearly alone among Western leaders in facing reelection this year and is a strong favorite to win.

Still, President Joe Biden is under countervailing pressure from Republicans and voters alike to simultaneously stand up to Russia while keeping down gas prices. If politics around the crisis shift, Biden may feel compelled to adjust, especially as the November midterm elections, already expected to be difficult for his party, near.

And a slowdown in Russian energy exports — already underway as Russian firms are buffeted by the turmoil — is expected to hit Europe hard. Germany imports more than half of its gas from Russia, as does Austria. Some Eastern European countries run on nearly 100% Russian gas.

Europe’s West gets most of its gas elsewhere, such as from Norway and Algeria. Still, as Russia is cut off from buyers, fossil fuels will become scarcer and therefore costlier worldwide. Some Germans’ energy bills are already projected to increase by two-thirds this year.

To ease the burden, European governments are putting in place sweeping energy subsidies, worth 15.5 billion euros, or about $17 billion, in France, 5.5 billion euros in Italy, 2 billion euros in Poland, 1.7 billion euros in Austria, and so on. Many target low-income households.

But there may be a timer on Western resilience. Unless European countries radically re-engineer their infrastructure for importing gas or take on perhaps the fastest shift to renewable energy in history — both considered technically feasible but costly — they could potentially run out of fuel next winter.

Economic shocks could extend well beyond heating costs. A number of European industries are already slowing production because of rising energy prices. Russia also exports much of the world’s copper and other industrial materials.

At the same time, while Europeans express wide support for welcoming Ukrainian refugees, it is unclear whether this will last.

Europe is already expecting a major surge in refugee arrivals this summer, many from Afghanistan. Western leaders have proved extremely sensitive to anti-immigration backlash.

“There remain significant divides that are being buried in the emotion of the moment,” Shapiro said.

The West’s greatest ally in maintaining unity may be Putin himself. By massing forces on NATO’s borders and producing shocking images of destruction in Ukraine, he has given Europeans something to rally against, distracting from their disagreements, for now.

Moscow’s Challenge

In a telling contrast to 2014, when many Russians cheered their country’s invasion of Ukraine, Putin has turned almost immediately to repression and censorship, threatening severe prison terms for so much as calling the invasion a “war.”

This has accelerated a kind of authoritarian feedback loop in Russia, with tightening repression feeding popular discontent, beyond even the extremes of recent years.

But Putin belongs to a particular club of authoritarians — individual strongmen, rather than military or party dictatorships — for whom popular support is a secondary concern.

Rather, such leaders draw their power from the backing of political elites, like the heads of security agencies or state industries, said Erica Frantz, a Michigan State University scholar of authoritarianism.

“This is not to say that ordinary citizens don’t matter, but rather that if we’re looking for regime vulnerabilities at the moment, the focal point really needs to be on these indicators of elite discontent,” Frantz said.

Authoritarian elites, garrisoned behind vast personal wealth, can more easily endure the economic hardship that will be borne by regular Russians. They also tend to give leaders wide latitude in wartime, which may be why strongmen rarely lose power because of battlefield losses, research has shown.

Still, such elites are not fooled by state propaganda. And they are not indifferent to their country’s fate.

Surveys of Russian political elites conducted in 2020 found that most backed Putin for exactly the accomplishments now under threat: stabilizing the country and winning it respect abroad. Many also expressed concern over his handling of the economy — and opposition to military adventurism in Ukraine.

“The crisis will be most severe for a minimum of three years. Take the 1998 crisis and multiply it by three,” Oleg Deripaska, a prominent Russian billionaire, said in an unusual break with the Kremlin, referring to Russia’s economically catastrophic 1990s.

Sanctions could hurt Putin with the elite by limiting his ability to distribute the spoils they expect in return for their support. So could popular unrest, if it grows severe enough to make those elites question whether Putin is imperiling Russia’s stability.

“Russian public opinion is becoming such a problem that Putin is effectively fighting two wars: one in Ukraine, and one at home,” Sam Greene, a Russia scholar at King’s College London, wrote this week.

The danger is not only anti-war protests, which have been mostly associated with segments of society already skeptical of Putin. Bank runs or other forms of mass economic panic, Greene argued, could trigger a sense of national crisis, overriding even the sanguine lies of state media.

Putin, by hiding the scale and nature of the invasion, is in effect tying his own hands, making it impossible for his government to adequately inform citizens about the struggles ahead. You can’t ask citizens to rally around a war you insist does not exist.

Much as European disunity is all but inevitable as the tolls mount, apprehension among the Russian elite may simply be a matter of time.

“The indicators of elite discontent that we have seen thus far are unusual in Putin’s Russia and should therefore be taken seriously,” Frantz said, referring to comments by Deripaska and a few others.

Though she stressed that Putin could well ride out the self-made crisis, “in the long term, this external pressure — coupled with the domestic unrest — could lead to Putin’s downfall.”

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine grinds on, Moscow is finding itself mired in a parallel conflict: a contest of economic and political endurance against the West.

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine grinds on, Moscow is finding itself mired in a parallel conflict: a contest of economic and political endurance against the West. Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, had prepared Russia for sanctions like those imposed after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, as if daring Western countries to cut off their citizens from Russian trade and see who blinked first. But the severity of Western measures has far exceeded expectations, not only devastating Russia’s economy but also isolating its citizens from travel and even from Western brands like Apple and McDonald’s. Now, both sides face a test of their ability to maintain domestic support for a standoff whose costs will be borne by regular citizens. More than a battle of wills, it is a test of two opposing systems. Putin’s Russia, which rallied around nationalist fervor in 2014, now relies on propaganda and repression. Western leaders increasingly appeal to liberal ideals of international norms and collective welfare that had been in global decline — until now, they hope. The economic balance favors the West in the extreme. One study estimated that a full trade war would curb the combined gross domestic product of Western countries by 0.17% but Russia’s by a devastating 9.7%. Public opinion may also advantage the West, where surveys find wide support for harsh measures against Russia, whereas Putin dare not even acknowledge the war’s extent for fear of triggering more protests. Still, Western leaders must maintain unity across 20-plus fractious democracies, persuading citizens from Canada to Bulgaria that spiking energy prices — which may be just the start of the economic shocks — are worth the sacrifice. Political fissures will inevitably open within the West, said Jeremy Shapiro, the research director for the European Council on Foreign Relations. “The polls really tell us nothing about how people will actually react to economic pain and masses of refugees,” Shapiro said. The question is when. Putin, meanwhile, must maintain his grip on both Russia’s public and the network of political power brokers who back him. If their tolerance of the war’s rapidly rising toll slips before Western resolve does, it could imperil not just his war, but his very hold on power. The question of who breaks first may shape Ukraine’s fate as much as any weapons transfer or tank assault. And although the outcome is impossible to predict, a range of economic indicators and political signals offer some clues. The West’s Challenge Western countries’ secret weapon, nearly as important as their economic edge, may be their citizens’ sudden desire for concerted and unified action. In polls, Europeans across the continent express a moral imperative to punish Russia’s invasion, as well as a belief that Russia now poses a direct threat to their countries. In a seven-country survey taken just before the invasion, a plurality said they were willing to personally bear the economic toll of isolating Russia, which provides much of Europe’s energy. Country-specific polls suggest that share has likely increased. In Germany — the European Union’s largest economy and often its decider on Russia matters — only 38% supported increasing military spending as of September; now it is up to 69%. In past standoffs, European leaders often went against the will of their voters to confront Moscow, seeing it as a grim necessity. Now, leaders such as Olaf Scholz of Germany and Emmanuel Macron of France are seeing their approval ratings surge as they rally against Russia. Far from playing down the costs to everyday citizens, some emphasize it as a point of pride. Political risks are further eased by the election calendar: Macron is nearly alone among Western leaders in facing reelection this year and is a strong favorite to win. Still, President Joe Biden is under countervailing pressure from Republicans and voters alike to simultaneously stand up to Russia while keeping down gas prices. If politics around the crisis shift, Biden may feel compelled to adjust, especially as the November midterm elections, already expected to be difficult for his party, near. And a slowdown in Russian energy exports — already underway as Russian firms are buffeted by the turmoil — is expected to hit Europe hard. Germany imports more than half of its gas from Russia, as does Austria. Some Eastern European countries run on nearly 100% Russian gas. Europe’s West gets most of its gas elsewhere, such as from Norway and Algeria. Still, as Russia is cut off from buyers, fossil fuels will become scarcer and therefore costlier worldwide. Some Germans’ energy bills are already projected to increase by two-thirds this year. To ease the burden, European governments are putting in place sweeping energy subsidies, worth 15.5 billion euros, or about $17 billion, in France, 5.5 billion euros in Italy, 2 billion euros in Poland, 1.7 billion euros in Austria, and so on. Many target low-income households. But there may be a timer on Western resilience. Unless European countries radically re-engineer their infrastructure for importing gas or take on perhaps the fastest shift to renewable energy in history — both considered technically feasible but costly — they could potentially run out of fuel next winter. Economic shocks could extend well beyond heating costs. A number of European industries are already slowing production because of rising energy prices. Russia also exports much of the world’s copper and other industrial materials. At the same time, while Europeans express wide support for welcoming Ukrainian refugees, it is unclear whether this will last. Europe is already expecting a major surge in refugee arrivals this summer, many from Afghanistan. Western leaders have proved extremely sensitive to anti-immigration backlash. “There remain significant divides that are being buried in the emotion of the moment,” Shapiro said. The West’s greatest ally in maintaining unity may be Putin himself. By massing forces on NATO’s borders and producing shocking images of destruction in Ukraine, he has given Europeans something to rally against, distracting from their disagreements, for now. Moscow’s Challenge In a telling contrast to 2014, when many Russians cheered their country’s invasion of Ukraine, Putin has turned almost immediately to repression and censorship, threatening severe prison terms for so much as calling the invasion a “war.” This has accelerated a kind of authoritarian feedback loop in Russia, with tightening repression feeding popular discontent, beyond even the extremes of recent years. But Putin belongs to a particular club of authoritarians — individual strongmen, rather than military or party dictatorships — for whom popular support is a secondary concern. Rather, such leaders draw their power from the backing of political elites, like the heads of security agencies or state industries, said Erica Frantz, a Michigan State University scholar of authoritarianism. “This is not to say that ordinary citizens don’t matter, but rather that if we’re looking for regime vulnerabilities at the moment, the focal point really needs to be on these indicators of elite discontent,” Frantz said. Authoritarian elites, garrisoned behind vast personal wealth, can more easily endure the economic hardship that will be borne by regular Russians. They also tend to give leaders wide latitude in wartime, which may be why strongmen rarely lose power because of battlefield losses, research has shown. Still, such elites are not fooled by state propaganda. And they are not indifferent to their country’s fate. Surveys of Russian political elites conducted in 2020 found that most backed Putin for exactly the accomplishments now under threat: stabilizing the country and winning it respect abroad. Many also expressed concern over his handling of the economy — and opposition to military adventurism in Ukraine. “The crisis will be most severe for a minimum of three years. Take the 1998 crisis and multiply it by three,” Oleg Deripaska, a prominent Russian billionaire, said in an unusual break with the Kremlin, referring to Russia’s economically catastrophic 1990s. Sanctions could hurt Putin with the elite by limiting his ability to distribute the spoils they expect in return for their support. So could popular unrest, if it grows severe enough to make those elites question whether Putin is imperiling Russia’s stability. “Russian public opinion is becoming such a problem that Putin is effectively fighting two wars: one in Ukraine, and one at home,” Sam Greene, a Russia scholar at King’s College London, wrote this week. The danger is not only anti-war protests, which have been mostly associated with segments of society already skeptical of Putin. Bank runs or other forms of mass economic panic, Greene argued, could trigger a sense of national crisis, overriding even the sanguine lies of state media. Putin, by hiding the scale and nature of the invasion, is in effect tying his own hands, making it impossible for his government to adequately inform citizens about the struggles ahead. You can’t ask citizens to rally around a war you insist does not exist. Much as European disunity is all but inevitable as the tolls mount, apprehension among the Russian elite may simply be a matter of time. “The indicators of elite discontent that we have seen thus far are unusual in Putin’s Russia and should therefore be taken seriously,” Frantz said, referring to comments by Deripaska and a few others. Though she stressed that Putin could well ride out the self-made crisis, “in the long term, this external pressure — coupled with the domestic unrest — could lead to Putin’s downfall.”

Russia’s other contest with the West: Economic endurance

The economic crisis in Pakistan is showing no signs of abating, the cost of electricity in the country is likely to rise by six rupees per unit. Opposition slammed the government.

Pakistan: Opposition targets Imran Khan government over proposed power tariff hike

The Taliban on Friday called for emergency humanitarian aid without "political bias." Afghanistan's aid-dependent economy has been in turmoil since the Taliban took over. The nation's USD 9 billion in reserves, which are mostly held in the US, were frozen and the IMF blocked about USD 450 million.

Deputy prime minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, in a video has said that the world has an obligation to help. "In various places right now, people do not have food, accommodation, warm clothes or money. The world has to support Afghan people without any political bias and carry out their humanitarian obligations," he said.&nbsp;

Baradar further highlighted how the weather has worsened the economic crisis. "We call for the international community, NGOs and all the countries not to forget our poor people," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/omicron-cases-on-the-rise-in-pakistan-government-advises-caution-442674">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron cases on the rise in Pakistan, government advises caution</a>

Earlier in December, UN humanitarian chief Marty Griffiths called on the international community to intervene to avert further deaths. Afghanistan's economic collapse is "happening before our eye," he said.

Griffiths told The Associated Press that donor nations need to agree that, in addition to emergency humanitarian aid, they must meet Afghans' basic needs like education, hospitals, electricity and paying civil servants. As per him, it is also essential to inject liquidity into the economy, which has seen the banking system "pretty well shut down."

He further highlighted that four million children are out of school and nine million more will be soon because 70 per cent of teachers have not been paid since August.&nbsp;

"And if we don't make that happen, all that discussion about the right of women and girls going to school becomes academic. So, my message today is a wake-up call about the humanitarian consequences of an economic collapse and the need to take urgent action," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban on Friday called for emergency humanitarian aid without "political bias." Afghanistan's aid-dependent economy has been in turmoil since the Taliban took over.

The Taliban on Friday called for emergency humanitarian aid without "political bias." Afghanistan's aid-dependent economy has been in turmoil since the Taliban took over. The nation's USD 9 billion in reserves, which are mostly held in the US, were frozen and the IMF blocked about USD 450 million. Deputy prime minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, in a video has said that the world has an obligation to help. "In various places right now, people do not have food, accommodation, warm clothes or money. The world has to support Afghan people without any political bias and carry out their humanitarian obligations," he said. Baradar further highlighted how the weather has worsened the economic crisis. "We call for the international community, NGOs and all the countries not to forget our poor people," he said. Also read | Omicron cases on the rise in Pakistan, government advises caution Earlier in December, UN humanitarian chief Marty Griffiths called on the international community to intervene to avert further deaths. Afghanistan's economic collapse is "happening before our eye," he said. Griffiths told The Associated Press that donor nations need to agree that, in addition to emergency humanitarian aid, they must meet Afghans' basic needs like education, hospitals, electricity and paying civil servants. As per him, it is also essential to inject liquidity into the economy, which has seen the banking system "pretty well shut down." He further highlighted that four million children are out of school and nine million more will be soon because 70 per cent of teachers have not been paid since August. "And if we don't make that happen, all that discussion about the right of women and girls going to school becomes academic. So, my message today is a wake-up call about the humanitarian consequences of an economic collapse and the need to take urgent action," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

No food and clothes: Taliban's Deputy PM calls for aid amid economic crisis

The Taliban's foreign minister visited Iran on Saturday to discuss Afghan refugees and a growing economic crisis, in the first such trip to the neighbouring country since the hardline Islamists seized power.

Iran, like other nations, has so far not recognised the new government formed by the Taliban after it took power amid a hasty withdrawal by US-led foreign forces in August.

"The visit aims at discussions on political, economic, transit and refugee issues between Afghanistan and Iran," the Taliban foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said on Twitter.

Already host to millions of Afghans and fearing a new influx, Tehran has sought to sketch a rapprochement with the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-food-and-clothes-talibans-deputy-pm-calls-for-aid-amid-economic-crisis-443146">Also read |&nbsp;No food and clothes: Taliban's Deputy PM calls for aid amid economic crisis</a>

The Taliban delegation led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has already held a preliminary meeting with Iranian officials, he said.

Shiite Iran, which shares a 900-kilometre border with Afghanistan, had not recognised the Sunni movement's rule during their 1996 to 2001 stint in power. It is still to recognise the Islamists' current government, insisting that the Taliban form an inclusive administration.

"Today, we are basically not at the point of recognising" the Taliban, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference earlier this week.

The Taliban has formed an all-male cabinet made up entirely of members of the group, and almost exclusively of ethnic Pashtuns.

It has further restricted women's rights to work and study, triggering widespread international condemnation.

The Taliban's foreign minister visited Iran on Saturday to discuss Afghan refugees and a growing economic crisis, in the first such trip to the neighbouring country since the hardline Islamists seized power.

The Taliban's foreign minister visited Iran on Saturday to discuss Afghan refugees and a growing economic crisis, in the first such trip to the neighbouring country since the hardline Islamists seized power. Iran, like other nations, has so far not recognised the new government formed by the Taliban after it took power amid a hasty withdrawal by US-led foreign forces in August. "The visit aims at discussions on political, economic, transit and refugee issues between Afghanistan and Iran," the Taliban foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said on Twitter. Already host to millions of Afghans and fearing a new influx, Tehran has sought to sketch a rapprochement with the Taliban. Also read | No food and clothes: Taliban's Deputy PM calls for aid amid economic crisis The Taliban delegation led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has already held a preliminary meeting with Iranian officials, he said. Shiite Iran, which shares a 900-kilometre border with Afghanistan, had not recognised the Sunni movement's rule during their 1996 to 2001 stint in power. It is still to recognise the Islamists' current government, insisting that the Taliban form an inclusive administration. "Today, we are basically not at the point of recognising" the Taliban, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference earlier this week. The Taliban has formed an all-male cabinet made up entirely of members of the group, and almost exclusively of ethnic Pashtuns. It has further restricted women's rights to work and study, triggering widespread international condemnation.

Taliban foreign minister visits Iran to discuss refugee and economic situation

In&nbsp;the biggest conference on Afghanistan after the Taliban took over, Pakistan warned of "grave consequences" for the international community if the situation remains the same in Afghanistan. At the opening of a special meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan urged world leaders to find ways to help prevent a humanitarian crisis in the nation.&nbsp;

The crisis escalated ever since the Taliban took control in August. As an immediate response, major donors halted their support for the country by freezing funds.&nbsp;

Afghanistan also faced challenges of drought caused by global warming.&nbsp;

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the IOC meeting, "We cannot ignore the danger of complete economic meltdown."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-is-hosting-oic-meeting-to-organise-economic-assistance-for-afghanistan-437883">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan is hosting OIC meeting to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan urged international community&nbsp;to offer help as he said that if the world does not act on Afghanistan, this will turn out to be the biggest man-made crisis. He further said that the United States must delink the Taliban government from 40 million Afghan citizens.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pak uses OIC meeting on Afghanistan to raise Kashmir issue

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pak-uses-oic-meeting-on-afghanistan-to-raise-kashmir-issue-438567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan. The nation had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power.

The IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the biggest conference on Afghanistan after the Taliban took over, Pakistan warned of "grave consequences" for the international community if the situation remains the same in Afghanistan.

In the biggest conference on Afghanistan after the Taliban took over, Pakistan warned of "grave consequences" for the international community if the situation remains the same in Afghanistan. At the opening of a special meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan urged world leaders to find ways to help prevent a humanitarian crisis in the nation. The crisis escalated ever since the Taliban took control in August. As an immediate response, major donors halted their support for the country by freezing funds. Afghanistan also faced challenges of drought caused by global warming. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the IOC meeting, "We cannot ignore the danger of complete economic meltdown." Also read | Pakistan is hosting OIC meeting to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan urged international community to offer help as he said that if the world does not act on Afghanistan, this will turn out to be the biggest man-made crisis. He further said that the United States must delink the Taliban government from 40 million Afghan citizens. Watch | Gravitas: Pak uses OIC meeting on Afghanistan to raise Kashmir issue The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan. The nation had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power. The IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

At OIC, Pakistan warns of 'grave consequences' from Afghan economic crisis

Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month.&nbsp;

The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan. The nation had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power, along with the disruption of aid. The IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban.

Foreign Ministers from Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar will be present at the meeting. Afghanistan's interim government and several other ministers will also be present. However, they won't be taking part in the meeting but will get a chance to engage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-concerns-of-extreme-poverty-taliban-manages-to-prepare-new-afghan-budget-437814">Also read |&nbsp;Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget</a>

Pakistan has announced the suspension of phone services in the capital city Islamabad during the session. Services will be blocked from Islamabad Airport to the Red Zone.&nbsp;

Foreign ministers from countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Russia and China have also been invited.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in the latest development, Afghanistan's finance ministry has managed to draft a national budget under the Taliban government. This has happened for the first time in two decades without being funded by foreign aid.&nbsp;

As of now, the size of the budget has not been disclosed. Finance ministry spokesman Ahmad Wali Haqmal while speaking to AFP said that it would go to the cabinet for approval before being published.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-hosting-oic-foreign-ministers-meet-on-afghanistan-437845/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month. The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan.

Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month. The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan. The nation had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power, along with the disruption of aid. The IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban. Foreign Ministers from Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar will be present at the meeting. Afghanistan's interim government and several other ministers will also be present. However, they won't be taking part in the meeting but will get a chance to engage. Also read | Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget Pakistan has announced the suspension of phone services in the capital city Islamabad during the session. Services will be blocked from Islamabad Airport to the Red Zone. Foreign ministers from countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Russia and China have also been invited. Meanwhile, in the latest development, Afghanistan's finance ministry has managed to draft a national budget under the Taliban government. This has happened for the first time in two decades without being funded by foreign aid. As of now, the size of the budget has not been disclosed. Finance ministry spokesman Ahmad Wali Haqmal while speaking to AFP said that it would go to the cabinet for approval before being published. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan is hosting OIC meeting to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group. Di Valerio Fabbri, writing in Geopolitica.info said that quite aptly, the resolution was released soon after the United States announced the creation of a new alliance with the United Kingdom and Australia (AUKUS).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-cuts-chinas-growth-forecast-amid-disorderly-corporate-debt-defaults-420197">IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults'</a>

The fundamental message of the resolution is that "China is asserting a stronger global role both as an economic power and as a foreign-policy actor, which poses serious political, economic, security and technological challenges to the EU.&nbsp;In turn, this has significant and long-lasting consequences for the world order and poses serious threats to rules-based multilateralism and core democratic values. True to its core values, the EU also highlighted every aspect of the complicated relationship with China, including Bejing's gross violation of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet.

In this regard, particular attention was paid to the Chinese government's 'Strike hard against violent terrorism'&nbsp;campaign launched in 2014, which has led to a rapid deterioration in the condition of the situation of Uyghur in Xinjiang, reported Geopolitica.info.

Perhaps the most recent illustration of the totalitarian nature of the Chinese state, which also finds mention in the EU document, is the departure of some foreign correspondents from the mainland, said Fabbri.

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Furthermore, the ridiculous labelling by the Chinese government of the Foreign Correspondents&nbsp;Club, the professional association of Beijing-based journalists reporting on China globally, as an 'illegal organisation'&nbsp;is the latest in a long and increasing instances of harassment and obstruction of foreign journalists. This is part of the effort to police speech about China globally and, as the EU rightly concludes, to determine what kind of speech and discussions are allowed as part of a totalitarian threat, said Fabbri.

The document also expressed regret over China's one-party system and its commitment to Marxism-Leninism, which precludes the possibility to embrace "democratic values such as individual freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of religion". The latest report makes a number of recommendations, including calls to adopt targeted sanctions against senior Chinese officials responsible for abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. It called for better coordination to counter Beijing's growing global influence and anti-rights agenda and for a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, reported Geopolitica.info.

The European Parliament also urged the EU's foreign policy branch to seek a more effective and benchmark-based human rights dialogue.Moreover, the EU perceives the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a "threat stemming from China," among other initiatives like the "dual circulation strategy, Made in China 2025, China Standards 2035" and other policies, including its military modernization and capacity build-up. For this reason, the EU welcomed the G7 leaders&nbsp;agreement to develop a partnership called Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative as an alternative to China's BRI.

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group.

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group. Di Valerio Fabbri, writing in Geopolitica.info said that quite aptly, the resolution was released soon after the United States announced the creation of a new alliance with the United Kingdom and Australia (AUKUS). Also Read | IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults' The fundamental message of the resolution is that "China is asserting a stronger global role both as an economic power and as a foreign-policy actor, which poses serious political, economic, security and technological challenges to the EU. In turn, this has significant and long-lasting consequences for the world order and poses serious threats to rules-based multilateralism and core democratic values. True to its core values, the EU also highlighted every aspect of the complicated relationship with China, including Bejing's gross violation of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet. In this regard, particular attention was paid to the Chinese government's 'Strike hard against violent terrorism' campaign launched in 2014, which has led to a rapid deterioration in the condition of the situation of Uyghur in Xinjiang, reported Geopolitica.info. Perhaps the most recent illustration of the totalitarian nature of the Chinese state, which also finds mention in the EU document, is the departure of some foreign correspondents from the mainland, said Fabbri. Also Read | Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers Furthermore, the ridiculous labelling by the Chinese government of the Foreign Correspondents Club, the professional association of Beijing-based journalists reporting on China globally, as an 'illegal organisation' is the latest in a long and increasing instances of harassment and obstruction of foreign journalists. This is part of the effort to police speech about China globally and, as the EU rightly concludes, to determine what kind of speech and discussions are allowed as part of a totalitarian threat, said Fabbri. The document also expressed regret over China's one-party system and its commitment to Marxism-Leninism, which precludes the possibility to embrace "democratic values such as individual freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of religion". The latest report makes a number of recommendations, including calls to adopt targeted sanctions against senior Chinese officials responsible for abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. It called for better coordination to counter Beijing's growing global influence and anti-rights agenda and for a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, reported Geopolitica.info. The European Parliament also urged the EU's foreign policy branch to seek a more effective and benchmark-based human rights dialogue.Moreover, the EU perceives the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a "threat stemming from China," among other initiatives like the "dual circulation strategy, Made in China 2025, China Standards 2035" and other policies, including its military modernization and capacity build-up. For this reason, the EU welcomed the G7 leaders agreement to develop a partnership called Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative as an alternative to China's BRI.

China poses serious political, economic, security, technological challenges to EU

President Joe Biden says he would prefer to cut the duration of programs in his big social services and climate change package rather than eliminate some entirely, as Democrats struggle to win support from moderates by trimming what had been a $3.5 trillion proposal.

Biden's comments on Friday, reassuring progressives on what he hopes will be a landmark piece of his legacy, marked his clearest indication yet on how he hopes negotiations over the bill will play out.

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Appearing to side with a strategy preferred by progressive lawmakers, it marked at least a subtle break with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has suggested that most Democrats prefer to focus on establishing a few enduring programmes.

He also said there is no deadline for a deal.

I'm of the view that it's important to establish the principle on a whole range of issues without guaranteeing to get the whole 10 years,&nbsp;Biden told reporters before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington from a trip to Connecticut. "It matters to establish it.

So what happens is, you pass the principle and you build on it,&nbsp;he added. You look back and either it works or it doesn't work.

Pelosi, however, in a Monday note to fellow Democratic lawmakers, said, Overwhelmingly, the guidance I am receiving from members is to do fewer things well.

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Biden said Friday that although he expects the package to shrink, we're going to come back and get the rest&nbsp;after it's passed.

We're not going to get $3.5 trillion. We'll get less than that, but we're gonna get it. And we're going to come back and get the rest,&nbsp;Biden said during remarks at a child care center in Connecticut.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are working to reduce the sweeping package to about $2 trillion in spending, which would be paid for with higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. The proposal includes everything from free child care and community college to dental, vision and hearing aid benefits for seniors and a number of significant provisions meant to combat climate change. They're all key items for progressives, but moderates have balked at the original $3.5 trillion price tag.

One almost certain reduction would be in the proposal for free community college.

I doubt whether we will get the entire funding for community colleges but I'm not going to give up on community colleges as long as I'm president, Biden said. His wife, Jill, is a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College.

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With slim margins in the House and the Senate, Democrats have no votes to spare on the bill. The whittling process has sparked concern from some progressives.

The party's internal debate was apparent as Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., wrote an opinion column for a West Virginia newspaper calling out that state's Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin by name for blocking the domestic package so far.

Sanders named Manchin as one of only two Democratic senators who remain in opposition&nbsp;to the measure, thwarting the unanimous support the party needs in the 50-50 Senate to approve the still-evolving legislation.

This is a pivotal moment in modern American history. We now have a historic opportunity to support the working families of West Virginia, Vermont and the entire country and create policy which works for all, not just the few,&nbsp;Sanders wrote in a piece scheduled to appear in Sunday's Charleston Gazette-Mail.

Manchin shot back in a statement late Friday, saying: It isn't the first time an out-of-stater has tried to tell West Virginians what is best for them." It's highly unusual for a senator to publicly criticize a colleague of the same party, particularly by wading into the other lawmaker's state.

Manchin has proposed holding the measure's overall 10-year cost to $1.5 trillion and has said he wants to limit some health care initiatives to benefit only lower-earning people.

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Sanders and Manchin stand, respectively, as among the Democrats' most progressive and conservative senators.

Biden has openly acknowledged the price tag of his package will have to come down. On Friday, he visited a child development center in Hartford to speak about a need for investments in child care and other social safety net programs, arguing they're imperative to keep America competitive in the global economy.

At the center, Biden promoted his proposal to make such care free for lower-income families, and ensure that families making up to 150% of their state's median income pay less than 7 per cent&nbsp;of their salaries on child care. It's part of a massive expansion of the social safety net that Biden has championed and is aiming to pass with just Democratic votes in Congress.

Too many folks in Washington still don't realize it isn't enough just to invest in our physical infrastructure. We also have to invest in our people,&nbsp;he said.

Biden briefly greeted some of the children at the center's playground, at one point kneeling to give a child a hug.

The president's sales pitch comes as his Democratic allies have raised concerns that the American public does not understand the benefits of his package.

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There is renewed urgency among Democrats to push it through ahead of an end-of-month deadline on transportation funding, Biden's upcoming foreign trip, and a closer-than-anticipated race for Virginia's next governor.

The fate of the legislation, branded Build Back Better" by Biden, is also holding up a more than $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate this summer. House progressives are balking at supporting that roads-and-bridges bill until agreement is reached on a path forward for the social safety net package.

In an interview this week with The Associated Press, Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, criticized Democrats including Biden over the lack of progress.

They all got to get their act together and vote,&nbsp;McAuliffe said. Asked specifically if he was calling out Biden, McAuliffe said, I put everybody there.&nbsp;McAuliffe is in a tight race with Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin in a state Biden carried by 10 points last fall.

Biden also delivered remarks later at the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights at the University of Connecticut, which is being renamed to honor a longtime friend, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, and Dodd's father, also a former senator.

President Joe Biden says he would prefer to cut the duration of programs in his big social services and climate change package rather than eliminate some entirely, as Democrats struggle to win support from moderates by trimming what had been a $3.

President Joe Biden says he would prefer to cut the duration of programs in his big social services and climate change package rather than eliminate some entirely, as Democrats struggle to win support from moderates by trimming what had been a $3.5 trillion proposal. Biden's comments on Friday, reassuring progressives on what he hopes will be a landmark piece of his legacy, marked his clearest indication yet on how he hopes negotiations over the bill will play out. Also Read | US offers condolence payments, relocation to kin of Afghans killed in botched drone attack Appearing to side with a strategy preferred by progressive lawmakers, it marked at least a subtle break with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has suggested that most Democrats prefer to focus on establishing a few enduring programmes. He also said there is no deadline for a deal. I'm of the view that it's important to establish the principle on a whole range of issues without guaranteeing to get the whole 10 years, Biden told reporters before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington from a trip to Connecticut. "It matters to establish it. So what happens is, you pass the principle and you build on it, he added. You look back and either it works or it doesn't work. Pelosi, however, in a Monday note to fellow Democratic lawmakers, said, Overwhelmingly, the guidance I am receiving from members is to do fewer things well. Also Read | Bali earthquake kills three, injures seven Biden said Friday that although he expects the package to shrink, we're going to come back and get the rest after it's passed. We're not going to get $3.5 trillion. We'll get less than that, but we're gonna get it. And we're going to come back and get the rest, Biden said during remarks at a child care center in Connecticut. Democrats on Capitol Hill are working to reduce the sweeping package to about $2 trillion in spending, which would be paid for with higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. The proposal includes everything from free child care and community college to dental, vision and hearing aid benefits for seniors and a number of significant provisions meant to combat climate change. They're all key items for progressives, but moderates have balked at the original $3.5 trillion price tag. One almost certain reduction would be in the proposal for free community college. I doubt whether we will get the entire funding for community colleges but I'm not going to give up on community colleges as long as I'm president, Biden said. His wife, Jill, is a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing With slim margins in the House and the Senate, Democrats have no votes to spare on the bill. The whittling process has sparked concern from some progressives. The party's internal debate was apparent as Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., wrote an opinion column for a West Virginia newspaper calling out that state's Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin by name for blocking the domestic package so far. Sanders named Manchin as one of only two Democratic senators who remain in opposition to the measure, thwarting the unanimous support the party needs in the 50-50 Senate to approve the still-evolving legislation. This is a pivotal moment in modern American history. We now have a historic opportunity to support the working families of West Virginia, Vermont and the entire country and create policy which works for all, not just the few, Sanders wrote in a piece scheduled to appear in Sunday's Charleston Gazette-Mail. Manchin shot back in a statement late Friday, saying: It isn't the first time an out-of-stater has tried to tell West Virginians what is best for them." It's highly unusual for a senator to publicly criticize a colleague of the same party, particularly by wading into the other lawmaker's state. Manchin has proposed holding the measure's overall 10-year cost to $1.5 trillion and has said he wants to limit some health care initiatives to benefit only lower-earning people. Also Read | US President Joe Biden slammed for likening former Senator Dodd with one who would not 'disrespect a waitress' Sanders and Manchin stand, respectively, as among the Democrats' most progressive and conservative senators. Biden has openly acknowledged the price tag of his package will have to come down. On Friday, he visited a child development center in Hartford to speak about a need for investments in child care and other social safety net programs, arguing they're imperative to keep America competitive in the global economy. At the center, Biden promoted his proposal to make such care free for lower-income families, and ensure that families making up to 150% of their state's median income pay less than 7 per cent of their salaries on child care. It's part of a massive expansion of the social safety net that Biden has championed and is aiming to pass with just Democratic votes in Congress. Too many folks in Washington still don't realize it isn't enough just to invest in our physical infrastructure. We also have to invest in our people, he said. Biden briefly greeted some of the children at the center's playground, at one point kneeling to give a child a hug. The president's sales pitch comes as his Democratic allies have raised concerns that the American public does not understand the benefits of his package. Also Read | Police seize $104-million record shipment of heroin in Australia There is renewed urgency among Democrats to push it through ahead of an end-of-month deadline on transportation funding, Biden's upcoming foreign trip, and a closer-than-anticipated race for Virginia's next governor. The fate of the legislation, branded Build Back Better" by Biden, is also holding up a more than $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate this summer. House progressives are balking at supporting that roads-and-bridges bill until agreement is reached on a path forward for the social safety net package. In an interview this week with The Associated Press, Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, criticized Democrats including Biden over the lack of progress. They all got to get their act together and vote, McAuliffe said. Asked specifically if he was calling out Biden, McAuliffe said, I put everybody there. McAuliffe is in a tight race with Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin in a state Biden carried by 10 points last fall. Biden also delivered remarks later at the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights at the University of Connecticut, which is being renamed to honor a longtime friend, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, and Dodd's father, also a former senator.

Biden says he's open to shortening length of new programmes

Afghanistan is inching closer to famine the winters are fast approaching and aid agencies have now ramped up food deliveries amid fears that the nation's already fragile economy would collapse.

Afghanistan, braces for harsh winter, mountainous regions will remain cut of due to snowfall

China, the biggest manufacturing country in the world, is facing an electricity crisis, forcing factories to reduce operations, power consumption, and leading to outright blackouts in some provinces, media reports said.

Millions of people are getting affected by what is being considered as one of the worst power crises in the country.

The Hong Kong Post reported that 20 of the total 31 provinces are implementing energy-rationing, putting the industry sector of the world's second-largest economy in a fix.

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Experts believe that the problem has emerged due to the expected rebound in demand in power from Chinese factories after a COVID-19-led slump.

The immediate cause is that China is still highly dependent on coal, which provides 70 per cent of the country's power generation, the Foreign Policy magazine reported.

However, the Foreign Policy report noted that the reasons for the crisis can also be traced back to a string of policy missteps and poorly thought-out market interventions after the beginning of the pandemic.

The energy crisis in China led to an industrial output decline in September for the first time since China started recovering from the COVID-19 lockdowns.

At the end of September, the country's manufacturing powerhouse Guangdong Province said it will widen the "peak-to-valley" price difference and hike peak electricity prices by 25 per cent for industrial users.

Chinese state media Global Times reported that this power shortage threatens to weigh down industrial production in the coming months.

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The hike in peak electricity prices is for industrial users and will not apply to residential power use, said China South Grid.

This comes as the change in prices in the southern economic powerhouse happened as a shortage of electricity struck China.

China's power grid operator had denied there was an energy crisis and promised to upgrade the national power grid and guarantee a normal power supply.

The cuts and restrictions have been implemented piecemeal by local governments, often with scant warning and little explanation, sparking public anger, Radio Free Asia reported."Chin's energy supply capacity is currently sufficient to meet demand," State Grid Corp. said in comments reported by the Global Times.

"China has no energy crisis," it said.

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Despite China's denial, major international suppliers are bracing for impact on businesses already confronting delays caused by shortages and global shipping delays.

According to media reports, the shock is even leading experts to cut growth expectations for China.

Meanwhile, some sections of the Chinese media have also called for a balance to be struck between climate targets and allowing the power crisis to get out of control.

China, the biggest manufacturing country in the world, is facing an electricity crisis, forcing factories to reduce operations, power consumption, and leading to outright blackouts in some provinces, media reports said.

China, the biggest manufacturing country in the world, is facing an electricity crisis, forcing factories to reduce operations, power consumption, and leading to outright blackouts in some provinces, media reports said. Millions of people are getting affected by what is being considered as one of the worst power crises in the country. The Hong Kong Post reported that 20 of the total 31 provinces are implementing energy-rationing, putting the industry sector of the world's second-largest economy in a fix. Also Read | China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk Experts believe that the problem has emerged due to the expected rebound in demand in power from Chinese factories after a COVID-19-led slump. The immediate cause is that China is still highly dependent on coal, which provides 70 per cent of the country's power generation, the Foreign Policy magazine reported. However, the Foreign Policy report noted that the reasons for the crisis can also be traced back to a string of policy missteps and poorly thought-out market interventions after the beginning of the pandemic. The energy crisis in China led to an industrial output decline in September for the first time since China started recovering from the COVID-19 lockdowns. At the end of September, the country's manufacturing powerhouse Guangdong Province said it will widen the "peak-to-valley" price difference and hike peak electricity prices by 25 per cent for industrial users. Chinese state media Global Times reported that this power shortage threatens to weigh down industrial production in the coming months. Also Read | US Navy nuclear submarine hits underwater 'object' in South China Sea: Report The hike in peak electricity prices is for industrial users and will not apply to residential power use, said China South Grid. This comes as the change in prices in the southern economic powerhouse happened as a shortage of electricity struck China. China's power grid operator had denied there was an energy crisis and promised to upgrade the national power grid and guarantee a normal power supply. The cuts and restrictions have been implemented piecemeal by local governments, often with scant warning and little explanation, sparking public anger, Radio Free Asia reported."Chin's energy supply capacity is currently sufficient to meet demand," State Grid Corp. said in comments reported by the Global Times. "China has no energy crisis," it said. Also Read | CIA reorganisation to place new focus on China Despite China's denial, major international suppliers are bracing for impact on businesses already confronting delays caused by shortages and global shipping delays. According to media reports, the shock is even leading experts to cut growth expectations for China. Meanwhile, some sections of the Chinese media have also called for a balance to be struck between climate targets and allowing the power crisis to get out of control.

China's power crisis hampers its economic growth

US President Joe Biden has pushed for the importance of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for public safety as well as economic sustainability.

Speaking at an event on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination requirements on friday, President Biden mentioned various paths to battle the pandemic.

"One, vaccinate the unvaccinated, two, continue to keep the vaccinated protected, keep children safe, increasing test and protect the economic recovery and improve the care of the people with COVID-19," he said in his speech.

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He added that "more than 185 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 75 per cent of eligible Americans have got one shot so far.

"Biden also lobbied for vaccine requirements as an effective tool to end the pandemic, arguing mandates had become necessary to turn the corner on the pandemic."

These requirements work. And as the Business Roundtable and others told me when I announced the first requirement, that encouraged businesses to feel they could come in and demand the same thing of their employees.

More people are getting vaccinated. More lives are being saved," he said.

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His speech comes as part of a broader effort from the White House in recent weeks to more vocally encourage vaccine mandates at private companies as a measure to turn the tide on the coronavirus pandemic, as per The Hill.

A White House analysis released in advance of Biden's trip found vaccination rates increased by more than 20 per cent in companies, educational institutions, health systems and public sector agencies that have required their employees to get the shot.

The White House further credited vaccination requirements with cutting the rate of unvaccinated Americans by one-third from the time Biden initially announced a vaccine attestation policy for federal workers, it added.

US President Joe Biden has pushed for the importance of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for public safety as well as economic sustainability. Speaking at an event on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination requirements on friday, President Biden mentioned various paths to battle the pandemic.

US President Joe Biden has pushed for the importance of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for public safety as well as economic sustainability. Speaking at an event on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination requirements on friday, President Biden mentioned various paths to battle the pandemic. "One, vaccinate the unvaccinated, two, continue to keep the vaccinated protected, keep children safe, increasing test and protect the economic recovery and improve the care of the people with COVID-19," he said in his speech. Also Read | San Francisco bay area to drop some indoor mask mandates He added that "more than 185 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 75 per cent of eligible Americans have got one shot so far. "Biden also lobbied for vaccine requirements as an effective tool to end the pandemic, arguing mandates had become necessary to turn the corner on the pandemic." These requirements work. And as the Business Roundtable and others told me when I announced the first requirement, that encouraged businesses to feel they could come in and demand the same thing of their employees. More people are getting vaccinated. More lives are being saved," he said. Also Read | US National Guard medical teams deployed in some areas in California amid virus surge His speech comes as part of a broader effort from the White House in recent weeks to more vocally encourage vaccine mandates at private companies as a measure to turn the tide on the coronavirus pandemic, as per The Hill. A White House analysis released in advance of Biden's trip found vaccination rates increased by more than 20 per cent in companies, educational institutions, health systems and public sector agencies that have required their employees to get the shot. The White House further credited vaccination requirements with cutting the rate of unvaccinated Americans by one-third from the time Biden initially announced a vaccine attestation policy for federal workers, it added.

Biden pushes benefits of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for public safety, economic sustainability

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Wednesday the city was at a new starting point for development under a national security law imposed last year and her priority is to focus on tackling a long-standing housing shortage in the Chinese-ruled city.

Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing have long blamed unaffordable housing in the former British colony for deep-rooted social problems that they say helped fuel anti-government protests in 2019.

"Fortunately, the implementation of the National Security Law and the improvement to our electoral system have restored safety and stability in society. Hong Kong is now ready again for a new start for economic development," Lam said in her annual policy address.

Beijing imposed the law in June last year. It punishes what authorities broadly define as secession, sedition and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail.

Critics say it is being used to crush freedoms promised under the "one country, two systems" formula agreed when the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing and the city government say the law is needed to safeguard prosperity and stability and guard against outside interference.

Lam's focus in her speech was on ensuring affordable housing to the city's 7.5 million people.

"Providing decent accommodation for all is the primary goal of my housing policy. Noting the public concern on the matter, I reviewed the progress and set out my vision on the issue," she said.

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Private home prices hit a record high in July, buoyed by limited housing supply and large flows of capital from mainland Chinese buyers.

Making housing more affordable has been a priority for all of Hong Kong's leaders since 1997, although the prospect of owning a home is still a distant dream for many.

Even residents with good jobs and salaries have struggled to get on the property ladder.

Last month, Reuters reported that Beijing had given a new mandate to the city's powerful tycoons in a series of meetings this year that they should pour resources and influence into helping solve the housing shortage.

The average waiting time for public housing in Hong Kong has climbed steadily and now stands at more than 5.5 years.

Compounding the problem, home prices in former farming areas about an hours commute from the heart of the financial centre have also surged, buoyed in part by mainland parents eager to educate their children in the city.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Wednesday the city was at a new starting point for development under a national security law imposed last year and her priority is to focus on tackling a long-standing housing shortage in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Wednesday the city was at a new starting point for development under a national security law imposed last year and her priority is to focus on tackling a long-standing housing shortage in the Chinese-ruled city. Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing have long blamed unaffordable housing in the former British colony for deep-rooted social problems that they say helped fuel anti-government protests in 2019. "Fortunately, the implementation of the National Security Law and the improvement to our electoral system have restored safety and stability in society. Hong Kong is now ready again for a new start for economic development," Lam said in her annual policy address. Beijing imposed the law in June last year. It punishes what authorities broadly define as secession, sedition and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail. Critics say it is being used to crush freedoms promised under the "one country, two systems" formula agreed when the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing and the city government say the law is needed to safeguard prosperity and stability and guard against outside interference. Lam's focus in her speech was on ensuring affordable housing to the city's 7.5 million people. "Providing decent accommodation for all is the primary goal of my housing policy. Noting the public concern on the matter, I reviewed the progress and set out my vision on the issue," she said. Also Read | Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares Private home prices hit a record high in July, buoyed by limited housing supply and large flows of capital from mainland Chinese buyers. Making housing more affordable has been a priority for all of Hong Kong's leaders since 1997, although the prospect of owning a home is still a distant dream for many. Even residents with good jobs and salaries have struggled to get on the property ladder. Last month, Reuters reported that Beijing had given a new mandate to the city's powerful tycoons in a series of meetings this year that they should pour resources and influence into helping solve the housing shortage. The average waiting time for public housing in Hong Kong has climbed steadily and now stands at more than 5.5 years. Compounding the problem, home prices in former farming areas about an hours commute from the heart of the financial centre have also surged, buoyed in part by mainland parents eager to educate their children in the city.

Hong Kong at new start for development, to tackle housing - leader

The Japanese government will look into the right timing to restart a popular subsidised travel programme that was suspended late last year as coronavirus infections spread, broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday, citing tourism minister Tetsuo Saito.

Saito, the newly appointed minister for land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, also said at his inaugural news conference that the government would stand by its goal of reaching 60 million inbound tourists by 2030 as a key source of economic growth, NHK said.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida`s new cabinet, which formed on Monday, is looking to revitalise an economy hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the service industry as tourism dried up under state-of-emergency restrictions and closed borders.

The "Go To Travel" programme that began in July last year helped boost domestic travel but was put on hold by the end of the year amid fears it would help the virus spread&nbsp; "It is important to balance the prevention of contagion and the promotion of tourism," Saito said, according to NHK.

A ministry official said he could not immediately confirm the minister`s reported comments. 
The subsidised programme offered various travel-related discounts and vouchers to prop up regional economies.

Japan as a whole emerged from a state of emergency on October&nbsp;1 for the first time in about six months, although some governors are lifting restrictions in stages to prevent a rebound.

Data showed on Tuesday that Japan`s services sector activity shrank for a 20th straight month in September because of the pandemic.

The Japanese government will look into the right timing to restart a popular subsidised travel programme that was suspended late last year as coronavirus infections spread, broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday, citing tourism minister Tetsuo Saito.

The Japanese government will look into the right timing to restart a popular subsidised travel programme that was suspended late last year as coronavirus infections spread, broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday, citing tourism minister Tetsuo Saito. Saito, the newly appointed minister for land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, also said at his inaugural news conference that the government would stand by its goal of reaching 60 million inbound tourists by 2030 as a key source of economic growth, NHK said. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida`s new cabinet, which formed on Monday, is looking to revitalise an economy hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the service industry as tourism dried up under state-of-emergency restrictions and closed borders. The "Go To Travel" programme that began in July last year helped boost domestic travel but was put on hold by the end of the year amid fears it would help the virus spread "It is important to balance the prevention of contagion and the promotion of tourism," Saito said, according to NHK. A ministry official said he could not immediately confirm the minister`s reported comments. The subsidised programme offered various travel-related discounts and vouchers to prop up regional economies. Japan as a whole emerged from a state of emergency on October 1 for the first time in about six months, although some governors are lifting restrictions in stages to prevent a rebound. Data showed on Tuesday that Japan`s services sector activity shrank for a 20th straight month in September because of the pandemic.

Japan to gauge timing for restarting subsidised travel programme

As Myanmar`s economic slump deepens after February`s military coup and parts of its financial system freeze up, many in the strife-torn country are turning to online groups to bypass official channels to trade currencies.

The fragility of the financial system was further exposed this week when the kyat currency sank to new lows after the central bank gave up on attempts to prop it up. Many licensed money exchanges and gold shops shut their doors in the turmoil that followed.

The online groups, which run mainly on Facebook, have become a way for buyers and sellers of currencies to connect, often relying on trust when arranging physical exchanges of notes.

"I posted to sell some old notes yesterday in the group," said May Lay, a Yangon resident, referring to what she said was the sale of about $190 into kyat on a Facebook group.

"I lost my job and have had no income recently. Life is difficult with a one-year-old child," she said, noting how her household spending on food had doubled.

In the immediate months after the February 1 coup, long lines of people queued up to withdraw cash from banks, though recently kyat savings have taken an ever bigger hit with the currency losing 60 per cent&nbsp;of its value against the dollar in September.

Speaking after the World Bank warned this week the economy could slump 18 per cent&nbsp;this year, the ruling military council`s spokesman Zaw Min Tun said on Thursday the central bank had been unable to meet local demand for dollars.

One of the biggest of the groups set up on Facebook called "Dollar Buyer Seller Direct" had about 170,000 members, with the group`s administrator warning users to be careful before making a deal.

"The seller, the buyer, both take responsibility," it warned. 
The group appears to have been taken down in recent days, though at least one other site has emerged to fill its place.

In Myanmar, money traders are supposed to get a licence to operate. Central bank officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Asked about such sites using its platform, Rafael Frankel, director of public policy emerging countries, Facebook Asia Pacific, said: "Our dedicated team, including regional experts, continues to monitor the situation in Myanmar in real time and we will take action on anything that violates our policies as soon as we become aware of it."

"Our thoughts are with the people of Myanmar at this difficult time," Frankel said.

Smuggling Dollars

Still, with some money changers halting operations and official exchange rates now well out of line with market rates, more people have been drawn to the online sites to do their own deals, which are concluded in person.

"It`s like a black market. Both parties have to worry until the deal is done," said Ye Yint Tun, 33, who turned to becoming an unofficial currency broker after losing his job as a real estate agent for expatriates.

While initially asking for a 20 per cent fee, he has now slashed that to 2per cent&nbsp;to make it more attractive and reckons he earns about 10,000 to 20,000 kyat per day, or about $4 to just over $8, based on recent exchange rates.

"There are risks that you will be robbed while you doing exchange. So, we have to be very careful."

The online groups also tap into the flows of money remitted by overseas workers in neighbouring countries like Thailand.

"Millions of dollars are being smuggled into Myanmar from Thailand daily," an unlicensed money trader based in Thailand said, noting how the roughly four million Myanmar workers in Thailand needed to send money back to family members.

"We use Facebook as our platform for selling money," said the trader, who declined to be named.

Workers from Myanmar in Thailand pay traders with their Thai baht earnings, who in turn give kyat to family members in Myanmar and use the baht to buy U.S. dollars.

Another Thai-based trader described how U.S. dollars were smuggled into Myanmar overland, sometimes hidden in clothes or household items.

"In September alone, I traded about 30 million baht ($890,000). The trade is much higher compared with previous months," said the trader.

As Myanmar`s economic slump deepens after February`s military coup and parts of its financial system freeze up, many in the strife-torn country are turning to online groups to bypass official channels to trade currencies.

As Myanmar`s economic slump deepens after February`s military coup and parts of its financial system freeze up, many in the strife-torn country are turning to online groups to bypass official channels to trade currencies. The fragility of the financial system was further exposed this week when the kyat currency sank to new lows after the central bank gave up on attempts to prop it up. Many licensed money exchanges and gold shops shut their doors in the turmoil that followed. The online groups, which run mainly on Facebook, have become a way for buyers and sellers of currencies to connect, often relying on trust when arranging physical exchanges of notes. "I posted to sell some old notes yesterday in the group," said May Lay, a Yangon resident, referring to what she said was the sale of about $190 into kyat on a Facebook group. "I lost my job and have had no income recently. Life is difficult with a one-year-old child," she said, noting how her household spending on food had doubled. In the immediate months after the February 1 coup, long lines of people queued up to withdraw cash from banks, though recently kyat savings have taken an ever bigger hit with the currency losing 60 per cent of its value against the dollar in September. Speaking after the World Bank warned this week the economy could slump 18 per cent this year, the ruling military council`s spokesman Zaw Min Tun said on Thursday the central bank had been unable to meet local demand for dollars. One of the biggest of the groups set up on Facebook called "Dollar Buyer Seller Direct" had about 170,000 members, with the group`s administrator warning users to be careful before making a deal. "The seller, the buyer, both take responsibility," it warned. The group appears to have been taken down in recent days, though at least one other site has emerged to fill its place. In Myanmar, money traders are supposed to get a licence to operate. Central bank officials did not respond to requests for comment. Asked about such sites using its platform, Rafael Frankel, director of public policy emerging countries, Facebook Asia Pacific, said: "Our dedicated team, including regional experts, continues to monitor the situation in Myanmar in real time and we will take action on anything that violates our policies as soon as we become aware of it." "Our thoughts are with the people of Myanmar at this difficult time," Frankel said. Smuggling Dollars Still, with some money changers halting operations and official exchange rates now well out of line with market rates, more people have been drawn to the online sites to do their own deals, which are concluded in person. "It`s like a black market. Both parties have to worry until the deal is done," said Ye Yint Tun, 33, who turned to becoming an unofficial currency broker after losing his job as a real estate agent for expatriates. While initially asking for a 20 per cent fee, he has now slashed that to 2per cent to make it more attractive and reckons he earns about 10,000 to 20,000 kyat per day, or about $4 to just over $8, based on recent exchange rates. "There are risks that you will be robbed while you doing exchange. So, we have to be very careful." The online groups also tap into the flows of money remitted by overseas workers in neighbouring countries like Thailand. "Millions of dollars are being smuggled into Myanmar from Thailand daily," an unlicensed money trader based in Thailand said, noting how the roughly four million Myanmar workers in Thailand needed to send money back to family members. "We use Facebook as our platform for selling money," said the trader, who declined to be named. Workers from Myanmar in Thailand pay traders with their Thai baht earnings, who in turn give kyat to family members in Myanmar and use the baht to buy U.S. dollars. Another Thai-based trader described how U.S. dollars were smuggled into Myanmar overland, sometimes hidden in clothes or household items. "In September alone, I traded about 30 million baht ($890,000). The trade is much higher compared with previous months," said the trader.

Myanmar's economic crisis fuels underground currency trading

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

“India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said.

Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”.

“We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said.

The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country.

During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”.

Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. &nbsp;India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.

Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project.

Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.”

While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned&nbsp;about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties. In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. “India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said. Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”. “We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said. The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country. During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”. Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project. Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.” While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Taliban leader Stanikzai bats for good ties with India, extends support to Chabahar port

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy.&nbsp;

On 17 December 2010, 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest against the police and triggered an uprising.

Here is a timeline of the events that have unfolded since:

The Spark of the Jasmine Revolution 
 
<img alt="Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4c4333af-28ec-4695-9c8b-62680c840ea1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/afp.JPG" /> 
(AFP Photo) 
 
Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi was a Tunisian street seller who set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in Ben Arous, Tunisia, sparking the Tunisian Revolution and the Arab Spring movement against dictatorial regimes.

He set himself on fire in protest against the confiscation of his goods and the harassment and humiliation he was subjected to by a municipal official and her aides.&nbsp;

He died of his injuries on January 4, 2011.

The end of Ben Ali's rule 
 
<img alt="Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife Leila (AFP Photo)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1dbb3896-55c6-4da2-8545-b7d775fc2156" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ben.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
On January 14, ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali departs after weeks of rioting in which 338 people were killed, bringing an end to his 23-year reign.

In 2019, he died in exile.

He was the region's first leader to fall victim to the Arab Spring uprisings, which swept the region like wildfire.&nbsp;

Victory for Islamists

In October 2011, Tunisia's first free election saw the Islamist group Ennahdha win 89 of 217 seats in a new assembly.

It elected former opposition leader Moncef Marzouki as president in December.

Attacks, unrest

In April 2012, police clashed with thousands of jobless protesters in the southwestern mining belt.

More violent demonstrations followed in June and August, with jihadists also staging attacks.

A series of strikes and demonstrations impacted industry, public services, transport and business, with unrest mostly concentrated in the economically marginalised interior.

Opposition leaders killed 
 
<img alt="Chokri Belaid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11192721-0057-49d2-85bd-a27136aeca7c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chokri%20Belaid.jpg" /> 
 
A file photo of Chokri Belaid. (AFP Photo)

In February 2013, prominent leftist opposition leader Chokri Belaid was assassinated in Tunis.&nbsp;

In July, fellow leftist Mohamed Brahmi was also shot dead.

Islamic State (IS) jihadists claimed both killings, which fueled a crisis.

2014 Tunisian parliamentary election

A new constitution was established in January 2014.

The Islamists were&nbsp;ousted from power, and a technocratic administration was&nbsp;formed.

The secular Nidaa Tounes party, led by Beji Caid Essebsi, won parliamentary elections in October and formed a coalition with Ennahdha.

Essebsi won Tunisia's first free presidential election two months later.

Terrorist attacks in Tunisia (2015-2016)

In 2015, IS extremists claimed responsibility for three assaults in Tunisia, killing 72 people, largely foreign tourists and security personnel, at the Bardo museum in Tunis and a beach resort. 
 
<img alt="Bardo museum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2301e75-d679-4823-8c3e-1af2bac1dd57" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bardo%20museum%20attack.JPG" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Jihadists attacked security installations in a town near the Libyan border in 2016, killing 20 people, seven of whom were civilians.

New protests and huge political unrest

After the death of a young unemployed man during a demonstration in January 2016, a fresh wave of protests began.

After the implementation of an austerity budget in January 2018, protests erupted.

Ennahdha won the most seats in the legislative elections in October 2019, but it fell far short of the 109 needed to govern. 
 
<img alt="political unrest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba2c0f9c-9afa-4e30-939a-cdc985ec5cec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9GB79Y.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Kais Saied, a conservative scholar with no prior political experience, was elected president a week later.

MPs elected a technocratic government in September 2020.

Tunisia has had nine governments in the 10 years since the revolution, some of which only lasted a few months, obstructing the reforms needed to revive the country's ailing economy.&nbsp;

The Tunisian president suspends parliament, dismisses PM

On July 26, 2021, following a day of protests against the ruling party, Tunisian President Kais Saied ordered the suspension of the country's parliament and the dismissal of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.

Saied's activities are described by Ennahdha as a "coup d'etat against the revolution and the constitution."&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Tunisian president" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="625f1e68-cfe0-4bb7-a1c7-dfb8e4fc57fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9GC2ZP.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Thousands of Tunisians had marched in numerous cities earlier in the day, condemning government failings and catastrophic coronavirus rates.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy.

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy. On 17 December 2010, 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest against the police and triggered an uprising. Here is a timeline of the events that have unfolded since: The Spark of the Jasmine Revolution (AFP Photo) Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi was a Tunisian street seller who set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in Ben Arous, Tunisia, sparking the Tunisian Revolution and the Arab Spring movement against dictatorial regimes. He set himself on fire in protest against the confiscation of his goods and the harassment and humiliation he was subjected to by a municipal official and her aides. He died of his injuries on January 4, 2011. The end of Ben Ali's rule (AFP Photo) On January 14, ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali departs after weeks of rioting in which 338 people were killed, bringing an end to his 23-year reign. In 2019, he died in exile. He was the region's first leader to fall victim to the Arab Spring uprisings, which swept the region like wildfire. Victory for Islamists In October 2011, Tunisia's first free election saw the Islamist group Ennahdha win 89 of 217 seats in a new assembly. It elected former opposition leader Moncef Marzouki as president in December. Attacks, unrest In April 2012, police clashed with thousands of jobless protesters in the southwestern mining belt. More violent demonstrations followed in June and August, with jihadists also staging attacks. A series of strikes and demonstrations impacted industry, public services, transport and business, with unrest mostly concentrated in the economically marginalised interior. Opposition leaders killed A file photo of Chokri Belaid. (AFP Photo) In February 2013, prominent leftist opposition leader Chokri Belaid was assassinated in Tunis. In July, fellow leftist Mohamed Brahmi was also shot dead. Islamic State (IS) jihadists claimed both killings, which fueled a crisis. 2014 Tunisian parliamentary election A new constitution was established in January 2014. The Islamists were ousted from power, and a technocratic administration was formed. The secular Nidaa Tounes party, led by Beji Caid Essebsi, won parliamentary elections in October and formed a coalition with Ennahdha. Essebsi won Tunisia's first free presidential election two months later. Terrorist attacks in Tunisia (2015-2016) In 2015, IS extremists claimed responsibility for three assaults in Tunisia, killing 72 people, largely foreign tourists and security personnel, at the Bardo museum in Tunis and a beach resort. (AFP Photo) Jihadists attacked security installations in a town near the Libyan border in 2016, killing 20 people, seven of whom were civilians. New protests and huge political unrest After the death of a young unemployed man during a demonstration in January 2016, a fresh wave of protests began. After the implementation of an austerity budget in January 2018, protests erupted. Ennahdha won the most seats in the legislative elections in October 2019, but it fell far short of the 109 needed to govern. (AFP Photo) Kais Saied, a conservative scholar with no prior political experience, was elected president a week later. MPs elected a technocratic government in September 2020. Tunisia has had nine governments in the 10 years since the revolution, some of which only lasted a few months, obstructing the reforms needed to revive the country's ailing economy. The Tunisian president suspends parliament, dismisses PM On July 26, 2021, following a day of protests against the ruling party, Tunisian President Kais Saied ordered the suspension of the country's parliament and the dismissal of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi. Saied's activities are described by Ennahdha as a "coup d'etat against the revolution and the constitution." (AFP Photo) Thousands of Tunisians had marched in numerous cities earlier in the day, condemning government failings and catastrophic coronavirus rates. (With inputs from agencies)

Pictures | From Jasmine Revolution to Parliament suspension: 10 years of Tunisia since its Arab Spring revolt

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth,&nbsp;the top government spokesman said on Sunday,&nbsp;Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic.

Tokyo is going into its fourth COVID-19 state of emergency from Monday till&nbsp;August&nbsp;22, just&nbsp;less than two weeks before hosting the Olympics. It has fuelled&nbsp;fears of extended pain for restaurants hit by shorter hours and a ban on alcohol consumption.

In a debate programme on public broadcaster NHK,&nbsp;Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said, "First of all, we must proceed with anti-infection measures and vaccination in cooperation with the citizens, and provide support for businesses and people in need."&nbsp; 
 
"Then, we want to flexibly take economic measures without hesitation," Kato said, without mentioning the size or timing of further stimulus measures. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have escalated calls for a new relief package, with party heavyweight Toshihiro Nikai saying an extra budget of around 30 trillion yen ($270 billion) is needed. 
 
Suga, who must call a general election later this year, said on Thursday, the government wants to focus on areas, such as corporate financing, employment and restaurants, and wants to deliver as early as possible. 
 
He said the government would respond flexibly as he was tackling the coronavirus hit to the economy with an economic package always in mind.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth, the top government spokesman said on Sunday, Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic.

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth, the top government spokesman said on Sunday, Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic. Tokyo is going into its fourth COVID-19 state of emergency from Monday till August 22, just less than two weeks before hosting the Olympics. It has fuelled fears of extended pain for restaurants hit by shorter hours and a ban on alcohol consumption. In a debate programme on public broadcaster NHK, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said, "First of all, we must proceed with anti-infection measures and vaccination in cooperation with the citizens, and provide support for businesses and people in need." "Then, we want to flexibly take economic measures without hesitation," Kato said, without mentioning the size or timing of further stimulus measures. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have escalated calls for a new relief package, with party heavyweight Toshihiro Nikai saying an extra budget of around 30 trillion yen ($270 billion) is needed. Suga, who must call a general election later this year, said on Thursday, the government wants to focus on areas, such as corporate financing, employment and restaurants, and wants to deliver as early as possible. He said the government would respond flexibly as he was tackling the coronavirus hit to the economy with an economic package always in mind. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan government ready to deploy economic stimulus flexibly: Spokesman

After years of war in Libya, Tunisian traders celebrated the reopening of the border with their oil-rich North African neighbour as a positive sign they hoped would stimulate economic growth.

In the hardscrabble Tunisian coastal town of Ben Guerdane, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Libya's frontier, merchant Jaafar Ben Ali said it was a big relief.

"Now that the war (in Libya) is over, and that the borders are open, it is much easier," said Ben Ali, who crosses to Libya to buy Turkish-made blankets. "I do a round-trip in a day."

Tunisia's economy has lurched from crisis to crisis since the country's 2011 revolution, most recently due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures.

But it was also hit by the impact of war next door in Libya, where a decade of conflict raged ever since the 2011 uprising that killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

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One United Nations study estimated the&nbsp;Libyan crisis was "responsible for 24 per cent of the deceleration of economic growth" in Tunisia from 2011-2015.

That was equivalent to a loss of $880 million per year, or two per cent of Tunisia's GDP, the UN said.

Smugglers

The town of Ben Guerdane, in Tunisia's under-developed and impoverished southeastern region, felt the impact harder than most.

For years, Tunisian authorities had turned a blind eye to smuggling, partly because of the dire economic situation in the border region.

But in 2016, after a jihadist attack claimed by a Libyan branch of the Islamic State group, Tunisia imposed stricter controls, sparking protests.

In 2018, Libyan authorities closed the border for more than six weeks to rein in the smuggling of fuel and other items, again triggering demonstrations in Ben Guerdane.

In 2019, trade took another blow, when fighting in Libya raged close to the border.&nbsp;

Then, just as violence in Libya subsided last year, the border was shut for eight months to stem the spread of Covid-19.

The consequences were "catastrophic", Ben Guerdane mayor Faathi Aaboud said, adding that the town's "revenues in 2020 were cut in half".

Now Tunisian traders now are hoping for better times ahead.

In March, a new Libyan unity government was sworn in, and in June, Libya's coastal road -- linking Tunisia in the west to Egypt in the east -- reopened after two years of being closed due to fighting.

Colourful blankets and shimmering curtains made in Turkey are back on sale in the markets of Ben Guerdane, alongside household appliances and tyres from China or South Korea.

'Right path'

In May, Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi visited the Libyan capital seeking to boost economic cooperation.

TunisAir became the first foreign carrier to resume flights to Libya since the 2011 conflict, with talks ongoing to establish a sea ferry.

"We are moving on the right path," said Anis Jaziri, a prominent Tunisian entrepreneur who heads the Tunisia Africa Business Council.

"But we hope that the situation in Libya will remain stable."

However, Tunisian economist Ezzedine Saidane warned&nbsp;a political crisis in Tunis could undermine the country's trade efforts.

Authorities, he said, "don't have a Libya strategy".

The challenges are not over, as Libya has once again closed its border for two weeks following a surge of coronavirus cases in Tunisia.

After years of war in Libya, Tunisian traders celebrated the reopening of the border with their oil-rich North African neighbour as a positive sign they hoped would stimulate economic growth.

After years of war in Libya, Tunisian traders celebrated the reopening of the border with their oil-rich North African neighbour as a positive sign they hoped would stimulate economic growth. In the hardscrabble Tunisian coastal town of Ben Guerdane, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Libya's frontier, merchant Jaafar Ben Ali said it was a big relief. "Now that the war (in Libya) is over, and that the borders are open, it is much easier," said Ben Ali, who crosses to Libya to buy Turkish-made blankets. "I do a round-trip in a day." Tunisia's economy has lurched from crisis to crisis since the country's 2011 revolution, most recently due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures. But it was also hit by the impact of war next door in Libya, where a decade of conflict raged ever since the 2011 uprising that killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Also read | Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses One United Nations study estimated the Libyan crisis was "responsible for 24 per cent of the deceleration of economic growth" in Tunisia from 2011-2015. That was equivalent to a loss of $880 million per year, or two per cent of Tunisia's GDP, the UN said. Smugglers The town of Ben Guerdane, in Tunisia's under-developed and impoverished southeastern region, felt the impact harder than most. For years, Tunisian authorities had turned a blind eye to smuggling, partly because of the dire economic situation in the border region. But in 2016, after a jihadist attack claimed by a Libyan branch of the Islamic State group, Tunisia imposed stricter controls, sparking protests. In 2018, Libyan authorities closed the border for more than six weeks to rein in the smuggling of fuel and other items, again triggering demonstrations in Ben Guerdane. In 2019, trade took another blow, when fighting in Libya raged close to the border. Then, just as violence in Libya subsided last year, the border was shut for eight months to stem the spread of Covid-19. The consequences were "catastrophic", Ben Guerdane mayor Faathi Aaboud said, adding that the town's "revenues in 2020 were cut in half". Now Tunisian traders now are hoping for better times ahead. In March, a new Libyan unity government was sworn in, and in June, Libya's coastal road -- linking Tunisia in the west to Egypt in the east -- reopened after two years of being closed due to fighting. Colourful blankets and shimmering curtains made in Turkey are back on sale in the markets of Ben Guerdane, alongside household appliances and tyres from China or South Korea. 'Right path' In May, Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi visited the Libyan capital seeking to boost economic cooperation. TunisAir became the first foreign carrier to resume flights to Libya since the 2011 conflict, with talks ongoing to establish a sea ferry. "We are moving on the right path," said Anis Jaziri, a prominent Tunisian entrepreneur who heads the Tunisia Africa Business Council. "But we hope that the situation in Libya will remain stable." However, Tunisian economist Ezzedine Saidane warned a political crisis in Tunis could undermine the country's trade efforts. Authorities, he said, "don't have a Libya strategy". The challenges are not over, as Libya has once again closed its border for two weeks following a surge of coronavirus cases in Tunisia.

Tunisia hopes Libya stability could bring economic relief

When Iranians vote for a new president next week, they will do so in the depths of an economic crisis brought on by crippling sanctions and worsened by the pandemic.

When Iranians vote for a new president next week, they will do so in the depths of an economic crisis brought on by crippling sanctions and worsened by the pandemic. After years of international isolation, Iran's 83 million people are suffering as jobs are scarce, prices are rising and hopes for a brighter future are dwindling for many. "We don't make any plans, we just live from day to day," said Mahnaz, a 30-year-old saleswoman in a Tehran beauty products shop, summing up the glum mood. Also read | Iran elections: Judiciary warns presidential candidates against crossing 'red lines' Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged last month that "the main (problems) of the people" are youth unemployment and "the difficulties... of the underprivileged class". An ultraconservative candidate, judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, is seen likely to win the June 18 election, in another setback for the moderate and reformist camps that have long hoped for greater re-engagement with the world. "We are facing the most serious macroeconomic crisis Iran has experienced since the 1979 revolution," said Thierry Coville of the Institute for International and Strategic Relations in Paris. Iran is mired in a "deep social crisis" and "the collapse of the purchasing power" of a large part of the population, he said, estimating that unemployment has "exploded" to 20 per cent of the workforce. The rial currency has collapsed, and prices have soared amid inflation which the IMF projects at 39 per cent for this year. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and on Tehran's streets, all the talk is about sky-rocketing prices, especially for meat, eggs, and milk. In his shop selling scarves in Tehran's big bazaar, Fakhreddine, 80, said things are so bad now that he almost misses the era of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, because back then at least "we had worked". - 'Maximum pressure' - The dire situation stands in sharp contrast to high expectations after the Islamic republic struck its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that promised the lifting of some international sanctions in return for limits on Tehran's nuclear program. There were high hopes for an influx of foreign investment after Iran's pledge not to build or acquire nuclear weapons -- a goal it has always denied pursuing. But those hopes were dashed in 2018 when then-president Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal and launched or reimposed crippling sanctions as part of a sweeping "maximum pressure" campaign. Foreign companies bolted, fearful of US sanctions, as Iran lost billions in crucial oil revenues and was locked out of the international financial system. Iran was thrown into a deep recession and saw repeated bouts of street protests, as well as a backlash against the moderates and reformists around President Hassan Rouhani who had negotiated the deal. The International Monetary Fund says Iran's GDP fell by more than six percent in both 2018 and 2019 and only returned to modest growth last year. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, Iran quickly became the region's worst-hit country. According to official figures, widely believed to underestimate the real toll, some three million people have been infected, of whom more than 81,000 have died. - Descent into poverty - Iran has been worn down by a decade of on-and-off sanctions, say analysts. "Since 2011, about eight million individuals have descended from the middle class into the lower-middle-class strata, while the ranks of the poor (have) swelled by more than four million," wrote economist Djavad Salehi-Isfahani in a recent study published by Johns Hopkins University. "The problem was compounded by the arrival of the Covid pandemic in 2020. In addition to lacking resources to assist those who lost their jobs, the government has not been able to easily reach the majority of Iranian workers who hold informal jobs." The crisis has also sharply reduced infrastructure investment by the government, said Coville, who added that "it is no coincidence that we are starting to see power cuts in Iran," referring to recent blackouts. Iran's conservative camp has long blamed the reformists for having naively trusted the West in agreeing on the nuclear deal -- but Rouhani on Wednesday defended the landmark achievement of his eight years in office. "It was the nuclear deal that put the country on the path to (economic) development, and today the solution to the country's problem is for everyone to go back to the deal," he said. "We don't know any other way." All seven presidential candidates -- including the five ultraconservatives who have repeatedly criticized the deal -- now agree that Iran's top priority is to get the United States to lift the sanctions.

Iran struggles through economic pain as presidential vote nears

India has been elected to&nbsp;three&nbsp;key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal&nbsp;Justice&nbsp;(CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food&nbsp;Programme.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CCPCJ, based in Vienna, acts as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCPCJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC and is chaired by a Bureau, including one member per Regional Group.&nbsp;

The Executive Board is World Food Program or WFP's supreme governing body. Comprising 36 states members of the United Nations or Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP.&nbsp;

UN Women is about gender issues. Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members, 10 from the African states, 10 from the Asian states, 4 from the Eastern European states, 6 from Latin American and the Caribbean states, 5 from Western Europe and the other states, and 6 from top contributing countries.

Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been in the past Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.&nbsp;

India has been elected to three key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme.

India has been elected to three key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme. CCPCJ, based in Vienna, acts as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCPCJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC and is chaired by a Bureau, including one member per Regional Group. The Executive Board is World Food Program or WFP's supreme governing body. Comprising 36 states members of the United Nations or Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP. UN Women is about gender issues. Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members, 10 from the African states, 10 from the Asian states, 4 from the Eastern European states, 6 from Latin American and the Caribbean states, 5 from Western Europe and the other states, and 6 from top contributing countries. Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been in the past Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

India elected to 3 key bodies of UN's economic, social council 

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy.

Due to this, the World Bank has approved a USD 500 million loan for Pakistan to help the country out of a major economic crisis.

World Bank has decided to help Pakistan once again after four years. This decision has been taken to help the country out of a major economy crisis allegedly caused due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eid-al-fitr-observed-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-across-the-globe-300733#syria-300725">Have a look:&nbsp;Eid al-Fitr observed amid coronavirus pandemic across the globe!</a>&nbsp;

The money is to help the country get better access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a media organisation reported.

"Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents.

Pakistan has been given 30 years to return the money back to World Bank.

"The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu.

The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that.&nbsp;

As the microeconomic risk is higher now, due to the pandemic, it is riskier and tougher for Pakistan.

World Bank has asked Pakistan to&nbsp;restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister.

(With inputs from PTI)

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy.

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy. Due to this, the World Bank has approved a USD 500 million loan for Pakistan to help the country out of a major economic crisis. World Bank has decided to help Pakistan once again after four years. This decision has been taken to help the country out of a major economy crisis allegedly caused due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report. Have a look: Eid al-Fitr observed amid coronavirus pandemic across the globe! The money is to help the country get better access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a media organisation reported. "Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents. Pakistan has been given 30 years to return the money back to World Bank. "The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu. The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that. As the microeconomic risk is higher now, due to the pandemic, it is riskier and tougher for Pakistan. World Bank has asked Pakistan to restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister. (With inputs from PTI)

World Bank approves USD 500 million loan for Pakistan

Lebanon has decided to restart its economy from Monday onwards. Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced about this after a four-day shutdown imposed after a surge in coronavirus cases threatening a second wave to the country.&nbsp;

The country has been in an economical crisis even before the pandemic hit Lebanon. But the nation was trying to reignite its economy last month which was halted due to rise in COVID cases.&nbsp;

Lebanon recorded 911 cases in the novel coronavirus and 26 deaths, which means the country has been successful in containing the globally infected virus after curfews and shutting businesses and air travel.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Prime Minister Diab conveyed a message to his citizens through a televised address where he urged people to follow health and safety guidelines.&nbsp;

"We do not want this stage to turn into a nightmare, and we will not accept that all Lebanese pay the price for some irresponsible and indifferent behaviours," said Diab.

A five-stage plan for reopening economic activity unveiled last month envisages most economic activity revived after a final period starting on June 8.

Lebanon has not set a date for the re-opening of its airport for commercial flights.

Lebanon has decided to restart its economy from Monday onwards. Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced about this after a four-day shutdown imposed after a surge in coronavirus cases threatening a second wave to the country.

Lebanon has decided to restart its economy from Monday onwards. Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced about this after a four-day shutdown imposed after a surge in coronavirus cases threatening a second wave to the country. The country has been in an economical crisis even before the pandemic hit Lebanon. But the nation was trying to reignite its economy last month which was halted due to rise in COVID cases. Lebanon recorded 911 cases in the novel coronavirus and 26 deaths, which means the country has been successful in containing the globally infected virus after curfews and shutting businesses and air travel. On Sunday, Prime Minister Diab conveyed a message to his citizens through a televised address where he urged people to follow health and safety guidelines. "We do not want this stage to turn into a nightmare, and we will not accept that all Lebanese pay the price for some irresponsible and indifferent behaviours," said Diab. A five-stage plan for reopening economic activity unveiled last month envisages most economic activity revived after a final period starting on June 8. Lebanon has not set a date for the re-opening of its airport for commercial flights.

Lebanon to restart economic re-opening from Monday after coronavirus lockdown

The UK’s hospitality sector has taken a dramatic financial hit since they were ordered to close down in the month of March.

UK: Cafes struggle to stay afloat

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, Five pillars of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" include - economy, infrastructure, system, demography and demand.

Indian government outlines economy revival plan

As a Coronavirus pandemic is staring a path of world economies, we are certainly staring at a devastating recession. Fears are growing that the worldwide economic downturn could be deep and lengthy with recovery limited by continued anxiety.

COVID-19: How much will the global economy lose?

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/halves-shorter-than-45-minutes-pfa-chief-gordon-taylor-hints-at-change-of-rules-as-premier-league-gears-up-for-return-296796" hreflang="en">Halves shorter than 45 minutes? PFA chief Gordon Taylor hints at change of rules as Premier League gears up for return</a>

According to Germany's top brass,&nbsp;restarting games for their first and second division will help "limit economic damage" for 36 clubs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-returns-to-turin-after-coronavirus-lockdown-296743" hreflang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Turin after coronavirus lockdown</a>

Bundesliga is the top-flight league n German football followed by a second division league, both have 36 clubs and more than a dozen of them are on brink of bankruptcy. The league will earn nearly 300 million euros from TV contract if the season is allowed to complete.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be setting a date for the football season to resume. The date will be announced after a telephone conference between the Chancellor and the State Premiers.

According to few media reports, the season could resume from May 21, and if it does, Bundesliga will become the first European football league to return into action.&nbsp;

The teams have returned to training since April 6 but the rules of social distancing are strictly followed.&nbsp;

"Restarting match activity must be preceded by a two-week quarantine, where appropriate in the form of a training camp" for players,"&nbsp;the document read.

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement.

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement. Also read: Halves shorter than 45 minutes? PFA chief Gordon Taylor hints at change of rules as Premier League gears up for return According to Germany's top brass, restarting games for their first and second division will help "limit economic damage" for 36 clubs. Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Turin after coronavirus lockdown Bundesliga is the top-flight league n German football followed by a second division league, both have 36 clubs and more than a dozen of them are on brink of bankruptcy. The league will earn nearly 300 million euros from TV contract if the season is allowed to complete. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be setting a date for the football season to resume. The date will be announced after a telephone conference between the Chancellor and the State Premiers. According to few media reports, the season could resume from May 21, and if it does, Bundesliga will become the first European football league to return into action. The teams have returned to training since April 6 but the rules of social distancing are strictly followed. "Restarting match activity must be preceded by a two-week quarantine, where appropriate in the form of a training camp" for players," the document read.

German Bundesliga set to resume in May to 'limit economic damage'

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