The last 20 months of this pandemic have been emotionally & financially crippling for millions around the world. But for tech titans, they've brought a dramatic reversal in fortunes.

COVID-19: Big tech gets bigger during pandemic

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> announced plans to amplify his "Buy American" programme by proposing to increase US-made stuff in hundreds of billions of dollars of government purchases.

The White House is aiming to update the 1993 'Buy American Act' in a way that puts pressure on suppliers to bring more locally produced goods rather than using loopholes and supplying non-US products to the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-make-coronavirus-vaccine-compulsory-for-federal-workers-reports-401159">Biden to make coronavirus vaccine compulsory for federal workers: Reports</a>

This proposal "would increase US content in the products the federal government buys and support the domestic production of products critical to our national and economic security," the White House said in a statement.

The decision has been taken as the coronavirus pandemic which has weakened the global supply chain and has left the US markets grappling to gain access to important products, such as semiconductors, building materials, and toilet paper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/biden-if-us-has-real-shooting-war-it-could-be-result-of-cyber-attacks-401055" hreflang="en">Biden: If US has 'real shooting war' it could be result of cyber attacks</a>

Biden’s administration has proposed an increase in the 55 per cent US-content requirement for supplies in the federal government. The new amount proposed is 60 per cent as a start, which can be eventually increased to 75 per cent.

The authorities are hoping that this increase will help medium and small scale manufacturers in the US, especially in the post Covid recovery period.

"As the pandemic made clear, supply chain disruptions can impact the health, safety and livelihoods of Americans -- leaving us without access to critical goods during a crisis," the White House said in a statement.

US President Joe Biden announced plans to amplify his "Buy American" programme by proposing to increase US-made stuff in hundreds of billions of dollars of government purchases.

US President Joe Biden announced plans to amplify his "Buy American" programme by proposing to increase US-made stuff in hundreds of billions of dollars of government purchases. The White House is aiming to update the 1993 'Buy American Act' in a way that puts pressure on suppliers to bring more locally produced goods rather than using loopholes and supplying non-US products to the government. Also read | Biden to make coronavirus vaccine compulsory for federal workers: Reports This proposal "would increase US content in the products the federal government buys and support the domestic production of products critical to our national and economic security," the White House said in a statement. The decision has been taken as the coronavirus pandemic which has weakened the global supply chain and has left the US markets grappling to gain access to important products, such as semiconductors, building materials, and toilet paper. Also read | Biden: If US has 'real shooting war' it could be result of cyber attacks Biden’s administration has proposed an increase in the 55 per cent US-content requirement for supplies in the federal government. The new amount proposed is 60 per cent as a start, which can be eventually increased to 75 per cent. The authorities are hoping that this increase will help medium and small scale manufacturers in the US, especially in the post Covid recovery period. "As the pandemic made clear, supply chain disruptions can impact the health, safety and livelihoods of Americans -- leaving us without access to critical goods during a crisis," the White House said in a statement.

Biden promotes 'Buy American' programme to help locals in post-Covid recovery

India completely relies on imports for its semiconductor needs. Most of the world’s chip production is concentrated in Taiwan and countries across the world.

Impact of semiconductor chip shortage on economy

Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari said many US economic sectors faced rapidly rising prices and were struggling to adjust to reopening after the shutdown.

World Business Watch: Fed's Kashkari says many US sectors struggling to adjust to reopening

China's economic growth has more than halved in the second quarter from a record expansion in the first three months of the year, as slowing manufacturing activity, higher raw material costs, and new COVID-19 cases weighed on the recovery momentum.

World Business Watch: China's economic growth more than halves in second-quarter

Asia's largest economy China has said that it resolutely opposes the addition of 23 Chinese entities to a US economic blacklist over issues including alleged human rights abuses and military ties.

China condemns 'unreasonable suppression' as US expands economic blacklist

Shrugging off growing worries about new COVID-19 variants and the impact of supply bottlenecks on factory production in Germany, the European Commission has upgraded its eurozone growth forecasts.

World Business Watch: EU hikes economic recovery forecast as downside risks emerge

On July 1, the Chinese Communist Party, which was founded in 1921 and has ruled China since 1949, celebrated its 100th anniversary.&nbsp;

The CCP&nbsp;monopolises&nbsp;both the state and society in China as the ruling party.&nbsp;

It has complete control over the military and police, as well as personnel appointments in all of China's political institutions, media, and judiciary.&nbsp;

The CCP is one of the world's largest political parties, with about 90 million members.&nbsp;

Xi Jinping, the party's head, has been China's President since 2013. In 2018, a controversial amendment to the country's constitution removed term restrictions, allowing Xi to remain in power indefinitely.&nbsp;

Chinese Communist Party rule&nbsp;

Since seizing power after civil war in 1949, the party has had a tumultuous history but President and party leader Xi Jinping is putting emphasis on turning the country into an economic, military and diplomatic super power over the past years.&nbsp;

To strengthen&nbsp;the current system, Chinese authorities successfully merged Stalinism, Fascism, Neoliberalism, and Confucianism.&nbsp;

Despite the deaths of tens of millions of people as a result of Mao's Great Leap Forward and the violent upheaval of the Cultural Revolution, which ended only when Mao died in 1976, the Communist Party has kept power for 72 years.&nbsp;

Deng Xiaoping, who succeeded Mao as China's supreme leader, implemented a more open economic policy that aided growth and&nbsp;development. He&nbsp;also sanctioned the use of force to maintain power, most notably in 1989 in Tiananmen Square.&nbsp;

China's Economic Rise&nbsp;

The Communist Party of China has always taken pride&nbsp;on being 'great, glorious and&nbsp;correct'.&nbsp;And&nbsp;the party has reason to brag as it enters its second&nbsp;century. It&nbsp;has not only persisted considerably longer than many of its detractors projected, but it also appears to be on the rise.&nbsp;

After the Soviet Union fell apart, the Communist regime lifted millions of people out of poverty, restored respect for socialism, and put in motion the rise of Asia's first superpower.&nbsp;

China's economic success under the CPC's leadership has arguably become a global story of all time, having progressed from a backward agrarian economy in the early days of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to an economic and technical powerhouse today.&nbsp;

Clampdown on dissent&nbsp;

China has been suppressing the voices of criticism both at home and abroad. There are numerous examples of CCP brutality throughout history and in the present.&nbsp;

The Tiananmen Square protests, also known as the Chinese June Fourth Incident, was student-led demonstrations in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989.

<img src="http://13.235.153.162/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/08/02/104788-untitled-design-6.jpg" />

Troops armed with assault rifles and escorted by tanks opened fire on demonstrators and others attempting to prevent the military's advance into Tiananmen Square in what is known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre.&nbsp;

China has been involved in a series of conflicts. In 1996, Beijing shelled the waters near Taiwan to portray its anger at the island’s first democratic presidential election. However, all it gained was humiliation by its powerlessness.&nbsp;

In 2013, China built islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea, and soon turned them into military bases, trying to show its power.&nbsp;

Hong Kong continues to fall deeper into a Beijing-sized hole of communism with the systematic decimation of democratic freedoms in the former British colony. In a year since the National Security Law was imposed, at least 117 people have been taken into custody for trespassing the basic tenets of what is prohibited under the law.&nbsp;

<img src="http://13.235.153.162/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/23/199530-0009989am.jpg" />

Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path.&nbsp;

China has often been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Up to two million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been placed in mass detention&nbsp;centres&nbsp;in the region, according to the US State&nbsp;Department. These&nbsp;people have allegedly been subject to indoctrination and abuse.&nbsp;

Beijing, however, claims that these&nbsp;centres&nbsp;are voluntary and provide vocational training as part of a de-radicalisation&nbsp;programme&nbsp;in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

The persecution of Falun Gong is an anti-religious campaign launched by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1999 to eradicate the spiritual practices of Falun Gong in China while upholding a state atheist policy.&nbsp;

<img src="http://13.235.153.162/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/23/151223-gong.jpg" />

A complex propaganda campaign, as well as a policy of forced ideological conversion and re-education.&nbsp;

China has never had such global clout, economic might, or military&nbsp;prowess. Xi, however, has been rushing to tighten the clamps on dissent, increase electronic surveillance of his people, impose new restrictions over private industry, and dramatically strengthen his party's prerogatives and power, in stark contrast to his predecessors.&nbsp;

On July 1, the Chinese Communist Party, which was founded in 1921 and has ruled China since 1949, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The CCP monopolises both the state and society in China as the ruling party.

On July 1, the Chinese Communist Party, which was founded in 1921 and has ruled China since 1949, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The CCP monopolises both the state and society in China as the ruling party. It has complete control over the military and police, as well as personnel appointments in all of China's political institutions, media, and judiciary. The CCP is one of the world's largest political parties, with about 90 million members. Xi Jinping, the party's head, has been China's President since 2013. In 2018, a controversial amendment to the country's constitution removed term restrictions, allowing Xi to remain in power indefinitely. Chinese Communist Party rule Since seizing power after civil war in 1949, the party has had a tumultuous history but President and party leader Xi Jinping is putting emphasis on turning the country into an economic, military and diplomatic super power over the past years. To strengthen the current system, Chinese authorities successfully merged Stalinism, Fascism, Neoliberalism, and Confucianism. Despite the deaths of tens of millions of people as a result of Mao's Great Leap Forward and the violent upheaval of the Cultural Revolution, which ended only when Mao died in 1976, the Communist Party has kept power for 72 years. Deng Xiaoping, who succeeded Mao as China's supreme leader, implemented a more open economic policy that aided growth and development. He also sanctioned the use of force to maintain power, most notably in 1989 in Tiananmen Square. China's Economic Rise The Communist Party of China has always taken pride on being 'great, glorious and correct'. And the party has reason to brag as it enters its second century. It has not only persisted considerably longer than many of its detractors projected, but it also appears to be on the rise. After the Soviet Union fell apart, the Communist regime lifted millions of people out of poverty, restored respect for socialism, and put in motion the rise of Asia's first superpower. China's economic success under the CPC's leadership has arguably become a global story of all time, having progressed from a backward agrarian economy in the early days of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to an economic and technical powerhouse today. Clampdown on dissent China has been suppressing the voices of criticism both at home and abroad. There are numerous examples of CCP brutality throughout history and in the present. The Tiananmen Square protests, also known as the Chinese June Fourth Incident, was student-led demonstrations in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989. Troops armed with assault rifles and escorted by tanks opened fire on demonstrators and others attempting to prevent the military's advance into Tiananmen Square in what is known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre. China has been involved in a series of conflicts. In 1996, Beijing shelled the waters near Taiwan to portray its anger at the island’s first democratic presidential election. However, all it gained was humiliation by its powerlessness. In 2013, China built islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea, and soon turned them into military bases, trying to show its power. Hong Kong continues to fall deeper into a Beijing-sized hole of communism with the systematic decimation of democratic freedoms in the former British colony. In a year since the National Security Law was imposed, at least 117 people have been taken into custody for trespassing the basic tenets of what is prohibited under the law. Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. China has often been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Up to two million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been placed in mass detention centres in the region, according to the US State Department. These people have allegedly been subject to indoctrination and abuse. Beijing, however, claims that these centres are voluntary and provide vocational training as part of a de-radicalisation programme in Xinjiang. The persecution of Falun Gong is an anti-religious campaign launched by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1999 to eradicate the spiritual practices of Falun Gong in China while upholding a state atheist policy. A complex propaganda campaign, as well as a policy of forced ideological conversion and re-education. China has never had such global clout, economic might, or military prowess. Xi, however, has been rushing to tighten the clamps on dissent, increase electronic surveillance of his people, impose new restrictions over private industry, and dramatically strengthen his party's prerogatives and power, in stark contrast to his predecessors.

Chinese Communist Party's sauce for success: Booming economy, ruthlessness, ideological agility 

Tanzania will spend $470 million buying vaccines and supporting economic sectors hit hard by the coronavirus, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Monday. 
 
Since Hassan took office after the death of then-president John Magufuli in March, the government has changed tack from playing down the pandemic to calling for social distancing and emphasising mask wearing in public. 
 
Issuing the first data on infections since May 2020, Hassan said there were more than 100 COVID-19 patients in Tanzania as of last Saturday, with 70 of them being provided oxygen. 
 
Half of the cash will be spent on vaccines, protective gear and other medical equipment, Hassan said, with the rest going to stimulate sectors that are reeling from the crisis. 
 
She did not give details about the sectors but tourism, one of the top foreign exchange earners, has been one of the worst hit. 
 
"There are many organisations which are ready to support us," she told Tanzanian news editors. 
 
There is currently no coronavirus vaccination programme in Tanzania, but the country has applied to join the World Health Organization-backed COVAX vaccine-sharing project. 
 
The government is working with healthcare partners to develop a plan to distribute vaccines. 
 
"Any Tanzanian who wants to be inoculated will be inoculated," Hassan said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Tanzania will spend $470 million buying vaccines and supporting economic sectors hit hard by the coronavirus, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Monday. Since Hassan took office after the death of then-president John Magufuli in March, the government has changed tack from playing down the pandemic to calling for social distancing and emphasising mask wearing in public.

Tanzania will spend $470 million buying vaccines and supporting economic sectors hit hard by the coronavirus, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Monday. Since Hassan took office after the death of then-president John Magufuli in March, the government has changed tack from playing down the pandemic to calling for social distancing and emphasising mask wearing in public. Issuing the first data on infections since May 2020, Hassan said there were more than 100 COVID-19 patients in Tanzania as of last Saturday, with 70 of them being provided oxygen. Half of the cash will be spent on vaccines, protective gear and other medical equipment, Hassan said, with the rest going to stimulate sectors that are reeling from the crisis. She did not give details about the sectors but tourism, one of the top foreign exchange earners, has been one of the worst hit. "There are many organisations which are ready to support us," she told Tanzanian news editors. There is currently no coronavirus vaccination programme in Tanzania, but the country has applied to join the World Health Organization-backed COVAX vaccine-sharing project. The government is working with healthcare partners to develop a plan to distribute vaccines. "Any Tanzanian who wants to be inoculated will be inoculated," Hassan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Tanzania to spend $470 million on vaccines, coronavirus-damaged economy

Indian economy is going through many ups and downs. Various rating agency's including Moody's have slashed growth projection for India. Moody's Vice President- Senior Credit Officer, Madhavi Bokil talks to WION on India's economic revival and major challenges to its growth this fiscal?

Economic impact of first wave severer than second wave in India: Madhavi Bokil

Microsoft Corporation on Tuesday became the second US public company to hit $2 trillion in&nbsp; market value, briefly joining the league of Apple Inc. The company’s value was elevated due to its dominance in cloud computing and enterprise software, which is expected to keep improving in the post-Covid world.

In New York, Microsoft’s shares rose by as much as 1.2 per cent on Tuesday, allowing the company to sit on the elite table with Apple. But before closing, the company fell short of the mark at $265.51. In December 2019, Saudi Aramco almost touched that threshold and currently boasts a market value of $1.9 trillion.

Microsoft’s resurgence to glory has largely been credited to its Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella who took over in 2014. Under his watch, the company has become the largest seller of cloud-computing software taking into account both is Office application and infrastructure cloud units.

Interestingly enough, Microsoft is perhaps the only giant technology company in the US to have escaped the watchful eye of American antitrust regulators, due to which the company has been able to acquire and expand on its own terms. This year, Microsoft has clocked in 19 per cent, much higher than Apple and Amazon (dot) com Inc.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/unable-to-travel-home-microsoft-staff-slept-in-data-centres-during-covid-19-lockdown-executive-391530" hreflang="en">Unable to travel home, Microsoft staff slept in data centres during COVID-19 lockdown: Executive</a>

Microsoft is doing it all - be it gaming through its Xbox offerings, cloud services, automation, artificial intelligence and even analytics.

The company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 and is largely credit for creating the computer software industry as we know today. But it has not always had a smooth sailing. In 1998, the company was hit with an antitrust lawsuit by the US government for bundling its product with Microsoft software in a bid to rival browsers like Netscape.&nbsp; In 2000, a federal judge found the company guilty.

To reach $1 trillion value, the company took 33 years from its IPO. For the next trillion, it only took two years! Apple, too made history by reaching $2 trillion last year. Amazon has a market cap of $1.8 trillion while Google’s parent company Alphabet has a valuation of $1.6 trillion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/microsoft-names-ceo-satya-nadella-as-chairman-of-the-board-392058" hreflang="en">Microsoft names CEO Satya Nadella as chairman of the board</a>

Microsoft Corporation on Tuesday became the second US public company to hit $2 trillion in market value, briefly joining the league of Apple Inc. The company’s value was elevated due to its dominance in cloud computing and enterprise software, which is expected to keep improving in the post-Covid world.

Microsoft Corporation on Tuesday became the second US public company to hit $2 trillion in market value, briefly joining the league of Apple Inc. The company’s value was elevated due to its dominance in cloud computing and enterprise software, which is expected to keep improving in the post-Covid world. In New York, Microsoft’s shares rose by as much as 1.2 per cent on Tuesday, allowing the company to sit on the elite table with Apple. But before closing, the company fell short of the mark at $265.51. In December 2019, Saudi Aramco almost touched that threshold and currently boasts a market value of $1.9 trillion. Microsoft’s resurgence to glory has largely been credited to its Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella who took over in 2014. Under his watch, the company has become the largest seller of cloud-computing software taking into account both is Office application and infrastructure cloud units. Interestingly enough, Microsoft is perhaps the only giant technology company in the US to have escaped the watchful eye of American antitrust regulators, due to which the company has been able to acquire and expand on its own terms. This year, Microsoft has clocked in 19 per cent, much higher than Apple and Amazon (dot) com Inc. Also read: Unable to travel home, Microsoft staff slept in data centres during COVID-19 lockdown: Executive Microsoft is doing it all - be it gaming through its Xbox offerings, cloud services, automation, artificial intelligence and even analytics. The company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 and is largely credit for creating the computer software industry as we know today. But it has not always had a smooth sailing. In 1998, the company was hit with an antitrust lawsuit by the US government for bundling its product with Microsoft software in a bid to rival browsers like Netscape. In 2000, a federal judge found the company guilty. To reach $1 trillion value, the company took 33 years from its IPO. For the next trillion, it only took two years! Apple, too made history by reaching $2 trillion last year. Amazon has a market cap of $1.8 trillion while Google’s parent company Alphabet has a valuation of $1.6 trillion. Also read: Microsoft names CEO Satya Nadella as chairman of the board

Microsoft becomes second US company after Apple to touch $2 trillion market value

Pakistan's poverty rate has risen from 4.4 per cent to 5.4 per cent, according to the World Bank. In Pakistan, more than two million individuals have slipped into poverty.&nbsp;

Using the lower-middle-income poverty rate ($3.2 per day), the World Bank calculated that Pakistan's poverty rate was 39.3 per cent in 2020-21, 39.2 per cent in 2021-22, and 37.9 per cent in 2022-23.&nbsp;

The World Bank estimated that the poverty ratio in Pakistan stood at 39.3 per cent in 2020-21 and is projected to remain at 39.2 per cent in 2021-22 and might come down to 37.9 per cent by 2022-23, reported The News International.

The World Bank anticipated that poverty was at 78.4 per cent in 2020-21, 78.3 per cent in 2021-22, and 77.5 per cent in 2022-23, based on the upper-middle-income poverty rate ($5.5 per day).&nbsp;

According to the World Bank's Macro Poverty Outlook for Pakistan, the incidence of poverty grew from 4.4 to 5.4 per cent in FY20, based on the international poverty threshold of $1.90 per day, with more than two million people living in poverty. Furthermore, 40% of households experienced moderate to severe food insecurity.&nbsp;

&nbsp;According to the WB, the containment measures adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic led to a collapse in economic activity during the final quarter of FY20. As a result, the GDP growth is estimated to have contracted by 1.5 per cent in FY20.

During the period, half of the working population saw either job or income losses, with informal and low-skilled workers employed in elementary occupations facing the strongest contraction in employment.

Pakistan's economy has been growing slowly over the past two decades. The annual per capita growth has averaged only two per cent, less than half of the South Asia average, partly due to inconsistent macroeconomic policies and an under-reliance on investment and exports to drive economic growth, reported the Pakistani daily.

The sectors in Pakistan that employ the poorest, such as agriculture, are expected to remain weak, and therefore poverty is likely to remain high, said the WB. The current account deficit is also projected to narrow to 0.8 per cent of GDP in FY21, as a wider trade deficit is offset by stronger remittances inflows.

The public debt will remain elevated in the medium term, as well Pakistan's exposure to debt-related shocks, the WB concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's poverty rate has risen from 4.4 per cent to 5.4 per cent, according to the World Bank. In Pakistan, more than two million individuals have slipped into poverty.

Pakistan's poverty rate has risen from 4.4 per cent to 5.4 per cent, according to the World Bank. In Pakistan, more than two million individuals have slipped into poverty. Using the lower-middle-income poverty rate ($3.2 per day), the World Bank calculated that Pakistan's poverty rate was 39.3 per cent in 2020-21, 39.2 per cent in 2021-22, and 37.9 per cent in 2022-23. The World Bank estimated that the poverty ratio in Pakistan stood at 39.3 per cent in 2020-21 and is projected to remain at 39.2 per cent in 2021-22 and might come down to 37.9 per cent by 2022-23, reported The News International. The World Bank anticipated that poverty was at 78.4 per cent in 2020-21, 78.3 per cent in 2021-22, and 77.5 per cent in 2022-23, based on the upper-middle-income poverty rate ($5.5 per day). According to the World Bank's Macro Poverty Outlook for Pakistan, the incidence of poverty grew from 4.4 to 5.4 per cent in FY20, based on the international poverty threshold of $1.90 per day, with more than two million people living in poverty. Furthermore, 40% of households experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. According to the WB, the containment measures adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic led to a collapse in economic activity during the final quarter of FY20. As a result, the GDP growth is estimated to have contracted by 1.5 per cent in FY20. During the period, half of the working population saw either job or income losses, with informal and low-skilled workers employed in elementary occupations facing the strongest contraction in employment. Pakistan's economy has been growing slowly over the past two decades. The annual per capita growth has averaged only two per cent, less than half of the South Asia average, partly due to inconsistent macroeconomic policies and an under-reliance on investment and exports to drive economic growth, reported the Pakistani daily. The sectors in Pakistan that employ the poorest, such as agriculture, are expected to remain weak, and therefore poverty is likely to remain high, said the WB. The current account deficit is also projected to narrow to 0.8 per cent of GDP in FY21, as a wider trade deficit is offset by stronger remittances inflows. The public debt will remain elevated in the medium term, as well Pakistan's exposure to debt-related shocks, the WB concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

Poverty in Pakistan up from 4.4% to 5.4%: World Bank

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act that will make it easier for independent power providers to generate power. The government will amend schedule two of the act to raise the exemption threshold from 1 megawatt to 100 megawatts.

Ramaphosa is making an announcement as part of the government's effort to achieve a swift and lasting economic recovery. This announcement also comes at a time when the country is facing continuous load shedding.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-health-minister-put-on-special-leave-390231" hreflang="en">South Africa's Health Minister put on special leave</a>

"We are a country that is blessed with tremendous resources and resourcefulness. We have a bright future ahead of us. Today’s announcement takes us one significant step further towards that future," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

Under the new amendment, power producers will still have to go through an official process.

"Generation projects will still need to obtain permits, a grid connection permit, to ensure that they meet all the requirements for grid compliance. This will ensure that we are able to bring online as much new capacity as possible without compromising the integrity and stability of our energy system," the President said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-moves-to-stricter-covid-19-lockdown-amid-fears-of-third-wave-388513" hreflang="en">South Africa moves to stricter COVID-19 lockdown amid fears of third wave</a>

Ramaphosa added that the government has the task of building a new economy in the wake of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">global pandemic</a>, and of placing our country on a strong footing for the next decade and beyond.

"This reform is expected to unlock significant investment in new generation capacity in the short and medium term, enabling companies to build their own generation facilities to supply their energy needs," he said.&nbsp;

The country’s power utility, Eskom was on stage 3 load-shedding on Thursday, dropping 3,000MW of demand from the grid to avoid it being overloaded.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act that will make it easier for independent power providers to generate power.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act that will make it easier for independent power providers to generate power. The government will amend schedule two of the act to raise the exemption threshold from 1 megawatt to 100 megawatts. Ramaphosa is making an announcement as part of the government's effort to achieve a swift and lasting economic recovery. This announcement also comes at a time when the country is facing continuous load shedding. Also read | South Africa's Health Minister put on special leave "We are a country that is blessed with tremendous resources and resourcefulness. We have a bright future ahead of us. Today’s announcement takes us one significant step further towards that future," Ramaphosa said. Under the new amendment, power producers will still have to go through an official process. "Generation projects will still need to obtain permits, a grid connection permit, to ensure that they meet all the requirements for grid compliance. This will ensure that we are able to bring online as much new capacity as possible without compromising the integrity and stability of our energy system," the President said. Also read | South Africa moves to stricter COVID-19 lockdown amid fears of third wave Ramaphosa added that the government has the task of building a new economy in the wake of a global pandemic, and of placing our country on a strong footing for the next decade and beyond. "This reform is expected to unlock significant investment in new generation capacity in the short and medium term, enabling companies to build their own generation facilities to supply their energy needs," he said. The country’s power utility, Eskom was on stage 3 load-shedding on Thursday, dropping 3,000MW of demand from the grid to avoid it being overloaded.

South Africa: Ramaphosa announces economic recovery plan

A measure of Australian business conditions extended its blistering run to reach all-time highs in May with sales, profits and employment all up strongly, a sign the economy has the momentum to cope with a coronavirus lockdown.

Australia business activity climbs to fresh highs in May, says survey

The latest World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor report, entitled “Lebanon Sinking: To the Top 3”, said such brutal economic collapses are usually the result of war.

Lebanon’s economic crisis among world's worst since 1850s

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30.&nbsp;

"Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year.&nbsp;

The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent.&nbsp;

It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns.&nbsp;

"The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin.&nbsp;

Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth.&nbsp;

He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors. &nbsp;

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30. "Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year. The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent. It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns. "The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin. Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth. He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors.

Pakistan will achieve 5 per cent GDP growth in next fiscal: Finance minister 

The United Arab Emirates announced Wednesday it will lift a cap on non-local ownership and allow full foreign control of business ventures from June 1.

The reform, originally flagged in 2019, will make it easier to do business in the Gulf state and encourage investment, the economy ministry said.

"The amended Commercial Companies Law aims at boosting the country’s competitive edge and is a part of&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;government efforts to facilitate doing business," said Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq al-Marri.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-urges-mideast-ceasefire-offers-condolences-to-all-victims-report-385151">UAE urges Mideast ceasefire, offers condolences to all victims: Report</a>&nbsp;

The decision abolishes a longstanding law that limits foreign ownership to just 49 per cent.

To dodge the limit, some of the seven emirates that make up the&nbsp;UAE, including Dubai, have for years established free trade zones where foreigners can own up to 100 per cent of their business.

The&nbsp;UAE's economy is the second-largest in the Arab world, behind Saudi Arabia.

It counts as the most diversified, particularly thanks to Dubai which gains 95 per cent of its income from outside the oil industry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-urges-israel-to-stop-jerusalem-violence-in-rare-rebuke-380585">UAE urges Israel to stop Jerusalem violence in rare rebuke</a>

The capital Abu Dhabi sits on the majority of the&nbsp;UAE's vast oil reserves.

The country ranks 16th in the World Bank's index on the ease of doing business.

The decision opens up 13 major economic sectors to unrestricted foreign investment, including renewable energy, agriculture, transport and e-commerce.

In 2019, the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;was the top destination for foreign direct investment in the Arab world, attracting nearly $13.8 billion, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The United Arab Emirates announced Wednesday it will lift a cap on non-local ownership and allow full foreign control of business ventures from June 1. The reform, originally flagged in 2019, will make it easier to do business in the Gulf state and encourage investment, the economy ministry said.

The United Arab Emirates announced Wednesday it will lift a cap on non-local ownership and allow full foreign control of business ventures from June 1. The reform, originally flagged in 2019, will make it easier to do business in the Gulf state and encourage investment, the economy ministry said. "The amended Commercial Companies Law aims at boosting the country’s competitive edge and is a part of UAE government efforts to facilitate doing business," said Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq al-Marri. Also read | UAE urges Mideast ceasefire, offers condolences to all victims: Report The decision abolishes a longstanding law that limits foreign ownership to just 49 per cent. To dodge the limit, some of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, including Dubai, have for years established free trade zones where foreigners can own up to 100 per cent of their business. The UAE's economy is the second-largest in the Arab world, behind Saudi Arabia. It counts as the most diversified, particularly thanks to Dubai which gains 95 per cent of its income from outside the oil industry. Also read | UAE urges Israel to stop Jerusalem violence in rare rebuke The capital Abu Dhabi sits on the majority of the UAE's vast oil reserves. The country ranks 16th in the World Bank's index on the ease of doing business. The decision opens up 13 major economic sectors to unrestricted foreign investment, including renewable energy, agriculture, transport and e-commerce. In 2019, the UAE was the top destination for foreign direct investment in the Arab world, attracting nearly $13.8 billion, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

UAE to allow full foreign ownership of firms

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday a summit in Paris on Africa financing had agreed to work towards persuading rich nations by October to reallocate $100 billion in IMF special drawing rights monetary reserves to African states.&nbsp;

Impoverished African economies must not be left behind in the post-pandemic economic recovery and a substantial financial package is needed to provide much-needed economic stimulus, African and European leaders concluded at a summit in Paris.&nbsp;

In the immediate term, that meant accelerating the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and creating the fiscal breathing room for African nations, which will face a spending shortfall of some $285 billion over the next two years, the summit communique showed.&nbsp;

The communique set out a two-pronged response based on addressing financing needs to support a sustainable, green recovery and the underpinning of private-sector-driven growth, but it was light on concrete commitments.&nbsp;

"This is a new start, a new deal for Africa," Senegalese President Macky Sall told reporters.&nbsp;

International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Kristalina Georgieva said it was time to stem the 'dangerous divergence between advanced economies and developing countries, especially (in) Africa’. &nbsp;

Georgieva said the African continent's economic output would increase by only 3.2% in 2021, compared with 6% in the rest of the world.&nbsp;

Central to the talks was the question of how to reallocate IMF reserves (SDRs) that were earmarked for developed countries towards developing economies. &nbsp;

World finance chiefs agreed in April to boost SDRs by $650 billion and extend a debt-servicing freeze to help developing countries deal with the pandemic, although only $34 billion was to be allocated to Africa.&nbsp;

Macron said France had decided to redirect its SDRs and that there had been an accord to try to get rich nations by October to reallocate $100 billion to Africa.&nbsp;

"Our work in the next few weeks will be to make the same rate of effort as France, starting with the United States of America, and I know all the work that we will have to do with Congress and the executive, but I am confident," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Georgieva pledged to come up with a new allocation proposal by August.&nbsp;

"On the $100 billion, is it enough? Let's be very clear, no it is not enough. We have a financial gap just to catch up with the impact of Covid for the continent of Africa of $285 billion, she said. "It is genuinely an all-hands-on-deck situation."&nbsp;

"We have to make the private sector attracted to go into a risky environment by de-risking investments."&nbsp;

The summit was part of Macron's efforts to recast France's engagement in Africa, where it was once a colonial power, at a time when the continent faces a near $300 billion deficit by the end of 2023 while trying to recover from the downturn.&nbsp;

The African Development Bank forecasts that up to 39 million people could fall into poverty this year, with many African countries at risk of debt distress because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday a summit in Paris on Africa financing had agreed to work towards persuading rich nations by October to reallocate $100 billion in IMF special drawing rights monetary reserves to African states.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday a summit in Paris on Africa financing had agreed to work towards persuading rich nations by October to reallocate $100 billion in IMF special drawing rights monetary reserves to African states. Impoverished African economies must not be left behind in the post-pandemic economic recovery and a substantial financial package is needed to provide much-needed economic stimulus, African and European leaders concluded at a summit in Paris. In the immediate term, that meant accelerating the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and creating the fiscal breathing room for African nations, which will face a spending shortfall of some $285 billion over the next two years, the summit communique showed. The communique set out a two-pronged response based on addressing financing needs to support a sustainable, green recovery and the underpinning of private-sector-driven growth, but it was light on concrete commitments. "This is a new start, a new deal for Africa," Senegalese President Macky Sall told reporters. International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Kristalina Georgieva said it was time to stem the 'dangerous divergence between advanced economies and developing countries, especially (in) Africa’. Georgieva said the African continent's economic output would increase by only 3.2% in 2021, compared with 6% in the rest of the world. Central to the talks was the question of how to reallocate IMF reserves (SDRs) that were earmarked for developed countries towards developing economies. World finance chiefs agreed in April to boost SDRs by $650 billion and extend a debt-servicing freeze to help developing countries deal with the pandemic, although only $34 billion was to be allocated to Africa. Macron said France had decided to redirect its SDRs and that there had been an accord to try to get rich nations by October to reallocate $100 billion to Africa. "Our work in the next few weeks will be to make the same rate of effort as France, starting with the United States of America, and I know all the work that we will have to do with Congress and the executive, but I am confident," he told reporters. Georgieva pledged to come up with a new allocation proposal by August. "On the $100 billion, is it enough? Let's be very clear, no it is not enough. We have a financial gap just to catch up with the impact of Covid for the continent of Africa of $285 billion, she said. "It is genuinely an all-hands-on-deck situation." "We have to make the private sector attracted to go into a risky environment by de-risking investments." The summit was part of Macron's efforts to recast France's engagement in Africa, where it was once a colonial power, at a time when the continent faces a near $300 billion deficit by the end of 2023 while trying to recover from the downturn. The African Development Bank forecasts that up to 39 million people could fall into poverty this year, with many African countries at risk of debt distress because of the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

France, African leaders push to redirect $100 billion in IMF SDR reserves by October 

Saudi Arabia plans to soon reopen to foreign tourists, a senior tourism official said on Monday after the kingdom announced the lifting of quarantine restrictions for certain foreign arrivals.

The kingdom announced late on Sunday that non-citizens arriving from certain countries and who were fully vaccinated against or recently recovered from COVID-19 would no longer be required to quarantine in designated government hotels.

Also read:<a href="'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year">&nbsp;'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year</a>

Those new measures, however, only apply to residents, government and business travellers or those visiting friends and family but not foreign tourists, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).

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STA Chief Executive Fahd Hamidaddin told Reuters the kingdom would reopen to foreign tourists this year with an announcement expected to be made 'very soon.' Hamidaddin declined to say exactly when.

Saudi Arabia liberalised its tourism industry in 2019, making it easier for foreigners to apply for tourist visas to the kingdom that had been relatively closed off for decades.

Hamidaddin said the kingdom was still targeting 100 million annual visits by 2030, up from about 40 million a year before the pandemic.

It was also still targeting for tourism to account for 10% of GDP, up from 3%, by 2030, he said.

Saudi Arabia plans to soon reopen to foreign tourists, a senior tourism official said on Monday after the kingdom announced the lifting of quarantine restrictions for certain foreign arrivals.

Saudi Arabia plans to soon reopen to foreign tourists, a senior tourism official said on Monday after the kingdom announced the lifting of quarantine restrictions for certain foreign arrivals. The kingdom announced late on Sunday that non-citizens arriving from certain countries and who were fully vaccinated against or recently recovered from COVID-19 would no longer be required to quarantine in designated government hotels. Also read: 'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year Those new measures, however, only apply to residents, government and business travellers or those visiting friends and family but not foreign tourists, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). Also read: Saudi Arabia decries Israel's 'flagrant violations' of Palestinian rights STA Chief Executive Fahd Hamidaddin told Reuters the kingdom would reopen to foreign tourists this year with an announcement expected to be made 'very soon.' Hamidaddin declined to say exactly when. Saudi Arabia liberalised its tourism industry in 2019, making it easier for foreigners to apply for tourist visas to the kingdom that had been relatively closed off for decades. Hamidaddin said the kingdom was still targeting 100 million annual visits by 2030, up from about 40 million a year before the pandemic. It was also still targeting for tourism to account for 10% of GDP, up from 3%, by 2030, he said.

Saudi Arabia to reopen to foreign tourists soon, official says

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations'&nbsp;before June 15. 
 
Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that it was safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in most situations, following which many states have lifted their mask mandates, reports Xinhua news agency.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes">UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes</a> 
 
However, California Health &amp; Human Services Agency Secretary Mark Ghaly on Monday stressed that the 'Golden State'&nbsp;would keep the existing guidance until June 15, meaning 'in indoor settings, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status.'

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business ">Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business&nbsp;</a> 
 
California's rules permit people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus not to wear a mask outdoors unless they are attending crowded gatherings, but require persons to wear masks indoors unless they are meeting with other inoculated people. 
 
"There's certain areas where masking will and should continue. We'll be watching that list closely with the CDC, but for now we don't have any additions beyond what we've seen with the CDC's guidelines," Ghaly said. 
 
California's decision came amid confusing and seemingly contradictory messages from President Joe Biden, the CDC, Governors, state officials and local officials, who have been under pressure to ease mask restrictions. 
 
Since some supermarket chains including Trader Joe's, Costco and Walmart have dropped the mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers, Ghaly said on Monday these businesses need to align with the current state rules. 
 
One of the worst hit states in the US, California has so far reported 3,665,904 confirmed coronavirus cases and 61,510 deaths. 
 
The state has vaccinated 34,536,581 residents in total.

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations' before June 15.

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations' before June 15. Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that it was safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in most situations, following which many states have lifted their mask mandates, reports Xinhua news agency. Also read- UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes However, California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Mark Ghaly on Monday stressed that the 'Golden State' would keep the existing guidance until June 15, meaning 'in indoor settings, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status.' Also read- Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business California's rules permit people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus not to wear a mask outdoors unless they are attending crowded gatherings, but require persons to wear masks indoors unless they are meeting with other inoculated people. "There's certain areas where masking will and should continue. We'll be watching that list closely with the CDC, but for now we don't have any additions beyond what we've seen with the CDC's guidelines," Ghaly said. California's decision came amid confusing and seemingly contradictory messages from President Joe Biden, the CDC, Governors, state officials and local officials, who have been under pressure to ease mask restrictions. Since some supermarket chains including Trader Joe's, Costco and Walmart have dropped the mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers, Ghaly said on Monday these businesses need to align with the current state rules. One of the worst hit states in the US, California has so far reported 3,665,904 confirmed coronavirus cases and 61,510 deaths. The state has vaccinated 34,536,581 residents in total.

California won't implement CDC mask guidance

There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities.

Saudi nationals who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot a minimum two weeks prior to travel, those who have recovered from the coronavirus disease within the last six months, and those under 18 will be allowed to travel for the first time since March 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble">Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble</a>

"It's a great feeling, thank God, we are happy, especially after the difficult period we and the entire world have suffered," said Bandar Al Nawash, a passenger waiting in the departure lounge of King Khalid International Airport.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban">Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban</a>

Fellow national Faisal Al Tamimi said he had expected large crowds at the airport, but there were only a few travellers early on Monday after the suspension was lifted at 1 a.m. local time.

"I think people are worried about the coronavirus variants such as the one in India, and new developments in some countries," Al Tamimi said.

There are 13 countries Saudi nationals are still banned from visiting without prior permission, whether through direct or indirect flights due to COVID-19 risks.

Saudi Arabia, with a population of some 30 million, reported 825 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, taking total caseload to 433,094, including 7,162 deaths.

Authorities said on Sunday more than 11.5 million vaccines had been administered in the Gulf Arab state so far.

"Thank God ... today we can travel whether for tourism or for business. God willing this pandemic will be over and everyone will be able to travel," said Jaber Al Mahadi, another traveller at the airport on Monday morning.

There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities.

There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities. Saudi nationals who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot a minimum two weeks prior to travel, those who have recovered from the coronavirus disease within the last six months, and those under 18 will be allowed to travel for the first time since March 2020. Also read: Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble "It's a great feeling, thank God, we are happy, especially after the difficult period we and the entire world have suffered," said Bandar Al Nawash, a passenger waiting in the departure lounge of King Khalid International Airport. Also read: Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban Fellow national Faisal Al Tamimi said he had expected large crowds at the airport, but there were only a few travellers early on Monday after the suspension was lifted at 1 a.m. local time. "I think people are worried about the coronavirus variants such as the one in India, and new developments in some countries," Al Tamimi said. There are 13 countries Saudi nationals are still banned from visiting without prior permission, whether through direct or indirect flights due to COVID-19 risks. Saudi Arabia, with a population of some 30 million, reported 825 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, taking total caseload to 433,094, including 7,162 deaths. Authorities said on Sunday more than 11.5 million vaccines had been administered in the Gulf Arab state so far. "Thank God ... today we can travel whether for tourism or for business. God willing this pandemic will be over and everyone will be able to travel," said Jaber Al Mahadi, another traveller at the airport on Monday morning.

'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east&nbsp;Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of&nbsp;school&nbsp;for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach.

"Look at my phone. How do you expect my son to&nbsp;study&nbsp;on it?" asked his father Abdel Nasser, sitting cross-legged inside the family's tent in the Bekaa Valley.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools">China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools</a>

"The screen is cracked... and I have no internet."

Eleven-year-old Mohammad and his siblings are among tens of thousands of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian children who have been left for months without schooling due to coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge due to Covid">US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge&nbsp;due to Covid</a>

An accelerating economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;means they may never return to&nbsp;school&nbsp;in what rights groups are calling an 'education catastrophe', especially affecting refugees who already struggled to access learning before the pandemic.

"We can't afford to buy a cellphone for everyone. We must first be able to feed our children," said their mother Shamaa.

Mohammad arrived in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;from Syria in 2012 -- a year into an ongoing conflict that has killed 388,000 people and displaced millions.

But he wasn't enrolled in&nbsp;school&nbsp;until 2019 because&nbsp;Lebanon's public&nbsp;school&nbsp;system didn't open its doors to Syrian refugees until 2013, and even then only to a limited number.&nbsp;

Mohammad's first&nbsp;school&nbsp;year coincided with the Covid pandemic, which brought all classes to a halt by the second term.&nbsp;

"He doesn't even know how to multiply one by one," his father said.

Mohammad's older sisters Hind, Sarah and Amal, aged 12 to 14, had already been in&nbsp;school&nbsp;for four years when the education ministry in March 2020 said it was shifting to online learning.&nbsp;

"I was happy before," 14-year-old Amal said, sobbing. "I was studying Arabic, English, science and geography.

"But now my parents can't afford to give me an online education."

More than 1.2 million children in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have been out of&nbsp;school&nbsp;since the country's coronavirus outbreak began last year, the UK-based charity Save the Children says.

It warned last month that a large number of children may never get back into a classroom, either because they have already missed so much&nbsp;school&nbsp;or because their families can't afford to enrol them.

"Education for thousands of children in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;is hanging by a thread," it said.

Lebanon's economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;is at its worst since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the local population now living in poverty.

Poverty rates are even higher among Syrians, with 90 per cent of families barely able to survive.&nbsp;

Lisa Abou Khaled of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says this is impacting education.

"Some Syrian children have had to give up their studies to work and help their families," she told AFP.

Citing data from&nbsp;Lebanon's education ministry, she said 25,000 Syrian students should have re-enrolled or entered grade one in 2020-2021 but did not.&nbsp;

"We think the real number is higher than that," she added, estimating that more than half of Syrian&nbsp;school-aged children were currently out of the classroom.&nbsp;

The education catastrophe is also real for the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have lost jobs or seen their income slashed since the economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;accelerated in 2019.&nbsp;

Inside a cramped apartment in the eastern Beirut suburb of Burj Hammoud, 11-year-old Pamela points to a keyboard -- the only thing that remains from a desktop computer destroyed during last summer's huge Beirut port explosion.

The August 4 blast, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swaths of the capital, hit Pamela's home and piled new misery on a family already brought to its knees by the financial downturn.&nbsp;

The family couldn't afford to buy a replacement as it had become far too expensive due to the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound.&nbsp;

"So I started to follow lessons on my cellphone," Pamela said.&nbsp;

As she has impaired vision, a small screen was already a nuisance.

But then power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day also left her struggling to keep her phone alive and connected to the internet.

She decided to drop out.

"I was disgusted with online education, I couldn't take it anymore," she said.

Her father, an out-of-work taxi driver, said he had wanted Pamela to drop out months ago.

"I don't give a damn about education or this country," he said.&nbsp;

But Pamela hasn't entirely abandoned hopes of returning to&nbsp;school.

"I&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;study&nbsp;so that I can get a decent job later and be able to help my parents."

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of school for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach.

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of school for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach. "Look at my phone. How do you expect my son to study on it?" asked his father Abdel Nasser, sitting cross-legged inside the family's tent in the Bekaa Valley. Also read- China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools "The screen is cracked... and I have no internet." Eleven-year-old Mohammad and his siblings are among tens of thousands of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian children who have been left for months without schooling due to coronavirus restrictions. Also read: US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge due to Covid An accelerating economic crisis means they may never return to school in what rights groups are calling an 'education catastrophe', especially affecting refugees who already struggled to access learning before the pandemic. "We can't afford to buy a cellphone for everyone. We must first be able to feed our children," said their mother Shamaa. Mohammad arrived in Lebanon from Syria in 2012 -- a year into an ongoing conflict that has killed 388,000 people and displaced millions. But he wasn't enrolled in school until 2019 because Lebanon's public school system didn't open its doors to Syrian refugees until 2013, and even then only to a limited number. Mohammad's first school year coincided with the Covid pandemic, which brought all classes to a halt by the second term. "He doesn't even know how to multiply one by one," his father said. Mohammad's older sisters Hind, Sarah and Amal, aged 12 to 14, had already been in school for four years when the education ministry in March 2020 said it was shifting to online learning. "I was happy before," 14-year-old Amal said, sobbing. "I was studying Arabic, English, science and geography. "But now my parents can't afford to give me an online education." More than 1.2 million children in Lebanon have been out of school since the country's coronavirus outbreak began last year, the UK-based charity Save the Children says. It warned last month that a large number of children may never get back into a classroom, either because they have already missed so much school or because their families can't afford to enrol them. "Education for thousands of children in Lebanon is hanging by a thread," it said. Lebanon's economic crisis is at its worst since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the local population now living in poverty. Poverty rates are even higher among Syrians, with 90 per cent of families barely able to survive. Lisa Abou Khaled of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says this is impacting education. "Some Syrian children have had to give up their studies to work and help their families," she told AFP. Citing data from Lebanon's education ministry, she said 25,000 Syrian students should have re-enrolled or entered grade one in 2020-2021 but did not. "We think the real number is higher than that," she added, estimating that more than half of Syrian school-aged children were currently out of the classroom. The education catastrophe is also real for the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have lost jobs or seen their income slashed since the economic crisis accelerated in 2019. Inside a cramped apartment in the eastern Beirut suburb of Burj Hammoud, 11-year-old Pamela points to a keyboard -- the only thing that remains from a desktop computer destroyed during last summer's huge Beirut port explosion. The August 4 blast, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swaths of the capital, hit Pamela's home and piled new misery on a family already brought to its knees by the financial downturn. The family couldn't afford to buy a replacement as it had become far too expensive due to the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound. "So I started to follow lessons on my cellphone," Pamela said. As she has impaired vision, a small screen was already a nuisance. But then power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day also left her struggling to keep her phone alive and connected to the internet. She decided to drop out. "I was disgusted with online education, I couldn't take it anymore," she said. Her father, an out-of-work taxi driver, said he had wanted Pamela to drop out months ago. "I don't give a damn about education or this country," he said. But Pamela hasn't entirely abandoned hopes of returning to school. "I want to study so that I can get a decent job later and be able to help my parents."

'I want to study': Lebanon crisis cancels school for many

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays.

The easing of restrictions came even as the country's coronavirus positivity rose to 7.83 per cent on Sunday, a day after falling to more than two months low to about 5 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani ">Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani&nbsp;</a>

All businesses and public transport were suspended from May 10-16 to stop mass movement during the Eid al-Fitr holidays to curb the spread of the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar">Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar</a>

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided to resume public transport from Sunday.

The restriction on transport was eased to help people come back from far off places to join their offices and other duties from Monday when businesses would also open.

The lockdown worked well to contain the spread and pull down the curve as only 1,531 new cases were reported on Saturday, registering a positivity rate of 5.8 per cent which was the lowest since March 8.

But the cases rose to 2,379 in the last 24 hours, taking the national COVID-19 tally to 877,130.

The death toll rose to 19,543, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

The government also started the registration of people aged 30 years and above for vaccination.

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays.

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays. The easing of restrictions came even as the country's coronavirus positivity rose to 7.83 per cent on Sunday, a day after falling to more than two months low to about 5 per cent. Also read: Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani All businesses and public transport were suspended from May 10-16 to stop mass movement during the Eid al-Fitr holidays to curb the spread of the virus. Also read: Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided to resume public transport from Sunday. The restriction on transport was eased to help people come back from far off places to join their offices and other duties from Monday when businesses would also open. The lockdown worked well to contain the spread and pull down the curve as only 1,531 new cases were reported on Saturday, registering a positivity rate of 5.8 per cent which was the lowest since March 8. But the cases rose to 2,379 in the last 24 hours, taking the national COVID-19 tally to 877,130. The death toll rose to 19,543, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. The government also started the registration of people aged 30 years and above for vaccination.

Pakistan eases Covid restrictions on transportation and commercial activities

India will have to invest heavily in infrastructure in order to recover from the economic havoc brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means going in for deficit financing, according to a UN expert. 
 
"A crisis often presents an opportunity" and making the right investments can have a multiplier effect in steering the economies to recovery, while also making a monumental difference in people's lives," Hamid Rashid, the head of the UN Development Research Branch, said on Wednesday in an exclusive interview to said. 
 
"We may feel a little despondent right now in terms of what is happening in India, but there`s a silver lining in our view as well," he said, citing the possibilities for public sector investment in vital areas and the signs of progress in containing the pandemic. 
 
Developing countries like India do not have the option of financing a stimulus programme like the US has done but they can make substantial public sector investments to stimulate the economy, he said. 
 
The government should prioritise two sectors, digital and health, for investments, he said. 
 
"This is also an opportunity for governments, and for the public sector, to increase investment in health infrastructure, increase investment in digital infrastructure, and that will create jobs and that will create demand for more goods and services, and that will restart the economic engine," he said. 
 
"Right now you see the oxygen shortages as a huge constraint for India, in terms of saving lives. So, this is an opportunity for creating the right environment so the businesses can invest more in building health capacities," he said. 
 
There is also a need to bridge the digital divide, he said. 
 
India and other similarly placed countries do not have the option of raising taxes to meet the investment requirements and they may have to resort to deficit financing, which he said is not a bad idea if the investments are properly made. 
 
"Deficit financing is basically borrowing from the future," he said. 
 
"I believe deficit financing institution like this is not only necessary so it`s a must," he said. "You have to take the risk and when businesses can`t take risks when the private sector or hospitals cannot take risks, the only entity that can take risk is the government." 
 
"So public sector spending is that we have seen in crisis after crisis. Public investment is what brings countries out of crises," he said. 
 
With deficit spending, "one has to be very careful about targeting the right sector, targeting the right investment", he said. "Otherwise it can create a huge debt burden, going forward, public debt would balloon". 
 
China had used investments to stage its recovery, he said while contrasting the Western and Chinese models. 
 
There is the Western model of fighting the crisis through "a demand-side support, giving money to the households or you can create more jobs through investment", he said. 
 
"China chose the path of increasing investment during the pandemic, and so it created lots of jobs, and now the demand is picking up and China`s recovery is on the way" and it would have a growth rate of 8.2 per cent this year, he said. 
 
Rashid`s branch makes the economic forecasts that are the basis for policy suggestions and he is the lead author of the UN`s flagship economic report, World Economic Situation and Prospects. 
 
The mid-year report released on Tuesday, forecast that India`s economy would grow by 7.5 per cent this year and rebound to 10.3 per cent next year. 
 
When the report was being prepared, Rashid said, "We were just seeing the tip of the second wave. And of course, if I do revise the numbers right now, I would probably be a little bit, even less optimistic than 7.5 per cent when there are significant downside risks." 
 
"But, having said that, we still believe there`s huge room for a recovery in India because we are starting from a very low base," he added. 
 
The UN estimated that India`s economy shrank last year by 6.8 per cent. 
 
"Last year, there was a significant contraction of the economy. So this is basically recovering the lost ground, so there`ll be quite a bit of lost ground recovered, and that would give the growth, assuming that pandemic comes under control within a month or so," he said. 
 
If the Covid-19 surge "continues for several months or a full quarter, then this would be a very difficult target (and) we`ll probably see a significant downgrade when we update our number for the end of the year", he added. 
 
"But so far, we remain optimistic that 7.5 per cent growth rate is still possible for India," he said. 
 
While infections are coming down significantly in Delhi and Mumbai and other major cities, there`s still concern about the pandemic spreading to rural areas, he said. 
 
"We have to make sure that we are able to contain the spread of the virus and things don`t get any worse than it already is. So, our best hope is that probably the worst is behind us, in terms of the spread of the pandemic in India, and there are some containment measures that are effective," he added. 
 
Asked about the most important requirement for India`s economy to recover from the havoc of the pandemic, Rashid responded, "It`s vaccination, vaccination, vaccination." 
 
It would restore consumer confidence and business confidence that are very critical to a recovery, he said. 
 
"When you see news reports every day and they shatter our confidence, businesses will not be willing to invest if they don`t see any light at the end of the tunnel and consumers will not be spending, if they feel that there are bad days ahead," he said. 
 
"So, this is about managing expectation and right now, the best way to manage expectations of the future of the economy is to make sure everyone gets vaccinated as quickly as possible," he added. 
 
While vaccinating a population of 1.4 billion would take time, he said that other steps can be intensified to control the Covid-19 outbreak as had been done last year. 
 
"Your experience with the first wave was quite positive and quite successful. I think the combination of vaccination and social distancing and other measures would work, may not do the magic, but would still be able to contain the spread further."

India will have to invest heavily in infrastructure in order to recover from the economic havoc brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means going in for deficit financing, according to a UN expert.

India will have to invest heavily in infrastructure in order to recover from the economic havoc brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means going in for deficit financing, according to a UN expert. "A crisis often presents an opportunity" and making the right investments can have a multiplier effect in steering the economies to recovery, while also making a monumental difference in people's lives," Hamid Rashid, the head of the UN Development Research Branch, said on Wednesday in an exclusive interview to said. "We may feel a little despondent right now in terms of what is happening in India, but there`s a silver lining in our view as well," he said, citing the possibilities for public sector investment in vital areas and the signs of progress in containing the pandemic. Developing countries like India do not have the option of financing a stimulus programme like the US has done but they can make substantial public sector investments to stimulate the economy, he said. The government should prioritise two sectors, digital and health, for investments, he said. "This is also an opportunity for governments, and for the public sector, to increase investment in health infrastructure, increase investment in digital infrastructure, and that will create jobs and that will create demand for more goods and services, and that will restart the economic engine," he said. "Right now you see the oxygen shortages as a huge constraint for India, in terms of saving lives. So, this is an opportunity for creating the right environment so the businesses can invest more in building health capacities," he said. There is also a need to bridge the digital divide, he said. India and other similarly placed countries do not have the option of raising taxes to meet the investment requirements and they may have to resort to deficit financing, which he said is not a bad idea if the investments are properly made. "Deficit financing is basically borrowing from the future," he said. "I believe deficit financing institution like this is not only necessary so it`s a must," he said. "You have to take the risk and when businesses can`t take risks when the private sector or hospitals cannot take risks, the only entity that can take risk is the government." "So public sector spending is that we have seen in crisis after crisis. Public investment is what brings countries out of crises," he said. With deficit spending, "one has to be very careful about targeting the right sector, targeting the right investment", he said. "Otherwise it can create a huge debt burden, going forward, public debt would balloon". China had used investments to stage its recovery, he said while contrasting the Western and Chinese models. There is the Western model of fighting the crisis through "a demand-side support, giving money to the households or you can create more jobs through investment", he said. "China chose the path of increasing investment during the pandemic, and so it created lots of jobs, and now the demand is picking up and China`s recovery is on the way" and it would have a growth rate of 8.2 per cent this year, he said. Rashid`s branch makes the economic forecasts that are the basis for policy suggestions and he is the lead author of the UN`s flagship economic report, World Economic Situation and Prospects. The mid-year report released on Tuesday, forecast that India`s economy would grow by 7.5 per cent this year and rebound to 10.3 per cent next year. When the report was being prepared, Rashid said, "We were just seeing the tip of the second wave. And of course, if I do revise the numbers right now, I would probably be a little bit, even less optimistic than 7.5 per cent when there are significant downside risks." "But, having said that, we still believe there`s huge room for a recovery in India because we are starting from a very low base," he added. The UN estimated that India`s economy shrank last year by 6.8 per cent. "Last year, there was a significant contraction of the economy. So this is basically recovering the lost ground, so there`ll be quite a bit of lost ground recovered, and that would give the growth, assuming that pandemic comes under control within a month or so," he said. If the Covid-19 surge "continues for several months or a full quarter, then this would be a very difficult target (and) we`ll probably see a significant downgrade when we update our number for the end of the year", he added. "But so far, we remain optimistic that 7.5 per cent growth rate is still possible for India," he said. While infections are coming down significantly in Delhi and Mumbai and other major cities, there`s still concern about the pandemic spreading to rural areas, he said. "We have to make sure that we are able to contain the spread of the virus and things don`t get any worse than it already is. So, our best hope is that probably the worst is behind us, in terms of the spread of the pandemic in India, and there are some containment measures that are effective," he added. Asked about the most important requirement for India`s economy to recover from the havoc of the pandemic, Rashid responded, "It`s vaccination, vaccination, vaccination." It would restore consumer confidence and business confidence that are very critical to a recovery, he said. "When you see news reports every day and they shatter our confidence, businesses will not be willing to invest if they don`t see any light at the end of the tunnel and consumers will not be spending, if they feel that there are bad days ahead," he said. "So, this is about managing expectation and right now, the best way to manage expectations of the future of the economy is to make sure everyone gets vaccinated as quickly as possible," he added. While vaccinating a population of 1.4 billion would take time, he said that other steps can be intensified to control the Covid-19 outbreak as had been done last year. "Your experience with the first wave was quite positive and quite successful. I think the combination of vaccination and social distancing and other measures would work, may not do the magic, but would still be able to contain the spread further."

India will have to invest heavily in infrastructure for economy to recover: UN expert

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term. &nbsp;

A year before the next presidential election, Macron is focusing on saving jobs and reviving the pandemic-battered French economy as his country inches out of its third partial lockdown.&nbsp;

The centrist president's ability to meet the challenge will be significant for his political future and for France, which is among the world's worst-hit nations with the fourth-highest number of reported COVID-19 cases and the eighth-highest death toll at more than 106,000.&nbsp;

While he has not officially declared his candidacy, Macron has made comments suggesting he intends to seek reelection. And he has pushed recent legislation on issues that potential rivals on the right and the left hold dear, from security to climate change.&nbsp;

Pollsters suggest Macron, who four years ago became the youngest president in French history, has a good chance of winning the presidency again in 2022 despite his government's oft-criticised management of the pandemic and earlier challenges to his policies, from activists protesting what they see as social and economic injustice to unions angry over retirement reforms.&nbsp;

The coronavirus reopening strategy Macron unveiled this month calls for most restrictions on public life to be lifted June 30, when half of France's population is expected to have received at least one vaccine shot. With up to 3 million people in France getting vaccinated each week, the government plans to allow outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes, as well as museums and nonessential shops, to resume operating on May 19.&nbsp;

In an interview with French media, Macron said he would visit France's regions over the summer 'to feel the pulse of the country' and to engage with people in a mass consultation aimed at 'turning the page of that moment in the nation's life'. "No individual destiny is worthwhile without a collective project," he said, giving the latest hint about a potential reelection bid.&nbsp;

At the moment, all opinion polls show Macron and Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader he beat in a presidential runoff election in 2017, again reaching the runoff next year. The polls also forecast that Macron would defeat National Rally leader Le Pen again, though by a smaller margin.&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term.

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term. A year before the next presidential election, Macron is focusing on saving jobs and reviving the pandemic-battered French economy as his country inches out of its third partial lockdown. The centrist president's ability to meet the challenge will be significant for his political future and for France, which is among the world's worst-hit nations with the fourth-highest number of reported COVID-19 cases and the eighth-highest death toll at more than 106,000. While he has not officially declared his candidacy, Macron has made comments suggesting he intends to seek reelection. And he has pushed recent legislation on issues that potential rivals on the right and the left hold dear, from security to climate change. Pollsters suggest Macron, who four years ago became the youngest president in French history, has a good chance of winning the presidency again in 2022 despite his government's oft-criticised management of the pandemic and earlier challenges to his policies, from activists protesting what they see as social and economic injustice to unions angry over retirement reforms. The coronavirus reopening strategy Macron unveiled this month calls for most restrictions on public life to be lifted June 30, when half of France's population is expected to have received at least one vaccine shot. With up to 3 million people in France getting vaccinated each week, the government plans to allow outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes, as well as museums and nonessential shops, to resume operating on May 19. In an interview with French media, Macron said he would visit France's regions over the summer 'to feel the pulse of the country' and to engage with people in a mass consultation aimed at 'turning the page of that moment in the nation's life'. "No individual destiny is worthwhile without a collective project," he said, giving the latest hint about a potential reelection bid. At the moment, all opinion polls show Macron and Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader he beat in a presidential runoff election in 2017, again reaching the runoff next year. The polls also forecast that Macron would defeat National Rally leader Le Pen again, though by a smaller margin.

Eyeing reelection bid, Macron looks to repair French economy 

Chinese&nbsp;exports&nbsp;grew at a forecast-busting rate last month, data showed Friday, while&nbsp;imports&nbsp;surged at their strongest in a decade as the global economy bounces back from the pandemic crisis and domestic consumption recovers.

With vaccines being rolled out around the world - particularly in the key US market - and economically painful lockdowns being eased, demand for&nbsp;China's goods has picked up this year, having fallen off a cliff in 2020.

Shipments abroad soared 32.3 percent on-year in April - smashing the 24.1 per cent expected in a Bloomberg survey - thanks to a sharp rise in demand for electronics and medical masks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19">'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19</a>

The impressive figures are attributable to last year's very low base of comparison owing to the pandemic.

But they still show that the global recovery is underway, led by the United States where the economy is scorching along on the back of vast government spending and central bank largesse.

"The stimulus in developed economies, especially in the US, sustained their demand for Chinese manufactured products," Nomura chief&nbsp;China&nbsp;economist Lu Ting told AFP.

He added that the worsening Covid-19 outbreak in emerging markets including India also supported Chinese&nbsp;exports, in part because they then rely on&nbsp;China&nbsp;to supply protective gear.

At home, with the coronavirus largely brought under control,&nbsp;China's vast army of consumers are getting back to their daily lives after last year's travails, sending&nbsp;imports&nbsp;up 43.1 per cent, slightly below forecast but the&nbsp;best&nbsp;rise since early 2011.

The jump was also fired by a surge in commodity prices - iron ore is at a record and copper close to one - electronics and integrated circuits, which are then mostly turned around before being shipped abroad.

The strong figures will provide cheer to&nbsp;China's leaders who are looking to recalibrate the economy from state investment and&nbsp;exports-led&nbsp;growth&nbsp;to one more reliant on domestic consumer demand.

But Lu warned of the surging prices of imported commodities noting it "will both trigger higher inflation and depress domestic demand".

Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit, added that factors such as rising container freight shipping costs, on&nbsp;top&nbsp;of global semiconductor shortages, had "added to&nbsp;China's&nbsp;import&nbsp;bill".

In April,&nbsp;China's trade surplus with the US - a key point of contention during their bruising trade war - rose 23 per cent to $28.1 billion.

Chinese exports grew at a forecast-busting rate last month, data showed Friday, while imports surged at their strongest in a decade as the global economy bounces back from the pandemic crisis and domestic consumption recovers.

Chinese exports grew at a forecast-busting rate last month, data showed Friday, while imports surged at their strongest in a decade as the global economy bounces back from the pandemic crisis and domestic consumption recovers. With vaccines being rolled out around the world - particularly in the key US market - and economically painful lockdowns being eased, demand for China's goods has picked up this year, having fallen off a cliff in 2020. Shipments abroad soared 32.3 percent on-year in April - smashing the 24.1 per cent expected in a Bloomberg survey - thanks to a sharp rise in demand for electronics and medical masks. Also read: 'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19 The impressive figures are attributable to last year's very low base of comparison owing to the pandemic. But they still show that the global recovery is underway, led by the United States where the economy is scorching along on the back of vast government spending and central bank largesse. "The stimulus in developed economies, especially in the US, sustained their demand for Chinese manufactured products," Nomura chief China economist Lu Ting told AFP. He added that the worsening Covid-19 outbreak in emerging markets including India also supported Chinese exports, in part because they then rely on China to supply protective gear. At home, with the coronavirus largely brought under control, China's vast army of consumers are getting back to their daily lives after last year's travails, sending imports up 43.1 per cent, slightly below forecast but the best rise since early 2011. The jump was also fired by a surge in commodity prices - iron ore is at a record and copper close to one - electronics and integrated circuits, which are then mostly turned around before being shipped abroad. The strong figures will provide cheer to China's leaders who are looking to recalibrate the economy from state investment and exports-led growth to one more reliant on domestic consumer demand. But Lu warned of the surging prices of imported commodities noting it "will both trigger higher inflation and depress domestic demand". Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit, added that factors such as rising container freight shipping costs, on top of global semiconductor shortages, had "added to China's import bill". In April, China's trade surplus with the US - a key point of contention during their bruising trade war - rose 23 per cent to $28.1 billion.

China's exports top forecasts, imports growth best in 10 years

World's largest economy US is recovering at a fast pace. Businesses and households improved their balance sheets late last year with the help of government support, but some consumers and the smallest businesses continued to struggle.

World Business Watch: US households and businesses facing unequal recovery

Cuba's state cigar monopoly, Habanos SA, said on Tuesday that China had displaced Spain last year as its top market but rising demand in the Asian giant could not compensate for declines in sales elsewhere, with global revenue down 4% to $507 million.&nbsp;

Curbs on travel last year due to the pandemic dealt a serious blow to demand from countries reliant on tourism as well as sales at duty free, Habanos said in a statement.&nbsp;

Cuba's hand-rolled cigars, which include brands such as Cohiba, Montecristo and Partagas, are considered by many as the best in the world. &nbsp;

Habanos usually holds a festival early in the year for wealthy tobacco aficionados and retailers during which they tour plantations and factories and meet in the evenings to puff on Cuban smokes at extravagant parties. &nbsp;

This year, though, with Cuba grappling with its worst outbreak of COVID-19 yet and other countries also struggling to curb contagion, it is instead holding three days of virtual events, which kicked off on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"2020 has been a challenging year not just for our business but for the whole of humanity," Habanos said in a statement.&nbsp;

Cigars are one of the top exports for the Cuban economy, which shrank 11% last year as the pandemic and increased US sanctions exacerbated the cash crunch.&nbsp;

The Caribbean island cannot sell its signature export to the biggest market worldwide for cigars, the United States, due to the decades-old US trade embargo.&nbsp;

Europe remains the top regional market for Habanos, accounting for 50% of sales, followed by the Asian-Pacific area, which accounts for 16.2%, according to the statement.&nbsp;

The state-run Cuban News Agency cited Habanos officials at the event on Tuesday as saying that sales in Europe and Asia-Pacific had risen 2% and 10%, respectively. Revenue dropped 31% in Africa and the Middle East, however, and 21% in the Americas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Cuba's state cigar monopoly, Habanos SA, said on Tuesday that China had displaced Spain last year as its top market but rising demand in the Asian giant could not compensate for declines in sales elsewhere, with global revenue down 4% to $507 million.

Cuba's state cigar monopoly, Habanos SA, said on Tuesday that China had displaced Spain last year as its top market but rising demand in the Asian giant could not compensate for declines in sales elsewhere, with global revenue down 4% to $507 million. Curbs on travel last year due to the pandemic dealt a serious blow to demand from countries reliant on tourism as well as sales at duty free, Habanos said in a statement. Cuba's hand-rolled cigars, which include brands such as Cohiba, Montecristo and Partagas, are considered by many as the best in the world. Habanos usually holds a festival early in the year for wealthy tobacco aficionados and retailers during which they tour plantations and factories and meet in the evenings to puff on Cuban smokes at extravagant parties. This year, though, with Cuba grappling with its worst outbreak of COVID-19 yet and other countries also struggling to curb contagion, it is instead holding three days of virtual events, which kicked off on Tuesday. "2020 has been a challenging year not just for our business but for the whole of humanity," Habanos said in a statement. Cigars are one of the top exports for the Cuban economy, which shrank 11% last year as the pandemic and increased US sanctions exacerbated the cash crunch. The Caribbean island cannot sell its signature export to the biggest market worldwide for cigars, the United States, due to the decades-old US trade embargo. Europe remains the top regional market for Habanos, accounting for 50% of sales, followed by the Asian-Pacific area, which accounts for 16.2%, according to the statement. The state-run Cuban News Agency cited Habanos officials at the event on Tuesday as saying that sales in Europe and Asia-Pacific had risen 2% and 10%, respectively. Revenue dropped 31% in Africa and the Middle East, however, and 21% in the Americas. (With inputs from agencies)

China becomes top market for Cuba's legendary cigars 

Pictures: With smelling abilities hit by COVID-19, wine testers fear the loss of livelihood

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet.

The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September&nbsp;13. The rule took effect on February 1 and was set to expire on May 11.

The agency said that children up to two and people with certain disabilities will continue to be exempted from the mask rule.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins">Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins</a>

Violations can carry fines of up to USD1,500 for repeat offenders.

Separately, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that the FAA will continue its zero-tolerance policy against disruptive airline passengers as long as the TSA mask rule is in effect.

The FAA is seeking much larger civil penalties some topping $30,000 against a small number of passengers that it accuses of interfering with airline crews.

TSA officials said the mask rule matches health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC recently said that fully vaccinated people can travel safely, but it still recommends that they wear masks and maintain distance from other people. About 100,000,000&nbsp;Americans, roughly half the nation's adults, have been fully immunised against COVID-19.

Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules.

Continuing the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will keep passengers and aviation workers safe, said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet. The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September 13.

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet. The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September 13. The rule took effect on February 1 and was set to expire on May 11. The agency said that children up to two and people with certain disabilities will continue to be exempted from the mask rule. Also read: Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins Violations can carry fines of up to USD1,500 for repeat offenders. Separately, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that the FAA will continue its zero-tolerance policy against disruptive airline passengers as long as the TSA mask rule is in effect. The FAA is seeking much larger civil penalties some topping $30,000 against a small number of passengers that it accuses of interfering with airline crews. TSA officials said the mask rule matches health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recently said that fully vaccinated people can travel safely, but it still recommends that they wear masks and maintain distance from other people. About 100,000,000 Americans, roughly half the nation's adults, have been fully immunised against COVID-19. Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules. Continuing the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will keep passengers and aviation workers safe, said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

US extends face-mask requirement on planes until September

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday listed the Moderna coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, adding another shot to its arsenal in the fight against the coronavirus. According to The Hill, the shot from Moderna joins shots from Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-SK Bio, Serum Institute of India and Janssen on WHO's list of emergency use vaccines."

Today, WHO listed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA 1273) for emergency use, making it the fifth vaccine to receive emergency validation from WHO," it said in a statement, according to Sputnik.

WHO experts recommend using the vaccine for patients over 18 years of age. The drug is mRNA-based, it has an efficacy of 94.1 per cent, according to WHO estimates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pfizer/BioNTech seek Covid jab approval for 12-15-year-olds in EU">Pfizer/BioNTech seek Covid jab approval for 12-15-year-olds in EU</a>

The vaccine can be stored between -25oC and -15oC, but it can also be stored for up to 30 days at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C.

The addition of Moderna's shot to the WHO's emergency use listing is a prerequisite for it to be a part of COVAX, the programme to disseminate shots to low-income countries.

It also allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

The US&nbsp;granted emergency use authorisation to the Moderna shot in December, with the European Union following shortly after in January.

The authorisation comes as the world works to ramp up its coronavirus vaccinations to significantly curb the pandemic over a year after it broke out in Wuhan, China.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday listed the Moderna coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, adding another shot to its arsenal in the fight against the coronavirus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday listed the Moderna coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, adding another shot to its arsenal in the fight against the coronavirus. According to The Hill, the shot from Moderna joins shots from Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-SK Bio, Serum Institute of India and Janssen on WHO's list of emergency use vaccines." Today, WHO listed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA 1273) for emergency use, making it the fifth vaccine to receive emergency validation from WHO," it said in a statement, according to Sputnik. WHO experts recommend using the vaccine for patients over 18 years of age. The drug is mRNA-based, it has an efficacy of 94.1 per cent, according to WHO estimates. Also read: Pfizer/BioNTech seek Covid jab approval for 12-15-year-olds in EU The vaccine can be stored between -25oC and -15oC, but it can also be stored for up to 30 days at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. The addition of Moderna's shot to the WHO's emergency use listing is a prerequisite for it to be a part of COVAX, the programme to disseminate shots to low-income countries. It also allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer the COVID-19 vaccine. The US granted emergency use authorisation to the Moderna shot in December, with the European Union following shortly after in January. The authorisation comes as the world works to ramp up its coronavirus vaccinations to significantly curb the pandemic over a year after it broke out in Wuhan, China.

WHO gives emergency use authorisation to Moderna's COVID-19 jab

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