5.5-Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Japan’s Iwate Prefecture

TOKYO, Mar 19 (NNN-NHK) – An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5, last night struck, off the Iwate Prefecture in north-eastern Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The temblor occurred at around 11:25 p.m. local time, with the epicentre, with a depth of 20 km, being at 40.0…

Blast From Unexploded Mortar Shell Kills Two In Afghanistan

KABUL, Mar 19 (NNN-ANA) – Two civilians were killed and three others wounded, as an explosive device went off, in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktia province, yesterday, the state-run news agency, Bakhtar, reported. A mortar shell left over from the past wars exploded in Sarokhil area of Gardi Siri district, killing two…

World Bank Provides 750 Million USD To Spur Kenya’s Post-Pandemic Growth

NAIROBI, Mar 18 (NNN-KBC) – The World Bank approved 85.77 billion shillings (about 750 million U.S. dollars), to help accelerate Kenya’s ongoing inclusive and resilient recovery, from the COVID-19 crisis. The World Bank said in a statement released yesterday that, the Development Policy Operation (DPO), will help Kenya strengthen fiscal…

Egypt Holds Festivals At Ancient Sites To Boost Cultural Tourism

QENA, Egypt, Mar 18 (NNN-MENA) – Egypt is holding more cultural festivals and artistic activities at its various archaeological sites, with the aim of promoting ancient heritage and attracting tourists, according to Egyptian officials. In Feb and Mar, at least five cultural and artistic activities were held in Upper Egyptian…

Major Fire Damages Commercial Building In New York’s Flushing Chinatown

NEW YORK, Mar 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) – A commercial building in Flushing Chinatown of New York City, suffered serious damage, from a 5-alarm fire, yesterday morning. Fire broke out within an interior mall, at 40-10 Main Street, around 6:00 a.m. and then engulfed the building, according to the New York City…

U.S. House Votes To Suspend Normal Trade Relations With Russia

WASHINGTON, Mar 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) – U.S. House of Representatives, yesterday, voted to suspend normal trade relations with Russia, paving the way for the U.S. government to impose higher tariffs on Russian goods. The lower chamber approved the measure by vote of 424-8, with a few Republicans voting against, sending the…

Irish PM Tests Positive For COVID-19

DUBLIN, Mar 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Irish Prime Minister, Micheal Martin, tested positive for COVID-19, while on a visit to the United States, his office said in a news release yesterday. In a statement, President Michael D. Higgins sent his good wishes to Martin. “I was so very sorry to learn…

Facts About Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia Ready To Continue High-Level Negotiations With Ukraine

BEIJING, Mar 18 (NNN-XINHUA) – The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, as relevant parties are working to broker a peaceful solution. Following are the latest developments of the situation: Following a new round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov said, Moscow is prepared to continue high-level trilateral…

Boeing Begins Assembly Of New Zealand’s First P-8A Aircraft

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Boeing announced yesterday, its P-8A team and Spirit AeroSystems employees, have laid the keel beam for New Zealand’s first P-8A. Laying the keel is an important production milestone, during the building of any ship or aircraft, and represents the cornerstone of this latest P-8,…

World Bank Supports Bangladesh Farmers Vulnerable To Climate Change

DHAKA, Mar 18 (NNN-BSS) — Bangladesh and the World Bank have signed a 120-million U.S. dollar-financing agreement, to help improve the irrigated agricultural and fisheries production, and increase the incomes of 170,000 poor people vulnerable to climate change. The agreement was signed by Fatima Yasmin, secretary of Bangladesh’s Economic Relations…