New Zealand Cancels 550-Million-USD Cycle, Walking Bridge Across Auckland Harbour

WELLINGTON, Oct 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) – New Zealand decided not to proceed with the standalone bridge component of the 550-million-U.S. dollar Northern Pathway project, and reallocate the funding to other transport projects, that reduce emissions and congestion, Transport Minister, Michael Wood, said today. “The government is committed to providing better access…

Economic Watch: Australia’s Online Grocery Industry Sees Boom Amid Pandemic

SYDNEY, Oct 2 (NNN-XINHUA) – The harsh reality of millions of Australians being in lockdown for months, due to COVID-19, has proven a blessing for the nation’s online grocery businesses, which have never been busier. During the pandemic, Australians demonstrated growing trust in the delivery services, with online grocery sales…

Thailand Eases COVID-19 Restrictions, Cuts Quarantine Period

BANGKOK, Oct 2 (NNN-TNA) – Thailand eased some COVID-19 restrictive measures, shortened night-time curfews, and reduced the mandatory quarantine period for incoming fully-vaccinated visitors, to seven days. Starting yesterday, massage parlours, sports stadiums, theatres and zoos in the capital, Bangkok, are allowed to reopen, with certain pandemic control requirements. Bangkok,…

UN Voices Concern Over Worsening Humanitarian Situation In NW Syria

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 2 (NNN-SANA) – Hostilities, an economic crisis, and COVID-19 have made the already dire situation of civilians in Northwest Syria even more difficult, said UN humanitarians yesterday. Hostilities continued to be reported across Northwest Syria throughout Sept, with intensified airstrikes along the front lines in southern Idlib…

Turkey Confirms 28,873 Daily COVID-19 Cases

ANKARA, Oct 2 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkey yesterday reported 28,873 new COVID-19 cases, raising its tally of infections to 7,182,943, according to its health ministry. The death toll from the virus rose by 210, to 64,264, while 26,224 more people recovered in the last 24 hours. A total of 356,352 tests…

Iran Reports 14,525 New COVID-19 Cases, 5,601,565 In Total

TEHRAN, Oct 2 (NNN-IRNA) – The Iranian health ministry reported yesterday, 14,525 new COVID-19 cases, taking the country’s total infections to 5,601,565. According to an official briefing, the pandemic has claimed 120,663 lives in the country so far, after 235 new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours. A…

Kuwait Holds March To Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 2 (NNN-KUNA) – Kuwait yesterday held a march, to raise public’s awareness about breast cancer, as the country started marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Oct. Themed “Pink Awareness March,” the activities started with a procession of motorbikes carrying the national flag of Kuwait and pink flags,…

Turkey Condemns Greek-French Defence Deal

ANKARA, Oct 2 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkey yesterday condemned a recent defence deal, reached between Greece and France, and claimed that the deal threatens NATO alliance. “Greece’s maritime jurisdiction area and national airspace claims are in contravention of international law. It is a vain dream for Greece to think that they…

Myanmar Further Extends Entry Restrictions Until Oct 31

YANGON, Oct 2 (NNN-MNA) – Myanmar’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, yesterday announced the extension of entry restrictions for travellers until Oct 31. The suspension will be applied to the entry of all travellers, the issuance of all types of visas and visa exemptions services, until the end of this month. According…

Brunei Introduces Curfew To Contain COVID-19 Local Transmission

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct 2 (NNN-ANN) – The Brunei government, yesterday announced the introduction of more control measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a curfew and more enforcement activities. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the current control measures will be extended…