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Here is a summary of the major developments around the world today.
According to the World Bank, the delta variant is slowing economic growth in East Asia and the Pacific
The World Bank said Monday that the East Asia and Pacific region’s recovery has been undermined by the spread of the Covid Delta variant, which is likely to slow economic growth and exacerbate inequality in the region.
Economic activity began to slow in the second quarter of 2021, and growth projections have been revised downwards for most countries in the region, according to the World Bank’s Economic Update for East Asia and the Pacific from autumn 2021. With the exception of China, whose economy is expected to grow by 8.5 percent, growth of just 2.5 percent is forecast for the rest of the region.
North Korea fired a missile into the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, the South Korean military said. It did so after Pyongyang repeatedly urged the United States and South Korea to end their “hostile policies” to resume talks.
North Korea’s state media on Monday announced successful tests of a new long-range cruise missile that analysts said could be the country’s first such weapon with nuclear capabilities. (Reuters file)
The rocket was launched from the central northern province of Jagang at around 6:40 a.m. (2140 GMT), said the chiefs of staff of the south. The Japanese Ministry of Defense said it appeared to be a ballistic missile without giving many details. The latest test underscored the steady development of North Korea’s weapon systems and increased the commitment to stalled talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear and ballistic missile arsenals in exchange for easing US sanctions.
An armed Taliban fighter stands on the corner of a busy street at night in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Friday, September 17, 2021. (AP)
The Taliban on Monday banned hairdressers from shaving or trimming beards in a southern Afghan province, claiming their edict was in accordance with Sharia or Islamic law. The order in Helmand province was issued by the Taliban government’s vice and virtue department to hairdressers in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital.
During their previous rule in Afghanistan, the Taliban maintained a harsh interpretation of Islam. Ever since Kabul was overwhelmed on August 15 and regained control of the country, the world has been watching whether it will restore its strict government of the late 1990s.
Two transgender women win seats in the German Bundestag
Tessa Ganserer, member of the Greens and transgender candidate for the federal election, poses for a photo during a Reuters TV report in the Bavarian state parliament in Munich, Germany, 6 July 2021. REUTERS / Andreas Gebert
Two German politicians from the Greens have made history by becoming the first transgender women to win parliamentary seats in the federal election in 2021, from 8.9% in 2017 to 14.8%.
The results of Sunday’s elections will play a crucial role in the formation of a new three-way coalition. “It’s a historic victory for the Greens, but also for the trans-emancipatory movement and for the entire queer community,” Ganserer, 44, told Reuters, adding that the results are a symbol of an open and tolerant society.
U.S. President Joe Biden received his coronavirus booster on Monday, days after federal agencies recommended a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for Americans 65 and older and approved it for others with pre-existing conditions.
Today I got my COVID-19 booster shot – and just like my first and second doses, it was safe and easy.
To be vaccinated. Can we save lives together and defeat this virus? pic.twitter.com/gtNAQqmOoj
– Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 27, 2021
Biden, 78, received his first injection on December 21st and his second dose three weeks later on January 11th. (Source: Twitter / @ POTUS)
“The most important thing we have to do is get more people vaccinated,” Biden said before receiving the booster, adding that he had no side effects after his first or second vaccination. Biden received his first shot on December 21st and his second dose three weeks later on January 11th with his wife, Jill Biden.
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