First Thing - North India Kaleidoscope

First Thing: Biden slams ‘Neanderthal’ easing of state Covid restrictions

Joe Biden strongly criticised states for lifting mask-wearing mandates, as the CDC warned ‘now is not the time’. Plus, Washington security has been ramped up amid possible Capitol attack plans

November 12, 2020November 30, 2021 US NEWS World

First Thing election special: ‘Ebola tsar’ becomes Biden’s chief of staff

Joe Biden names his long-time ally and vocal Trump critic Ron Klain as White House chief of staff. Plus, Texas politician offers $1m for evidence of voter fraud

July 7, 2020June 18, 2022 Corona Virus Health US NEWS World

First Thing: the US is a Covid ‘leader’, but not in the way Trump thinks

White House press secretary says ‘the world is looking at us as a leader’ as the US approaches 3m infections. Plus, Facebook faces its biggest boycott

Hong Kong: Xi Jinping defends China's rule at handover anniversary July 1, 2022
Despite criticism, China's leader says the "one country two systems" model works and must continue.
John Lee: Who is Hong Kong's new hardline pro-Beijing leader? July 1, 2022
The ex-security chief was essentially handpicked by Beijing and is set to prioritise law enforcement.
Nupur Sharma: India court says Prophet row 'set country on fire' July 1, 2022
The court said Nupur Sharma's comments sparked religious and diplomatic tensions for India.
Maharashtra: Is it the end of the road for Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray? July 1, 2022
Eknath Shinde, the leader of Shiv Sena rebels, has taken oath as the new chief minister of Maharashtra.
Hong Kong handover: What will the next 25 years hold? July 1, 2022
Doubt hangs over the future of one of Asia's most vibrant cities as it reaches a crucial halfway mark.
Living through Japan's hottest summer on record June 30, 2022
Japan is experiencing record-breaking heat - and summer has hardly begun.
Sri Lanka fuel crisis: Waiting for days to get fuel June 30, 2022
Even taxi drivers and car salesmen are forced into two-day mile-long queues for petrol in Sri Lanka.
Assam: Death and despair after deadliest urban flood in India June 30, 2022
Millions in India’s Assam state are struggling to piece together their lives after devastating floods.
Hong Kong has more autonomy since Britain left - ex-leader CY Leung June 30, 2022
Despite China's recent restrictions, CY Leung claims Hong Kong has more autonomy than in 1997.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr sworn in as Philippines president, replacing Duterte June 30, 2022
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr succeeds Rodrigo Duterte after a historic election win in May.
Hannah Clarke inquest: Calls for landmark police trial in Australia June 30, 2022
An Australian coroner has recommended the change following the deaths of Hannah Clarke and Dooren Langham.
Mahabaleshwar: India’s fragile hill stations choke under tourist rush June 29, 2022
Some of India’s most ecologically sensitive hill retreats are being swamped by a rush of holidaymakers.
The bloody legacy of Rodrigo Duterte June 29, 2022
The Philippines strongman is retiring after a career fighting drugs and crime that left thousands dead.
Hong Kong handover: Am I Chinese or a Hongkonger? June 29, 2022
Two Hongkongers born in 1997, the year the city returned to China, tell us how they view identity.
National Sample Survey: How India taught the world the art of collecting data June 29, 2022
India was once a trailblazer in data collection, but its reputation is taking a beating now.
Why business is still optimistic about Hong Kong June 29, 2022
Twenty five years on from the handover from the UK, many business owners and leaders remain optimistic.
Bangladesh floods: 'I have nothing left except my life' June 27, 2022
Khudeza survived the worst floods in north-east Bangladesh for a century but millions are homeless.
Afghanistan earthquake: Villagers report aftershocks but no aid June 27, 2022
In a remote Afghan village residents fear a new earthquake and aid has not yet reached the nearest town.
NFHS-5: Why birth control remains a woman’s burden in India June 27, 2022
More Indians are using contraception, but it largely remains a woman’s responsibility, says a government survey.
Will electric motorbike sales take off across Asia? June 26, 2022
Soaring petrol prices could speed up the transition to electric much faster than expected.

Julian Assange submits High Court appeal to fight extradition July 1, 2022
The Wikileaks founder seeks to appeal against a decision to extradite him over leaked files.
Ukraine war: Russian missile strikes kill 20 in Odesa region - emergency service July 1, 2022
The overnight strikes hit a residential building and a recreation centre in a village, officials say.
Watch: The moment a whale is cut free from ropes in Norwegian Sea July 1, 2022
The Norwegian Coastguard came to the rescue after the whale got tangled.
Brittney Griner: Detained US basketball star appears in Russian court on drug charges July 1, 2022
If convicted on drugs charges Brittney Griner faces up to 10 years in prison.
Watch: The moment a Landslide descends on town in Peru July 1, 2022
No deaths or serious injures are reported, but authorities are searching for people who may be missing.
Russia moves to take control of Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project July 1, 2022
The Russian government moves to take over Sakhalin-2 in which Shell has a share of more than a quarter.
Logan Paul: Youtuber signs WWE contract ready for Summerslam July 1, 2022
The YouTuber will return to the ring to reignite his feud with veteran wrestler The Miz.
Xi defends Hong Kong rule on handover anniversary July 1, 2022
Despite criticism, China's leader says the "one country two systems" model works and must continue.
Technoblade: Minecraft YouTuber dies from cancer aged 23 July 1, 2022
The popular gamer, who had been living with cancer, signed off by saying "so long nerds".
Bison attacks woman at Yellowstone National Park July 1, 2022
It is the second such incident in three days in the US park.
Richarlison: Tottenham sign Brazil forward from Everton in deal worth £60m July 1, 2022
Tottenham Hotspur sign Brazil forward Richarlison from Everton in a deal believed to be worth in the region of £60m.
John Lee: Who is Hong Kong's new hardline pro-Beijing leader? July 1, 2022
The ex-security chief was essentially handpicked by Beijing and is set to prioritise law enforcement.
Nupur Sharma: India court says Prophet row 'set country on fire' July 1, 2022
The court said Nupur Sharma's comments sparked religious and diplomatic tensions for India.
Henry Arundell: England teenager set to face Australia on Saturday July 1, 2022
The story behind Henry Arundell's rise from unknown teenager to the Test arena in seven months.
Missing Cryptoqueen: FBI adds Ruja Ignatova to top ten most wanted July 1, 2022
Ruja Ignatova is accused of defrauding victims out of $4bn (£3.2bn) through a cryptocurrency scam.
Nato Summit: Did Justin Trudeau forget Australian PM’s name? July 1, 2022
The awkward moment played out when the leaders met at the Nato Summit in Madrid.
North Korea claims Covid arrived on 'alien things' near border July 1, 2022
It has recorded 4.7 million suspected cases since April, after two years of claiming to be Covid-free.
Hong Kong handover: What will the next 25 years hold? July 1, 2022
Doubt hangs over the future of one of Asia's most vibrant cities as it reaches a crucial halfway mark.
Grown Up in Britain exhibition looks at the changing face of teenage kicks July 1, 2022
A photo exhibition captures what's different and what's stayed the same in a century of teenage life.
Zika and dengue may make humans more attractive to mosquitoes July 1, 2022
Zika and dengue fever viruses alter the scent of humans and mice they infect, researchers say.