World

Germany voices concerns over COVID-19 vaccine patents

Published

1 year ago

May 7, 2021

Following the US announcing that it will support waving Covid-19 vaccine patents – Germany has voiced strong opposition to the proposal.

The surprising move comes as Germany’s government says “the protection of intellectual property is a source of innovation and must remain so”.

The European Union has expressed its readiness to consider the proposal, with a number of other member states throwing their support behind the initiative.

India and South Africa are the two nations who initially pushed for patents to be waved – and now the World Trade Organisation and 60 other countries are also on board.

The thinking behind the proposal is that it would allow developing countries to get more vaccine doses out to their citizens, faster.

Former US President Donald Trump was staunchly opposed to the idea, but Biden has thrown his support behind it which has encouraged other leaders to do the same.

World

Four dead in Russian military plane crash

Published

17 hours ago

June 24, 2022

Costa Haritos

Four people have been killed after a Russian military plane suffered an engine malfunction

The plane reportedly crashed in the city of Ryazan, which is located southeast of Moscow.

It’s believed five others are also injured. However, it is unclear how many were on board.

The Ilyushin IL-76 military cargo plane is a long-range aircraft, which can reportedly carry over 100 troops.

An Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft, which is similar to the one involved in the incident.

Local authorities say the plane suffered a malfunction while on a training flight.

Russia’s Defence Minister is yet to give any further details on the crash, or about the victims.

World

Double election defeat for UK Conservatives

Published

18 hours ago

June 24, 2022

Costa Haritos

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservatives have suffered defeat in two parliamentary by-elections

UK Conservatives have lost two crucial seats in England, which could spark concerns about Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s future.

The centrist Liberal Democrat party won the seats of Tiverton and Honiton.

The seats are in a Conservative part of south-west England, where a majority of 24,000 has been overturned.

The Liberal Democrats say it is their biggest ever majority turn around at a parliamentary by election.

“Tonight, the people of Tiverton and Honiton have spoken for Britain. They’ve sent a loud and clear message: It’s time for Boris Johnson to go, and go now.”
winning candidate Richard Foord

The losses have renewed calls for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign after a police investigation into gatherings at his Downing Street offices.

Johnson recently survived a vote of no-confidence, which secured his term as Prime Minister for another 12 months.

It also follows the Conservatives winning a landslide majority in three decades during the last national election.

World

Protestors disrupt Chinese ambassador’s speech in Sydney

Published

19 hours ago

June 24, 2022

Costa Haritos

Protesters are causing disruptions during an address by China’s Ambassador to Australia

Xiao Qian is in Sydney, where is he speaking about how to improve ties between the two countries.

One protester described Mr Xiao as a “representative of a dictatorship” and accused the Chinese Government of committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims.

Others were heard shouting “Free Tibet”, and another was asked to leave the venue prior to the event because he was dressed in a military costume.

The speech was widely seen as an attempt to ease relations between the two countries.

China has put trade sanctions on Australia, while a recent encounter took place between a Chinese fighter jet and an Australian maritime aircraft over the South China Sea.

Security guards reportedly ushered the protesters.