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PH gov’t fails to hit 9 million targets in 3-day nat’l COVID-19 vax drive

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje on Thursday reported that over 7.6 million individuals were vaccinated against COVID-19 during the drive. (Photo from Inquirer) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: The government fell short in achieving its goal of inoculating 9 million individuals during the three-day national COVID-19 vaccination drive from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje on Thursday reported that over 7.6 million individuals were vaccinated against COVID-19 during the drive, PH Inquirer reported. Still, she said the date is based on incomplete reports and may still be updated as reports are still coming in and are being updated. Despite not achieving its goal, which was already adjusted from the initial 15 million vaccination target, Cabotaje said the government is still “very happy” with its achievement. “We are very happy with the initial report because this is more than two times the daily vaccination rate,” she said. Cabotaje said local government units may extend the national vaccination drive until Friday to “maintain the enthusiasm of the public to get vaccinated.” She added that the government will push through with the second round of the national vaccination drive from Dec. 15 to 17.

Peng Shuai: WTA announces immediate suspension of tournaments in China

Peng Shuai was not seen in public for three weeks after making allegations of sexual assault. There was a widespread concern for Peng after she accused former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] The Women's Tennis Association has announced the immediate suspension of all tournaments in China amid concern for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. Peng, 35, disappeared from public view for three weeks after accusing a top Chinese official of sexual assault. WTA chief Steve Simon said he had "serious doubts" that Peng was "free, safe and not subject to intimidation". News of the WTA suspending tournaments in China has been removed from the internet in the country, although the WTA's account on Chinese social media site Weibo is still available. The WTA has repeatedly called for a full investigation into Peng's claims. She said she’s "safe and well" during a video call with Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, in November. However, the WTA said the video was "insufficient evidence" of Peng's safety. In a lengthy statement, Simon said he’s "greatly concerned" about the risks players and staff could face if events were held in China in 2022. There have been no WTA events in China for the past two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the governing body has heavily relied on Chinese investment in its tour in recent years, leading to a number of lucrative tournaments being held in the country.

Indonesia’s largest stadium turns to shorebirds to maintain grass turf

Pied stilts are a type of shorebird typically found in borders of open wetlands. (Photo by=Kiki Siregar) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] JAKARTA: Five pied stilts with their thin and long pink legs are usually kept in a cage. When they are let out for several hours daily, they have the important task of maintaining the grass field of what would be Indonesia’s largest stadium. Although the main field of Jakarta International Stadium is still under construction, the five birds have been busy working to find insects and ward off pests for the past year on one of the two completed training fields. The training field in North Jakarta is laid with hybrid grass, a mixture of 95 percent natural grass Zoysia matrella and 5 percent synthetic grass. The stadium management is reluctant to use pesticides on it. Pied stilts are a kind of shorebird that is typically found in borders of open wetlands, coastal ponds, mudflats and marshy grasslands. Their slim posture means they can run fast and move friskily on the field. The Jakarta International Stadium is the first stadium in Indonesia to use such birds to maintain grass turfs. Mr Muhammad Rizky Fauzi, a construction manager with Jakarta Propertindo said that the aim was to receive a green platinum certificate issued by Green Building Council Indonesia.

Turtle flew 5,000 miles for a new life in Scotland

Conservation charity WWF said they were currently the most abundant of all sea turtles, but are vulnerable to disturbance because they nest in only a few places. April was too badly injured to return to the wild. (Photo by= PA Media) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] A sea turtle has been given the chance of a new life in Scotland after being found injured and entangled in netting in the Maldives. BBC said that April, an olive ridley sea turtle, was in care at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre after being rescued in Raa Atoll in April 2019. Vets discovered she needed long-term care and would not survive in the wild. The turtle has now been relocated 5,000 miles (8,046km) away to Sea Life Loch Lomond at Balloch. The centre has taken her in as part of an international turtle conservation effort. When April was found she’s floating on the ocean surface, entangled in netting with a plastic bag around her neck. She’s missing her right front flipper because of the netting and her left front flipper was injured by the friction caused by the plastic bag. An X-ray later revealed she was also suffering from a lung infection, with possible damage to her lungs. Vets also found that April suffers from buoyancy issues and cannot fully immerse herself underwater. April joins five other sea turtles taken to new homes through the Flying Turtles Project, while Marine Savers has rehabilitated and released more than 180 others to date.

Tokyo to start flagging electric scooter users for minor offences

"The issuing of traffic tickets to electric scooter users for (minor) offences in the populous Tokyo area will have a certain effect on reducing the number of accidents, and perhaps prompt police in other areas to follow suit," said Yuichi Nagase, a senior researcher at the Institute of Transportation Economics. A man rides an e-scooter past an Olympics branded wall in Tokyo on July 24, 2021. (File photo by=Getty/Kyodo) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] TOKYO: Investigative sources said Thursday that Tokyo police will begin issuing traffic tickets possibly later this month to electric scooter users for minor offences such as ignoring traffic lights and riding on sidewalks to prevent an increase in accidents, Kyodo reported. Classified in the same category as motorcycles under Japan's road traffic law, electric scooter users need a license. So far, police have only taken action on more serious offences such as riding without a license, riding under the influence of alcohol or causing injury. Users who are issued several traffic tickets can be fined or have their licenses suspended. Between January and November this year, there were 16 accidents in Tokyo involving electric scooters that resulted in injuries. Additionally, there were 44 accidents that caused property damage in the capital. Tokyo police have created a database of electric scooters so that investigators can quickly identify models at the scene of a traffic violation, according to the sources. Popular in Europe and with an increasing number of users in Japan, electric scooters resemble skateboards equipped with handles. Users are required to wear a helmet, attach license plates and mirrors, and take out motor vehicle liability insurance.

Home Alone house available to book on Airbnb

The company said, “Celebrate the season McCallister-style, ya filthy animals. For the first time ever, one crew of mischief makers can book a holiday in the timeless house where the Home Alone story began (without the interruption of pesky intruders). The famous home is located in the Chicago area. (Photo from pedestrian.tv) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] Home Alone fans can now live out their childhood dreams by spending the night in the film's iconic house. The house, home to the McCallister family in the 1990 Christmas classic - has been made available on Airbnb for one night only. Located in the Chicago area, the home will be available to book from 7 December for $25 (£18). The successful applicants will be able to stay overnight on 12 December. It is available for a maximum of four guests. The blockbuster famously starred Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister. Guests will be greeted on arrival by Devin Ratray, who played his older brother Buzz. "You may not remember me as particularly accommodating," Buzz is quoted as saying in the press release. "But I've grown up, and I'd be happy to share my family home - my pizza, even - with you this holiday season. Just try not to let my tarantula, Axl, loose this time." Other perks include booby traps, aftershave and a mirror to scream into, and 90s junk food.

Cambodian leader Hun Sen says backs eldest son to succeed him

"Even Japan has its own dynasty, like (former prime minister) Abe. His grandfather was prime minister and he had visited Cambodia. Abe's father was a foreign minister and Abe was a prime minister," Hun Sen said. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, left, expressed support for his eldest son Hun Manet, right, as his potential successor (File photo by= Reuters) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders after 36 years in power, on Thursday (Dec 2) offered support for his eldest son as his potential successor, a move the main opposition leader compared to North Korea. Hun Sen, who has presided over a broad crackdown on the opposition, civil society and the media that began in the run-up to the 2018 elections, has in the past said he planned to rule until he felt he should stop. His son, Hun Manet, 44, a deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and joint chief of staff, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999 and holds a doctorate in economics from Britain's University of Bristol. "I announce today that I support my son to continue as prime minister, but it is through an election," Hun Sen said in a speech in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk. Hun Sen defended the idea of establishing a political dynasty. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said Hun Sen's determination to promote Hun Manet reflected his fear of losing impunity when he can no longer lead the country, and Hun Manet's mission would be to protect his father.

Omicron: India reports first cases of new Covid variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Omicron poses a "high infection risk".Omicron is the most heavily mutated version of the coronavirus. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] Two men in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have tested positive for the Omicron coronavirus variant after returning from overseas. BBC said that the men, who are 66 years and 46 years old, are under observation, a government spokesperson said. These are the first cases of the new Omicron variant to be reported in India. Officials said all primary contacts and secondary contacts of the two men have been traced and are being tested as well. Six samples from people who tested positive for Covid-19 in the national capital Delhi, and another six samples from the western state of Maharashtra, have all been sent for genome sequencing to determine the variant. Officials are still awaiting results. Several other cities and states are following suit. Starting Wednesday, India announced new travel restrictions for international passengers arriving from "at-risk" countries a list that includes the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Israel. They will be tested on arrival and cannot leave the airport without their test results. Different Indian states have announced different policies for travellers, all passengers flying into Maharashtra from "at-risk" countries will have to spend seven days in institutional quarantine. Delhi and Karnataka have said all international passengers will have to undergo PCR tests on arrival.

Philippines to host international tourism meet in 2022

Dept. of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat bring her pet dog "Biggie" before the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) hybrid launch of the ‘It’s More Fun With You’ Campaign in Intramuros, City of Manila on Saturday, October 23, 2021. (Photo by Geremy S. Pintolo) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved the gathering of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to be hosted by the Philippines in March 2022, according to Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puya, PhilStar reported. The event, seen as the biggest international tourism event next year, will welcome some 600 high-level delegates and will signal the grand reopening of the country’s tourism industry to the rest of the world. Puyat announced yesterday that the advance party of the WTTC recently visited the country in preparation for the summit. “That’s the annual summit. That’s probably the only private sector-led tourism council of the world,” she told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay weekly news forum yesterday. Aileen Clemente of Rajah Travel said the WTTC may be considered as the private sector-led counterpart of the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). “The members of this organization are not just anyone. These are all the chief executive officers (CEOs) of all the brands you know, like Hilton, Carnival, and all of these other well-known establishments in the tourism industry,” Clemente said. She noted that attendees are not just representatives, but the executives themselves, including those from major airlines all over the world.

Supreme Court: Top US judges signal support for abortion limits

In these states, nearly half of US women of reproductive age (18-49) - some 36 million people - could lose abortion access, according to research from Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organisation that provides abortions. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] The US Supreme Court appears poised to accept a Mississippi law that would bar abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, even in cases of rape or incest. In Wednesday's hearing into the case, conservative justices hinted that a majority backed upholding the law. A ruling, expected in June, may see millions of women lose abortion access. Anti-abortion activists are urging the court to "protect unborn children", but experts warn of an increase in maternal mortality if abortion is restricted. Both sides of the debate regard this case, known as Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization, as an all-or-nothing fight over abortion rights. In these states, nearly half of US women of reproductive age (18-49) - some 36 million people - could lose abortion access, according to research from Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organisation that provides abortions. Addressing the court on Wednesday, Mississippi Solicitor General Scott Stewart told justices that past rulings Roe and Casey "haunt our country" and "poison the law". The pro-choice Guttmacher Institute says a lack of access to healthcare plays a role, as does discrimination. Their 2014 survey found three-quarters of people receiving abortions were either on low incomes or below the poverty line in the US. And some experts have predicted dangerous ripple effects if abortion is restricted.

Ehime nuclear reactor in western Japan restarted after a 2-yr halt

This March 10, 2021 file photo taken from a Mainichi Shimbun helicopter shows the No. 3 reactor at Shikoku Electric Power Co.'s Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime Prefecture. (Photo by=Mainichi/Yohei Koide) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MATSUYAMA: Shikoku Electric Power Co. restarted a nuclear reactor in Ehime Prefecture, western Japan, on Thursday that had been offline since December 2019 due to regular checks and a subsequent court injunction, Kyodo reported. The utility rebooted the No. 3 reactor at the Ikata nuclear power plant after the reversal in March of an injunction handed down by the Hiroshima High Court in January 2020 banning the reactor from operating over safety concerns. The high court's decision in 2020 was based on its view that the rules and risk assessment of Shikoku Electric and the Nuclear Regulation Authority regarding a possible disastrous eruption of Mt. Aso, about 130 kilometres away, were inadequate. However, the same court reversed its earlier order in March this year in response to an objection from Shikoku Electric, allowing it to restart the reactor. Shikoku Electric was initially due to restart the reactor in mid-October but was forced to postpone the move after announcing in July this year that one of its staff on night duty at the Ikata plant went to a gas station outside of the facility without permission on five occasions between 2017 and 2019, breaching safety regulations. It gained approval from Ehime Gov. Tokihiro Nakamura in mid-November to restart the reactor.

Rains trigger floods and landslides in Vietnam, 18 missing

The rains have subsided, however, and efforts were underway to locate those missing, the government said in a statement. Some national highways, inter-provincial and local roads were partially blocked, it said. (Photo from sharjah24) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] HANOI: Vietnamese authorities revealed on Thursday (Dec 2) that heavy rains that triggered floods and landslides in central Vietnam have left at least 18 people missing, some feared dead, with houses destroyed and roads damaged, Reuters reported. The rains have subsided, however, and efforts were underway to locate those missing, the government said in a statement. Some national highways, inter-provincial and local roads were partially blocked, it said. Images on news websites and social media in recent days showed fast-flowing, mud-brown water, people in boats on flooded roads or wading through waist-high water, some pushing stalled motorcycles. Beach towns Phu Yen, Binh Dinh and Vietnam's main coffee growing province, Dak Lak were the hardest hit. The floods have inundated 780 hectares of rice fields, although no damage has been reported so far to coffee farms. Vietnam is prone to storms and flooding due to its long coastline. Natural disasters - predominantly floods and landslides from storms, killed 378 people last year. The National Meteorology Centre has said there was a low chance Vietnam's flood-prone areas including coastal and northern provinces would see heavy rainfalls and floods late this year.

Facebook uncovers Chinese network behind fake expert

Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta removed more than 500 accounts after receiving reports of a fake Swiss biologist. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] Facebook owner Meta Platforms has removed more than 500 accounts linked to an online disinformation network primarily based in China. BBC said that the accounts had promoted the claims of a fake Swiss biologist called "Wilson Edwards", who alleged the US was meddling in efforts to find the origins of Covid-19. Edwards' comments had been widely carried by Chinese state media outlets.However, the Swiss embassy said that it’s unlikely this person existed. Meta said in its report the social media campaign was "largely unsuccessful," and targeted English-speaking audiences in the United States and Britain and Chinese-speaking audiences in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Tibet. Meta Platforms said in a November report that its investigation into the matter found "links to individuals in mainland China, including employees of Sichuan Silence Information Technology Co Ltd... and individuals associated with Chinese state infrastructure companies based around the world." Facebook said it had removed a total of 524 Facebook accounts, 20 pages, four groups and 86 Instagram accounts after reviewing public reports that centred around the fake Swiss biologist. The investigation into the origins of Covid-19 has been a source of tension between the US, China and other countries, as the source of the virus remains murky almost two years after it was first discovered.

Philippines gets 1M more Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines

The plane carrying the jabs arrived at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around 8 p.m. on December 1, 2021. (Photo from National Task Force against COVID-19) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: The Philippines welcomed Wednesday 1,078,740 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech, PhilStar reported. The plane carrying the jabs arrived at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around 8 p.m. The shipment made up the first batch of deliveries for the 2,394,990 Pfizer shots that the government purchased through the Asian Development Bank. Early in Wednesday, the Philippines received 1.6 million doses of the AstraZeneca jab, which were donated by the French government. Ted Herbosa, adviser of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said the government has been receiving vaccines at a rate of two to three million almost every day. “Our problem now is making sure they get out of storage. We need to inject them, otherwise, the storages will be full,” Herbosa said. NTF said the government’s national vaccination campaign is extended until Friday. The latest data showed over 36.36 million Filipinos have completed the recommended doses, while more than 49.74 million individuals have received partial protection against COVID-19.

Biden opens winter battle against COVID-19

US President Joe Biden is announcing a raft of measures to fight Covid-19 (Photo by=AFP/MANDEL NGAN) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden will announce Thursday (Dec 2) a winter campaign against COVID-19, with new testing requirements for travellers and a surge in vaccination efforts - but no clear path to defeating the pandemic he was elected to confront. Biden has brought steady leadership after the chaotic Donald Trump years, but the mutating coronavirus continues to defy him, helping drive his approval ratings deep underwater. In a speech from the National Institutes of Health research centre outside Washington, Biden is set to list a raft of actions designed to tamp down COVID-19 during the winter as the latest Omicron variant spreads worldwide. The first US case was detected on Wednesday. Top of the list will be an announcement that toughened rules on testing for travellers will take effect within days, a senior administration official said. Biden will "announce that we are further strengthening our testing requirements so that starting early next week, all international travellers will be required to test negative within one day of their departure to the United States," the official told reporters. This will apply to all travellers, both US and foreign, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, the official aid. For domestic travellers, Biden will announce he is extending a mask mandate on aeroplanes, trains and other public transport through mid-March.

North Korea to hold key party meeting as leader Kim set to mark 10 years in power

Kim Jong Un (C) taking part in the 1st meeting of the Political Bureau of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) at the office building of the Party Central Committee in Pyongyang. (Photo by= AFP/KCNA via KNS) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] SEOUL: Pyongyang's state media reported Thursday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has presided over a politburo session of the ruling party and decided to convene a key party meeting later this month. During the meeting held the previous day, Kim called 2021 a year of "victory" for "the stable management of the state economy and big successes made in the agricultural and construction sectors," and decided to discuss plans for the new year at the plenary session, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. "The 4th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea is to be convened in the last third of December to review the implementation of major Party and the state policies for 2021 and to discuss and decide on work plans for new year," the KCNA said. North Korea could use the upcoming session as a venue to highlight Kim's accomplishments as the North is set to mark the 10th anniversary of his rise to power later this month and unveil key policy directions for 2022. Previously in December 2019, Kim delivered a speech at a four-day plenary session of the party and skipped his annual New Year's Day address for the first time since taking office.

Japan asks airlines not to accept inbound flight reservations over Omicron

In addition to the ban on new entries of foreigners, Japan has imposed tougher quarantine measures for Japanese citizens and foreign residents who have recently been to certain countries or regions, requiring them to spend up to 10 days of their two-week isolation periods in government-designated facilities. (Photo by= Kyodo) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] TOKYO: The Japanese government said Wednesday it had asked airlines to stop accepting reservations for inbound international flights, while announcing it will deny entry to all foreigners from 10 African countries feared to have outbreaks of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus, Kyodo reported. The transport ministry's request to airlines means all Japanese citizens and foreign residents will effectively be locked out of the country, which confirmed the same day its second case of the potentially highly contagious strain. Japan will deny re-entry to all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The measure will come into effect Thursday and remain in place "for the time being," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference. Japan has already banned new entries of foreigners from around the world. Exemptions can be made for "special circumstances" involving foreign spouses and children of Japanese citizens, diplomats and humanitarian cases. The World Health Organization has designated the strain a "variant of concern," warning it is likely to spread globally and poses a "very high" risk. Starting Thursday, people returning from Nigeria, Portugal, Spain and Sweden will need to stay three days in government-designated facilities due to heightened concerns over the Omicron variant, the Foreign Ministry said.

Google won’t accept election ads for 2022 PH national polls

Google app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken, July 13, 2021. (Photo by Dado Ruvic/Illustration/ Reuters) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: Search engine giant Google announced Wednesday it will not accept election-related advertisements in the Philippines ahead of the national elections next year, PH Inquirer reported. Google said the policy will apply to advertisements purchased through Google Ads, Display and Video 360, and shopping platforms that advertisers intend to place on Google, YouTube, and partner properties. It will cover the campaign period from February 8, 2022, to May 9, 2022. The policy also covers advertisements that promote or oppose any political party or the candidacy of any person or party for public office, Google added. “Google is focusing its efforts and resources on upcoming election-related initiatives which aim to help people access useful and accurate information via product features and media literacy programs, encourage participation in the voting process, and help protect the integrity of the elections,” the search engine giant said in a statement. Google underscored its efforts in support of the elections through the #MagpaRehistroKa program of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), MullenLowe TREYNA, and Dashboard Philippines. The campaign period for the national elections will run from February 8 to May 7, 2022.

Howard Springs: Australia police arrest quarantine escapees

The country has also imposed new restrictions blocking travel from nine southern African countries. The trio scaled a fence at the Howard Springs quarantine centre near Darwin. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] Australian police have arrested three people who broke out of a Covid quarantine compound in the middle of the night. BBC reported that the Howard Springs center near Darwin in the Northern Territory is one of Australia's main quarantine facilities for people returning to the country. Police said the trio scaled a fence to break out of the facility. Officers found them after a manhunt on Wednesday. All had tested negative to Covid the day before. Officials didn’t state whether the escapees were returning travelers or locals in quarantine. Recently, the center has also housed people infected from a Covid outbreak in Katherine, a town 300km (185 miles) away. Police had set up checkpoints around the compound on Wednesday and inspected cars moving through the area. Last Friday, a 27-year-old man jumped the center's fences and fled in a waiting car to Darwin's town center. He was later arrested and tested negative for Covid-19. Up to 2,000 people can be held at the Howard Springs site. One case of the Omicron variant has been confirmed there, a traveler from South Africa who arrived on 25 November. Omicron cases have also been detected in Sydney. Australia has delayed reopening its international borders until mid-December, amid concerns about the variant. Early evidence suggests it has a heightened re-infection risk.

ELRIS joins B.I’s agency IOK company

IOK Company shared, “After in-depth discussions with ELRIS’s original agency Hunus Entertainment about the future direction and growth potential of the group, we decided to transfer the management of ELRIS to IOK Company.” (Photo from 1News) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] The seven-member girl group ELRIS is now part of IOK Company. On December 1, IOK Company shared, “After in-depth discussions with ELRIS’s original agency Hunus Entertainment about the future direction and growth potential of the group, we decided to transfer the management of ELRIS to IOK Company.” They added, “We are very happy to be working with ELRIS. In the future, we will generously support ELRIS so that they can grow further as an artist by greeting fans through various activities.” ELRIS is the first K-pop girl group of IOK Company. ELRIS officially debuted in June 2017, but they added two new members in 2020. The members are Sohee, Hyeseong, Yukyung, Karin, Bella, EJ, and Chaejeong. IOK Company is home to many celebrities like Go Hyun Jung, Jo In Sung, Kim Ha Neul, Shin Hye Sun, and B.I., who is also one of the executive directors of the agency.

Hundreds of Taiwanese extradited to China, says report

No information was provided in the report on the fate of Taiwanese extradited to China, but the group noted that at least two were shown on Chinese TV giving public apologies. Beijing argued that Taiwanese suspects in some overseas cases should be extradited to China as their victims included mainland Chinese. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] A new report by a human rights group has found around 600 Taiwanese arrested overseas have been deported to China in recent years. BBC reported that Safeguard Defenders says the practice was being "used as a tool to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty". Taiwan, which considers itself an independent nation, has long insisted that Taiwanese arrested abroad should be sent back to the island. But Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that is a part of China. Safeguard Defenders said the deportations, which is collated from media reports between 2016 and 2019, were "being used to bolster Beijing's influence abroad" and accused China of "hunting" down these Taiwanese. The Spain-based group emphasized that the Taiwanese sent to China "have no roots and no families", and warned that they’re at risk of persecution and severe human rights abuses. It argues several nations are breaching international human rights laws in following extradition treaties with Beijing and singled out Spain and Kenya for extraditing the most number of Taiwanese people to China. In response to the latest report, Taiwan's government was quoted by AFP as saying China "does not have jurisdiction" over Taiwanese arrested or convicted abroad, and that Beijing aims to "show its sovereignty over Taiwan".

Japan begins administering COVID-19 booster shots

A nurse (R) receives her COVID-19 booster shot in Hachioji, Tokyo, on Dec. 1, 2021. (Photo by=Kyodo) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] TOKYO: Japan started administering COVID-19 booster shots on Wednesday to individuals who received their second shot at least eight months ago amid growing concerns about the spread of a new coronavirus variant, Kyodo reported. Third doses of the vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE were provided to health care professionals across the country, with the elderly and others expected to receive their booster shots from January to prevent the spread of infections and severe symptoms. The government decided to administer booster shots after vaccine-induced immunity against infection was found to wane over time. The Omicron variant, designated as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization, was confirmed in Japan for the first time on Tuesday, with a second case reported Wednesday. Under the current policy in Japan, individuals aged 18 or older will be eligible for a booster shot and those at higher risk of developing severe symptoms, like the elderly, or those working in high-risk professions will be especially encouraged to get a third shot. Now, first and second shots will continue to be administered to unvaccinated people in the country. Japan has inoculated over 75 percent of its population with two COVID-19 shots, according to the government, while new coronavirus cases have sharply decreased with only 132 new cases reported across the country on Tuesday.

Michigan school shooting: Student kills three and wounds eight

Police cautioned against speculating on the safety concerns before the investigation is complete. President Joe Biden spoke about the shooting during a visit to Minneapolis, Minnesota. US shootings on school campuses have been ticking steadily upwards in recent years. (Photo by= Reuters) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] A 15-year-old has killed three fellow students and injured eight others, including a teacher, in a high school shooting in the US state of Michigan. The victims have been named Tate Myre, 16, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Hana St Juliana, 14. Officials say they don't know whether they were targeted. Police allege the suspect, a pupil at the school, used a handgun that his father had bought on Friday. Students have described hiding under desks during the attack. Some students had reportedly stayed at home on Tuesday because of safety concerns. Police received the first emergency calls from the high school in the town of Oxford, about 40 miles (65km) from Detroit, at 12:51 local time (17:51GMT). Within minutes, more than 100 calls had been placed to emergency services. Officials say the suspect surrendered five minutes after police were called when officers confronted the teenager in a school corridor.The precise sequence of events remains unclear, but police said they believed the youth had carried the weapon into school in a backpack and had emerged from a bathroom brandishing the gun. All schools will be closed for the rest of the week and crisis support is being offered to students and parents.

Air quality: Delhi records worst November air in years

The study was the first in India to establish a link between overweight children, asthma and air pollution. Delhi is the world's most polluted capital.(Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] India's capital Delhi recorded its worst November air in at least six years, according to official data. BBC reported that the city recorded 11 days of "severe" pollution, up from 10 days in November 2016. Data also showed that the residents of Delhi didn't experience even one "good" day of air quality through the month. Experts blame the burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states and the festival of Diwali for the alarming levels of pollution in November. The numbers are the worst Delhi has seen since 2015, when the Central Pollution Control Board started recording air quality data. A prolonged monsoon pushed the stubble burning and Diwali into November, Dr Gufran Beig, founder of air quality forecast agency SAFAR, told local media. Air quality in Delhi had also dipped to hazardous levels the day after Diwali as people defied a ban to burst firecrackers for hours. The levels of PM2.5 - tiny particles that can clog people's lungs - are far higher in Delhi than the World Health Organization's (WHO) safety limit. Several studies have warned of the health risks of breathing such toxic air.Recently, a joint study by the Lung Care Foundation and Pulmocare Research and Education found that exposure to high levels of air pollution can make children obese and put them at greater risk of developing asthma.

“The Red Sleeve” and its stars sweep most buzzworthy drama and actor lists

For the third consecutive week, “The Red Sleeve” topped Good Data Corporation’s weekly list of the dramas that generated the most buzz. (Photo from MBC) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MBC’s “The Red Sleeve” has dominated this week’s rankings of the most buzzworthy dramas and actors! For the third consecutive week, “The Red Sleeve” topped Good Data Corporation’s weekly list of the dramas that generated the most buzz. The company determines each week’s rankings by collecting data from news articles, blog posts, online communities, videos, and social media about dramas that are either currently airing or set to air soon. Not only did “The Red Sleeve” remain No. 1 on the list of most buzz-worthy dramas, but its stars also swept the top spots on this week’s list of most buzzworthy drama cast members, with Lee Se Young and 2PM’s Lee Junho rising to No.1 and No. 2 respectively. KBS 2TV’s “The King’s Affection” also held onto its spot at No. 2 on the drama list this week, while stars Park Eun Bin and SF9’s Rowoon claimed No. 4 and No. 7 respectively in the actor rankings. Meanwhile, tvN’s “Happiness” rose to No. 3 on the list of most buzz-worthy dramas, and star Han Hyo Joo climbed to No. 9 in the actor rankings.

DOH: Omicron variant not yet detected in Philippines

Residents wait for their turn to be vaccinated inside a mall in Manila City, on November 29, 2021, as the Southeast Asian nation launched a three-day vaccination drive targeting nine million people as young as 12 in an effort to accelerate the roll-out of jabs, amidst the threat of heavily mutated coronavirus variant Omicron. (Photo by Ted Aljibe/ AFP) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: The Philippines has not yet detected a case of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the Department of Health said Wednesday. "Just to be clear, no detection yet of Omicron. We are still processing [the] next batch of whole genome sequences," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told reporters. Vergeire also said the department is gathering information on travelers who arrived in the Philippines from South Africa. Scientists in South Africa discovered the Omicron variant, which poses a "very high" global risk, according to the World Health Organization. In a bid to keep the heavily mutated variant out, Philippine authorities suspended temporarily a decision allowing the entry of fully vaccinated tourists and banned arrivals from several nations. The government is also conducting a three-day vaccination drive targeting nine million people to accelerate the rollout of COVID-19 jabs. The DOH reported Wednesday 500 new COVID-19 infections, marking the eighth straight day that additional cases were below 1,000. The agency also logged 167 new deaths and 951 additional recoveries. Since the start of the pandemic, authorities have so far confirmed 2.83 million infections. Of the total, only 0.5% were active cases.

Multi-billion EU bid to challenge Chinese influence

Mrs von der Leyen said in her State of the Union speech in September: "We want investments in quality infrastructure, connecting goods, people, and services around the world." China's Belt and Road strategy has extended into the Western Balkans, including here in Montenegro. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] The EU is to reveal details of a global investment plan that's widely seen as a rival to China's Belt and Road initiative. Insiders say it'll set out "concrete" ideas on digital, transport, climate, and energy schemes. It's regarded as part of the West's efforts to counter Chinese influence in Africa and elsewhere. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present the "Global Gateway" initiative on Wednesday. The EU looks at how it can leverage billions of euros, drawn from member states, financial institutions, and the private sector. Once the EU plan is approved by the College of Commissioners on Wednesday it will be presented by Ursula von der Leyen. The EU has pointedly emphasized its "values-based" and "transparent" approach, arguing it wants to create links, not dependencies. Wednesday's 14-page document isn't likely to explicitly pitch itself as a rival to China's strategy. The Commission also studiously avoided mentioning China when pressed about the plans on Tuesday. But Andrew Small, a Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund, says the backdrop is inescapable: "Global Gateway wouldn't exist if you didn't have Belt and Road." Belt and Road have been a centerpiece of Chinese foreign policy; developing trade links by plowing money into new roads, ports, railways, and bridges. The strategy has reached into Asia, the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and even into the EU's nearer neighbors in the Western Balkans.