Today's news: Chinese scientists carry out rapid Covid test as reliable as molecular; Tokyo and 20 other governments condemn Hong Kong for press freedom violations; joint military exercises between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia get underway; Israeli raids on Syria, one soldier killed; Putin and Macron agree on de-escalation in Ukraine.
INDIA
The Karnataka government ordered the closure of high schools and colleges in response to the violence surrounding the hijab controversy, which was also addressed by Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. Six female students demonstrated, calling for the freedom to wear the Islamic veil. In response, Hindu students displayed saffron-coloured shawls. The matter was referred to the High Court.
CHINA
Scientists at Fudan University in Shanghai have developed a new rapid Covid-19 test, as reliable as a molecular (Pcr) and with a four-minute turnaround, based on an electromechanical biosensor. It can be used at airports, health facilities and even at home. In December, Beijing exported EUR 1.4 billion worth of tests, up 144% from November.
PAKISTAN - SAUDI ARABIA
The Islamabad Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces have started joint exercises to improve mechanised movement warfare capabilities in Multan, north-east Pakistan. The exercises will last at least two months and are intended to 'strengthen' the partnership. The opening ceremony was attended by the top military officials of the two countries.
MALAYSIA
Supermax Corp Bhd, a Malaysian company specialising in the production of latex gloves and accused of exploitation and forced labour, has paid compensation amounting to €5.3 million to migrant workers to cover expenses and costs. In recent months, a growing number of Malaysian companies, from gloves to palm oil, have come under scrutiny for labour abuses.
HONG KONG
Tokyo, London and Washington and 18 other nations have condemned the governments of Hong Kong and China for attacks on press freedom in the former British colony. The notorious National Security Act and recent closures of independent newspapers such as Stand News and Citizen News were specifically mentioned. In addition to this, information magnate Jimmi Lai has been arrested.
SYRIA - ISRAEL
The Israeli army struck sensitive targets in Syria overnight, including sites dedicated to the launching of "surface-to-air missiles". Damascus "radar systems" and "anti-aircraft batteries" were also targeted. The operation is a response to a previous rocket launch on Israeli territory. The official Sana agency reports the death of one soldier and the wounding of five others.
RUSSIA - UKRAINE
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, after five hours of talks in Moscow, reached an agreement on de-escalating tension over Ukraine. The Kremlin chief promised "not to take new war initiatives" and to withdraw 30,000 soldiers from Belarus after the end of the current exercises.
ARMENIA - AZERBAIJAN
Tension is rising between Yerevan and Baku. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the statement by Azerbaijan's Culture Minister Anar Kerimov. On 3 February, Kerimov announced the establishment of a working group to replace religious, historical and cultural monuments of Armenian identity in Azerbaijani-controlled territories in Nagorno-Karabakh.