Timeframe: 29th January-4th February
Contributors:
Oishee Eerada Maudud, Sabyasachi Karamker, Shanjida Hossain and Farhan Uddin Ahmed.
1. Economics & Business
U.S. unemployment rates fall for the third straight week
The labor market, however, remains turbulent. The Labor Department reported on 4th February that new claims for unemployment benefits declined last week for the third straight week but still, remained at astonishingly high levels by historical standards.
Source: The New York Times
2. Politics
Myanmar coup: Military blocks Facebook for sake of ‘stability’
Myanmar’s military rulers have blocked access to Facebook, days after they overthrew the democratic government. Officials said the social media platform – for many in Myanmar the only access to the internet – would be blocked for the sake of “stability”.
Source: BBC
3. Significant Corona Update
Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine is 66% effective in the global trial, but 85% effective against severe disease
Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 single-shot vaccine was shown to be 66% effective in preventing moderate and severe disease in a global Phase 3 trial, but 85% effective against severe disease, the company announced Friday. The vaccine was 72% effective against moderate and severe disease in the US, the company said.
Source: CNN
4. Science & Technology
Spotify launches music streaming service in South Korea
Spotify Technology SA on Tuesday made a long-awaited debut in South Korea, the sixth largest music market in the world and home to the K-pop music genre. In South Korea, the company will compete with music streaming companies such as Melon, Genie, FLO and Apple Music. Spotify will give Korean listeners access to over 60 million tracks along with a wide range of Korean music, including K-pop, Hip Hop and Indie.
Source: Reuters
5. RMG/ Agriculture
Farmers’ protest: Rihanna tweet angers Indian government
India has accused “foreign individuals” and celebrities of “sensationalism” after a tweet by pop superstar Rihanna, extending support to protesting farmers, drew global attention. Hours after the singer’s tweet, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg and the US vice president’s niece Meena Harris also tweeted support for the farmers.
Source: BBC
6. Social & Education
Uighur camp detainees allege systematic rape
Women in China’s “re-education” camps for Uighurs have been systematically raped, sexually abused, and tortured, according to detailed new accounts obtained by the BBC.
Source: BBC
7. Environment
Singapore to launch National , with ‘ambitious and concrete’ targets set by government agencies
A whole-of-nation movement will be launched to advance the sustainability agenda in Singapore, and its details will be unveiled in the coming weeks, announced the country’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Ms Grace Fu on Monday. The movement, called the Singapore Green Plan 2030, will be a major policy priority for this Government and will involve several ministries. Under it, agencies will set “ambitious and concrete” targets on a sectoral basis.
Source: Today Online
Disclaimer: The information provided here is obtained solely from the third parties mentioned above. Youth Policy Forum (YPF) is not responsible for any misinformation or misrepresentation.