The US has come to India’s rescue as the country battles one of the worst wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden administration has promised to make much needed raw material for producing coronavirus vaccines readily available. The US joins Britain, France, and Germany that have also pledged to help India.
The remarks come on India setting global record on the number of daily cases. India’s tally of COVID-19 cases has already soared to over 16 million straining the healthcare sector. The US has since confirmed it will send raw materials, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and protective equipment to help ease some pressure.
Air-Travel Bubble
Even as India battles one of the worst waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong and Singapore are poised to lift travel restrictions between the two financial hubs. As part of the long delayed air travel bubble people will be allowed to travel between the two cities quarantine-free.
The travel bubble was initially suspended in response to a spike in coronavirus cases in Hong Kong late last year. However, it is still unclear the number if flights that would be allowed between the two hubs once the air travel bubble comes into effect.
Baerbock Tough Stance
Separately, Annalena Baerbock who is looking to succeed Angela Merkel as Germany’s next chancellor has called for a tough stance against China when it comes to defending human rights and democratic values.
The environmentalists Green’s candidate believes that Europe should use its economic might to pile pressure on China to change its ways. According to the leading contender, the economic block should impose bans on Chinese goods made with forced labor. She also calls for a total ban on communication technologies that could endanger European security.
Baerbock has also taken aim on Russia over its support of rebel groups that are looking to destabilize Ukraine. Her party has also called for closer cooperation with the United States in a bid to defend liberal values worldwide. The party is also calling for increased focus on issues facing the world such as climate change.
