February 2021 – Page 24 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

India wants more trade with Russia going beyond traditional sectors

Posted on February 20, 2021February 20, 2021By Editor

It is important to diversify and expand the India-Russia trade basket, according to India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. The sides should cooperate in new areas that will add momentum to bilateral ties, he said. … Read More >India wants more trade with Russia going beyond traditional sectors

Russia to present new concept of national digital currency – Central Bank

Posted on February 20, 2021February 20, 2021By Editor

After discussing the launch of the digital ruble with local banks, the country’s financial watchdog says it will present a more detailed concept for the national digital currency by summer. … Read More >Russia to present new concept of national digital currency – Central Bank

Russia’s gold & foreign currency reserves surge by over $5 billion

Posted on February 20, 2021February 20, 2021By Editor

Russia’s foreign exchange holdings increased to a total of $591.5 billion on February 12, the latest data released by the country’s central bank shows. … Read More >Russia’s gold & foreign currency reserves surge by over $5 billion

EU

French refugee center manager stabbed to death by asylum seeker – police

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021By Editor

The manager of a refugee center in the French city of Pau has died of his injuries, after allegedly being stabbed multiple times by a Sudanese asylum seeker, police said on Friday. … Read More >French refugee center manager stabbed to death by asylum seeker – police

Hong Kong to let citizens choose which Covid-19 jab they receive, amid safety concerns and low vaccine confidence

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021By Editor

Hong Kong’s health secretary has sought to allay fears about China’s Sinovac jab, which will become available in the former British colony later this month, but says citizens may choose between the US and Chinese vaccine. … Read More >Hong Kong to let citizens choose which Covid-19 jab they receive, amid safety concerns and low vaccine confidence

Beijing calls on Britons to ‘distinguish right from wrong’, claiming media has distorted UK public’s view of China

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021By Editor

China has called on the British people to “make independent judgements based on facts,” as a poll shows Brits are suspicious of China after London and Beijing engaged in a tit-for-tat ban on each other’s media organizations. … Read More >Beijing calls on Britons to ‘distinguish right from wrong’, claiming media has distorted UK public’s view of China

Iran would ‘immediately reverse’ its nuclear program if US lifts sanctions, but Washington & allies want Tehran to make first move

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021By Editor

Tehran has urged the US to “unconditionally” lift its sanctions, promising to “immediately reverse” all its actions regarding its nuclear program. Washington and its allies, however, are demanding that Iran take the first step. … Read More >Iran would ‘immediately reverse’ its nuclear program if US lifts sanctions, but Washington & allies want Tehran to make first move

World

Gun battles raging, explosions heard across Mogadishu as Somali govt forces seal off streets (VIDEOS)

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021By Editor

Terrified civilians have been sheltering in place as government troops engaged opposition forces in prolonged gun battles across the Somali capital Mogadishu. There have been no reports of casualties as the fighting is ongoing. … Read More >Gun battles raging, explosions heard across Mogadishu as Somali govt forces seal off streets (VIDEOS)

China officially admits casualties during last year’s clash with India as two countries continue disengagement at disputed border

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021By Editor

The Chinese military has officially acknowledged the casualties it suffered during the deadly border clash with India’s troops last June, revealing that four soldiers were killed and one badly wounded during the incident. … Read More >China officially admits casualties during last year’s clash with India as two countries continue disengagement at disputed border

EU

Germany to set up special task force to speed up future vaccine production

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021By Editor

Germany Health Minister Jens Spahn has announced that the country will establish a special task force to boost investment in vaccine production to speed up the process and increase supply capacity for a future pandemic. … Read More >Germany to set up special task force to speed up future vaccine production