August 6, 2021 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

Russia

Two media organizations owned by disgraced oligarch Khodorkovsky to cease operations – websites banned by Russian media watchdog

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

Two media organizations owned by disgraced 1990’s oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky are to cease operations entirely after Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor ordered their websites to be banned and blocked throughout the country. … Read More >Two media organizations owned by disgraced oligarch Khodorkovsky to cease operations – websites banned by Russian media watchdog

EU

Amazon hit with whopping $887 million fine by European privacy regulators

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

Amazon has been handed an $888 million fine by European Union regulators for breaching the bloc’s data protection laws. The fine is the largest issued by the EU, but is still less than one percent of the firm’s annual revenue. … Read More >Amazon hit with whopping $887 million fine by European privacy regulators

Japan’s state of emergency extended to four more regions after worsening Covid numbers

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

After 3,300 new cases on Friday, Japan has expanded its state of emergency to three more prefectures close to Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka. Organizers have announced that 27 of the cases were linked to the Olympics. … Read More >Japan’s state of emergency extended to four more regions after worsening Covid numbers

Israeli president receives third Pfizer jab, launching country’s over-60s Covid booster shot scheme

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

President Herzog has received his third dose of a Pfizer coronavirus jab, formally launching the country’s booster shot program for people aged over 60. The new scheme follows concerns over declining vaccine efficacy over time. … Read More >Israeli president receives third Pfizer jab, launching country’s over-60s Covid booster shot scheme

World

As Australia fully vaccinates 14% of population, PM Morrison says 70% is new target for next phase in dropping Covid restrictions

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

As concerns grow over the spreading Delta variant, PM Scott Morrison revealed a 70%-vaccination goal for the next stage of eased restrictions. His cabinet agreed on the roadmap after 170 new cases were recorded in NSW on Friday. … Read More >As Australia fully vaccinates 14% of population, PM Morrison says 70% is new target for next phase in dropping Covid restrictions

World

Australian indigenous groups, social workers slate government decision to deploy troops to enforce lockdown in Covid-hit Sydney

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

Indigenous representatives and community groups have warned that the Australian government’s “disturbing” use of troops to enforce lockdown rules in Sydney will “create greater fear and uncertainty” and may alienate residents. … Read More >Australian indigenous groups, social workers slate government decision to deploy troops to enforce lockdown in Covid-hit Sydney

EU

Czech government grants vaccinated state employees two days’ paid leave to encourage them to get Covid-19 jabs

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

State employees in the Czech Republic who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus are to be given two additional days off, as the authorities in the Eastern European country seek ways to expand its immunization campaign. … Read More >Czech government grants vaccinated state employees two days’ paid leave to encourage them to get Covid-19 jabs

EU

Demonstrators take to streets of Slovakia’s capital, blocking roads to protest against Covid vaccination law

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

Hundreds flocked onto Bratislava’s streets and obstructed traffic in the capital, to protest against a recently passed law granting fully Covid-vaccinated people easier access into public venues than non-inoculated citizens. … Read More >Demonstrators take to streets of Slovakia’s capital, blocking roads to protest against Covid vaccination law

Philippines sends more than 13 million back into Covid lockdown amid spread of the Delta variant

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

The Philippines announced on Friday that a lockdown will be reimposed on the Metro Manila region, forcing more than 13 million people to stay at home. The move follows rising numbers of Covid cases fueled by the Delta variant. … Read More >Philippines sends more than 13 million back into Covid lockdown amid spread of the Delta variant

EU

French finance minister says Pegasus spyware may have infected govt devices, including his own phone

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021By Editor

France’s finance minister Bruno Le Maire has revealed that authorities are probing whether Pegasus malware had infected government devices, after reports claimed that world leaders were being targeted using the Israeli spyware. … Read More >French finance minister says Pegasus spyware may have infected govt devices, including his own phone