Massive US layoffs continue even as businesses reopen

Total US layoffs caused by the coronavirus pandemic reached 44.2 million even as businesses try to reopen, and analysts warn of continuing damage to the world's largest economy as COVID-19 shows few signs of abating.

India buoyed by jump in rare Asiatic lion numbers

The population of rare Asiatic lions in India has jumped by nearly a third in the past five years to almost 700, an official survey said, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing the increase as an "excellent feat".

IMF approves $5 billion in aid to Ukraine: statement

The International Monetary Fund has approved a US$5 billion aid package for Ukraine aimed at helping the country "to cope with COVID-19 pandemic challenges," with an immediate release of $2.1 billion, the institution announced in a statement on Tuesday.

US and Russia to resume nuclear talks

Russia has called on the United States to make a “positive" proposal as the powers open talks on a major disarmament treaty, warning that US insistence on including China could scuttle efforts.

Japan gov't submits to Diet record extra budget for virus relief

Japan's government submitted to parliament on Monday a draft second extra budget for fiscal 2020, totaling a record 31.91 trillion yen (US$291 billion), to implement additional measures to strengthen the medical system and help people hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

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