Sri Lanka’s Central Bank chief to step down amid economic crisis
Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Weligamage Don Lakshman will step down on September 14 amid an economic crisis in the country. Sri Lanka has witnessed a sharp rise in prices of essential commodities as it faces dwindling reserves and revenues, looming debt repayments and an extended COVID-19 lockdown. The country’s forex reserves stood at $2.8 billion in July.
African Union suspends Guinea from bloc after military coup
The African Union (AU) on Friday announced the suspension of Guinea from the bloc after a coup in the West African country last week. This comes after a similar move by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Earlier, the AU had called for release of President Alpha Conde who was arrested during the coup staged by special forces.
Taliban executes ex-Afghan Vice Pres Amrullah brother, isn’t letting family bury him
The Taliban have executed Rohullah Saleh, the brother of Amrullah Saleh, who is the former Vice President of Afghanistan, his nephew Ebadullah Saleh said on Friday. “They executed my uncle. They killed him yesterday and would not let us bury him. They kept saying his body should rot,” he told Reuters. Rohullah was reportedly killed during fighting in Panjshir.
US, Japan, South Korea to meet over North Korea’s nuclear weapons
The US, South Korea and Japan will hold a meeting in Tokyo next week to discuss North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, according to the South Korean Foreign Ministry. Earlier, US President Joe Biden-led administration had said that it will explore diplomacy to achieve North Korean denuclearisation. North Korea is under international sanctions over its nuclear programme.
UK Queen, family back Black Lives Matter movement: Representative
UK’s Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family back the Black Lives Matter movement, according to one of her senior representatives. Sir Kenneth Olisa said that he had discussed the “whole issue of race” with the Royal Family since George Floyd’s death in police custody in the US last year. Olisa is the first black Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London.
Nerve disorder listed as ‘very rare’ side-effect of AstraZeneca COVID shot by EU
The European Medicines Agency has listed the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis, as a “very rare” side effect of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The EMA said that 833 cases of the auto-immune disorder were reported worldwide, as compared to around 592 million doses of the company’s Vaxzevria vaccine administered till July 31.
