Pakistan PM wrongly claims Ronald Reagan compared mujahideen to the US founding fathers
Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan wrongly claimed former US President Ronald Reagan had compared Afghan mujahideen with the founding fathers of the US at the UN General Assembly. Khan said, “President Ronald Reagan invited them to the White House in 1983. And according to a news item, he compared them to the founding fathers of the United States. They were heroes.”
France to double COVID-19 vaccine doses donated to 120 million: President Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday in a video message that the country will be doubling the number of coronavirus vaccine doses it donates to other countries to 120 million. “The injustice is that in other continents vaccination is far behind because of us, collectively,” he said. He also noted that only 3% of Africa’s population is vaccinated.
Don’t need to inform Taliban about counter-terror strikes in Afghanistan: US
The US Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby has said America does not need to inform the Taliban while going in for a counter-terrorism airstrike in Afghanistan. This came a day after the Taliban reportedly demanded compensation from countries involved in fighting in Afghanistan. “We retain all necessary authorities to execute over-the-horizon counter-terrorism operations,” said Kirby.
Switzerland approves same-sex marriage in referendum with 64.1% votes
Voters in Switzerland have agreed to legalise civil marriage and the right to adopt children for same-sex couples in a nationwide referendum on Sunday. Official results showed the measure passed with 64.1% of voters in favour and won a majority in all of Switzerland’s 26 cantons or states. Same-sex civil partnerships have been authorised in the country since 2007.
Celebrations erupt on streets in Norway after COVID-19 curbs end
Dozens of disturbances and violent clashes were reported in Norway after streets, bars, restaurants and nightclubs were filled with people celebrating the end of COVID-19 restrictions in the country. This comes after the Norwegian government on Friday abruptly announced that the restrictions would be scrapped beginning Saturday. The COVID-19 curbs had remained in force for more than 560 days.
Icelandic voters elect Europe’s 1st female-majority parliament
Women candidates have won the majority of the seats in Iceland’s parliamentary election, the first such instance in Europe. Voters have elected 33 women to the 63-seat Icelandic Parliament. Iceland was ranked the most gender-equal country in the world for the 12th year running in a World Economic Forum (WEF) report released in March.
