Taiwan to donate 10 million masks to countries hit hardest by coronavirus
Taiwan is donating 7 million masks to Europe, including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and the U.K., and an additional 2 million masks to the U.S.,
Nations
Portugal grants migrants and asylum-seekers citizenship rights during pandemic
Portugal has temporarily given all migrants and asylum seekers full citizenship rights, granting them full access to the country’s healthcare until at least June 30.
Seychelles extends marine protection area to twice the size of Great Britain
The move fulfills the country’s long-standing pledge to safeguard 30% of its marine waters.
Coronavirus home testing to be made available to millions in the U.K.
Millions of 15-minute home coronavirus tests are set to be available for delivery to people self-isolating, according to Public Health England, in a move that could restore many people’s lives to a semblance of normality.
Wales is building a national forest spanning the length of the country
£5 million has been allocated to complete the project, while another £10 million will go towards accompanied tree-planting programs through the Glastir farm grants program.
U.S. Congress reaches historic $2 trillion stimulus deal amid pandemic
The package includes $250b aside for individuals and families, $350b in small business loans, $250b in unemployment insurance benefits, and $500b in loans for distressed companies.
New Zealand pledges $2 million to help relocate Fijians displaced climate change
The package is part of a broader commitment from New Zealand to invest at least $300 million in climate assistance over the next three years around the globe.
India plans 26 GW of solar capacity in agricultural sector by 2022
Around 1.75 million off-grid solar pumps shall be set up while 1 million operational grid-connected irrigation pumps shall be fitted with solar panels.
U.K. government will pay wages for anyone facing unemployment due to pandemic
Unveiling an unprecedented intervention by the state in the British economy, the government will cover 80% of worker salaries for at least the next three months up to a maximum of $2,900 a month.
New E.U. rules aim to replace “throwaway culture” with circular economy
The new laws will ensure that new products brought to the EU market are repairable, recyclable, and designed to last longer than our current phones and tablets.