MORNING NEWS BRIEF [August 02, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The U.S., UK and Israel jointly alleged Iran’s drone strike on an Israeli-based oil tanker in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied involvement in the attack. Source: France24
2. Director of Russian foreign intelligence signaled warnings about the provocations by the external opponents at the upcoming parliamentary and Presidential elections. Source: TASS
3. Chinese MOFA’s Spokesperson stated that the U.S. should prove its transparency by unveiling the data of their first COVID-19 case and invite the WHO experts to investigate it. Source: People’s Daily

WORLD

1. German Chancellor candidate threatened to place sanctions on Russia if the Kremlin uses the Nord Stream 2 as the geopolitically aggressive acts against Ukraine. Source: Sputnik
2. Mexicans voted in the national referendum proposed by President Lopez Obrador whether to investigate and prosecute his predecessors for alleged corruption. Source: TRT World
3. The UK  will offer COVID-19 booster vaccines to 32 million people with 2,000 pharmacies set to deliver the rollout, beginning from next month and to be completed by December. Source: Reuters

REGIONS

1. India seeks to reform its military capabilities in the domain of technological advancement as the country could face multiple security threats from its neighboring countries. Source: Deutsche Welle
2. Myanmar’s military leader declared himself as the Prime Minister and seized the leadership of the country under the state of emergency until the election scheduled in 2023. Source: Guardian
3. Thailand has extended stricter pandemic measures in the capital and high risk areas, aiming to slow down the spread of COVID-19 as the country’s infection cases are surging. Source: Reuters

CAMBODIA

1. The MFAIC revealed that Cambodia and Russia have vowed to explore ways to encourage and promote joint investment projects between the two countries. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
2. Cambodia exported a total of more than five million tons of agricultural products in the first seven months of 2021, an increase of 87.10 percent and equating to almost USD 3 billion. Source: Khmer Times
3. PM Hun Sen announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine will be used as the booster doses for the Chinese vaccines and J & J will be used for minority groups and migrant workers. Source: The Phnom Penh Post