Coal mine accident in Russia kills over 50
Russian media are reporting that the death toll from an accident in a Siberian coal mine has risen to at least 52. Authorities believe a gas explosion likely occurred. 
Garment factory fire kills 1 in Indian capital
One people was killed Thursday after a fire broke out inside a garment factory here in the Indian capital city, local officials said.
Laos' daily COVID-19 infections hit new record high at 1,504
The number of daily COVID-19 infections in Laos hit a new high of 1,504, surpassing the previous record of 1,401 cases on last Thursday.
Malaysia reports 5,755 new COVID-19 infections, 37 more deaths
Malaysia reported another 5,755 new COVID-19 infections, as of midnight Wednesday, bringing the national total to 2,602,835, according to the health ministry.
Italy to bar unvaccinated people from restaurants
Italy's government has decided to bar unvaccinated people from certain leisure establishments in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Fiji's main international airport ready to reopen
Fiji is ready to re-open Nadi International Airport with more than 90 percent of adults in Fiji fully vaccinated and a careful re-opening strategy in place, Fijian Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Wednesday.