South Africa has become the latest country to suspend use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. It made the decision after US authorites reported cases of rare but potentially deadly blood clots that could be linked to the injection. It's the second vaccine to come under a cloud after countries halted the use of the AstraZeneca inoculation over similar concerns. The suspensions have dealt a blow to vaccine roll-outs and attempts to re-open economies across the globe. Paolo Montecillo reports. For more about the vaccine pauses we spoke to Doctor Eric Feigl Ding in Washington. He's an epidemiologist and a senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists.

#JohnsonandJohnson #Vaccine #BloodClots

US President Joe Biden wants to super-charge the semiconductor manufacturing sector with billions of dollars in aid. His proposal aims to help carmakers that have had to slow production due to a shortage in silicon chips. Experts say the US needs the boost, because demand for these components will continue to rise. Paolo Montecillo reports. For more, we spoke to Malcolm Penn in London. He's an expert on the semiconductor sector, and the founder of research and consulting firm, Future Horizons.

#Semiconductors #JoeBiden #MicroChips

An environmental disaster is threatening lakes in Bolivia's highlands. The situation has primarily been caused by pollution, and some volunteers have been trying to reverse it. Monica Machicao explains why their efforts may not be enough.

#EnvironmentalDisaster #Bolivia #Pollution

Japan has announced it will dump more than a million tonnes of contaminated water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. The decision has been met with fury from neighbouring countries and many in the local community. Floyd Cush reports. Mayu Yoshida has more on why the Japanese goverment has decided to dump the contaminated water into the sea.

#FukushimaNuclearDisaster #TreatedWater #RadioActive

Did the former UK Prime Minister David Cameron use his influence to gain undue favours for the now-collapsed financial services company, Greensill? The British government is launching an inquiry to establish the facts, and has also called in the current chancellor, Rishi Sunak, for questioning. Mobin Nasir reports. For more on this, Denis MacShane joined us from London. He's the UK's former Minister of State for Europe and a former member of parliament for the Labour Party.

#Greensill #DavidCameron #UKgovernment

Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims around the world. Apart from fasting and prayer, many decorate their houses to create a festive atmosphere and make it special for their children. But finding Ramadan and Eid decorations in non-Islamic countries can be a bit of a challenge. That's why one German Muslim has launched her own line. Sibel Karkus brings us her story, from Essen.

#Germany #Ramadan #HolyMonth

Avocados are one of the world's most popular superfoods. Prices of the trendy fruit have skyrocketed over the past decade. In South Africa, the world's sixth biggest exporter, criminal syndicates are trying to take a cut of the 12-billion dollar trade by stealing from orchards. As a result, farmers have been forced to tighten security to protect their precious harvests. Motheo Khoaripe reports.

#Avocado #SouthAfrica #BlackMarket

In Indonesia, thousands of workers have staged a protest against the controversial 'omnibus law' in the capital Jakarta. The bill was passed late last year as part of the government's efforts to restore the economy. Authorities say the legislation eases work regulations in order to attract investors and create jobs. But workers say it reduces wages and sets back their fundamental rights. Vandana Nanwani sent us this report from Jakarta.

#Indonesia #OmnibusLaw #WorkersProtest

In England, non-essential businesses have reopened in the next phase of the government's plan to ease coronavirus restrictions. It's now on track to returning to pre-pandemic life, with the UK leading Europe in its roll-out of vaccines. Paolo Montecillo has more. For more, we spoke to Vicky Pryce in London. She's an economist and board member at the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

#England #CoronavirusLockdowns #Restrictions

India has the second-largest COVID-19 caseload and infections are soaring. More than 168-thousand cases were reported on Monday and the start of a religious festival threatens to push the numbers even higher. Meanwhile, many hospitals are running out of vaccines, endangering one of the world's largest inoculation drives. Mobin Nasir reports. For more on this, Dr. Bharat Pankhania joined us now Bath, in the UK. He's a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School.

#India #VaccineShortage #CoronavirusCases