Biden administration says regional bloc must engage with Myanmar to bring forward polls

Move to boost vaccination for adult locals, permanent residents and long-term pass holders

Cause of fire to the 13 tonne lithium battery unknown

Infections around the world now over 198.3 mil, including 4.22 mil deaths

Aim is to rebuild global partnerships, expand economic cooperation, says senior adviser

Republican Kevin McCarthy tells crowd he would struggle to resist striking speaker with gavel

Efforts to put out flames ongoing, say officials

Surge of Delta variant infections sets off highest stage of alert in the country

Amid lagging vaccinations, authorities deploy military to enforce compliance to containment rules

Move could put govt at odds with vaccine regulators

New travel curbs also imposed as nation races to contain Delta variant

Announcement places country in military’s grip for nearly 2½ years instead of initial one-year timeline

7-day ban issued for videos questioning existence of pandemic, efficacy of vaccines