Just a few hours before the world learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, India was busy getting rid of traces of its British colonial past. At the instigation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an avenue built by the British and originally called the "Kingsway" has been renamed "Kartavya Path", which means "path of duty" in Hindi.

On her first visit to India, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will address the climate crisis and sign a mobility agreement.

The New Zealand government is to investigate its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The country's zero-tolerance policy on the spread of the disease was initially praised but later criticized for its wider cost.

More and more schools in Delhi are installing CCTV cameras as a security measure. However, critics say that the footage of minors is not secure and needs to be covered by data protection laws.

LGBTQ couples are demanding the government grant them equal rights as married couples, including adopting children and inheriting property. However, resistance to same-sex marriage remains.

Judges have ruled that Germany should be able to take part in the EU's €750-billion COVID-19 reconstruction fund. The court rejected two complaints that participation hands too much power from Berlin to Brussels.

China has said it will allow COVID patients with mild symptoms to isolate at home, it has also reduced the scope of lockdowns where cases are noticed and made regional travel easier. This follows widespread protests.

On her first visit to India, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock signed a mobility agreement and addressed the climate crisis.

Although social services are improving in India's urban areas, rural tribal communities are being kept from accessing education and health services.

China has now relaxed many of its Covid restrictions, removing requirements for PCR tests in many places and allowing people to isolate at home. The new measures come following a wave of anti-lockdown protests.

The move is part of Beijing's efforts to pivot away from its contentious zero-COVID strategy, which has caused widespread public discontent and even triggered protests in some cities.

Overseas travelers will now be allowed to visit bars and restaurants immediately after arriving in Hong Kong. But several other COVID rules remain in place.