Beijing pushes traditional herbal remedy

With memories still fresh from the deadly SARS outbreak, China is understandably jittery about the global flu pandemic reaching its shores. Health authorities have created three new herbal remedies they say can cure the virus. The ingredients include gypsum and liquorice. But there's a snag: critics say some patients who drank the medicinal "soup" were poisoned.

Times of India (India)

Heat wave may be a boon against swine flu

If herbal remedies in China are questionable, then mother nature might prove a more reliable ally against flu. Northern India is sweltering in temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius. Uncomfortable for most, but health officials believe the heatwave will kill off the virus when it leaves the body through coughs and sneezes. But they warn that it can still be transmitted from human to human.

Swine flu fears for Obama

Le Monde (France)

United on May 1, but what about afterwards?

The first day of May is a holiday in France and is marked by traditional political demonstrations. And this year, they're expected to be big: all the major unions are marching together in Paris, for the first time in decades. It's the third big rally so far this year, with much of the anger directed at French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his handling of the economy. New figures show there have been 855 demonstrations in Paris alone this year - a rise of 16 per cent on the year before and a reflection of the mood on the streets.

Mayday for Capitalism

Is Europe about to plunge into a summer of rage? May Day demonstrations in the German capital Berlin are expected to be fierce, at best. This editorial reminds us that we enter May after a winter of severe discontent: riots in Greece nearly toppled the government and street protests did bring down the administrations of Latvia and Hungary. An honest debate on the roots of the global economic crisis is needed to stop more trouble brewing.