Coronavirus infections and deaths continue to surge, and Kobe Bryant’s towel sells for $33,000

*)Global infection rate on coronavirus increases

The Covid-19 virus is spreading faster than before, according to the World Health Organization.

With more than 720,000 confirmed cases and over 34,000 people dead, the pandemic has wiped off around $15 trillion from global stock markets.

Europe has been hardest hit, the US, specifically New York, has become the new epicentre while China has reported a slowdown in new casualties.

*)US-led coalition pulls out of 3rd Iraqi base this month

The US-led coalition has withdrawn from northern Iraq’s K1 Air Base, a site which nearly triggered a war between Washington and Iran.

A rocket attack on the base in December sparked a series of similar tit-for-tat attacks, culminating in the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Iraq this year.

The K1 Air Base is the third site coalition forces have left this month in line with the US plans to consolidate its troops in two locations in Iraq.

*)Netanyahu and Gantz see ‘significant progress’ toward unity govt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz announced “significant progress” in coalition talks.

The two have previously voiced support for a unity government to help combat coronavirus, which has killed at least 12 people and infected over 3,800.

There have been no official details on the makeup of a future government.

*)Saudi Arabia intercepts two missiles from Yemen

Saudi air defences intercepted two missiles over Riyadh and a city on the Yemen border over the weekend.

At least two civilians were wounded in the capital which is under curfew to combat the coronavirus.

Yemen’s Houthis claimed the rocket attacks. The Houthi rebels have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since 2015.

And finally...

*)Towel from Kobe’s swan song sells for $33K in online auction

The towel that was draped over Kobe Bryant’s shoulders during his farewell speech sold for over $33,000 at an online auction.

A fan had grabbed the towel after the superstar’s final NBA game, beginning a stretch in which the souvenir was sold multiple times.

Iconic Auction’s president told CNN that the buyer is known for having the largest collection of Lakers memorabilia worldwide.

*)US has most of world’s confirmed coronavirus cases

The US now has the most number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world, with more than 85,000 infections.

More than 1,500 people died of the virus in Spain, Italy and France on Thursday as millions remain under lockdown across Europe.

Globally, Covid-19 has killed more than 24,000 people.

*)G20 pledges $5T, ‘united’ response to coronavirus crisis

G20 nations have pledged to inject $5 trillion into the global economy to counter the coronavirus pandemic amid deep recession forecasts.

The world leaders are under criticism for a slow reaction to the crisis.

In an emergency video conference chaired by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, G20 leaders promised a robust financial package for developing nations.

*)Netanyahu and Gantz move closer to unity government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival Benny Gantz has been elected as speaker of parliament.

The surprise manoeuvre heralds a unity that could keep Netanyahu in power, following three inconclusive national elections in less than a year.

Gantz and Netanyahu have proposed a "national emergency" government to help tackle the coronavirus crisis.

*)Maduro threatens ‘cowboy’ Trump after drug charge

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stands defiant in the face of a $15 million bounty by the US for drug trafficking.

Calling President Donald Trump a “racist cowboy”, Maduro vowed to fight should the US and neighbouring Co lombia dare to invade.

Maduro said the drug trafficking charges were politically motivated.

And finally...

*)US Space Force launches first mission

The US Space Force has sent what is said to be an ultra-secure military communication satellite into orbit.

Its first national security mission comes even as the coronavirus pandemic paralyses much of the US.

President Trump announced adding a military arm to the Force in December, calling space “the world’s newest warfighting domain.”

*)New York struggles with coronavirus as US deaths top 1,000

More than 1,000 people have died of the coronavirus disease in the US with infections at almost 70,000.

The US has the third-highest number of cases behind China and Italy.

Senate has also approved a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package designed to boost the economy.

New York is one of the hardest-hit states with 280 deaths.

*)Italy’s Covid-19 death toll rises

Italy still has the world's highest coronavirus death toll.

In the latest figures, another 683 deaths were reported, pushing the country's count to over 7,500.

The total number of infections is almost at 75,000, with 9,362 recoveries.

*)Far-right terrorist pleads guilty to NZ terror attacks

A far-right gunman accused of terror attacks on mosques in New Zealand a year ago has pleaded guilty to 51 counts of murder.

The terrorist had previously denied all charges and was set to go on trial in June.

He also pleaded guilty to 40 charges of attempted murder and one terrorism charge.

*)Turkey indicts Saudi suspects in Khashoggi’s murder

Turkish prosecutors are seeking life sentences for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s two former top aides for murdering journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

He was killed in 2018 inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Another 18 Saudi citizens have also been indicted.

All 20 suspects left Turkey after the murder, and Saudi Arabia refuses to extradite them.

And finally...

*)Time running out for Wimbledon

Wimbledon has so far survived the cull of the world’s most prestigious sporting events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But it's only a matter of time before the tennis championships are either postponed or cancelled, which will be a first since 1945.

With London in its first week of lockdown, the All England Lawn Tennis Club are weighing up their limited options.

*)India imposes largest Covid-19 lockdown in the world

The largest lockdown in the world has been imposed by India on its 1.3 billion citizens to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Essential services such as pharmacies and grocery stores will be available, but panic-buying began just minutes after the announcement.

It remains to be seen how India will manage the lockdown with its sprawling informal settlements and high levels of poverty.

*)Covid-19 global death toll nears 20,000

The worldwide death toll from the virus is now nearing 20,000.

More than 420,000 people are now infected since the outbreak began in China’s Wuhan last year.

In a separate figure, more than 110,000 have recovered since January.

*)At least four killed in attack on Sikh temple in Afghanistan

At least four people were killed after gunmen and suicide bombers stormed a Sikh temple or gurdwara in Afghanistan's Kabul.

Afghanistan's Interior Ministry said there were around 150 worshippers inside the temple at the time of the attack.

No group has yet claimed responsibility.

*)German Neo-Nazi terror group members sentenced to prison

Eight members of German neo-Nazi group Revolution Chemnitz were sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to five-and-a-half years.

They were found guilty of forming a terrorist organisation that was planning a campaign of violence.

Concern continues to grow in Germany over the prevalence of the militant far-right.

And finally...

*)Co-creator of Asterix and Obelix comics dies at 92

Albert Uderzo, co-creator of the famous Asterix and Obelix comics, has died of a heart attack aged 92.

Uderzo created Asterix in 1959 with fellow Frenchman Rene Goscinny.

The 38 comics are about the adventures of Asterix, an indomitable Gaul, and his massive sidekick, Obelix, as they gleefully thwart Roman legionnaires.

*)Global Covid-19 death toll surpasses 16,500

Over 380,000 Covid-19 infections have now been reported in 195 countries and territories worldwide.

The global death toll has risen past 16,500, with Italy recording the highest number of deaths, over 6,000.

Syria has reported its first case, raising concerns about an outbreak in a country where war has devastated all systems, including health care.

*)UK implements stricter measures

In Europe, Britain is the latest country to announce drastic measures to contain the virus.

The UK government is instructing all its citizens to stay at home or face hefty police fines.

The order follows strict actions taken by Italy and Spain, which remain the worst affected in the region.

*)US cuts $1B in aid to Afghanistan

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a $1 billion cut in US aid to Afghanistan.

It comes after Pompeo failed to convince Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political foe to end a feud that has jeopardised US-led peace efforts with the Taliban.

The US is also conducting a review to implement additional reductions.

*)Second Turkish-Russian joint patrol in Syria’s Idlib

Turkish and Russian forces conducted their second joint patrol on the M4 highway in Syria's Idlib.

Turkey and Russia agreed in a deal that all parties must cease military action in Idlib’s de-escalation zone.

The deal also stressed preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, protection of civilians and ensuring humanitarian assistance to all Syrians in need.

And finally...

*)Olympic Games could get postponed to next year

The US and New Zealand joined a growing list of countries calling for the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo to be postponed.

Japan, which has invested $12 billion, will meet with International Olympic Committee officials today to negotiate a postponement of the games to next year.

The Olympics have never been delayed, though they were cancelled during the two world wars and disrupted during major Cold War boycotts.

*) Australia announces lockdown over coronavirus

Global efforts continue to contain the novel coronavirus, which has so far killed more than 14,600 people worldwide and infected over 338,000.

The US is now the country with the third-highest cases, behind China and Italy.

Saudi Arabia announced a 21-day curfew while New Zealand and Australia joined countries announcing a lockdown.

*) Riot in Colombia prison leaves 23 dead

Rioting at a crowded prison in Colombia’s capital Bogota has killed at least 23 inmates and wounded 90 more.

Officials said the riot was triggered by an attempted mass breakout from La Modelo prison.

Bogota was on a weekend lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic when the incident happened.

*) Canada pulls out of Tokyo Olympics

The Tokyo Olympics are going to happen but almost surely in 2021 rather than in four months as planned.

This became clear after the IOC announced it was considering a postponement.

Countries like Canada and Australia have added pressure by saying they will not participate this year over the Covid-19 outbreak.

*) Strong quake hits Croatia's capital

In Croatia, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake has caused widespread damage and panic in the capital Zagreb.

A 15-year-old was said to be in critical condition among other people who sustained injuries.

Many buildings cracked in Zagreb and walls and rooftops were damaged.

And finally...

*) Harvey Weinstein tests positive for coronavirus

Rapist and disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Officials said Weinstein has been placed in isolation at Wende Correctional Facility.

He was brought to the facility from New York City's Rikers Island jail, where he was serving a sentence of 23 years for sexual assault and rape.

*) Italy overtakes China with most virus-related deaths

Italy's coronavirus death toll surpassed that of China, with 427 fatalities confirmed in the space of 24 hours.

The total number of deaths in Italy now stands at 3,405.

Meanwhile, the US state of California has been put under lockdown over coronavirus fears.

*) India hangs four men convicted of fatal gang rape

In India, four men have been hanged for the gang rape and murder of a student on a New Delhi bus in 2012.

The 23-year-old physiotherapy student died from her injuries days after six men raped her on the bus.

The executions were carried out as two recent attacks renewed attention to the problem of sexual violence in the country.

*) Olympic flame lands in Japan

The Olympic flame arrived in Japan from Greece in a scaled-down ceremony at an airbase in the country's north.

The flame touched down amid growing doubts about the Tokyo 2020 Games starting on July 24 in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The virus wrought havoc with the ceremony in Athens, which was held without any spectators.

*) Trump's team, senators to negotiate $1T economic rescue deal

US administration and congressional leaders are set to discuss a $1 trillion dollar economic package to rescue the country’s economy.

The package will include direct financial help for Americans, relief for small businesses and new support for coronavirus patients.

It is the biggest effort yet to shore up the US economy as the coronavirus pandemic hurtles the country toward a likely recession.

And finally...

*) Netflix to reduce streaming quality in Europe

Netflix will reduce the quality of its streaming in Europe to ease pressure on the internet.

The company’s decision came as demand soared across the continent, where millions are confined to their homes over coronavirus fears.

People across Europe are increasingly turning to the internet to stave off boredom during the quarantine and lockdowns.

China reports zero new domestic virus cases for the first time, and the population of endangered gray wolves on the rise in southwest US

*) Wuhan reports no new cases of virus

China records zero domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak emerged while confirming 24 imported cases.

The coronavirus has infected more than 215,000 people worldwide and killed over 8,900.

Governments across the globe have been enforcing measures to counter the pandemic and its fallout.

*) Turkey launches $15.4B aid package to fight coronavirus

Turkey's President Erdogan announced a $15.4B stimulus package to mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The package targets business, individuals, companies and various industries affected by the pandemic and its impact on the economy.

President Erdogan said Turkey would also postpone debt payments and reduce the tax burden on various sectors.

*)Lazzarini to head UN Palestinian refugee agency

Swiss humanitarian relief expert Philippe Lazzarini has been appointed to head the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had earlier recommended Lazzarini to lead the agency.

Lazzarini replaces Pierre Krahenbuhl, who resigned amid accusations of mismanagement in 2019.

*)Greek police use tear gas on migrants at Turkish border

Police on Greece's border used tear gas to repel hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers attempting to enter the country.

An estimated 2,000 people are still camped out on the border weeks after Turkey declared its borders to Europe open.

Ankara announced it is closing down its six land and sea border crossings with Greece and Bulgaria to contain the coronavirus epidemic.

And finally,

*)Endangered gray wolves on rise in southwest US

The population of endangered gray wolves in the US jumped by 24 percent in 2019.

It means there are more wolves in the wild than at any time since wildlife managers began efforts to conserve the animals decades ago.

Since the first wolves were released in 1998, the programme has aimed at re-establishing the species across its historic range.

Coronavirus cases in China on the decline day after day, and researchers say female genital mutilation affects far more countries than we think

*) Governments grapple with virus border closures, lockdowns

Governments around the globe are grappling with how to implement border closures, travel restrictions and lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The virus and countermeasures have unleashed transportation chaos and threatened economies.

But authorities say the steps are needed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

*)With 3 more victories, Biden extends lead over Sanders

Joe Biden secured solid victories over Bernie Sanders in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in Florida, Illinois and Arizona.

Ohio chose to halt in-person voting and delay its primary to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

Illinois, Florida and Arizona went ahead, instituting some new safety measures for voters and poll workers.

*)Turkey and EU trio discuss Syria, migration crisis

Turkish, German, British and French leaders discussed the Syria crisis, refugee issue and the coronavirus pandemic.

During the talks, the leaders discussed methods of humanitarian aid to Syria's northwest Idlib province.

They also agreed to work jointly to combat the coronavirus pandemic that had prompted the summit to be held over video conference.

*)EU border restrictions will hit transfers of child refugees – UN official

European border restrictions in place due to coronavirus will affect plans to transfer hundreds of children out of refugee camps in Greece, the UN says.

European countries had in recent weeks agreed to take unaccompanied minors from Greece.

But some EU member states imposed checks at control-free travel borders and EU leaders are later expected to seal the bloc's external borders.

And finally,

*)World 'woefully' underestimating female genital mutilation, study finds

Female genital mutilation affects far more countries than previously thought, researchers say.

That means global estimates for the number of women who have been cut are "woefully" low as compared to actual numbers.

The UN says about 200 million girls and women have been cut worldwide.

WHO chief calls for ‘every suspected coronavirus case’ to be tested and US begins first trial of anti-virus vaccine

*)WHO chief calls for virus testing as Europe locks down

The global battle to contain the coronavirus reached a new level of urgency, with the focus shifting from Asia to Europe and the US.

Meanwhile, the head of the World Health Organization has called for every suspected coronavirus case to be tested.

“You cannot fight a fire while blindfolded,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Test, test, test. Test every suspected case.”

*) Ohio halts presidential primary over virus concerns

Uncertainty surrounds Democratic primary as Ohio scrapped the vote just hours before polls were set to open.

Governor Mike DeWine announced the decision, citing the need to combat the novel coronavirus.

Officials in Arizona, Florida and Illinois said they would move forward with the vote, as they had done enough to ensure the safety of voters.

*) Russian court approves law that could extend Putin's reign

Russia's Constitutional Court approved a law on constitutional amendments that could allow Vladimir Putin to remain in power for another 16 years.

The law still must be approved in a national referendum that has been scheduled for April 22.

Because of term limits under the current law, Putin, in power since 2000, wouldn't be able to run for president again in 2024.

*) Israel swears in new parliament

Israel swore in its newly elected parliament under stringent restrictions because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called for unity and compromise from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Benny Gantz.

The new lawmakers took the oath of office in groups of three over 40 staggered rounds.

And finally,

*)US begins first human trial of coronavirus vaccine

The first clinical trials for a novel coronavirus vaccine have begun with human test subjects in the US.

In all, 45 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55 years old will take part in the tests, which are expected to run for roughly six weeks.

But it may be another year to 18 months before it becomes available once it has passed more trial phases to prove it works and is safe.