Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll

Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day&nbsp;toll since the start of the outbreak in the country.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-54-new-coronavirus-deaths-highest-single-day-toll-285461"> Read More</a>

Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border

Bulgaria's defence minister hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;surge from Turkey. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-opposes-greek-plans-for-refugee-camp-near-border-285481">Read More</a>

Biden, Sanders eye showdown in six states on Super Tuesday

The face-off between former US Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders begins on Tuesday for the Democratic candidate who would take on President Trump in the 2020 US elections.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-sanders-eye-showdown-in-six-states-on-super-tuesday-285482"> Read More</a>

British Prime Minister Johnson faces lawmaker revolt over Huawei 5G decision

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government faces its first revolt over a decision to allow the Chinese telecom giant Huawei to build the country's 5G phone network. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-faces-lawmaker-revolt-over-huawei-5g-decision-285478">Read More</a>

Dutch king apologises for violence during Indonesian independence war

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-king-apologises-for-violence-during-indonesian-independence-war-285480">Read More</a>

Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-deal-with-european-union-needs-to-be-updated-turkey-285469"> Read More</a>

US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan

China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-back-president-ghani-reject-abdullah-abdullahs-parallel-government-in-afghanistan-285467">Read More</a>

Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC'

Oil prices rose ten per cent after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-10-after-russia-indicates-open-to-cooperation-with-opec-285465">Read More</a>

Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has postponed her two-day official visit to Japan over the global outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-postpones-visit-to-japan-over-coronavirus-outbreak-285463">Read More</a>

Tanker rates surge as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil as they take advantage of a 25 per cent&nbsp;plunge in prices amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tanker-rates-surge-as-traders-hunt-for-ships-to-store-cheap-oil-285462">Read More</a>

Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day toll since the start of the outbreak in the country.

Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day toll since the start of the outbreak in the country. Read More Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border Bulgaria's defence minister hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid migrant surge from Turkey. Read More Biden, Sanders eye showdown in six states on Super Tuesday The face-off between former US Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders begins on Tuesday for the Democratic candidate who would take on President Trump in the 2020 US elections. Read More British Prime Minister Johnson faces lawmaker revolt over Huawei 5G decision British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government faces its first revolt over a decision to allow the Chinese telecom giant Huawei to build the country's 5G phone network. Read More Dutch king apologises for violence during Indonesian independence war Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. Read More Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue. Read More US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country. Read More Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC' Oil prices rose ten per cent after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991. Read More Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has postponed her two-day official visit to Japan over the global outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said. Read More Tanker rates surge as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil as they take advantage of a 25 per cent plunge in prices amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. Read More

Top 10 world news today: Iran reports new coronavirus deaths, oil prices rise and more!

In a speech in Parliament, Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-replaces-powerful-top-prosecutor-275496">Putin</a> said that proposed amendment allowing him to run for president after 2024 would be possible if the country's Constitutional Court allows it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-submits-constitutional-amendment-package-to-parliament-275548">Also Read:&nbsp;Putin submits constitutional amendment package to Parliament</a>

"This would be possible... if the constitutional court rules such an amendment would not go against (the constitution)," Putin told the Parliament.

Russian MPs in the lower of Parliament on Tuesday backed Putin's proposed constitutional amendments. 382 MPs voted for the package of changes to the constitution with 44 abstaining.

Lawmakers will vote for measures for the third time on Wednesday.

In January, the Russian president had submitted a package of constitutional amendments to parliament after announcing reform in the political system.

A new bill proposed changes including the transfer of some power away from the presidency. The reforms included parliament to control the prime minister of the country and limiting the president to two terms, instead of two successive terms.

Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms.

In a speech in Parliament, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that proposed amendment allowing him to run for president after 2024 would be possible if the country's Constitutional Court allows it.

In a speech in Parliament, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that proposed amendment allowing him to run for president after 2024 would be possible if the country's Constitutional Court allows it. Also Read: Putin submits constitutional amendment package to Parliament "This would be possible... if the constitutional court rules such an amendment would not go against (the constitution)," Putin told the Parliament. Russian MPs in the lower of Parliament on Tuesday backed Putin's proposed constitutional amendments. 382 MPs voted for the package of changes to the constitution with 44 abstaining. Lawmakers will vote for measures for the third time on Wednesday. In January, the Russian president had submitted a package of constitutional amendments to parliament after announcing reform in the political system. A new bill proposed changes including the transfer of some power away from the presidency. The reforms included parliament to control the prime minister of the country and limiting the president to two terms, instead of two successive terms. Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms.

Putin pitches for constitutional amendment, MPs back package of changes

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil in as they take advantage of a 25% plunge in prices on Monday amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Shipping rates from the Middle East to Asia, for instance, have risen by more than 25% since last Friday, while several traders are making enquiries to lease tankers to temporarily store oil offshore, traders and shipping sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The cost of renting a VLCC, which can carry 2 million barrels of crude and can be used for floating storage, was assessed Tuesday at around $38,700 per day, compared with around $30,700 per day on Friday and $14,800 a month ago, shipbroker sources said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-after-us-strike-kills-iranian-general-271775">Oil prices surge after US strike kills Iranian general Soleimani</a> 
&nbsp;

"Tanker offers are quite high today," said a Singapore-based crude oil trader. "Now the contango market structure supports (oil storage), but shipowners are raising prices."

Oil tanker charter rates jump as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil.

The rise in tanker chartering rates is a boon for shipowners who have seen demand walloped recently by the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak which choked commodity and semi-finished goods imports into top consumer China.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-surge-after-trump-tears-up-iran-deal-135734">Oil prices surge after Trump tears up Iran deal</a>

We are seeing several deals being negotiated for short-term (6-12 months) charters, with one already concluded. The fall in oil prices has made floating storage more attractive, although the margins are still relatively thin," energy shipbroker and consultancy Poten &amp; Partners said in a research note.

A Pareto Securities shipping note to clients said: "while actual fixing activity was rather limited yesterday, the 'floating storage' interest has boosted shipowners' sentiment and rate ideas have thus been increased substantially."

Another shipbroker in Singapore said his firm had not secured any fixtures yet "but there a is huge expectation of firming of the spot market. It's the older tonnage that will be more likely to be engaged for floating storage."

Crude oil's forward curve change from backwardation to contango.

Crude oil prices suffered their biggest daily rout since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday as top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia began a price war that threatens to overwhelm global oil markets with supply.

Major milestones for big moves in light crude oil prices.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezulea-crisis-crude-oil-prices-surge-195411">Venezulea Crisis: Crude oil prices surge</a>

Several refiners are already looking to maximise imports of Middle Eastern purchase to take advantage of cheap crude after the Saudis slashed their official selling prices (OSPs) for April in an attempt to lure buyers.

"The VLCC rates are climbing up but it's mainly sentiment-driven right now, it's main traders who are enquiring for storage," a Singapore-based ship broker told Reuters.

The Worldscale index rate for shipping crude on a VLCC from the Middle East to North Asia rose to 54 points on Tuesday, from 49 points on Monday, according to trade and shipping sources.

Time charter equivalent rates for a 2,70,000 deadweight tonnes tanker on the Middle East to China route increased by 27 per cent in one day on Monday, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa in Singapore.

The flip in the crude oil market's forward curve to a contango where deferred prices are above spot prices has been a key factor spurring demand for storage.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/oil-prices-fall-on-dip-in-china-demand-surging-us-output-143077">Oil prices fall on dip in China demand, surging US output</a>

The recent steep fall in spot Brent oil prices has made storing oil for later sale economical.

In the Middle East benchmark Dubai crude oil market, the April, May Dubai inter-month spread widened to 77 cents a barrel as of noon on Tuesday, making oil storage profitable. Brent crude prices are in a similar structure.

In addition to floating storage, countries like China and India could move to exploit the weak prices and increase imports for strategic reserves, boosting tanker demand, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa in Singapore.

"China, in particular, was the first to suffer from the coronavirus outbreak, but now also seems to be the first to put it behind them. The situation seems increasingly under control," he said.

&nbsp;

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil in as they take advantage of a 25% plunge in prices on Monday amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil in as they take advantage of a 25% plunge in prices on Monday amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. Shipping rates from the Middle East to Asia, for instance, have risen by more than 25% since last Friday, while several traders are making enquiries to lease tankers to temporarily store oil offshore, traders and shipping sources told Reuters on Tuesday. The cost of renting a VLCC, which can carry 2 million barrels of crude and can be used for floating storage, was assessed Tuesday at around $38,700 per day, compared with around $30,700 per day on Friday and $14,800 a month ago, shipbroker sources said. Also Read: Oil prices surge after US strike kills Iranian general Soleimani "Tanker offers are quite high today," said a Singapore-based crude oil trader. "Now the contango market structure supports (oil storage), but shipowners are raising prices." Oil tanker charter rates jump as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil. The rise in tanker chartering rates is a boon for shipowners who have seen demand walloped recently by the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak which choked commodity and semi-finished goods imports into top consumer China. Also Read: Oil prices surge after Trump tears up Iran deal We are seeing several deals being negotiated for short-term (6-12 months) charters, with one already concluded. The fall in oil prices has made floating storage more attractive, although the margins are still relatively thin," energy shipbroker and consultancy Poten & Partners said in a research note. A Pareto Securities shipping note to clients said: "while actual fixing activity was rather limited yesterday, the 'floating storage' interest has boosted shipowners' sentiment and rate ideas have thus been increased substantially." Another shipbroker in Singapore said his firm had not secured any fixtures yet "but there a is huge expectation of firming of the spot market. It's the older tonnage that will be more likely to be engaged for floating storage." Crude oil's forward curve change from backwardation to contango. Crude oil prices suffered their biggest daily rout since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday as top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia began a price war that threatens to overwhelm global oil markets with supply. Major milestones for big moves in light crude oil prices. Also Read: Venezulea Crisis: Crude oil prices surge Several refiners are already looking to maximise imports of Middle Eastern purchase to take advantage of cheap crude after the Saudis slashed their official selling prices (OSPs) for April in an attempt to lure buyers. "The VLCC rates are climbing up but it's mainly sentiment-driven right now, it's main traders who are enquiring for storage," a Singapore-based ship broker told Reuters. The Worldscale index rate for shipping crude on a VLCC from the Middle East to North Asia rose to 54 points on Tuesday, from 49 points on Monday, according to trade and shipping sources. Time charter equivalent rates for a 2,70,000 deadweight tonnes tanker on the Middle East to China route increased by 27 per cent in one day on Monday, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa in Singapore. The flip in the crude oil market's forward curve to a contango where deferred prices are above spot prices has been a key factor spurring demand for storage. Also Read: Oil prices fall on dip in China demand, surging US output The recent steep fall in spot Brent oil prices has made storing oil for later sale economical. In the Middle East benchmark Dubai crude oil market, the April, May Dubai inter-month spread widened to 77 cents a barrel as of noon on Tuesday, making oil storage profitable. Brent crude prices are in a similar structure. In addition to floating storage, countries like China and India could move to exploit the weak prices and increase imports for strategic reserves, boosting tanker demand, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa in Singapore. "China, in particular, was the first to suffer from the coronavirus outbreak, but now also seems to be the first to put it behind them. The situation seems increasingly under control," he said.

Tanker rates surge as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil

Bulgaria's defence minister has hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid a migration surge from Turkey.

"The accommodation by the Greek side of illegal migrants near our border is a pre-requisite for building up of additional tensions. This is not good-neighbourly and is unreasonable!" Krasimir Karakachanov posted late Monday on Facebook.

The comments came after Greek migration minister Notis Mitarachi announced over the weekend that Athens wanted to build two closed centres in the northern region of Serres that borders Bulgaria and in the Athens area with 1,000 places.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-some-eu-countries-are-struggling-to-relocate-migrants-265965">Why some EU countries are struggling to relocate migrants</a>

Greece already struggling to accommodate thousands of asylum-seekers stranded in the country has come under even more pressure since Turkey stopped preventing migrants and asylum seekers from leaving for EU territory.

"The Bulgarian army is on standby, and I guarantee that I won't allow a new migration wave to our country," wrote Karakachanov, the leader of the nationalist VMRO party, a junior coalition partner in the government.

"Bulgaria will not pay other people's bills".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-head-to-greece-as-turkey-opens-floodgates-283547">Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates</a>

Bulgaria borders on both Greece and Turkey to the southeast but has so far not seen an influx of asylum seekers.

Conservative prime minister Boyko Borisov recently welcomed what he said was "zero migration" thanks to a barbed-wire fence Bulgaria built on the 259-kilometre (160-mile) border with Turkey and his close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Bulgaria's 493-kilometre border with Greece is guarded by border police and has also has not seen any pressure recently.

In talks with Erdogan last week in Ankara, Borisov proposed undertaking "actions which would contribute to solving the crisis in Syria and stop migration pressure" on the region.

He has long pressed for the setting up of closed security centres for asylum seekers outside the EU, funded by the bloc.

Bulgaria's defence minister has hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid a migration surge from Turkey.

Bulgaria's defence minister has hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid a migration surge from Turkey. "The accommodation by the Greek side of illegal migrants near our border is a pre-requisite for building up of additional tensions. This is not good-neighbourly and is unreasonable!" Krasimir Karakachanov posted late Monday on Facebook. The comments came after Greek migration minister Notis Mitarachi announced over the weekend that Athens wanted to build two closed centres in the northern region of Serres that borders Bulgaria and in the Athens area with 1,000 places. Also Read: Why some EU countries are struggling to relocate migrants Greece already struggling to accommodate thousands of asylum-seekers stranded in the country has come under even more pressure since Turkey stopped preventing migrants and asylum seekers from leaving for EU territory. "The Bulgarian army is on standby, and I guarantee that I won't allow a new migration wave to our country," wrote Karakachanov, the leader of the nationalist VMRO party, a junior coalition partner in the government. "Bulgaria will not pay other people's bills". Also Read: Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates Bulgaria borders on both Greece and Turkey to the southeast but has so far not seen an influx of asylum seekers. Conservative prime minister Boyko Borisov recently welcomed what he said was "zero migration" thanks to a barbed-wire fence Bulgaria built on the 259-kilometre (160-mile) border with Turkey and his close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bulgaria's 493-kilometre border with Greece is guarded by border police and has also has not seen any pressure recently. In talks with Erdogan last week in Ankara, Borisov proposed undertaking "actions which would contribute to solving the crisis in Syria and stop migration pressure" on the region. He has long pressed for the setting up of closed security centres for asylum seekers outside the EU, funded by the bloc.

Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border

Online bullying, stigmatisation hits coronavirus patients in South Korea

Oil prices rose ten per cent on Tuesday after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-takes-biggest-daily-dive-in-over-a-decade-as-russia-opec-split-284881">Also Read:&nbsp;Oil takes biggest daily dive in over a decade as Russia, OPEC split</a>

Russian energy minister Alexander Novak told state television that various tools including reduction and increasing production could take place after Saudi Arabia indicated it would increase production from current level of &nbsp;9.7 million bpd.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-saudi-arabia-plans-big-oil-output-hike-285319/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Saudi Aramco announces that it will provide its customers with 12.3 million barrels per day of crude oil in April," the company said in a statement.

Brent crude futures were up $3.36, nearly 10%, to $37.72 a barrel.

"The Company has agreed with its customers to provide them with such volumes starting 1 April 2020. The Company expects that this will have a positive, long-term financial effect," the statement.

Saudi Arabia's decision to ramp up oil output is set to trigger an all-out price war in a sector which has been hit due to fall in demand due to the coronavirus in China and large scale oil inventory present in the world markets with demand not likely to take place in the near future.

Oil prices rose ten per cent on Tuesday after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991.

Oil prices rose ten per cent on Tuesday after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991. Also Read: Oil takes biggest daily dive in over a decade as Russia, OPEC split Russian energy minister Alexander Novak told state television that various tools including reduction and increasing production could take place after Saudi Arabia indicated it would increase production from current level of 9.7 million bpd. Watch Video: "Saudi Aramco announces that it will provide its customers with 12.3 million barrels per day of crude oil in April," the company said in a statement. Brent crude futures were up $3.36, nearly 10%, to $37.72 a barrel. "The Company has agreed with its customers to provide them with such volumes starting 1 April 2020. The Company expects that this will have a positive, long-term financial effect," the statement. Saudi Arabia's decision to ramp up oil output is set to trigger an all-out price war in a sector which has been hit due to fall in demand due to the coronavirus in China and large scale oil inventory present in the world markets with demand not likely to take place in the near future.

Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC'

The coronavirus cases in India rose to 56 on Tuesday with six new cases reported from Kerala and three from Karnataka.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-india-live-updates-coronavirus-cases-in-india-live-news-latest-updates-one-intel-employee-potentially-exposed-to-coronavirus-under-quarantine-284099">Also Read: Total confirmed positive cases in India rise to 56</a>

Kerala which has seen a spurt in cases had confirmed a 3-year-old boy in Ernakulam who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

Kerala government announced that due to the virus cinema theatres will remain closed from March 11 till March 31 in the state.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-confirms-four-positive-cases-of-coronavirus-285450/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that classes and exams till the seventh standard will remain suspended till March 31 while adding that all vacation, tuition classes, anganvadis, Madrasas should be closed till March 31 as well.

In Karanataka, three more positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed. Now there are at least four confirmed cases of the virus in the state.

Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu while announcing the new coronavirus cases urged people to take precautionary measures and cooperate in preventing the spread of infection.

Meanwhile, Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster aircraft returned from Iran to Hindon airbase on Tuesday morning with 58 Indians who were stranded in Iran due to the coronavirus. The passengers included 25 men, 31 women and two children.

All passengers will be quarantined at Hindon airbase.&nbsp;

The coronavirus cases in India rose to 56 on Tuesday with six new cases reported from Kerala and three from Karnataka. Also Read: Total confirmed positive cases in India rise to 56 Kerala which has seen a spurt in cases had confirmed a 3-year-old boy in Ernakulam who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

The coronavirus cases in India rose to 56 on Tuesday with six new cases reported from Kerala and three from Karnataka. Also Read: Total confirmed positive cases in India rise to 56 Kerala which has seen a spurt in cases had confirmed a 3-year-old boy in Ernakulam who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Kerala government announced that due to the virus cinema theatres will remain closed from March 11 till March 31 in the state. Watch Video: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that classes and exams till the seventh standard will remain suspended till March 31 while adding that all vacation, tuition classes, anganvadis, Madrasas should be closed till March 31 as well. In Karanataka, three more positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed. Now there are at least four confirmed cases of the virus in the state. Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu while announcing the new coronavirus cases urged people to take precautionary measures and cooperate in preventing the spread of infection. Meanwhile, Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster aircraft returned from Iran to Hindon airbase on Tuesday morning with 58 Indians who were stranded in Iran due to the coronavirus. The passengers included 25 men, 31 women and two children. All passengers will be quarantined at Hindon airbase.

Coronavirus cases in India rise to 56; Karnataka, Kerala worst-hit

Not happy with the performance of the employees, the Sikkim government has withdrawn the five-day working week system and declared that they will get holidays only on second and fourth Saturdays.

The new system will be effective from April 1, according to a notification.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-5-day-a-week-in-commercial-banks-rbi-212124">No 5-day a week in commercial banks: RBI</a>

After coming to power in May last year, chief minister Prem Singh Tamang had introduced the five-day working week for employees of the state government and public sector units. Earlier, it was a six-day week.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-given-a-4-day-work-week-indians-would-learn-a-new-skill-survey-204479">If given a 4-day work week, Indians would learn a new skill: Survey</a>

However, official sources said, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government was not happy with the performance of its employees despite providing them holidays on Saturdays.

Modifying the May 28, 2019 notification, chief secretary S C Gupta on Monday said that with effect from April 1, 2020, only the second and fourth Saturdays will be holidays for the government and PSU offices in Sikkim.&nbsp;

Not happy with the performance of the employees, the Sikkim government has withdrawn the five-day working week system and declared that they will get holidays only on second and fourth Saturdays.

Not happy with the performance of the employees, the Sikkim government has withdrawn the five-day working week system and declared that they will get holidays only on second and fourth Saturdays. The new system will be effective from April 1, according to a notification. Also read: No 5-day a week in commercial banks: RBI After coming to power in May last year, chief minister Prem Singh Tamang had introduced the five-day working week for employees of the state government and public sector units. Earlier, it was a six-day week. Also read: If given a 4-day work week, Indians would learn a new skill: Survey However, official sources said, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government was not happy with the performance of its employees despite providing them holidays on Saturdays. Modifying the May 28, 2019 notification, chief secretary S C Gupta on Monday said that with effect from April 1, 2020, only the second and fourth Saturdays will be holidays for the government and PSU offices in Sikkim.

Sikkim withdraws five-day working week system for government employees

Five key questions about the MH17 trial

Prince Harry and his wife <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-get-standing-ovation-at-mountbatten-festival-of-music-285103">Megan</a> bowed out of official royal&nbsp;duties on Monday as they joined other members of the royal family at Westminster Abbey in their final public engagement before stepping back from their roles on March 31.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/proud-to-serve-queen-and-country-prince-harry-284675">Also Read:&nbsp;Proud to serve Queen and country: Prince Harry</a>

Meghan, wearing an emerald green dress and hat&nbsp;joined Harry as they took their place at&nbsp;Westminster Abbey in their last official royal appearance in less than two years after they got married in a royal ceremony watched by millions around the world.&nbsp;

<img alt="Megan and Harry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edad905f-8cfe-4947-8f65-0b4917bd9dd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Megaaan%20%26%20Harryy11main.jpg" />

The royal couple took their&nbsp;place behind Prince William and Kate as they exchanged pleasantries and spoke to the choir boys. They witnessed singer Alexandra Burke perform and heard a speech by Anthony Joshua on shared vision" of the Commonwealth community.&nbsp;

According to the agreement reached in January, Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, will stop using "His"&nbsp;or "Her Royal Highness"&nbsp;titles and will no longer use the "royal" title once they officially step back.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="Megan and Harry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37f3f405-2e71-4847-ab93-28a488d68695" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Megan%20%26%20Harryy11.jpg" />

Last weekend, Prince Harry had met Queen Elizabeth, 93, at Windsor Castle to discuss his future, according to reports, the queen told Harry that they would always be welcome.

The couple had received a standing ovation as they attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening.&nbsp;

<img alt="Prince Harry and Megan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f486a323-39c7-4ef4-987b-b3e40090de7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Megan%20%26%20Harry111.jpg" />

The annual Commonwealth Service was the first event when the couple were seen together with Queen Elizabeth and the royal family since the exit deal in January.

Prince Harry and his wife Megan bowed out of official royal duties on Monday as they joined other members of the royal family at Westminster Abbey in their final public engagement before stepping back from their roles on March 31.

Prince Harry and his wife Megan bowed out of official royal duties on Monday as they joined other members of the royal family at Westminster Abbey in their final public engagement before stepping back from their roles on March 31. Also Read: Proud to serve Queen and country: Prince Harry Meghan, wearing an emerald green dress and hat joined Harry as they took their place at Westminster Abbey in their last official royal appearance in less than two years after they got married in a royal ceremony watched by millions around the world. The royal couple took their place behind Prince William and Kate as they exchanged pleasantries and spoke to the choir boys. They witnessed singer Alexandra Burke perform and heard a speech by Anthony Joshua on shared vision" of the Commonwealth community. According to the agreement reached in January, Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, will stop using "His" or "Her Royal Highness" titles and will no longer use the "royal" title once they officially step back. Last weekend, Prince Harry had met Queen Elizabeth, 93, at Windsor Castle to discuss his future, according to reports, the queen told Harry that they would always be welcome. The couple had received a standing ovation as they attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening. The annual Commonwealth Service was the first event when the couple were seen together with Queen Elizabeth and the royal family since the exit deal in January.

Prince Harry and Meghan make last official royal appearance at Westminster Abbey

The World Health Organization(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that threat of a coronavirus "pandemic" has become very real.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-stock-trading-halted-as-dow-nasdaq-plunge-over-coronavirus-fears-285308">Also Read:&nbsp;US stock trading halted as Dow, Nasdaq plunge over coronavirus fears</a>

"The threat of a pandemic has become very real," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, adding," "it would be the first pandemic in history that can be controlled... we are not at the mercy of the virus".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-china-sees-lowest-number-of-cases-within-single-day-285208/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The WHO chief said added that over 70 per cent of people infected with coronavirus in China had recovered.

Meanwhile, US media reports said President Trump will consider options for emergency economic assistance to Americans hit by the coronavirus even as reports said that a cruise ship stranded off the California coast due to the&nbsp;coronavirus outbreak is expected to dock in Oakland on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-punjab-and-karnataka-total-cases-in-india-rise-to-45-285318">Also Read: Two test positive in Punjab and Karnataka, total cases in India rise to 45&nbsp;</a>

The ship has at least 21 confirmed novel coronavirus cases among its 3,500 passengers.

US health authorities urged the elderly and those at risk to stock up on food and medicine and prepare to remain at home.&nbsp;

In Europe which has been hit hard due to the virus, Cyprus on Monday reported the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus which has now covered the entire European continent.

The World Health Organization(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that threat of a coronavirus "pandemic" has become very real. Also Read: US stock trading halted as Dow, Nasdaq plunge over coronavirus fears "The threat of a pandemic has become very real," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, adding," "it would be the first pandemic in history that can be controlled.

The World Health Organization(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that threat of a coronavirus "pandemic" has become very real. Also Read: US stock trading halted as Dow, Nasdaq plunge over coronavirus fears "The threat of a pandemic has become very real," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, adding," "it would be the first pandemic in history that can be controlled... we are not at the mercy of the virus". Watch Video: The WHO chief said added that over 70 per cent of people infected with coronavirus in China had recovered. Meanwhile, US media reports said President Trump will consider options for emergency economic assistance to Americans hit by the coronavirus even as reports said that a cruise ship stranded off the California coast due to the coronavirus outbreak is expected to dock in Oakland on Monday. Also Read: Two test positive in Punjab and Karnataka, total cases in India rise to 45 The ship has at least 21 confirmed novel coronavirus cases among its 3,500 passengers. US health authorities urged the elderly and those at risk to stock up on food and medicine and prepare to remain at home. In Europe which has been hit hard due to the virus, Cyprus on Monday reported the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus which has now covered the entire European continent.

Threat of coronavirus 'pandemic' has become very real: WHO

Two people have died of the novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-stock-trading-halted-as-dow-nasdaq-plunge-over-coronavirus-fears-285308">coronavirus </a>in the western German city of Essen and virus hotspot Heinsberg, officials told AFP on Monday, the country's first casualties of the outbreak.

In Essen, an 89-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with the virus on March 3 died despite medical measures to support her breathing and circulation.

"I regret this death very much," mayor Thomas Kufen said in a statement, offering his condolences to the woman's family and friends.

Meanwhile, officials in the district of Heinsberg said they would discuss the fatal case there at a 6:30 pm (1730 GMT) press conference.

Both fatalities occurred in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state along the border with Belgium and the Netherlands.

The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus on Monday passed 1,000 in Europe's top economy Germany.

But so far the only German national to die of the disease had been a 60-year-old tourist in Egypt.

Germany has suffered a comparatively light toll in relation to European Union neighbours, namely in hard-hit Italy, where 366 people have died of the virus and there are thousands of confirmed cases.

"Here in Germany we are ahead in diagnostics, in detection," Christian Drosten, director of the Institute for Virology at Berlin's Charite hospital said earlier Monday in the capital.

"The most effective tool against coronavirus is the time factor, slowing down its spread and spreading it over a longer period of time," Chancellor Angela Merkel said.

She also reiterated government advice on measures such as avoiding bodily contact to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease. 
&nbsp;

Two people have died of the novel coronavirus in the western German city of Essen and virus hotspot Heinsberg, officials told AFP on Monday, the country's first casualties of the outbreak.

Two people have died of the novel coronavirus in the western German city of Essen and virus hotspot Heinsberg, officials told AFP on Monday, the country's first casualties of the outbreak. In Essen, an 89-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with the virus on March 3 died despite medical measures to support her breathing and circulation. "I regret this death very much," mayor Thomas Kufen said in a statement, offering his condolences to the woman's family and friends. Meanwhile, officials in the district of Heinsberg said they would discuss the fatal case there at a 6:30 pm (1730 GMT) press conference. Both fatalities occurred in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state along the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus on Monday passed 1,000 in Europe's top economy Germany. But so far the only German national to die of the disease had been a 60-year-old tourist in Egypt. Germany has suffered a comparatively light toll in relation to European Union neighbours, namely in hard-hit Italy, where 366 people have died of the virus and there are thousands of confirmed cases. "Here in Germany we are ahead in diagnostics, in detection," Christian Drosten, director of the Institute for Virology at Berlin's Charite hospital said earlier Monday in the capital. "The most effective tool against coronavirus is the time factor, slowing down its spread and spreading it over a longer period of time," Chancellor Angela Merkel said. She also reiterated government advice on measures such as avoiding bodily contact to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease.

Two die due to coronavirus in Germany

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