The&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Barrier&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;has again been hit with "widespread"&nbsp;bleaching, authorities said Friday, as higher-than-average ocean temperatures off Australia's northeast threaten the already struggling World Heritage site.

Surveillance flights over the&nbsp;reef&nbsp;revealed damage due to heat stress ranging from minor to severe&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;across the 2,300-kilometre (1,243-mile) network of corals, the&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Barrier&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;Marine Park Authority said.&nbsp;

"Bleaching&nbsp;has been detected across the Marine Park -- it is&nbsp;widespread&nbsp;but variable, across multiple regions, ranging in impact from minor to severe," the authority said in its weekly update.&nbsp;

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Over the past week sea temperatures throughout the marine park ranged between 0.5 and two degrees Celsius above average, while the far north and inshore areas recorded temperatures between two and four degrees above average.&nbsp;

"The most heavily impacted reefs are around the Townsville region. There have also been reports of early mortality where heat stress has been the greatest."

The news comes ahead of a UNESCO trip to the&nbsp;reef&nbsp;to inspect the site's health, informing a decision on its heritage listing which is to be considered in June.

Bleaching&nbsp;occurs when healthy corals become stressed by spikes in ocean temperatures, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues, draining them of their vibrant colours.

There have been five mass&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;events across the&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Barrier&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;triggered by unusually warm sea temperatures since 1997, leaving many affected corals struggling to survive.

Several cyclones have also battered the&nbsp;reef, as climate change drives more extreme weather.

Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish have also eaten away at the coral.

While recent changes are not yet classified as a mass&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;event, the Australian Marine Conservation Society described the report as "disastrous news", particularly during a La Nina weather pattern, which is usually associated with cooler ocean temperatures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-climate-summit-nepals-environment-minister-urges-for-global-partnerships-to-combat-climate-crisis-462719">WION Climate Summit: Nepal's environment minister urges for global partnerships to combat climate crisis</a>

"It shows the consistent pressure our&nbsp;reef&nbsp;is now under from global heating," the society's campaign manager Lissa Schindler said.&nbsp;

"A healthy&nbsp;reef&nbsp;can recover from coral&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;but it needs time. More frequent marine heatwaves primarily driven by the burning of coal and gas means it is not getting this time."

Australia's conservative government earlier this year announced new funding in the hope of preventing the climate-ravaged&nbsp;reef&nbsp;from being removed from UNESCO's World Heritage list.

When the UN previously threatened to downgrade the&nbsp;reef's World Heritage listing in 2015, Australia created a "Reef&nbsp;2050" plan and poured billions of dollars into protection.

The measures are believed to have arrested the pace of decline, but much of the world's largest&nbsp;reef&nbsp;system has already been damaged.

A recent study found&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;had affected 98 percent of the&nbsp;reef&nbsp;since 1998, leaving just a fraction untouched.

The&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Barrier&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;-- the world's largest living structure, visible from space -- was added to the list in 1981 for its "superlative natural beauty" and extensive biodiversity.

But the list is not permanently fixed, and sites can be downgraded or even removed entirely on the UN body's recommendation.

While placement on the "in-danger" list is not considered a sanction -- some nations have their sites added to gain international attention to help save them -- others see it as a dishonour.

Watch |&nbsp;Microplastics found in Marine life: Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microplastics-found-in-marine-life-scientists-take-research-trips-on-the-brazilian-coast-463298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Great Barrier Reef has again been hit with "widespread" bleaching, authorities said Friday, as higher-than-average ocean temperatures off Australia's northeast threaten the already struggling World Heritage site.

The Great Barrier Reef has again been hit with "widespread" bleaching, authorities said Friday, as higher-than-average ocean temperatures off Australia's northeast threaten the already struggling World Heritage site. Surveillance flights over the reef revealed damage due to heat stress ranging from minor to severe bleaching across the 2,300-kilometre (1,243-mile) network of corals, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority said. "Bleaching has been detected across the Marine Park -- it is widespread but variable, across multiple regions, ranging in impact from minor to severe," the authority said in its weekly update. Also read | Australian watchdog sues Facebook-owner Meta over scam advertisements Over the past week sea temperatures throughout the marine park ranged between 0.5 and two degrees Celsius above average, while the far north and inshore areas recorded temperatures between two and four degrees above average. "The most heavily impacted reefs are around the Townsville region. There have also been reports of early mortality where heat stress has been the greatest." The news comes ahead of a UNESCO trip to the reef to inspect the site's health, informing a decision on its heritage listing which is to be considered in June. Bleaching occurs when healthy corals become stressed by spikes in ocean temperatures, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues, draining them of their vibrant colours. There have been five mass bleaching events across the Great Barrier Reef triggered by unusually warm sea temperatures since 1997, leaving many affected corals struggling to survive. Several cyclones have also battered the reef, as climate change drives more extreme weather. Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish have also eaten away at the coral. While recent changes are not yet classified as a mass bleaching event, the Australian Marine Conservation Society described the report as "disastrous news", particularly during a La Nina weather pattern, which is usually associated with cooler ocean temperatures. Also read | WION Climate Summit: Nepal's environment minister urges for global partnerships to combat climate crisis "It shows the consistent pressure our reef is now under from global heating," the society's campaign manager Lissa Schindler said. "A healthy reef can recover from coral bleaching but it needs time. More frequent marine heatwaves primarily driven by the burning of coal and gas means it is not getting this time." Australia's conservative government earlier this year announced new funding in the hope of preventing the climate-ravaged reef from being removed from UNESCO's World Heritage list. When the UN previously threatened to downgrade the reef's World Heritage listing in 2015, Australia created a "Reef 2050" plan and poured billions of dollars into protection. The measures are believed to have arrested the pace of decline, but much of the world's largest reef system has already been damaged. A recent study found bleaching had affected 98 percent of the reef since 1998, leaving just a fraction untouched. The Great Barrier Reef -- the world's largest living structure, visible from space -- was added to the list in 1981 for its "superlative natural beauty" and extensive biodiversity. But the list is not permanently fixed, and sites can be downgraded or even removed entirely on the UN body's recommendation. While placement on the "in-danger" list is not considered a sanction -- some nations have their sites added to gain international attention to help save them -- others see it as a dishonour. Watch | Microplastics found in Marine life: Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

Great Barrier Reef suffers 'widespread' bleaching event

A 13-year-old boy was driving a pickup truck that collided with a van carrying a college golf team in west&nbsp;Texas, killing nine people, officials said Thursday.

Six members of the New Mexico-based University of the Southwest golf team were killed in Tuesday night's crash along with their coach, according to police.

The 13-year-old boy and his 38-year-old father who was riding in the pickup truck also died in the accident, which occurred near Andrews,&nbsp;Texas.

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According to the&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;Department of Public Safety, the Dodge 2500 pickup veered into the oncoming lane, colliding head on with the van.

Both vehicles caught fire.

Bruce Landsberg, the vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, was quoted by KWES TV in Odessa,&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;as saying the minor was behind the wheel of the pickup truck at the time of the accident.

The 13-year-old was violating&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;law. A resident may obtain a learner's permit in the state beginning at the age of 15 which allows them to drive with a licensed adult over 21.

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Landsberg was also quoted by KWES TV as saying the pickup's left front tire appears to have blown out before the crash, which occurred with both vehicles traveling at high speed.

Two University of the Southwest students, both Canadians, are in hospital in critical condition.

A 13-year-old boy was driving a pickup truck that collided with a van carrying a college golf team in west Texas, killing nine people, officials said Thursday. Six members of the New Mexico-based University of the Southwest golf team were killed in Tuesday night's crash along with their coach, according to police.

A 13-year-old boy was driving a pickup truck that collided with a van carrying a college golf team in west Texas, killing nine people, officials said Thursday. Six members of the New Mexico-based University of the Southwest golf team were killed in Tuesday night's crash along with their coach, according to police. The 13-year-old boy and his 38-year-old father who was riding in the pickup truck also died in the accident, which occurred near Andrews, Texas. Also read | Australian watchdog sues Facebook-owner Meta over scam advertisements According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dodge 2500 pickup veered into the oncoming lane, colliding head on with the van. Both vehicles caught fire. Bruce Landsberg, the vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, was quoted by KWES TV in Odessa, Texas as saying the minor was behind the wheel of the pickup truck at the time of the accident. The 13-year-old was violating Texas law. A resident may obtain a learner's permit in the state beginning at the age of 15 which allows them to drive with a licensed adult over 21. Also read | Emmanuel Macron vows tax cuts, benefits shake-up in election manifesto Landsberg was also quoted by KWES TV as saying the pickup's left front tire appears to have blown out before the crash, which occurred with both vehicles traveling at high speed. Two University of the Southwest students, both Canadians, are in hospital in critical condition.

A 13-year-old was driving truck in Texas crash that killed nine people

More than two dozen&nbsp;whales&nbsp;died in a mass stranding at a&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;beach&nbsp;renowned as a&nbsp;death trap&nbsp;for the ocean giants, wildlife rangers said Friday.

The Department of Conservation said 29 long-finned pilot&nbsp;whales&nbsp;were already dead when the pod of 34 marine mammals was found at remote Farewell Spit on the South Island late Thursday.

Department spokesman Dave Winterburn said rangers were providing care for five survivors but noted "the&nbsp;whales&nbsp;have now been out of the water for some time".

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"While this event is unfortunate, whale strandings are a natural phenomenon," he said.

"The cause of this stranding is not known."

Farewell Spit, a 26-kilometre (16 mile) hook of sand that protrudes into the sea, has been the scene of more than 10 pilot whale strandings in the past 15 years.

The largest was in February 2017, when almost 700 of the mammals beached, resulting in 250 deaths.

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Scientists are unclear about why the&nbsp;beach&nbsp;is so deadly. One theory is that the spit creates a shallow seabed in the bay that interferes with the&nbsp;whales' sonar navigation systems.

Pilot&nbsp;whales, the most common species of whale in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;waters, are particularly susceptible to mass strandings.

The&nbsp;whales, which grow up to six metres (20 feet) long, are regularly found beached in large numbers.

More than two dozen whales died in a mass stranding at a New Zealand beach renowned as a death trap for the ocean giants, wildlife rangers said Friday. The Department of Conservation said 29 long-finned pilot whales were already dead when the pod of 34 marine mammals was found at remote Farewell Spit on the South Island late Thursday.

More than two dozen whales died in a mass stranding at a New Zealand beach renowned as a death trap for the ocean giants, wildlife rangers said Friday. The Department of Conservation said 29 long-finned pilot whales were already dead when the pod of 34 marine mammals was found at remote Farewell Spit on the South Island late Thursday. Department spokesman Dave Winterburn said rangers were providing care for five survivors but noted "the whales have now been out of the water for some time". Also read | 'An extraordinary find': A 36-million-year-old prehistoric whale fossil found in Peru "While this event is unfortunate, whale strandings are a natural phenomenon," he said. "The cause of this stranding is not known." Farewell Spit, a 26-kilometre (16 mile) hook of sand that protrudes into the sea, has been the scene of more than 10 pilot whale strandings in the past 15 years. The largest was in February 2017, when almost 700 of the mammals beached, resulting in 250 deaths. Also read | New Zealand offers visas to 4,000 Ukraine war refugees Scientists are unclear about why the beach is so deadly. One theory is that the spit creates a shallow seabed in the bay that interferes with the whales' sonar navigation systems. Pilot whales, the most common species of whale in New Zealand waters, are particularly susceptible to mass strandings. The whales, which grow up to six metres (20 feet) long, are regularly found beached in large numbers.

Death Trap: Over two dozen whales dead in New Zealand mass stranding

Moderna&nbsp;Inc on late Thursday (March 17) sought emergency use authorisation with US health regulators for a second COVID-19 booster shot, as a surge in cases in some parts of the world fuels fears of another wave of the pandemic.

The US biotechnology company said its request covered all adults over the age of 18 so that the appropriate use of an additional booster dose of its vaccine, including for those at higher risk of COVID-19 due to age or comorbidities, could be determined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health care providers.

Moderna's request is significantly broader than Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE's application that was filed earlier this week with US regulators for a second booster shot for people aged 65 and older.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-approves-astrazenecas-preventative-covid-therapy-463272">Britain approves AstraZeneca's preventative COVID therapy</a>

Moderna, without specifically commenting on the effectiveness of a fourth shot, said its submission was partly based on data recently published in the United States and Israel following the emergence of the Omicron variant.

FDA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

US health officials, including top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, have raised the prospect of a fourth shot, especially for older people and to prepare for the possibility of another surge in cases.

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CDC data has shown that vaccine efficacy wanes over time and a third shot helps restore it. It, however, has not released comprehensive data based on age or health status to back the case.

The news was first reported by the New York Times.

While COVID cases are falling in the United States and much of the world, infections are rising in China. In the UK and Europe, there has been a reversal in the downward trend of COVID cases as economies have opened up and a second variant of Omicron circulates.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

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Moderna Inc on late Thursday (March 17) sought emergency use authorisation with US health regulators for a second COVID-19 booster shot, as a surge in cases in some parts of the world fuels fears of another wave of the pandemic.

Moderna Inc on late Thursday (March 17) sought emergency use authorisation with US health regulators for a second COVID-19 booster shot, as a surge in cases in some parts of the world fuels fears of another wave of the pandemic. The US biotechnology company said its request covered all adults over the age of 18 so that the appropriate use of an additional booster dose of its vaccine, including for those at higher risk of COVID-19 due to age or comorbidities, could be determined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health care providers. Moderna's request is significantly broader than Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE's application that was filed earlier this week with US regulators for a second booster shot for people aged 65 and older. Also read | Britain approves AstraZeneca's preventative COVID therapy Moderna, without specifically commenting on the effectiveness of a fourth shot, said its submission was partly based on data recently published in the United States and Israel following the emergence of the Omicron variant. FDA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. US health officials, including top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, have raised the prospect of a fourth shot, especially for older people and to prepare for the possibility of another surge in cases. Also read | Moderna once pledged to keep Covid vaccine patent-free. Now it's changing course CDC data has shown that vaccine efficacy wanes over time and a third shot helps restore it. It, however, has not released comprehensive data based on age or health status to back the case. The news was first reported by the New York Times. While COVID cases are falling in the United States and much of the world, infections are rising in China. In the UK and Europe, there has been a reversal in the downward trend of COVID cases as economies have opened up and a second variant of Omicron circulates. Watch | Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

Moderna seeks FDA authorisation for second COVID-19 booster for all adults

Peru's&nbsp;constitutional&nbsp;court&nbsp;on Thursday ordered the&nbsp;release&nbsp;of disgraced former president Alberto&nbsp;Fujimori, who is serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity, a judicial source said.

The&nbsp;court&nbsp;reinstated a "humanitarian pardon" given to the 83-year-old in December 2017 that was subsequently revoked in October 2018, the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The&nbsp;court's decisions cannot be appealed and the source said&nbsp;Fujimori&nbsp;should be released within a few days.&nbsp;

Fujimori, who was president from 1990 to 2000, is serving the 25-year sentence for two massacres committed by army death squads in 1991 and 1992, in which 25 people, including a child, were killed in supposed anti-terrorist operations.

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Upon leaving office he fled into exile in Japan, where his parents were from.

But he was extradited back to&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;from Chile in 2007 and jailed, having been convicted in his absence.

The source said the vote on whether to&nbsp;release&nbsp;Fujimori&nbsp;was equally split three for and three against.

"The rules say that when it is a draw, the president's vote counts double," the source told AFP.

"It was a very open, very intense decision with two radically different positions" with regards whether to&nbsp;release&nbsp;Fujimori&nbsp;on health grounds, Eloy Espinosa, one of the six supreme&nbsp;court&nbsp;magistrates, told RPP radio station.

Espinosa said he voted against releasing the ex-leader.

Death sentence

The decision sparked outrage among many Peruvians.

Leftist President Pedro Castillo said the decision reflected&nbsp;Peru's "institutional crisis" and called on international courts to "safeguard the effective exercise of justice for the people."

Carlos Rivera, a lawyer representing the families of the massacre victims, said he would petition the Inter-American&nbsp;Court&nbsp;of Human Rights to intervene "because Alberto&nbsp;Fujimori&nbsp;cannot benefit from a pardon."

Former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned&nbsp;Fujimori&nbsp;on Christmas Eve in 2017 for humanitarian reasons but that decision was overturned by the courts in October 2018 and three months later,&nbsp;Fujimori&nbsp;was sent back to prison.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/perus-former-president-fujimori-returns-to-prison-after-hospital-stay-462403">&nbsp;Peru's former president Fujimori is back in prison following a hospital stay</a>

"Returning to prison is a long and certain death sentence,"&nbsp;Fujimori&nbsp;said at the time.

Fujimori&nbsp;has long suffered from ill health and on Monday returned to prison following 11 days in a clinic receiving treatment for an irregular heartbeat.

Kuczynski had resigned in March 2018 just days before he was expected to be impeached and has been held in pre-trial house arrest since April 2019, accused of corruption and money laundering.

Fujimori&nbsp;is the only inmate at the small Barbadillo jail at the barracks of the special operations police in eastern Lima.

There he grows flowers, paints and receives family visits.

His family has submitted several petitions to have him released on health grounds but those were all rejected.

His daughter, Keiko&nbsp;Fujimori, who has three times been defeated in a second round run-off for the presidency, said last year she would pardon her father if elected.

She was defeated in June by Castillo and now faces prosecution over accusations of illegal campaign funding in her failed 2011 and 2016 presidential bids.

Watch |&nbsp;Peru: Three killed including an infant in Retamas, 80 home affected by massive landslide

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/peru-three-killed-including-an-infant-in-retamas-80-home-affected-by-massive-landslide-463276/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Peru's constitutional court on Thursday ordered the release of disgraced former president Alberto Fujimori, who is serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity, a judicial source said.

Peru's constitutional court on Thursday ordered the release of disgraced former president Alberto Fujimori, who is serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity, a judicial source said. The court reinstated a "humanitarian pardon" given to the 83-year-old in December 2017 that was subsequently revoked in October 2018, the source told AFP on condition of anonymity. The court's decisions cannot be appealed and the source said Fujimori should be released within a few days. Fujimori, who was president from 1990 to 2000, is serving the 25-year sentence for two massacres committed by army death squads in 1991 and 1992, in which 25 people, including a child, were killed in supposed anti-terrorist operations. Also read | 'An extraordinary find': A 36-million-year-old prehistoric whale fossil found in Peru Upon leaving office he fled into exile in Japan, where his parents were from. But he was extradited back to Peru from Chile in 2007 and jailed, having been convicted in his absence. The source said the vote on whether to release Fujimori was equally split three for and three against. "The rules say that when it is a draw, the president's vote counts double," the source told AFP. "It was a very open, very intense decision with two radically different positions" with regards whether to release Fujimori on health grounds, Eloy Espinosa, one of the six supreme court magistrates, told RPP radio station. Espinosa said he voted against releasing the ex-leader. Death sentence The decision sparked outrage among many Peruvians. Leftist President Pedro Castillo said the decision reflected Peru's "institutional crisis" and called on international courts to "safeguard the effective exercise of justice for the people." Carlos Rivera, a lawyer representing the families of the massacre victims, said he would petition the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to intervene "because Alberto Fujimori cannot benefit from a pardon." Former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned Fujimori on Christmas Eve in 2017 for humanitarian reasons but that decision was overturned by the courts in October 2018 and three months later, Fujimori was sent back to prison. Also read | Peru's former president Fujimori is back in prison following a hospital stay "Returning to prison is a long and certain death sentence," Fujimori said at the time. Fujimori has long suffered from ill health and on Monday returned to prison following 11 days in a clinic receiving treatment for an irregular heartbeat. Kuczynski had resigned in March 2018 just days before he was expected to be impeached and has been held in pre-trial house arrest since April 2019, accused of corruption and money laundering. Fujimori is the only inmate at the small Barbadillo jail at the barracks of the special operations police in eastern Lima. There he grows flowers, paints and receives family visits. His family has submitted several petitions to have him released on health grounds but those were all rejected. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, who has three times been defeated in a second round run-off for the presidency, said last year she would pardon her father if elected. She was defeated in June by Castillo and now faces prosecution over accusations of illegal campaign funding in her failed 2011 and 2016 presidential bids. Watch | Peru: Three killed including an infant in Retamas, 80 home affected by massive landslide

Peru constitutional court orders release of former president Fujimori

'World's most powerful rocket ever': NASA rolls out its mega Moon rocket

Germany&nbsp;reported&nbsp;another&nbsp;record&nbsp;high seven-day&nbsp;incidence&nbsp;of the coronavirus on Wednesday even as the country prepares to ease restrictions.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) registered 262,593 new infections, a 22% jump compared to a week ago, bringing the total number of infections to nearly 17.7 million.

Infections have been rising again since the start of March after rules preventing unvaccinated people from accessing many indoor public spaces started to be eased.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-global-rise-in-covid-cases-is-tip-of-the-iceberg-463031">WHO says global rise in COVID-19 cases is 'tip of the iceberg'</a>

The seven-day&nbsp;incidence&nbsp;rose to a new high of 1,607 infections per 100,000 people on Wednesday, up from 1,585 the day before.

Another&nbsp;269 people died, bringing the total death toll to 126,142 people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protests-against-covid-measures-rock-europe-australia-430905">In Pics: Protests against Covid measures rock Europe, Australia</a>

On Friday, parliament is set to adopt a slimmed-down law that will significantly reduce restrictions around&nbsp;Germany. The existing law expires on Saturday.

The government argues that even though cases are rising, there is no longer a major risk of overloading the health system due to vaccinations and the fact that the dominant Omicron variant often has milder symptoms.

Limited protective measures will still be possible in hotspots with high numbers of infections.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

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&nbsp;

Germany reported another record high seven-day incidence of the coronavirus on Wednesday even as the country prepares to ease restrictions. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) registered 262,593 new infections, a 22% jump compared to a week ago, bringing the total number of infections to nearly 17.

Germany reported another record high seven-day incidence of the coronavirus on Wednesday even as the country prepares to ease restrictions. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) registered 262,593 new infections, a 22% jump compared to a week ago, bringing the total number of infections to nearly 17.7 million. Infections have been rising again since the start of March after rules preventing unvaccinated people from accessing many indoor public spaces started to be eased. Also read | WHO says global rise in COVID-19 cases is 'tip of the iceberg' The seven-day incidence rose to a new high of 1,607 infections per 100,000 people on Wednesday, up from 1,585 the day before. Another 269 people died, bringing the total death toll to 126,142 people. Also read | In Pics: Protests against Covid measures rock Europe, Australia On Friday, parliament is set to adopt a slimmed-down law that will significantly reduce restrictions around Germany. The existing law expires on Saturday. The government argues that even though cases are rising, there is no longer a major risk of overloading the health system due to vaccinations and the fact that the dominant Omicron variant often has milder symptoms. Limited protective measures will still be possible in hotspots with high numbers of infections. Watch | Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

Germany reports another record COVID-19 incidence

A&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;dose of existing mRNA&nbsp;Covid-19 vaccines may have only "marginal benefits" for younger, healthy adults, according to a new Israeli&nbsp;study&nbsp;published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The research assessed 270 health care workers at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv who received a second booster&nbsp;shot&nbsp;of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, four months after initially getting three Pfizer shots.&nbsp;

Each was age-matched&nbsp;against&nbsp;two participants in a control group that had received only three doses of Pfizer, with the median ages in the groups ranging from mid-fifties to early sixties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-global-rise-in-covid-cases-is-tip-of-the-iceberg-463031">WHO says global rise in COVID-19 cases is 'tip of the iceberg'</a>

Overall, the&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;shot&nbsp;was found to be safe, and topped up recipients' neutralizing antibodies -- which block the coronavirus from infecting cells -- to levels comparable to just after the third dose, prior to when antibody levels started waning with time.

The&nbsp;study&nbsp;took place when spread of the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant was rife in Israel, and it found that the&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;dose didn't confer much added protection&nbsp;against&nbsp;infection, despite the reduction over time of antibodies among people who'd received just three shots.&nbsp;

Those who got a&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;shot&nbsp;of Pfizer were 30 percent less likely to acquire infection than those who got three doses, while those who got Moderna were 18 percent less likely to get infected.

The&nbsp;study&nbsp;included only a small number of participants and was not a randomized trial -- meaning its conclusions should be interpreted with caution -- &nbsp;but the results point towards only minor benefits from the extra dose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-one-place-which-has-been-covid-free-since-pandemic-started-423126">The one place which has been Covid-free since pandemic started</a>

Protection&nbsp;against&nbsp;symptomatic infection was slightly better in under-40 adult recipients of a&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;jab -- 43 percent for Pfizer and 31 percent for Moderna -- compared to people who received three shots.

The&nbsp;study&nbsp;authors, led by Gili Regev-Yochay, wrote that their research seems to indicate the advantages of three doses of vaccine designed&nbsp;against&nbsp;the original strain of coronavirus had hit a ceiling in terms of immune response, with additional boosters only restoring waned immunity, rather than taking it to new heights.

"Furthermore, we observed low vaccine efficacy&nbsp;against&nbsp;infections in health care workers, as well as relatively high viral loads suggesting that those who were infected were infectious. Thus, a&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;vaccination of healthy young health care workers may have only marginal benefits," they said.

Outside experts said the findings showed the need to develop new vaccines.

"If&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;continues circulating and we are still using the current first-generation&nbsp;Covid-19 vaccines&nbsp;against&nbsp;it, then I agree with the authors that the benefits to otherwise healthy, younger people will be marginal," said Julian Tang, a clinical virologist at the University of Leicester.

"Any&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;dose boosters will be more beneficial to the older and more vulnerable groups (e.g. those with comorbidities)," he continued.

"Ideally, we need new&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccines designed specifically&nbsp;against&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;if we want to improve this protection for the most vulnerable -- in the same way that we update the seasonal flu vaccine each year -- to ensure the best possible match&nbsp;against&nbsp;the currently circulating virus strain."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

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&nbsp;

A fourth dose of existing mRNA Covid-19 vaccines may have only "marginal benefits" for younger, healthy adults, according to a new Israeli study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A fourth dose of existing mRNA Covid-19 vaccines may have only "marginal benefits" for younger, healthy adults, according to a new Israeli study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. The research assessed 270 health care workers at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv who received a second booster shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, four months after initially getting three Pfizer shots. Each was age-matched against two participants in a control group that had received only three doses of Pfizer, with the median ages in the groups ranging from mid-fifties to early sixties. Also read | WHO says global rise in COVID-19 cases is 'tip of the iceberg' Overall, the fourth shot was found to be safe, and topped up recipients' neutralizing antibodies -- which block the coronavirus from infecting cells -- to levels comparable to just after the third dose, prior to when antibody levels started waning with time. The study took place when spread of the Omicron variant was rife in Israel, and it found that the fourth dose didn't confer much added protection against infection, despite the reduction over time of antibodies among people who'd received just three shots. Those who got a fourth shot of Pfizer were 30 percent less likely to acquire infection than those who got three doses, while those who got Moderna were 18 percent less likely to get infected. The study included only a small number of participants and was not a randomized trial -- meaning its conclusions should be interpreted with caution -- but the results point towards only minor benefits from the extra dose. Also read | The one place which has been Covid-free since pandemic started Protection against symptomatic infection was slightly better in under-40 adult recipients of a fourth jab -- 43 percent for Pfizer and 31 percent for Moderna -- compared to people who received three shots. The study authors, led by Gili Regev-Yochay, wrote that their research seems to indicate the advantages of three doses of vaccine designed against the original strain of coronavirus had hit a ceiling in terms of immune response, with additional boosters only restoring waned immunity, rather than taking it to new heights. "Furthermore, we observed low vaccine efficacy against infections in health care workers, as well as relatively high viral loads suggesting that those who were infected were infectious. Thus, a fourth vaccination of healthy young health care workers may have only marginal benefits," they said. Outside experts said the findings showed the need to develop new vaccines. "If Omicron continues circulating and we are still using the current first-generation Covid-19 vaccines against it, then I agree with the authors that the benefits to otherwise healthy, younger people will be marginal," said Julian Tang, a clinical virologist at the University of Leicester. "Any fourth dose boosters will be more beneficial to the older and more vulnerable groups (e.g. those with comorbidities)," he continued. "Ideally, we need new COVID-19 vaccines designed specifically against Omicron if we want to improve this protection for the most vulnerable -- in the same way that we update the seasonal flu vaccine each year -- to ensure the best possible match against the currently circulating virus strain." Watch | Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

Fourth Covid shot provides little benefit against Omicron infection: Study

Three&nbsp;Panamanian-flagged&nbsp;ships&nbsp;have been&nbsp;hit&nbsp;by&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in the Black Sea since Russia's invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;last month,&nbsp;Panama's Maritime Authority said on Wednesday.

One ship sank, the maritime authority said in a statement, but there were no casualties reported. The two others remain afloat with damages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tv-comedy-that-launched-zelensky-to-presidency-back-on-netflix-463038">TV comedy that launched Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;to presidency back on Netflix</a>

"We know that we had&nbsp;three&nbsp;ships&nbsp;that were attacked by&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;but the crew is all safe, we had material damage," said Noriel Arauz, the administrator of the&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;Maritime Authority (AMP).

The&nbsp;three&nbsp;affected&nbsp;ships&nbsp;were Namura Queen, Lord Nelson and Helt. The AMP did not give the dates of when the&nbsp;ships&nbsp;were&nbsp;hit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-us-theatres-to-play-ukrainian-film-the-guide-to-aid-relief-efforts-for-war-stricken-country-463040">US theatres to play Ukrainian film 'The Guide' to aid relief efforts for war-stricken country</a>

At least 10 other flag-bearing&nbsp;ships&nbsp;are still in the&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Sea, Arauz said, adding the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;navy is restricting&nbsp;ships&nbsp;from leaving the area.

Panama&nbsp;has the largest registry of flagged&nbsp;ships&nbsp;in the world, exceeding 8,000 vessels, according to the AMP.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How rich is Vladimir Putin?

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&nbsp;

Three Panamanian-flagged ships have been hit by Russian missiles in the Black Sea since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month, Panama's Maritime Authority said on Wednesday.

Three Panamanian-flagged ships have been hit by Russian missiles in the Black Sea since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month, Panama's Maritime Authority said on Wednesday. One ship sank, the maritime authority said in a statement, but there were no casualties reported. The two others remain afloat with damages. Also read | TV comedy that launched Volodymyr Zelensky to presidency back on Netflix "We know that we had three ships that were attacked by Russian missiles but the crew is all safe, we had material damage," said Noriel Arauz, the administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP). The three affected ships were Namura Queen, Lord Nelson and Helt. The AMP did not give the dates of when the ships were hit. Also read | US theatres to play Ukrainian film 'The Guide' to aid relief efforts for war-stricken country At least 10 other flag-bearing ships are still in the Black Sea, Arauz said, adding the Russian navy is restricting ships from leaving the area. Panama has the largest registry of flagged ships in the world, exceeding 8,000 vessels, according to the AMP. Watch | Gravitas: How rich is Vladimir Putin?

Panama says three ships hit by Russian missiles in Black Sea since start of Ukraine invasion

Washington said Wednesday it was "close" to a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;on reviving a 2015 pact that saw Western powers provide sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on&nbsp;Tehran's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;programme, the latest sign of advancement following prolonged deadlock.

Days after Russian demands seemed to jeopardize talks in Vienna over restoring the pact, this week has seen multiple positive signals that an accord may at last be within reach, including the release of two British Iranians Wednesday after years of detention in&nbsp;Iran, and word that outstanding issues have narrowed to just two.

The negotiations began last April between Britain, China, France, Germany,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Russia, with the United States taking part indirectly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-talks-of-remaining-two-issues-to-revive-nuclear-deal-462988">Iran talks of remaining 'two issues' to revive nuclear deal</a>

Now a successful resolution appears more viable than at any point in years.

"We are&nbsp;close&nbsp;to a possible&nbsp;deal, but we're not there yet," said State Department spokesman Ned Price. "We do think the remaining issues can be bridged."

Speaking to reporters, Price declined to confirm&nbsp;Tehran's claim that there were just a pair of final issues to be sorted out, down from four, before agreeing to restore the six-party Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which aimed to prevent&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;from developing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons.

But he said the issues are surmountable, although the 11-month-old talks "are at a very delicate stage."

"There is little time remaining given the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;advancements that&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;has made" toward developing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons that would undermine any agreement, he said.

The EU diplomat chairing the Vienna talks, Enrique Mora, told reporters last week that delegations were down to negotiating the footnotes of the text, but progress stalled when Moscow demanded guarantees that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect its trade with&nbsp;Iran.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated Tuesday that Russia had received "written guarantees" from Washington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tehran-warned-iraq-often-about-threats-posed-to-iran-foreign-ministry-462111">Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry</a>

Relieved

That news was followed Wednesday by&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;releasing two British-Iranians, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, taken as another sign of diplomatic thaw.&nbsp;

"I'm relieved that the problems were solved" allowing Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release, her husband Richard Ratcliffe told AFP at the family home. "The first thing she always wanted to do was me make her a cup of tea."

UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, who represents the north London district where Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family lives, tweeted a photo of her constituent smiling on board a plane.

"It's been 6 long years -- and I can't believe I can FINALLY share this photo," she wrote.

The increasingly positive signs have led some to hope the revival of the 2015&nbsp;deal&nbsp;may be just days away, with one diplomatic source saying the process was on "the right track".

However, the same source warned that "we have to be cautious".

With good reason: negotiations over&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;programme have been littered with missed deadlines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-foiled-sabotage-by-an-israeli-recruited-network-at-a-nuclear-facility-462400">Iran says it foiled sabotage by an Israeli-recruited network at a nuclear facility</a>

The&nbsp;deal&nbsp;began to fall apart in 2018 when then-US president Donald Trump dramatically withdrew from it and went on to reimpose swinging economic sanctions on&nbsp;Iran.

That led&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;to exceed the limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activity laid down in the&nbsp;deal.

Iran&nbsp;said Wednesday there were two remaining sticking points in Vienna, including an "economic guarantee" in case a future US administration repeats Trump's abrogation.

Another source&nbsp;close&nbsp;to the talks said the other issue was the status of&nbsp;Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, which Washington has branded a terrorist organization.

Too big to fail

According to analyst Henry Rome from the Eurasia Group, these problems are "unlikely to prove insurmountable".&nbsp;

"Both the US and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;want a&nbsp;deal, and the latter probably used some diplomatic capital to persuade Russia to back off its confrontational stance," Rome added.

"It is now clear that Russia's tactical gambit to leverage the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to punch a hole in western sanctions regime over the crisis in Ukraine&nbsp;did not work," said Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group.

Too much energy and political capital have been expended, and the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;"is now too big to fail," Vaez said.

As ever with the talks, there is always a possibility of last-minute complications.

"There may yet be some theatrics, with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;trying to leverage high oil prices to win several additional concessions," said Rome.

In addition, on Wednesday the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency issued a report giving fresh details of advances in&nbsp;Iran's production of uranium metal, which could bedevil implementation of a&nbsp;deal.

Watch |&nbsp;West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-warns-russia-over-iran-nuclear-deal-460415/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Washington said Wednesday it was "close" to a deal with Iran on reviving a 2015 pact that saw Western powers provide sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme, the latest sign of advancement following prolonged deadlock.

Washington said Wednesday it was "close" to a deal with Iran on reviving a 2015 pact that saw Western powers provide sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme, the latest sign of advancement following prolonged deadlock. Days after Russian demands seemed to jeopardize talks in Vienna over restoring the pact, this week has seen multiple positive signals that an accord may at last be within reach, including the release of two British Iranians Wednesday after years of detention in Iran, and word that outstanding issues have narrowed to just two. The negotiations began last April between Britain, China, France, Germany, Iran and Russia, with the United States taking part indirectly. Also read | Iran talks of remaining 'two issues' to revive nuclear deal Now a successful resolution appears more viable than at any point in years. "We are close to a possible deal, but we're not there yet," said State Department spokesman Ned Price. "We do think the remaining issues can be bridged." Speaking to reporters, Price declined to confirm Tehran's claim that there were just a pair of final issues to be sorted out, down from four, before agreeing to restore the six-party Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. But he said the issues are surmountable, although the 11-month-old talks "are at a very delicate stage." "There is little time remaining given the nuclear advancements that Tehran has made" toward developing nuclear weapons that would undermine any agreement, he said. The EU diplomat chairing the Vienna talks, Enrique Mora, told reporters last week that delegations were down to negotiating the footnotes of the text, but progress stalled when Moscow demanded guarantees that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect its trade with Iran. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated Tuesday that Russia had received "written guarantees" from Washington. Also read | Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry Relieved That news was followed Wednesday by Iran releasing two British-Iranians, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, taken as another sign of diplomatic thaw. "I'm relieved that the problems were solved" allowing Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release, her husband Richard Ratcliffe told AFP at the family home. "The first thing she always wanted to do was me make her a cup of tea." UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, who represents the north London district where Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family lives, tweeted a photo of her constituent smiling on board a plane. "It's been 6 long years -- and I can't believe I can FINALLY share this photo," she wrote. The increasingly positive signs have led some to hope the revival of the 2015 deal may be just days away, with one diplomatic source saying the process was on "the right track". However, the same source warned that "we have to be cautious". With good reason: negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme have been littered with missed deadlines. Also read | Iran says it foiled sabotage by an Israeli-recruited network at a nuclear facility The deal began to fall apart in 2018 when then-US president Donald Trump dramatically withdrew from it and went on to reimpose swinging economic sanctions on Iran. That led Tehran to exceed the limits on its nuclear activity laid down in the deal. Iran said Wednesday there were two remaining sticking points in Vienna, including an "economic guarantee" in case a future US administration repeats Trump's abrogation. Another source close to the talks said the other issue was the status of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, which Washington has branded a terrorist organization. Too big to fail According to analyst Henry Rome from the Eurasia Group, these problems are "unlikely to prove insurmountable". "Both the US and Iran want a deal, and the latter probably used some diplomatic capital to persuade Russia to back off its confrontational stance," Rome added. "It is now clear that Russia's tactical gambit to leverage the Iran nuclear deal to punch a hole in western sanctions regime over the crisis in Ukraine did not work," said Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group. Too much energy and political capital have been expended, and the deal "is now too big to fail," Vaez said. As ever with the talks, there is always a possibility of last-minute complications. "There may yet be some theatrics, with Iran trying to leverage high oil prices to win several additional concessions," said Rome. In addition, on Wednesday the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency issued a report giving fresh details of advances in Iran's production of uranium metal, which could bedevil implementation of a deal. Watch | West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal

Iran nuclear deal 'close', Tehran frees captives as obstacles narrow

The Israeli health ministry has said that they have found two people who were apparently carrying a coronavirus (COVID-19) strain that combined the original Omicron and the so-called "stealth" BA.2 variant.&nbsp;

A report published by The Times Of Israel on Wednesday (March 16) quoted the ministry as saying that "this strain has not yet been seen in the world".

The ministry further noted that the cases were found "in recent days" while testing international arriving travellers at Ben Gurion Airport.&nbsp;

The ministry further states that the two cases have not required special medical care as they are suffering mild symptoms.&nbsp;

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Early research suggests "stealth omicron," or the B.A.2 lineage of the omicron variant spreads faster than the original omicron, which itself spread faster than the original virus and other variants.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioNTech announced Tuesday (March 15) they had formally asked the United States drug regulator for emergency approval of a second booster shot of their Covid vaccine for people aged 65 and older.

The companies said in a press statement that their request is based on two Israeli studies that show "an additional mRNA booster increases immunogenicity and lowers rates of confirmed infections and severe illness."&nbsp;

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Leaving a few countries like China, most countries' case levels have significantly declined from record levels during the Omicron wave.&nbsp;

The first Israeli study cited by Pfizer and BioNTech showed that "rates of confirmed infections were 2 times lower and rates of severe illness were 4 times lower among individuals who received an additional booster dose," compared to those who only had one.

The second study - an analysis of Israeli healthcare workers 18 years and older - showed that antibody levels in those who received a second booster were significantly higher than those who did not.

The Israeli health ministry has said that they have found two people who were apparently carrying a coronavirus (COVID-19) strain that combined the original Omicron and the so-called "stealth" BA.

The Israeli health ministry has said that they have found two people who were apparently carrying a coronavirus (COVID-19) strain that combined the original Omicron and the so-called "stealth" BA.2 variant. A report published by The Times Of Israel on Wednesday (March 16) quoted the ministry as saying that "this strain has not yet been seen in the world". The ministry further noted that the cases were found "in recent days" while testing international arriving travellers at Ben Gurion Airport. The ministry further states that the two cases have not required special medical care as they are suffering mild symptoms. ALSO READ | New Zealand to reopen borders after nearly two years of Covid isolation Early research suggests "stealth omicron," or the B.A.2 lineage of the omicron variant spreads faster than the original omicron, which itself spread faster than the original virus and other variants. Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioNTech announced Tuesday (March 15) they had formally asked the United States drug regulator for emergency approval of a second booster shot of their Covid vaccine for people aged 65 and older. The companies said in a press statement that their request is based on two Israeli studies that show "an additional mRNA booster increases immunogenicity and lowers rates of confirmed infections and severe illness." ALSO READ | 4.7 million Southeast Asians plunge into extreme poverty after the pandemic Leaving a few countries like China, most countries' case levels have significantly declined from record levels during the Omicron wave. The first Israeli study cited by Pfizer and BioNTech showed that "rates of confirmed infections were 2 times lower and rates of severe illness were 4 times lower among individuals who received an additional booster dose," compared to those who only had one. The second study - an analysis of Israeli healthcare workers 18 years and older - showed that antibody levels in those who received a second booster were significantly higher than those who did not.

Israel reports new coronavirus variant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II. Meanwhile, Kremlin said the war in Ukraine was "going to plan" amid talk of compromise at peace talks.

During an emotional and impassioned video address to the US Congress, Zelensky said, "In your great history, you have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians, understand us now when we need you right now."&nbsp;

"Remember Pearl Harbor. The terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you," Zelensky said, adding that the attacks on September 11, 2001 "turned your cities, independent territories into battlefields."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-russia-attacks-mariupol-theatre-sheltering-hundreds-of-civilians-see-satellite-image-463012">Russia attacks Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image</a>

The Ukrainian President said that his country is seeing such horrors every day. "Our country experiences the same every day. Right now, every day, every night for three weeks now ... Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death of thousands of people," he said.&nbsp;

Zelensky pleaded with allies to impose a no-fly zone and also showed the extent of devastation in Ukraine. wrought. He received a standing ovation from US lawmakers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cancels-license-of-china-owned-telecom-company-462991">US cancels license of China-owned telecom company</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (March 16) said he would discuss neutral status for Ukraine and that what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize the country was "going to plan".&nbsp;

Kyiv and allies say his actions are an unprovoked incursion, and more than three million Ukrainians have fled and hundreds have died.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Is the peace deal possible?

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II. Meanwhile, Kremlin said the war in Ukraine was "going to plan" amid talk of compromise at peace talks. During an emotional and impassioned video address to the US Congress, Zelensky said, "In your great history, you have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians, understand us now when we need you right now." "Remember Pearl Harbor. The terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you," Zelensky said, adding that the attacks on September 11, 2001 "turned your cities, independent territories into battlefields." ALSO READ | Russia attacks Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image The Ukrainian President said that his country is seeing such horrors every day. "Our country experiences the same every day. Right now, every day, every night for three weeks now ... Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death of thousands of people," he said. Zelensky pleaded with allies to impose a no-fly zone and also showed the extent of devastation in Ukraine. wrought. He received a standing ovation from US lawmakers. ALSO READ | US cancels license of China-owned telecom company Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (March 16) said he would discuss neutral status for Ukraine and that what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize the country was "going to plan". Kyiv and allies say his actions are an unprovoked incursion, and more than three million Ukrainians have fled and hundreds have died. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Is the peace deal possible? × (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky compares Russian invasion to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor attack; Putin says invasion on course

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