Hunkered down at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-so2-levels-reported-around-wuhan-and-chongqing-the-world-suspects-chinese-officials-of-burning-coronavirus-corpses-280050">epicentre of China's virus epidemic</a> and cut off from the world, the remaining foreigners in Wuhan are spending their days in paralysing fear. A coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 1,300 people and locked down the central Chinese city has left thousands of foreigners trapped as authorities impose an unprecedented quarantine.

While many have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-right-to-freedom-of-speech-gathers-momentum-as-china-fights-coronavirus-280264">managed to escape</a> on government-chartered planes, a dwindling group of the unlucky - or in some cases hardy - remain, either adapting to life or still seeking a way out.

Ruqia Shaikh, a Pakistani postdoctoral researcher stranded at Wuhan's Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, said most students at the school were confined to their dormitories, watching TV. She said the university was providing students with essential commodities but at double the usual price.

"We are fed up of eating the same food – boiled rice and vegetables – over and over again. The only physical activity we have is a walk on the terrace, and that exposes us to the risk," Shaikh said.

Watch:&nbsp;Fineprint: Ground report from inside of Coronavirus epicentre Wuhan

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No plans for evacuation

She added that while many Pakistani students wanted to leave, there <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-against-time-china-battles-coronavirus-as-death-toll-crosses-1000-108-deaths-in-last-24-hours-280135">were risks in returning</a> to their country. "We are worried about how the authorities are going to treat us when we go back to Pakistan - some students who went back told us the officials treated them very badly," she said.

Pakistani authorities say more than 500 students from the country are in Wuhan, but they have not announced any plans for an evacuation effort. Unlike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-over-197-lakh-travellers-from-1818-flights-screened-so-far-in-india-279852">many countries</a>, Islamabad has maintained flights to and from other cities in China. The health ministry justifies the move with assurances that all passengers are screened on landing in Pakistan.

Yemen too has no plans to evacuate its 115 nationals from the virus-hit city. Fahd al-Tawili, a 31-year-old Yemeni under quarantine at the China University of Geosciences, said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-crosses-900-as-who-sends-team-to-investigate-279657">conditions were desperate</a>. "Everybody's being evacuated except us. The latest is the Sudanese," al-Tawili said. "When we are allowed to go out, the few shops open are crowded and we have to wait in line for a long time to make rare purchases."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-pakistan-tells-its-citizens-in-wuhan-to-sit-tight-and-face-ncov-anxiety-grows-280014">Pakistan tells citizens in Wuhan to sit tight and face coronavirus</a>

Al-Tawili said Yemen's government had turned a deaf ear to requests to leave, and financial aid promised to scholarship holders had not been sent. Another Yemeni student, a 23-year-old studying at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said students were living in "total terror for fear of being infected".

Bangladesh last week evacuated 312 people, mostly students, and planned a second flight for another 171 until pilots for national carrier Biman refused to fly for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-800-china-allocates-1026-billion-to-fight-the-outbreak-279604">fear of catching the virus</a>. "No crew wants to go there. The crew who went there earlier don't want to go either," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters.

He said the government was trying to charter a Chinese-run flight, but so far without success. France has left a group of between 30 and 50 citizens in Wuhan after evacuating hundreds on three earlier flights.&nbsp;Its consul general in the city, Olivier Guyonvarch, said some want to leave, but Paris has no plans to send another plane.

"We have no way to get you out," Guyonvarch says he told them. Others are choosing to stay the course to minimise the risk of contracting the virus on the road.

Australian Edwin Reese said his wife was in the city and he was reluctant for her to leave. "If she stays where she is, they have a small garden with fruit and vegetables,&nbsp;they have everything they need," he said.&nbsp;"Why would they go out and expose themselves? They would be crazy to do that."

Hunkered down at the epicentre of China's virus epidemic and cut off from the world, the remaining foreigners in Wuhan are spending their days in paralysing fear.

Hunkered down at the epicentre of China's virus epidemic and cut off from the world, the remaining foreigners in Wuhan are spending their days in paralysing fear. A coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 1,300 people and locked down the central Chinese city has left thousands of foreigners trapped as authorities impose an unprecedented quarantine. While many have managed to escape on government-chartered planes, a dwindling group of the unlucky - or in some cases hardy - remain, either adapting to life or still seeking a way out. Ruqia Shaikh, a Pakistani postdoctoral researcher stranded at Wuhan's Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, said most students at the school were confined to their dormitories, watching TV. She said the university was providing students with essential commodities but at double the usual price. "We are fed up of eating the same food – boiled rice and vegetables – over and over again. The only physical activity we have is a walk on the terrace, and that exposes us to the risk," Shaikh said. Watch: Fineprint: Ground report from inside of Coronavirus epicentre Wuhan No plans for evacuation She added that while many Pakistani students wanted to leave, there were risks in returning to their country. "We are worried about how the authorities are going to treat us when we go back to Pakistan - some students who went back told us the officials treated them very badly," she said. Pakistani authorities say more than 500 students from the country are in Wuhan, but they have not announced any plans for an evacuation effort. Unlike many countries, Islamabad has maintained flights to and from other cities in China. The health ministry justifies the move with assurances that all passengers are screened on landing in Pakistan. Yemen too has no plans to evacuate its 115 nationals from the virus-hit city. Fahd al-Tawili, a 31-year-old Yemeni under quarantine at the China University of Geosciences, said conditions were desperate. "Everybody's being evacuated except us. The latest is the Sudanese," al-Tawili said. "When we are allowed to go out, the few shops open are crowded and we have to wait in line for a long time to make rare purchases." Also Read: Pakistan tells citizens in Wuhan to sit tight and face coronavirus Al-Tawili said Yemen's government had turned a deaf ear to requests to leave, and financial aid promised to scholarship holders had not been sent. Another Yemeni student, a 23-year-old studying at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said students were living in "total terror for fear of being infected". Bangladesh last week evacuated 312 people, mostly students, and planned a second flight for another 171 until pilots for national carrier Biman refused to fly for fear of catching the virus. "No crew wants to go there. The crew who went there earlier don't want to go either," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters. He said the government was trying to charter a Chinese-run flight, but so far without success. France has left a group of between 30 and 50 citizens in Wuhan after evacuating hundreds on three earlier flights. Its consul general in the city, Olivier Guyonvarch, said some want to leave, but Paris has no plans to send another plane. "We have no way to get you out," Guyonvarch says he told them. Others are choosing to stay the course to minimise the risk of contracting the virus on the road. Australian Edwin Reese said his wife was in the city and he was reluctant for her to leave. "If she stays where she is, they have a small garden with fruit and vegetables, they have everything they need," he said. "Why would they go out and expose themselves? They would be crazy to do that."

Coronavirus fears grip foreigners stranded in Wuhan; rations run low

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt&nbsp;to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act.&nbsp;

Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/popes-vow-to-battle-child-sex-abuse-fails-to-appease-victims-199463">Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone</a> and abortion does. The controversial priest had posted a list of 44 US lawmakers, saying that they will be barred from communion because of their support for "reproductive rights".

In a&nbsp;community bulletin of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-cardinal-says-catholic-church-files-on-paedophile-priests-were-destroyed-199312">Sacred Heart Church</a>, a note included the names of lawmakers who voted for the state’s Reproductive Privacy Act. The&nbsp;piece of legislation formally adopts a Supreme Court ruling from 1973 which legalises abortion into State law, a case known as the American public as Roe v Wade.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-diocese-bishop-sued-over-employing-known-pedophiles-204501">US diocese, bishop sued over employing known pedophiles</a>

Reverend Dick Bucci has reportedly barred officials from witnessing marriages, reading funerals and serving as godparents after citing “2,000 years” of Catholic teachings.

A Democratic Senator Adam Satchell stated that he had learned of his inclusion on the list and expressed concern.

Carol Hagan McEntee, Democratic State&nbsp;Representative was allegedly asked to leave a relative's funeral and was banned from delivering the eulogy by Bucci.

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Here’s a photo of the notice received by lawmakers including <a href="https://twitter.com/repmcentee33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@repmcentee33</a> <a href="https://t.co/diBYuAVod9">pic.twitter.com/diBYuAVod9</a>
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The passage of state law was led by McEntee which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse on children.

The State Representative's older sister had previously testified about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sexual-revolution-of-1960s-led-to-church-abuse-crisis-ex-pope-says-209656">sexual abuse</a> and had accused a priest who was with the Sacred Heart church.

The State Representative said that the Reverend should come to the Statehouse and listen to testimonies of individuals who survive paedophiles, for the ones who can share their stories are but a fraction of the multitudes of young souls who committed suicide or took to drugs to escape their agonizing past.

Another State representative who was also included in the Church's hate list was Julie Casimiro, who recommended that the Catholic Church review their policies carefully.&nbsp;

Carolyn Cronin, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Providence issued a statement recently. She said that though the Catholic Church provides detailed instructions for sacraments, the paster must apply them within his parish under Church law.

“Because the church entrusts to each pastor the duty of teaching, sanctifying and governing his parish, the daily pastoral and administrative decisions are made at the local parish level.”

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act. Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone and abortion does.

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act. Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone and abortion does. The controversial priest had posted a list of 44 US lawmakers, saying that they will be barred from communion because of their support for "reproductive rights". In a community bulletin of the Sacred Heart Church, a note included the names of lawmakers who voted for the state’s Reproductive Privacy Act. The piece of legislation formally adopts a Supreme Court ruling from 1973 which legalises abortion into State law, a case known as the American public as Roe v Wade. Also Read: US diocese, bishop sued over employing known pedophiles Reverend Dick Bucci has reportedly barred officials from witnessing marriages, reading funerals and serving as godparents after citing “2,000 years” of Catholic teachings. A Democratic Senator Adam Satchell stated that he had learned of his inclusion on the list and expressed concern. Carol Hagan McEntee, Democratic State Representative was allegedly asked to leave a relative's funeral and was banned from delivering the eulogy by Bucci. Here’s a photo of the notice received by lawmakers including @repmcentee33 pic.twitter.com/diBYuAVod9 — Ian Donnis (@IanDon) January 31, 2020 × The passage of state law was led by McEntee which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse on children. The State Representative's older sister had previously testified about sexual abuse and had accused a priest who was with the Sacred Heart church. The State Representative said that the Reverend should come to the Statehouse and listen to testimonies of individuals who survive paedophiles, for the ones who can share their stories are but a fraction of the multitudes of young souls who committed suicide or took to drugs to escape their agonizing past. Another State representative who was also included in the Church's hate list was Julie Casimiro, who recommended that the Catholic Church review their policies carefully. Carolyn Cronin, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Providence issued a statement recently. She said that though the Catholic Church provides detailed instructions for sacraments, the paster must apply them within his parish under Church law. “Because the church entrusts to each pastor the duty of teaching, sanctifying and governing his parish, the daily pastoral and administrative decisions are made at the local parish level.”

Controversial US priest takes on lawmakers over Reproductive Privacy Act

America's intelligence agency CIA spied on several countries including India and Pakistan. The latest report came weeks ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India. Meanwhile, Pakistan court convicted global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case on Tuesday.

Here are the top ten stories of the day:

India, Pakistan and several other nations spied on by CIA through Swiss encryption firm

Encrypted messages from several countries were reportedly being read by the CIA for decades, including India, through its secretly-owned Switzerland-based company trusted by governments all over the world to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-and-several-other-nations-spied-on-by-cia-through-swiss-encryption-firm-280330">Read more</a>

Pakistan court convicts 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case

Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday convicted UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed in two terror-financing cases. The court sentenced Saeed for five-years and three-months while a fine of Rs 150,000 was also imposed on Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief in each case.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-convicts-2611-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-financing-case-280268">Read more</a>

Need some space? NASA has got the job for you

American astronauts are to ascend to the International Space Station – with an eye toward the Moon and Mars – as NASA announced that applications are being accepted from March 2 to 31 for the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts. Finalisation of candidates is to be completed by the middle of 2021.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-expecting-applications-to-further-expeditions-to-the-moon-mars-and-beyond-280296">Read more</a>

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to work with Goldman Sachs

Duke of Sussex Prince Harry is reportedly entering talks with controversial banking giant Goldman Sachs. The alleged negotiations between Sachs and the British royals could earn the latter upwards of £1billion in corporate deals.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-to-work-with-goldman-sachs-280329">Read more</a>

US-Taliban breakthrough appears closer as Afghan President Ghani reports progress

The US and the Taliban appeared closer Wednesday to sealing a deal for an American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reported "notable progress" in negotiations and a senior Taliban official said violence could be slashed in the coming days.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-breakthrough-appears-closer-as-ghani-reports-progress-280270">Read more</a>

Iran woman dies of suspected coronavirus infection

An Iranian woman has died of a suspected coronavirus infection, the state daily newspaper IRAN reported on Wednesday, without citing any sources.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-woman-dies-of-suspected-coronavirus-infection-280322">Read more</a>

Indonesia bans 600 nationals from returning home due to connections with ISIS

In a bold move, Indonesia has barred the return of more than 600 of its citizens as they are believed to be fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-bans-600-nationals-from-returning-home-due-to-connections-with-isis-280327">Read more</a>

Kremlin accuses Turkey of failing to 'neutralise terrorists' in Idlib

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Turkey of failing to "neutralise terrorists" in Syria's last rebel bastion Idlib as tensions escalate with Ankara over the protracted conflict.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-accuses-turkey-of-failing-to-neutralise-terrorists-in-idlib-280328">&nbsp;Read more</a>

Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/latest-business-news-google-goes-to-court-for-825-billion-euros-over-eu-antitrust-violations-280222">Read more</a>

Recurring radio signals heard from space after 16 days: Study

Scientists have observed a mysterious space signal deep from space which has been repeating in a 16-day cycle.

The findings are included in the pre-print of a paper on arXiv. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/recurring-radio-signals-heard-from-space-after-16-days-280186">Read more</a>

 
&nbsp;

America's intelligence agency CIA spied on several countries including India and Pakistan. The latest report came weeks ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India.

America's intelligence agency CIA spied on several countries including India and Pakistan. The latest report came weeks ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India. Meanwhile, Pakistan court convicted global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case on Tuesday. Here are the top ten stories of the day: India, Pakistan and several other nations spied on by CIA through Swiss encryption firm Encrypted messages from several countries were reportedly being read by the CIA for decades, including India, through its secretly-owned Switzerland-based company trusted by governments all over the world to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret. Read more Pakistan court convicts 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday convicted UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed in two terror-financing cases. The court sentenced Saeed for five-years and three-months while a fine of Rs 150,000 was also imposed on Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief in each case. Read more Need some space? NASA has got the job for you American astronauts are to ascend to the International Space Station – with an eye toward the Moon and Mars – as NASA announced that applications are being accepted from March 2 to 31 for the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts. Finalisation of candidates is to be completed by the middle of 2021. Read more Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to work with Goldman Sachs Duke of Sussex Prince Harry is reportedly entering talks with controversial banking giant Goldman Sachs. The alleged negotiations between Sachs and the British royals could earn the latter upwards of £1billion in corporate deals. Read more US-Taliban breakthrough appears closer as Afghan President Ghani reports progress The US and the Taliban appeared closer Wednesday to sealing a deal for an American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reported "notable progress" in negotiations and a senior Taliban official said violence could be slashed in the coming days. Read more Iran woman dies of suspected coronavirus infection An Iranian woman has died of a suspected coronavirus infection, the state daily newspaper IRAN reported on Wednesday, without citing any sources. Read more Indonesia bans 600 nationals from returning home due to connections with ISIS In a bold move, Indonesia has barred the return of more than 600 of its citizens as they are believed to be fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Read more Kremlin accuses Turkey of failing to 'neutralise terrorists' in Idlib The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Turkey of failing to "neutralise terrorists" in Syria's last rebel bastion Idlib as tensions escalate with Ankara over the protracted conflict. Read more Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power. Read more Recurring radio signals heard from space after 16 days: Study Scientists have observed a mysterious space signal deep from space which has been repeating in a 16-day cycle. The findings are included in the pre-print of a paper on arXiv. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Hafiz Saeed convicted, US-Taliban talks, Idlib crisis and more

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-states-that-haftar-cannot-be-expected-to-respect-libya-truce-276633">President Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria. Turkish officials said Monday that 101 Syrian regime soldiers had been "neutralised" following the killing of five Turks in Idlib - the last major rebel bastion in Syria. There was no independent confirmation of the figures.

"The more they attack our soldiers, they will pay a very, very heavy price," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support-turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Erdogan</a>&nbsp;stated at a televised ceremony in Ankara.&nbsp;Russian-backed government forces launched an all-out assault on Idlib in December, retaking town after town. Hundreds of thousands have fled and hundreds of civilians have been killed.

Turkey has backed some anti-regime groups in the eight-year conflict and set up military posts in Idlib under a 2018 deal with Russia. Turkish officials say three of these so-called observation posts have been encircled by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/erdogan-battles-on-multiple-fronts-in-risky-regional-power-bid-280217">Syrian army and Erdogan</a> has given Damascus until the end of the month to withdraw.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria</a>

Monday's exchange was the second such clash in a week.&nbsp;Erdogan said the Syrian regime had "got what it deserved" in Idlib but that it was "not enough", adding that he would reveal his next steps Wednesday.&nbsp;Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged Russia and Iran - another Damascus ally - to stop President Bashar al-Assad's assault on Idlib.&nbsp;

"The regime's guarantors, Russia and Iran, should halt the regime's aggression," Cavusoglu said, quoted by a private NTV broadcaster. A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara seeking a solution to the clashes in Idlib, but no concrete agreement emerged.&nbsp;

Cavusoglu said Erdogan would speak on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the meantime, US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for talks the next day. Jeffrey told reporters in Turkish after arriving that the US wanted to support its NATO ally Turkey "as much as possible".

"Turkish soldiers face a threat in Idlib. This threat comes from Russia and the Assad government," he said. The Turkish military continued to send reinforcements to the border, Turkey's state news agency Anadolu reported. A 50-vehicle convoy was sent from the southern province of Sanliurfa and was on its way west to Hatay province "to bolster military units on the Turkey-Syria border", the agency said Tuesday.

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria.

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria. Turkish officials said Monday that 101 Syrian regime soldiers had been "neutralised" following the killing of five Turks in Idlib - the last major rebel bastion in Syria. There was no independent confirmation of the figures. "The more they attack our soldiers, they will pay a very, very heavy price," Erdogan stated at a televised ceremony in Ankara. Russian-backed government forces launched an all-out assault on Idlib in December, retaking town after town. Hundreds of thousands have fled and hundreds of civilians have been killed. Turkey has backed some anti-regime groups in the eight-year conflict and set up military posts in Idlib under a 2018 deal with Russia. Turkish officials say three of these so-called observation posts have been encircled by the Syrian army and Erdogan has given Damascus until the end of the month to withdraw. Also Read: Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria Monday's exchange was the second such clash in a week. Erdogan said the Syrian regime had "got what it deserved" in Idlib but that it was "not enough", adding that he would reveal his next steps Wednesday. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged Russia and Iran - another Damascus ally - to stop President Bashar al-Assad's assault on Idlib. "The regime's guarantors, Russia and Iran, should halt the regime's aggression," Cavusoglu said, quoted by a private NTV broadcaster. A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara seeking a solution to the clashes in Idlib, but no concrete agreement emerged. Cavusoglu said Erdogan would speak on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the meantime, US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for talks the next day. Jeffrey told reporters in Turkish after arriving that the US wanted to support its NATO ally Turkey "as much as possible". "Turkish soldiers face a threat in Idlib. This threat comes from Russia and the Assad government," he said. The Turkish military continued to send reinforcements to the border, Turkey's state news agency Anadolu reported. A 50-vehicle convoy was sent from the southern province of Sanliurfa and was on its way west to Hatay province "to bolster military units on the Turkey-Syria border", the agency said Tuesday.

Retaliation against the Syrian regime promised by Erdogan

Britain's regulator Ofcom will reportedly make <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/facebook-adds-tips-for-spotting-fake-news-14267">social media companies</a> such as Facebook and Twitter responsible for harmful content on their platforms.

Nicky Morgan, Britain's outgoing digital minister, was quoted saying that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocks-group-spreading-pro-trump-posts-from-fake-accounts-269435">platforms had resisted regulation</a> previously but "they understand now that actually regulation is coming."

Britain proposed new online safety laws last year that it said would be the toughest in the world. Former Prime Minister Theresa May reportedly said at the time she would put a legal "duty of care on internet companies to keep users safe online".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/facebook-changes-algorithm-to-curb-tiny-group-of-spammers-17547">Facebook takes another step to curb spammers</a>

Companies would face big fines, with bosses also held personally accountable, the government said.

Governments globally are wrestling over how to better control the content on social media platforms, often blamed for encouraging abuse, the spread of online pornography and for influencing or manipulating voters.

Under the proposals to be announced on Wednesday, social media platforms will reportedly have to remove illegal content quickly and minimise the risk of it appearing at all.

A spokeswoman for the ministry refused to confirm the details or provide any comments by the minister.

Britain's regulator Ofcom will reportedly make social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter responsible for harmful content on their platforms. Nicky Morgan, Britain's outgoing digital minister, was quoted saying that platforms had resisted regulation previously but "they understand now that actually regulation is coming.

Britain's regulator Ofcom will reportedly make social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter responsible for harmful content on their platforms. Nicky Morgan, Britain's outgoing digital minister, was quoted saying that platforms had resisted regulation previously but "they understand now that actually regulation is coming." Britain proposed new online safety laws last year that it said would be the toughest in the world. Former Prime Minister Theresa May reportedly said at the time she would put a legal "duty of care on internet companies to keep users safe online". Also Read: Facebook takes another step to curb spammers Companies would face big fines, with bosses also held personally accountable, the government said. Governments globally are wrestling over how to better control the content on social media platforms, often blamed for encouraging abuse, the spread of online pornography and for influencing or manipulating voters. Under the proposals to be announced on Wednesday, social media platforms will reportedly have to remove illegal content quickly and minimise the risk of it appearing at all. A spokeswoman for the ministry refused to confirm the details or provide any comments by the minister.

Social media platforms to be held responsible by UK for harmful content

A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a&nbsp;dead dolphin<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharp-rise-in-whale-dolphin-stranding-deaths-in-india-91"> was discovered</a> off Naples, Florida late last week.&nbsp;Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet.

Another dolphin was recovered within the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-dolphin-carcass-found-washed-ashore-in-kerala--131644">same week</a> along Pensacola Beach, Florida by emerald coast wildlife refuge experts who stated that the creature had a bullet lodged in its left side.

Experts have reason to believe that the deaths are related to humans who are feeding wild dolphins. It&nbsp;makes dolphins associate people and boats with food, which exposes them to dangerous situations. Officials have repeatedly urged people to avoid feeding wild dolphins.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-single-use-plastic-is-killing-the-earth-248688">How single-use plastic is killing the Earth</a>

The number of <a href="carcass ">dolphins who were stranded</a> with evidence of wounds inflicted by gunshots, arrows and fishing spears in some cases, has been on the rise since 2002. A dolphin was found dead with a fatal puncture wound to its head in May 2019 off Captiva Island. Law enforcement officials are still investigating the murder.

A reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the person responsible for these crimes has been being offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA).

A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a dead dolphin was discovered off Naples, Florida late last week. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet.

A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a dead dolphin was discovered off Naples, Florida late last week. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet. Another dolphin was recovered within the same week along Pensacola Beach, Florida by emerald coast wildlife refuge experts who stated that the creature had a bullet lodged in its left side. Experts have reason to believe that the deaths are related to humans who are feeding wild dolphins. It makes dolphins associate people and boats with food, which exposes them to dangerous situations. Officials have repeatedly urged people to avoid feeding wild dolphins. Also Read: How single-use plastic is killing the Earth The number of dolphins who were stranded with evidence of wounds inflicted by gunshots, arrows and fishing spears in some cases, has been on the rise since 2002. A dolphin was found dead with a fatal puncture wound to its head in May 2019 off Captiva Island. Law enforcement officials are still investigating the murder. A reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the person responsible for these crimes has been being offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA).

US department offers $20,000 reward for information on dolphins found stabbed in Florida

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-to-pay-publishers-for-use-of-news-in-eu-205923">European Union antitrust </a>fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power.

The company will lay out its arguments against a 2.4 billion Euro fine handed out by the European Commission during a three-day hearing at the General Court. EU regulators said this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-countries-back-copyright-reforms-aimed-at-google-facebook-198643">penalty was for Google</a>'s favouring its price comparison shopping service to the disadvantage of smaller European rivals.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-slams-google-with-record-242-billion-euro-fine-for-alleged-biased-search-results-17330">EU has fined Google</a> a total of 8.25 billion Euros in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-slaps-third-anti-trust-charge-on-tech-giant-google-2512">three separate cases</a>, including one involving its Android smartphone operating system. This is four times more than its rival Microsoft's EU fines of 2.2 billion Euros. Both companies' regulatory troubles in Europe have lasted a decade.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-antitrust-regulators-say-they-are-investigating-googles-data-collection-265506">EU antitrust regulators investigating Google's data collection: Report</a>

Google is expected to launch a three-pronged attack against the Commission's 2017 decision which also included an order to treat competitors equally. "It is wrong on the law, the facts, and economics. Shopping ads have always helped people find the products they are looking for quickly and easily, and helped merchants to reach potential customers," Google said in a statement.

The key issue is whether self preferencing is anti-competitive and whether Amazon and eBay should be counted as Google's rivals. 
For rivals, the case centres on Google's role as a central online gatekeeper.

"Google's search service acts as a de-facto kingmaker. If you are not found, the rest cannot follow. No company should be allowed to abuse such position to promote its services at the detriment of competitors and consumers alike," said lawyer Thomas Hoppner who advises clients who are critical of Google.

"The judgement will have repercussions for a large variety of industries that depend on a judicial ranking of their services on Google Search," he said. The court ruling is likely to come next year.

In the meantime, Margrethe Vestager in her new beefed-up role as Europe's digital chief will not be idle. She is set to announce several proposals in the coming months to rein in dominant US online groups amid push back by the United States and the companies. 
&nbsp;

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power.

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power. The company will lay out its arguments against a 2.4 billion Euro fine handed out by the European Commission during a three-day hearing at the General Court. EU regulators said this penalty was for Google's favouring its price comparison shopping service to the disadvantage of smaller European rivals. The EU has fined Google a total of 8.25 billion Euros in three separate cases, including one involving its Android smartphone operating system. This is four times more than its rival Microsoft's EU fines of 2.2 billion Euros. Both companies' regulatory troubles in Europe have lasted a decade. Also Read: EU antitrust regulators investigating Google's data collection: Report Google is expected to launch a three-pronged attack against the Commission's 2017 decision which also included an order to treat competitors equally. "It is wrong on the law, the facts, and economics. Shopping ads have always helped people find the products they are looking for quickly and easily, and helped merchants to reach potential customers," Google said in a statement. The key issue is whether self preferencing is anti-competitive and whether Amazon and eBay should be counted as Google's rivals. For rivals, the case centres on Google's role as a central online gatekeeper. "Google's search service acts as a de-facto kingmaker. If you are not found, the rest cannot follow. No company should be allowed to abuse such position to promote its services at the detriment of competitors and consumers alike," said lawyer Thomas Hoppner who advises clients who are critical of Google. "The judgement will have repercussions for a large variety of industries that depend on a judicial ranking of their services on Google Search," he said. The court ruling is likely to come next year. In the meantime, Margrethe Vestager in her new beefed-up role as Europe's digital chief will not be idle. She is set to announce several proposals in the coming months to rein in dominant US online groups amid push back by the United States and the companies.

Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-us-troops-diagnosed-with-brain-injuries-from-iran-attack-279919">More than 100 US troops diagnosed with brain injuries from Iran missile attack</a>

The US military on Monday disclosed a more than 50 per cent jump in cases of traumatic brain injury stemming from Iran's missile attack on a base in Iraq last month.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-us-troops-diagnosed-with-brain-injuries-from-iran-attack-279919" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-prison-term-of-7-9-years-for-trumps-longtime-adviser-roger-stone-279922">US seeks prison term of 7-9 years for Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone</a>

Prosecutors asked a federal judge on Monday to sentence US President Donald Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone to between seven and nine years in prison.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-prison-term-of-7-9-years-for-trumps-longtime-adviser-roger-stone-279922" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-xi-visits-hospital-in-beijing-as-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-1000-in-china-279927">President Xi visits hospital in Beijing as coronavirus death toll crosses 1,000 in China</a>

The death toll in China's coronavirus crossed 1,000 on Tuesday with over 42,000 infected nationwide, the health ministry said.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-xi-visits-hospital-in-beijing-as-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-1000-in-china-279927" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-dead-as-storm-ciara-wreaks-havoc-across-europe-279936">5 dead as Storm Ciara wreaks havoc across Europe</a>

Storm Ciara brought severe flooding and heavy winds to areas across Europe, killing at least five people.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-dead-as-storm-ciara-wreaks-havoc-across-europe-279936" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-amazon-wants-trump-esper-to-testify-in-fight-for-10-billion-pentagon-contract-279956">Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract</a>

Amazon is seeking testimony from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing Pentagon contract.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-amazon-wants-trump-esper-to-testify-in-fight-for-10-billion-pentagon-contract-279956" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-calls-facebook-lame-and-urges-people-to-delete-it-279969">Elon Musk calls Facebook 'lame' and urges people to 'delete' it</a>

Tesla's CEO Elon Musk has taken another jibe at Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-calls-facebook-lame-and-urges-people-to-delete-it-279969" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-indicts-four-chinese-military-hackers-in-2017-equifax-breach-279991">US indicts four Chinese army hackers in 2017 Equifax breach</a>

The US Justice Department on Monday announced indictments against four members of China's People's Liberation Army for alleged involvement in the massive 2017 hack of the database of giant US credit rating agency Equifax.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-indicts-four-chinese-military-hackers-in-2017-equifax-breach-279991" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-coronavirus-prompts-sony-amazon-sony-and-ericsson-to-join-barcelona-mobile-congress-exodus-280030">Coronavirus prompts Sony, Amazon, Sony &amp; Ericsson to join Barcelona mobile congress exodus</a>

Tech companies Amazon, Sony and Ericsson are skipping the Mobile World Congress this year because of fears over the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-coronavirus-prompts-sony-amazon-sony-and-ericsson-to-join-barcelona-mobile-congress-exodus-280030" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-update-breaking-data-of-all-Israeli-voters-leaked-as-election-app-fails-investigation-launched">Data of all Israeli voters leaked as election app fails; investigation launched</a>

According to a US media report, the personal data of all voters in the recent Israel elections has been leaked.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-update-breaking-data-of-all-Israeli-voters-leaked-as-election-app-fails-investigation-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-so2-levels-reported-around-wuhan-and-chongqing-the-world-suspects-chinese-officials-of-burning-coronavirus-corpses-280050">High SO2 levels reported around Wuhan and Chongqing, the world suspects Chinese officials of burning coronavirus corpses</a>

Mass cremations could be seen in Wuhan and Chongqing, following the high sulphur dioxide levels in the quarantined area.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-so2-levels-reported-around-wuhan-and-chongqing-the-world-suspects-chinese-officials-of-burning-coronavirus-corpses-280050" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

More than 100 US troops diagnosed with brain injuries from Iran missile attack The US military on Monday disclosed a more than 50 per cent jump in cases of traumatic brain injury stemming from Iran's missile attack on a base in Iraq last month.

More than 100 US troops diagnosed with brain injuries from Iran missile attack The US military on Monday disclosed a more than 50 per cent jump in cases of traumatic brain injury stemming from Iran's missile attack on a base in Iraq last month. Read More US seeks prison term of 7-9 years for Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone Prosecutors asked a federal judge on Monday to sentence US President Donald Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone to between seven and nine years in prison. Read More President Xi visits hospital in Beijing as coronavirus death toll crosses 1,000 in China The death toll in China's coronavirus crossed 1,000 on Tuesday with over 42,000 infected nationwide, the health ministry said. Read More 5 dead as Storm Ciara wreaks havoc across Europe Storm Ciara brought severe flooding and heavy winds to areas across Europe, killing at least five people. Read More Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract Amazon is seeking testimony from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing Pentagon contract. Read More Elon Musk calls Facebook 'lame' and urges people to 'delete' it Tesla's CEO Elon Musk has taken another jibe at Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Read More US indicts four Chinese army hackers in 2017 Equifax breach The US Justice Department on Monday announced indictments against four members of China's People's Liberation Army for alleged involvement in the massive 2017 hack of the database of giant US credit rating agency Equifax. Read More Coronavirus prompts Sony, Amazon, Sony & Ericsson to join Barcelona mobile congress exodus Tech companies Amazon, Sony and Ericsson are skipping the Mobile World Congress this year because of fears over the coronavirus. Read More Data of all Israeli voters leaked as election app fails; investigation launched According to a US media report, the personal data of all voters in the recent Israel elections has been leaked. Read More High SO2 levels reported around Wuhan and Chongqing, the world suspects Chinese officials of burning coronavirus corpses Mass cremations could be seen in Wuhan and Chongqing, following the high sulphur dioxide levels in the quarantined area. Read More

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll crosses 1,000, storm Ciara and more

The head of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-world-health-organisation-holds-briefing-279523">World Health Organization</a> on Tuesday warned the novel coronavirus was a "very grave threat" for the world as he opened a conference to combat the epidemic.

"With 99% of cases in China, this remains very much an emergency for that country, but one that holds a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">very grave threat</a> for the rest of the world," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva.

Some 400 scientists will review how the virus is transmitted and possible vaccines at the two-day forum. "What matters most is stopping the outbreak and saving lives. With your support, that's what we can do together," Tedros said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">World Health Organisation warns overseas virus spread may be 'tip of the iceberg'</a>

The virus, first identified in China on December 31, has killed more than 1,000 people, infected over 42,000 and reached some 25 countries.

Participants will also discuss the source of the virus, which is thought to have originated in bats and reached humans via another animal such as snakes or pangolins.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine against the virus, which can cause respiratory failure. Tedros, who has repeatedly urged countries affected to share their data, called for global "solidarity".

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-health-organization-press-briefing-on-deadly-ncov-279252">World Health Organization press briefing on deadly nCoV</a>

"That is especially true in relation to sharing of samples and sequences. To defeat this outbreak, we need open and equitable sharing, according to the principles of fairness and equity," he said.

"We hope that one of the outcomes of this meeting will be an agreed roadmap for research around which researchers and donors will align," Tedros said. Several companies and institutes in Australia, China, France, Germany and the United States are racing to develop a vaccine - a process that normally takes years.

Asked whether scientists from Taiwan would be allowed to take part in this week's Geneva conference, WHO officials said that they would do so but only online - along with colleagues from other parts of China.

While the WHO does not deal with Taiwan directly and only recognises Beijing, Taiwan was often allowed to attend annual assemblies and sideline meetings as an observer.

But in recent years it has been frozen out as Beijing takes an increasingly combative stance towards democratic Taiwan, which it considers its own territory.

The head of the World Health Organization on Tuesday warned the novel coronavirus was a "very grave threat" for the world as he opened a conference to combat the epidemic.

The head of the World Health Organization on Tuesday warned the novel coronavirus was a "very grave threat" for the world as he opened a conference to combat the epidemic. "With 99% of cases in China, this remains very much an emergency for that country, but one that holds a very grave threat for the rest of the world," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva. Some 400 scientists will review how the virus is transmitted and possible vaccines at the two-day forum. "What matters most is stopping the outbreak and saving lives. With your support, that's what we can do together," Tedros said. Also Read: World Health Organisation warns overseas virus spread may be 'tip of the iceberg' The virus, first identified in China on December 31, has killed more than 1,000 people, infected over 42,000 and reached some 25 countries. Participants will also discuss the source of the virus, which is thought to have originated in bats and reached humans via another animal such as snakes or pangolins. There is no specific treatment or vaccine against the virus, which can cause respiratory failure. Tedros, who has repeatedly urged countries affected to share their data, called for global "solidarity". Also Watch: World Health Organization press briefing on deadly nCoV "That is especially true in relation to sharing of samples and sequences. To defeat this outbreak, we need open and equitable sharing, according to the principles of fairness and equity," he said. "We hope that one of the outcomes of this meeting will be an agreed roadmap for research around which researchers and donors will align," Tedros said. Several companies and institutes in Australia, China, France, Germany and the United States are racing to develop a vaccine - a process that normally takes years. Asked whether scientists from Taiwan would be allowed to take part in this week's Geneva conference, WHO officials said that they would do so but only online - along with colleagues from other parts of China. While the WHO does not deal with Taiwan directly and only recognises Beijing, Taiwan was often allowed to attend annual assemblies and sideline meetings as an observer. But in recent years it has been frozen out as Beijing takes an increasingly combative stance towards democratic Taiwan, which it considers its own territory.

'Very Grave' global virus threat issued by WHO

A team of UK scientists believe they are one of the first to start animal testing of a vaccine for the new coronavirus that has killed more than 900 people and spread around the world.

A team of UK scientists believe they are one of the first to start animal testing of a vaccine for the new coronavirus that has killed more than 900 people and spread around the world. Researchers at Imperial College London said their ultimate goal was to have an effective and safe way of halting the SARS-like strain's spread by the end of the year. "At the moment we have just put the vaccine that we've generated from these bacteria into mice," Imperial College London researcher Paul McKay said in an interview. Also Read: Coronavirus cure found by Indian Scientist; team leader at CSIRO cultured the first viable batch "We're hoping that over the next few weeks we'll be able to determine the response that we can see in those mice, in their blood, their antibody response to the coronavirus." Scientists across the world are racing to develop a way to stamp out a new strain of a well-known virus that has been successfully combatted in the past. Imperial College London said it cannot be sure how advanced other teams' research is at the moment, but the animal tests they began running Monday were one of the first. Also Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: Death toll rises to 1,016 Britain has recorded eight cases and been forced to shut down two branches of a medical centre in the southeast city of Brighton where at least two staff members tested positive. But coming up with a vaccine is a laborious process that usually involves years of animal testing and clinal trials on humans. Regulators must then make sure that the vaccine is both sufficiently safe and effective to be mass-produced. Imperial College London hopes that research on the SARS coronavirus nearly two decades ago can speed things up. "We're hoping to be the first to get this particular vaccine into human clinical trials, and that perhaps is our personal goal," McKay said. "Once the phase one trial is complete - which can take a few months to complete - it can be immediately started into an efficacy trial in people, which will also take a few months to complete," McKay added. "So, perhaps by the end of this year, there will be a viable tested vaccine that would be suitable for use in people." Collaborative race Much of the world's current research into the new strain is being funded through the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The group was formed at the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos to help drug companies and universities join forces and stamp out dangerous and preventable diseases. Imperial College London is not working with any of the current teams partnering with CEPI and requires its sources of funding. Its scientists hope that successful animal testing can help secure investments that allow clinical trials to start sometime between June and August. McKay said it would be unfair to say that the various universities and companies are competing to become the first to develop a vaccine. "There's been so much cross-sharing with all of this information - I mean the Chinese, as soon as the genome was sequenced, they shared it freely with everyone in the world," he noted. "So to put it in a competitive sense is probably not accurate. I would say that it’s a collaborative race."

China virus vaccine trials commence on mice by UK scientists

Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China rose to over 900 with over 40,000 infected, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic.

Here are the top ten stories of the day:

Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate

The coronavirus death toll in China rose to above nine hundred with over 40,000 infected overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-crosses-900-as-who-sends-team-to-investigate-279657">Read more</a>

Storm Ciara devastates UK; Yorkshire worst hit, flights disrupted

Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-ciara-devastates-uk-yorkshire-worst-hit-279711">Read more</a>

Heavily armed soldiers barge into Parliament in El Salvador

Heavily-armed soldiers barged in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-president-clicks-selfie-on-un-podium-calls-on-trump-to-rethink-legal-migration-252564">El Salvador</a>'s parliament on Sunday as the president demanded lawmakers to approve a $109 million sanction. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-heavily-armed-soldiers-barge-into-parliament-279817">Read more</a>

Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;has killed 29 civilians in a day.

Solar orbiter takes off to capture first look at Sun's poles

Europe and&nbsp;NASA's Solar Orbiter took off to space on Sunday night to an unprecedented mission to capture the first images of the Sun's poles. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-solar-orbiter-takes-off-to-capture-first-look-at-suns-poles-279765">Read more</a>

After Kenya and&nbsp;Ethiopia, locusts enter Uganda

A locust infestation sweeping the&nbsp;Horn of Africa&nbsp;reached Uganda on Sunday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-kenya-ethiopia-locusts-enter-uganda-279768">Read more</a>

World Health Organisation warns overseas virus spread may be 'tip of the iceberg'

The head of the&nbsp;World Health Organization&nbsp;has warned that confirmed cases of coronavirus being transmitted by people&nbsp;who&nbsp;have never travelled to&nbsp;China&nbsp;could be the "tip&nbsp;of the&nbsp;iceberg". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">Read more</a>

1000 bomb hoaxes a day in Moscow: Wave of blast threats sweeps country

Muscovites&nbsp;are mystified by a flood of bomb hoaxes forcing the evacuation of courts, schools and malls while authorities appear unable to find the culprits even after months of disruption to public life. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1000-bomb-hoaxes-a-day-in-moscow-wave-of-blast-threats-sweeps-country-279847">Read more</a>

Facebook and Twitter decline Pelosi's plea to remove clip posted by Donald Trump

Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;have declined House of Representative Speaker&nbsp;Nancy Pelosi's request to remove an edited video posted by US President&nbsp;Donald Trump. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-facebook-and-twitter-decline-pelosis-plea-to-remove-doctored-clip-posted-by-donald-trump-279743">Read more</a>

Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election

Nationalist party Sinn Fein won the popular vote in Ireland's general election, ballot counts revealed Sunday, with the one-time political wing of the IRA disrupting a duopoly of centre-right parties which have historically controlled the Republic.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Read more</a>

Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China rose to over 900 with over 40,000 infected, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic.

Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China rose to over 900 with over 40,000 infected, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic. Here are the top ten stories of the day: Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate The coronavirus death toll in China rose to above nine hundred with over 40,000 infected overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic. Read more Storm Ciara devastates UK; Yorkshire worst hit, flights disrupted Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Read more Heavily armed soldiers barge into Parliament in El Salvador Heavily-armed soldiers barged in El Salvador's parliament on Sunday as the president demanded lawmakers to approve a $109 million sanction. Read more Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in Syria has killed 29 civilians in a day. Solar orbiter takes off to capture first look at Sun's poles Europe and NASA's Solar Orbiter took off to space on Sunday night to an unprecedented mission to capture the first images of the Sun's poles. Read more After Kenya and Ethiopia, locusts enter Uganda A locust infestation sweeping the Horn of Africa reached Uganda on Sunday. Read more World Health Organisation warns overseas virus spread may be 'tip of the iceberg' The head of the World Health Organization has warned that confirmed cases of coronavirus being transmitted by people who have never travelled to China could be the "tip of the iceberg". Read more 1000 bomb hoaxes a day in Moscow: Wave of blast threats sweeps country Muscovites are mystified by a flood of bomb hoaxes forcing the evacuation of courts, schools and malls while authorities appear unable to find the culprits even after months of disruption to public life. Read more Facebook and Twitter decline Pelosi's plea to remove clip posted by Donald Trump Facebook and Twitter have declined House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi's request to remove an edited video posted by US President Donald Trump. Read more Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election Nationalist party Sinn Fein won the popular vote in Ireland's general election, ballot counts revealed Sunday, with the one-time political wing of the IRA disrupting a duopoly of centre-right parties which have historically controlled the Republic. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll, storm Ciara and more

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami unveiled the missile and engines alongside IRGC aerospace chief Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh. Meanwhile, Turkey says the advances by Russian-backed Syrian troops and their allies in Syria's Idlib threaten a fresh humanitarian disaster.&nbsp;

Here are the top ten stories of the day.

Iran unveils ballistic missile, 'new generation' engines 
 
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami unveiled the missile and engines alongside IRGC aerospace chief Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-unveils-ballistic-missile-new-generation-engines-279585">Read more</a>

Switzerland votes on new law against discrimination based on sexual orientation 
 
Switzerland votes in a referendum to decide if discrimination based on sexual orientation and sexual identity should be made punishable by law. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-votes-on-new-law-against-discrimination-based-on-sexual-orientation-279572">Read more</a>

Turkey reinforces troops in Syria's Idlib, talks with Russia 
 
Turkey says the advances by Russian-backed Syrian troops and their allies threaten a fresh humanitarian disaster, driving another wave of potential refugees to its southern border, and has threatened to act if they do not pull back. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-reinforces-troops-in-syrias-idlib-talks-with-russia-279554">Read more</a>

Bushfires, cyclone, torrential rain hit Australia's coasts

After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has alternately brought heavy downpours, hail storms, gusty winds and hot and dry air. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-cyclone-torrential-rain-hit-australias-coasts-279552">Read more</a>

Thai mass shooter killed at shopping mall, say security sources 
 
The killings began Saturday when the soldier opened fire in a house before moving to an army camp and then to the mall in Nakhon Ratchasima in northeastern Thailand. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-mass-shooter-killed-at-shopping-mall-say-security-sources-279539">Read more</a>

China resorts to 'wartime' measures to stop coronavirus in Wuhan 
 
China is racing against time to contain coronavirus outbreak and has introduced several lockdown measures to control the virus outbreak. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-resorts-to-wartime-measures-to-stop-coronavirus-in-wuhan-279537">Read more</a>

Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities 
 
The death toll from the novel coronavirus outbreak soared to 811 in China, surpassing fatalities in the Sars in 2002-2003. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-overtakes-sars-epidemic-fatalities-279534">Read more&nbsp;</a>

Security forces storm mall after soldier kills 20 in shooting rampage in Thailand 
 
A Thai soldier shot dead at least 20 people Saturday, posting messages on Facebook as he went on the rampage in a northeastern city where he was still holed up in a mall well over 12 hours after he first struck, authorities said. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soldier-kills-20-in-shooting-rampage-in-thailands-northeast-279532">Read more</a>

In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak&nbsp; 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed solidarity with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China over the deadly coronavirus outbreak, news agency ANI reported quoting sources. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-letter-pm-modi-offers-assistance-to-chinese-president-xi-jinping-over-coronavirus-outbreak-279583">Read more</a>

Oscars 'Night Before' party to lighten up with A-list celebrity hosts 
 
The 18th edition Oscars Night Before is returning, a &nbsp;champagne-soaked event that hosts all top celebrities of the Hollywood fraternity. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-night-before-party-to-lighten-up-with-a-list-celebrity-hosts-279556">Read more</a>

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami unveiled the missile and engines alongside IRGC aerospace chief Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami unveiled the missile and engines alongside IRGC aerospace chief Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh. Meanwhile, Turkey says the advances by Russian-backed Syrian troops and their allies in Syria's Idlib threaten a fresh humanitarian disaster. Here are the top ten stories of the day. Iran unveils ballistic missile, 'new generation' engines Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami unveiled the missile and engines alongside IRGC aerospace chief Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh. Read more Switzerland votes on new law against discrimination based on sexual orientation Switzerland votes in a referendum to decide if discrimination based on sexual orientation and sexual identity should be made punishable by law. Read more Turkey reinforces troops in Syria's Idlib, talks with Russia Turkey says the advances by Russian-backed Syrian troops and their allies threaten a fresh humanitarian disaster, driving another wave of potential refugees to its southern border, and has threatened to act if they do not pull back. Read more Bushfires, cyclone, torrential rain hit Australia's coasts After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has alternately brought heavy downpours, hail storms, gusty winds and hot and dry air. Read more Thai mass shooter killed at shopping mall, say security sources The killings began Saturday when the soldier opened fire in a house before moving to an army camp and then to the mall in Nakhon Ratchasima in northeastern Thailand. Read more China resorts to 'wartime' measures to stop coronavirus in Wuhan China is racing against time to contain coronavirus outbreak and has introduced several lockdown measures to control the virus outbreak. Read more Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities The death toll from the novel coronavirus outbreak soared to 811 in China, surpassing fatalities in the Sars in 2002-2003. Read more Security forces storm mall after soldier kills 20 in shooting rampage in Thailand A Thai soldier shot dead at least 20 people Saturday, posting messages on Facebook as he went on the rampage in a northeastern city where he was still holed up in a mall well over 12 hours after he first struck, authorities said. Read more In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed solidarity with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China over the deadly coronavirus outbreak, news agency ANI reported quoting sources. Read more Oscars 'Night Before' party to lighten up with A-list celebrity hosts The 18th edition Oscars Night Before is returning, a champagne-soaked event that hosts all top celebrities of the Hollywood fraternity. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll, Thai mass shooting and more

Russia's foreign minister on Friday slammed US sanctions against Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, providing a public show of support for President Nicolas Maduro as Washington mulls ramping up pressure on the South American nation.

Russia's foreign minister on Friday slammed US sanctions against Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, providing a public show of support for President Nicolas Maduro as Washington mulls ramping up pressure on the South American nation. Sergei Lavrov arrived in Caracas on Thursday, only hours after the US State Department suggested its Venezuela sanctions program could begin targeting Russia, whose oil companies have helped Maduro by buying much of the OPEC nation's crude. Assistance from Russia could be decisive for Maduro to boost oil production and restore economic growth after a surprise opening of the economy last year that followed years of hyperinflation and the exodus of 5 million people. [ Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro shakes hands with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "We have agreed to deepen our economic, commercial and investment cooperation in several areas despite the illegitimate sanctions," Lavrov said alongside Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez following an afternoon meeting with Maduro. "The most promising sectors are energy, natural resources and industry," Lavrov said in comments broadcast on state television, without providing details. US President Donald Trump met at the White House this week with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate president. Also Read: Venezuela opposition calls on US to step up pressure on Maduro ally Russia "We consider sanctions to be unacceptable," Lavrov said during an earlier televised meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza, and other Venezuelan officials. "It is outrageous that unilateral actions by the United States affect social and humanitarian projects." Lavrov also said "unilateral" actions by Washington could interfere with humanitarian projects. He voiced support for a government-backed dialogue effort as an alternative to "uprisings and interventions." Opposition leaders have said Maduro uses dialogue proceedings as a stalling tactic. The US Special Representative to Venezuela Elliott Abrams said on Thursday that Russia's support for Maduro's government may "no longer be cost-free." On Friday, the US Treasury Department said it imposed sanctions on Venezuela state-run airline Conviasa, which it said was being used to "shuttle corrupt officials around the world." "The Trump administration will not allow Maduro and his proxies to continue stealing from the Venezuelan people and abusing state-owned assets to advance their own corrupt and destabilizing activities," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. It is not evident that Washington is prepared to impose sanctions on Russian oil companies due to the potential impact on crude markets.

Russia foreign minister slams US sanctions during visit to Venezuela

Five British nationals including a child have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in France, after staying in the same ski chalet with a person who had been in Singapore, French health officials said on Saturday.

Five British nationals including a child have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in France, after staying in the same ski chalet with a person who had been in Singapore, French health officials said on Saturday. The new cases emerged after authorities began to retrace the recent travels of one British citizen confirmed by Britain to have contracted the virus in recent days, senior health official Jerome Salomon told a news conference. Agnes Buzyn, France's health minister, added that the group of people newly infected with the virus were not in a serious condition. They had formed "a cluster, a grouping around one original case", she said, after staying in the same chalet, in the Contamines-Montjoie resort in Savoie in eastern France. Contamines is in the French Alps, close to the Swiss city of Geneva. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Super Spreaders, a new nightmare for doctors "That original case was brought to our attention last night, it is a British national who had returned from Singapore where he had stayed between January 20 and 23, and he arrived in France on January 24 for four days," Buzyn said. Two of the apartments in the ski chalet were being examined, health officials said, adding that no other people had been affected by the outbreak in the resort. The infected Britons had been hospitalised overnight in the region, in the cities of Lyon, Grenoble and Saint-Etienne, the ministry added. The total number of people infected with the virus in France has now reached 11. The six others include one man in a serious condition, while the others have shown signs of improvement in recent days, according to medical officials. Also Watch: Why coronavirus' death toll still on rise? | Ground Report from Hong Kong The French government had been in touch with Singapore and Britain, and Singaporean authorities were looking into a business congress that took place in a hotel there on January 20-23 and was attended by 94 foreigners, they said. The British man now known to be at the origin of the latest French outbreak had travelled to that meeting, according to health officials in Singapore.

Five British nationals four adults one child infected at French ski resort

Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-to-lead-friday-prayers-for-first-time-since-2012-274495">Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act".

"We should be strong to prevent any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irans-khamenei-delivers-friday-sermon-bid-to-quell-public-anger-274853">war against the county</a>. Being weak will encourage our enemies to attack Iran," Khamenei, Iran's top authority, said according to state news agency IRNA.

The Islamic Republic has vowed to increase its military strength despite mounting pressure from Western countries to curtail its military capabilities, including its ballistic missile programme.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-american-clowns-who-lie-says-khamenei-in-friday-sermon-referring-to-trump-274902">These American 'clowns' who lie, says Khamenei in Friday sermon referring to Trump</a>

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked since 2018 when US President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 pact between Iran and world powers under which Tehran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions.

"Since the revolution, their aim was to stop us from having a strong military and a strong air force but look at us now. We even build planes. We have transformed their pressure to opportunity."

Iran is marking the 41st anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which toppled the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979. Washington has reimposed crippling sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, saying it seeks to force Iran to negotiate to reach a wider deal.

<img alt="Khamenei" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fafe40ea-8228-48cd-b2bc-e3afd3d958f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_49.jpg" /> 
[ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Khamenei, who dismissed the US sanctions as a "criminal act", has banned Iranian officials from holding talks unless the United States returns to the deal and lifts all sanctions. He said Iran should distance its economy from dependence on oil exports.

Iran and the United States stormed to the edge of war in early January when Tehran's most prominent general, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike on his convoy in Baghdad.

Tehran responded by launching missile attacks on US targets in Iraq. 
Iranian television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment damaged, without providing any evidence, Washington denied that there were any fatalities.

Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act".

Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act". "We should be strong to prevent any war against the county. Being weak will encourage our enemies to attack Iran," Khamenei, Iran's top authority, said according to state news agency IRNA. The Islamic Republic has vowed to increase its military strength despite mounting pressure from Western countries to curtail its military capabilities, including its ballistic missile programme. Also Read: These American 'clowns' who lie, says Khamenei in Friday sermon referring to Trump Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked since 2018 when US President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 pact between Iran and world powers under which Tehran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions. "Since the revolution, their aim was to stop us from having a strong military and a strong air force but look at us now. We even build planes. We have transformed their pressure to opportunity." Iran is marking the 41st anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which toppled the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979. Washington has reimposed crippling sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, saying it seeks to force Iran to negotiate to reach a wider deal. [ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Khamenei, who dismissed the US sanctions as a "criminal act", has banned Iranian officials from holding talks unless the United States returns to the deal and lifts all sanctions. He said Iran should distance its economy from dependence on oil exports. Iran and the United States stormed to the edge of war in early January when Tehran's most prominent general, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike on his convoy in Baghdad. Tehran responded by launching missile attacks on US targets in Iraq. Iranian television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment damaged, without providing any evidence, Washington denied that there were any fatalities.

To prevent war, Iran must increase its military might: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael.

However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent.

<img alt="Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c28cfae-9132-4966-8a6c-dd3cf795d5a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_68.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament.

Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland.

The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-ireland-abortion-laws-violate-womens-rights-un-body-33835">Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body</a>

Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon.

"We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding.

"Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-leo-varadkar-to-hold-a-parliamentary-election-in-february-274252">Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February</a>

Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years.

Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership.

<img alt="Varadkar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b73db71-3487-48b6-99e7-00425b674e63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_82.jpg" /> 
[Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)]

The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout.

The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing.

"We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time. Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael. However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent. [ Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament. Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland. The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power. Also Read: Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon. "We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding. "Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael. Also Read: Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years. Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership. [Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)] The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout. The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing. "We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

The end for Varadkar is nigh; Irish vote may give Sinn Fein a surging lead

US experts on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-super-spreaders-a-new-nightmare-for-doctors-279486">infectious diseases</a>, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated.

China agreed to allow WHO to form a team of experts to travel to China to learn about the virus and find <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-punitive-measures-as-it-races-to-contain-coronavirus-279420">solutions to the outbreak</a>, the spokesman said. "The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">United States appreciates China's efforts</a> and continued coordination with public health officials across the globe," he said in an e-mailed statement.

"These US experts have extensive experience working with the World Health Organization on a range infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics including Ebola, avian influenza, and SARS," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-us-offers-100m-aid-to-china-279407">Coronavirus Outbreak: US offers $100m aid to China</a>

A WHO source in Geneva said that the agency was waiting to hear back from China on the proposed team, while a WHO spokesman said on Saturday he had no further update on the mission.

China's foreign ministry said in a statement that it understood that the National Health Commission was in close communication with WHO on the specific arrangements for the team's visit to China.

US experts on infectious diseases, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated.

US experts on infectious diseases, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated. China agreed to allow WHO to form a team of experts to travel to China to learn about the virus and find solutions to the outbreak, the spokesman said. "The United States appreciates China's efforts and continued coordination with public health officials across the globe," he said in an e-mailed statement. "These US experts have extensive experience working with the World Health Organization on a range infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics including Ebola, avian influenza, and SARS," he added. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: US offers $100m aid to China A WHO source in Geneva said that the agency was waiting to hear back from China on the proposed team, while a WHO spokesman said on Saturday he had no further update on the mission. China's foreign ministry said in a statement that it understood that the National Health Commission was in close communication with WHO on the specific arrangements for the team's visit to China.

US still waiting on China's approval to send experts to join the WHO team

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains.

Severe tropical cyclone Damien was expected to make landfall on the west coast near Port Hedland, the world's largest iron ore port, on Saturday afternoon. The ports had been cleared of vessels ahead its arrival.

At 1 pm AWST, Damien was a Category 3 storm, expecting to bring winds with gusts up to 220 kilometres per hour near its centre when crossing the coast later on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology in Western Australia said.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2-killed-over-2500-people-evacuated-after-tropical-cyclone-sarai-hits-fiji-270846" target="_blank">2 killed &amp; over 2500 people evacuated after tropical cyclone 'Sarai' hits Fiji</a>

Residents of some coastal areas were urged to seek shelter. "Residents between Dampier and Whim Creek, including Dampier and Karratha, are warned of the potential of a very dangerous storm tide as the cyclone centre crosses the coast," the agency said on its website.

"Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous flooding." Sparsely populated Western Australia was also facing several severe fire warnings with hot temperatures expected in most of the state.

After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has brought heavy downpours, hail storms and heatwaves.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-2500-seek-emergency-shelter-in-cyclone-battered-fiji-270826" target="_blank">Two dead, 2,500 seek emergency shelter in cyclone-battered Fiji</a>

New South Wales, an east coast state where nearly a third of Australia's population lives, saw some areas drenched by the heaviest rainfall in almost 20 years by Saturday, with severe weather and flash flood warnings.

"Potentially we haven't seen anything like this since the late 1990s," Bureau of Meteorology acting New South Wales manager Jane Golding said at a news conference.

There were still more than 40 active fires in New South Wales on Saturday, half of them yet to be contained, but fire services said the downpours, which are expected to continue into next week, may dampen them.

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains.

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains. Severe tropical cyclone Damien was expected to make landfall on the west coast near Port Hedland, the world's largest iron ore port, on Saturday afternoon. The ports had been cleared of vessels ahead its arrival. At 1 pm AWST, Damien was a Category 3 storm, expecting to bring winds with gusts up to 220 kilometres per hour near its centre when crossing the coast later on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology in Western Australia said. Also Watch: 2 killed & over 2500 people evacuated after tropical cyclone 'Sarai' hits Fiji Residents of some coastal areas were urged to seek shelter. "Residents between Dampier and Whim Creek, including Dampier and Karratha, are warned of the potential of a very dangerous storm tide as the cyclone centre crosses the coast," the agency said on its website. "Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous flooding." Sparsely populated Western Australia was also facing several severe fire warnings with hot temperatures expected in most of the state. After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has brought heavy downpours, hail storms and heatwaves. Also Read: Two dead, 2,500 seek emergency shelter in cyclone-battered Fiji New South Wales, an east coast state where nearly a third of Australia's population lives, saw some areas drenched by the heaviest rainfall in almost 20 years by Saturday, with severe weather and flash flood warnings. "Potentially we haven't seen anything like this since the late 1990s," Bureau of Meteorology acting New South Wales manager Jane Golding said at a news conference. There were still more than 40 active fires in New South Wales on Saturday, half of them yet to be contained, but fire services said the downpours, which are expected to continue into next week, may dampen them.

Cyclone approaches Western Australia with heavy winds, risk of storm tide

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack.

Here’s how each of the seven contenders on stage fared:

JOE BIDEN 
The former vice president, looking to rebound from a faceplant in Iowa's caucuses this week, obviously wanted to come out on the offensive. Unfortunately, he started the night telling the nation that he probably was going to lose New Hampshire as well.

But Biden grew more assured, tearing into US Senator Bernie Sanders over the cost of his Medicare for All plan and his record on guns while questioning Pete Buttigieg’s lack of experience. Biden seemed to relish in his long record of public service, repeatedly listing his accomplishments as a senator and vice president for Barack Obama. “The politics of the past, I think, were not all that bad,” Biden said.

The risk for Biden is such talk only reinforces the view of some Democrats that his moment has passed and why they’re looking to fresh faces such as Buttigieg. But Biden has little choice but lean even harder into his argument that he is best prepared to take over for President Donald Trump.

<img alt="Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="351e7d0b-29e1-4073-b4d4-3cf068c648ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2897%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

PETE BUTTIGIEG 
As expected, everyone came gunning for the 38-year-old boyish former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Biden and US Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned his thin track record. Klobuchar also suggested Buttigieg had flipped positions on Medicare for All.&nbsp;

Sanders took a shot at his fundraising. And US Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a brutal critique of Buttigieg’s defence of his record as mayor concerning African Americans and criminal justice.

All of it was designed to make Buttigieg appear unready for the job – and at times he wobbled. At other points, he turned aggressive, labelling Sanders as an extreme candidate who would drive away moderates. Buttigieg did not back down from making his generational argument that it was time to pass the torch.&nbsp;

<img alt="Pete Buttigieg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e86f3f22-1b4b-44fd-b429-e090dd49df1d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2898%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Pete Buttigieg, Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana mayor (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

He told Biden his achievements “were phenomenally important because they met the moment. But now we have to meet at this moment, and this moment is different.” He also continued his outreach to independents and even Republicans, who could be critical in New Hampshire, which allows non-Democrats to vote.

AMY KLOBUCHAR 
If this is the end of the line for the senator from Minnesota, she will go out turning in probably her best debate performance to date. She showed quick thinking on stage. She was the first candidate to raise her hand when they were asked if they were concerned about having a democratic socialist like Sanders at the top of the ticket.&nbsp;

Not long after, she was the first candidate to bring up Trump’s impeachment and his acquittal by the Senate, a trenchant reminder of the stakes of the election.

It was clear from the outset that Klobuchar looked to dent Buttigieg’s momentum, challenging him and even mocking him while framing herself as a better “unity” candidate. Referring to Trump, she said, “We have a newcomer in the White House, and look what that got us.”

<img alt="Klobuchar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b57fa770-ed76-4a86-9943-68061bf949ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-08T131153.994.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic US Presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

After a disappointing finish in Iowa - she came in fifth - Klobuchar heads into the New Hampshire primary a distinct underdog. One good debate is not likely to change that.

BERNIE SANDERS 
Coming off a strong performance in Iowa that put him almost in a dead heat with Buttigieg, Sanders was on the defensive early, as rivals like Biden questioned whether a democratic socialist could marshal broad enough support in November to defeat Trump.

As usual, Sanders showed little interest in moderating his message. His remarkable consistency – most of his quotes on Friday could have come from any of the other seven debates of this campaign, or his first presidential run in 2016 – is part of what endears him to his supporters.

It also brings questions about whether he can broaden his appeal to win a majority of American voters. Sanders’ answer on Friday was that his agenda of Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy would inspire more voters to participate in the election. “I believe the way we beat Trump is by having the largest voter turnout in the history of this country,” he said.

<img alt="Sanders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="789faacc-f28e-4c7b-a456-c1dd6cd0129e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2899%29_1.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic US&nbsp;Presidential Candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

TOM STEYER 
The California billionaire was probably the most pugnacious candidate on stage, fashioning himself as a truth-teller trying to elevate the discussion beyond squabbles over healthcare plans and abortion rights toward something more basic: How to beat Trump.

Steyer argued Democrats must find some way to challenge Trump on the economy or risk failure. “We have to go win a huge victory this year, and we're in trouble,” he said. He also seemed to suggest that his rivals had very little idea how to bring the party together and ensure that African Americans and other voters of colour go to the polls in November.&nbsp;

With polls showing Steyer rising as a challenger to Biden in South Carolina, the outsider candidate is likely to keep spending freely, act like he has nothing to lose and perhaps stay on the debate stage.

ELIZABETH WARREN 
Warren continued pressing the closing argument she made in Iowa, arguing that she is uniquely positioned to unify the various factions within the Democratic Party. As a result, she appeared somewhat unwilling to engage in attacks on her rivals.

But as the debate proceeded, Warren fired a few shots at the other candidates. After moderators pressed Buttigieg on his mayoral record on race and policing, Warren was asked whether his answer had been satisfactory.

“No,” she said bluntly, before ticking off several areas – housing, education, employment – in which she has released plans that specifically target racial gaps.

<img alt="Warren" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b97a700e-ca37-4b1c-a3b8-cfe14d84b149" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%28100%29_1.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic 2020 US&nbsp;Presidential Candidate and US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Later, she jumped at the chance to criticize billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who is skipping the early voting states and blanketing later states with a barrage of advertising, for trying to “buy” the nomination. She followed that with a thinly veiled shot at Sanders for getting help from an outside political group even though he has sworn off super PACs.

With less speaking time than Buttigieg, Biden, Sanders and Klobuchar, it was not clear whether she made enough of an impact after a week in which she was mostly an afterthought following a third-place finish in Iowa.

ANDREW YANG 
For months, Andrew Yang has pointed to New Hampshire as the early state where he expected to have the most appeal, thanks to the independent voters who make up a large portion of the electorate and might be drawn to his esoteric campaign platform.

But after a poor showing in Iowa, where he finished far behind the top candidates, Yang needed a breakout performance to have any hope of outperforming on Tuesday.

He didn’t get many opportunities. The moderators directed only a handful of questions at him, leaving him with by far the least amount of speaking time. As he has throughout the campaign, he declined to engage in any back-and-forth attacks with other candidates, which meant he spent long stretches in silence as rivals took turns swinging at one another.

<img alt="Yang" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3388b91a-447e-451c-8cde-d3e3aaf03944" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-08T131645.502.jpg" /> 
[ Businessman and 2020 US Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @AndrewYang) ]

Yang's campaign, which has far outstripped any reasonable expectations, may be drawing to a close.

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack.

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack. Here’s how each of the seven contenders on stage fared: JOE BIDEN The former vice president, looking to rebound from a faceplant in Iowa's caucuses this week, obviously wanted to come out on the offensive. Unfortunately, he started the night telling the nation that he probably was going to lose New Hampshire as well. But Biden grew more assured, tearing into US Senator Bernie Sanders over the cost of his Medicare for All plan and his record on guns while questioning Pete Buttigieg’s lack of experience. Biden seemed to relish in his long record of public service, repeatedly listing his accomplishments as a senator and vice president for Barack Obama. “The politics of the past, I think, were not all that bad,” Biden said. The risk for Biden is such talk only reinforces the view of some Democrats that his moment has passed and why they’re looking to fresh faces such as Buttigieg. But Biden has little choice but lean even harder into his argument that he is best prepared to take over for President Donald Trump. [ Democratic Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden (Courtesy: Reuters) ] PETE BUTTIGIEG As expected, everyone came gunning for the 38-year-old boyish former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Biden and US Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned his thin track record. Klobuchar also suggested Buttigieg had flipped positions on Medicare for All. Sanders took a shot at his fundraising. And US Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a brutal critique of Buttigieg’s defence of his record as mayor concerning African Americans and criminal justice. All of it was designed to make Buttigieg appear unready for the job – and at times he wobbled. At other points, he turned aggressive, labelling Sanders as an extreme candidate who would drive away moderates. Buttigieg did not back down from making his generational argument that it was time to pass the torch. [ Pete Buttigieg, Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana mayor (Courtesy: Reuters) ] He told Biden his achievements “were phenomenally important because they met the moment. But now we have to meet at this moment, and this moment is different.” He also continued his outreach to independents and even Republicans, who could be critical in New Hampshire, which allows non-Democrats to vote. AMY KLOBUCHAR If this is the end of the line for the senator from Minnesota, she will go out turning in probably her best debate performance to date. She showed quick thinking on stage. She was the first candidate to raise her hand when they were asked if they were concerned about having a democratic socialist like Sanders at the top of the ticket. Not long after, she was the first candidate to bring up Trump’s impeachment and his acquittal by the Senate, a trenchant reminder of the stakes of the election. It was clear from the outset that Klobuchar looked to dent Buttigieg’s momentum, challenging him and even mocking him while framing herself as a better “unity” candidate. Referring to Trump, she said, “We have a newcomer in the White House, and look what that got us.” [ Democratic US Presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar (Courtesy: Reuters) ] After a disappointing finish in Iowa - she came in fifth - Klobuchar heads into the New Hampshire primary a distinct underdog. One good debate is not likely to change that. BERNIE SANDERS Coming off a strong performance in Iowa that put him almost in a dead heat with Buttigieg, Sanders was on the defensive early, as rivals like Biden questioned whether a democratic socialist could marshal broad enough support in November to defeat Trump. As usual, Sanders showed little interest in moderating his message. His remarkable consistency – most of his quotes on Friday could have come from any of the other seven debates of this campaign, or his first presidential run in 2016 – is part of what endears him to his supporters. It also brings questions about whether he can broaden his appeal to win a majority of American voters. Sanders’ answer on Friday was that his agenda of Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy would inspire more voters to participate in the election. “I believe the way we beat Trump is by having the largest voter turnout in the history of this country,” he said. [ Democratic US Presidential Candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders (Courtesy: Reuters) ] TOM STEYER The California billionaire was probably the most pugnacious candidate on stage, fashioning himself as a truth-teller trying to elevate the discussion beyond squabbles over healthcare plans and abortion rights toward something more basic: How to beat Trump. Steyer argued Democrats must find some way to challenge Trump on the economy or risk failure. “We have to go win a huge victory this year, and we're in trouble,” he said. He also seemed to suggest that his rivals had very little idea how to bring the party together and ensure that African Americans and other voters of colour go to the polls in November. With polls showing Steyer rising as a challenger to Biden in South Carolina, the outsider candidate is likely to keep spending freely, act like he has nothing to lose and perhaps stay on the debate stage. ELIZABETH WARREN Warren continued pressing the closing argument she made in Iowa, arguing that she is uniquely positioned to unify the various factions within the Democratic Party. As a result, she appeared somewhat unwilling to engage in attacks on her rivals. But as the debate proceeded, Warren fired a few shots at the other candidates. After moderators pressed Buttigieg on his mayoral record on race and policing, Warren was asked whether his answer had been satisfactory. “No,” she said bluntly, before ticking off several areas – housing, education, employment – in which she has released plans that specifically target racial gaps. [ Democratic 2020 US Presidential Candidate and US Senator Elizabeth Warren (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Later, she jumped at the chance to criticize billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who is skipping the early voting states and blanketing later states with a barrage of advertising, for trying to “buy” the nomination. She followed that with a thinly veiled shot at Sanders for getting help from an outside political group even though he has sworn off super PACs. With less speaking time than Buttigieg, Biden, Sanders and Klobuchar, it was not clear whether she made enough of an impact after a week in which she was mostly an afterthought following a third-place finish in Iowa. ANDREW YANG For months, Andrew Yang has pointed to New Hampshire as the early state where he expected to have the most appeal, thanks to the independent voters who make up a large portion of the electorate and might be drawn to his esoteric campaign platform. But after a poor showing in Iowa, where he finished far behind the top candidates, Yang needed a breakout performance to have any hope of outperforming on Tuesday. He didn’t get many opportunities. The moderators directed only a handful of questions at him, leaving him with by far the least amount of speaking time. As he has throughout the campaign, he declined to engage in any back-and-forth attacks with other candidates, which meant he spent long stretches in silence as rivals took turns swinging at one another. [ Businessman and 2020 US Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @AndrewYang) ] Yang's campaign, which has far outstripped any reasonable expectations, may be drawing to a close.

Presidential Candidates fight for survival in New Hampshire debate

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The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have&nbsp;been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats"&nbsp;which have been causing widespread havoc.

What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the&nbsp;decade.

Sometimes referred to as "flying foxes", the bat colony has reached such biblical proportions that it now outnumbers Ingham's 4,300 residents by gargantuan margins. Residents have called the situation a "bat tornado", with the epicentre&nbsp;residing over the town's botanical gardens and the trees in nearby local primary schools.

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts in 2013 had complained about the flying foxes&nbsp;as their presence made flights difficult. Since then, the numbers in the colony have jumped yearly, which is worsened by the fact that hundreds of fruit bats die of heat-stroke every summer, leaving residents and local authorities to clean up dead bodies of flying fox pups.&nbsp;

<img alt="Dead bats" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="281a4e3f-0030-4983-b118-c00e90cf9391" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2873%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ Piles of fruit bat corpses litter the majority of Ingham - Representative Image (Courtesy: Doug&nbsp;Gimesy, National Geographic)

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599">Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home</a>

The most obvious problem being faced by Ingham residents is a spike in their daily interactions with guano or bat droppings. This not only includes the sight and smell but also the sensation of stepping in a pile whenever one steps out of the safety of their homes.&nbsp;

The constant cacophony of screeches also adds to local disgust.&nbsp;The major concern when it comes to infections is that&nbsp;Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL) can be transferred via scratches or bites.

Though the risk of infection is low and only three confirmed cases have been registered in the country since was&nbsp;discovered&nbsp;in 1996 but&nbsp;research data from the Australian Journal of General Practice states that ABL has a 100 per cent kill rate.

<img alt="Map of Infected region" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15d82678-d341-4f4e-ada7-f6161b84c4f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2871%29.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Current declared Ingham Roost area&nbsp;(Courtesy: Department of Environment and Science,&nbsp;Hinchinbrook Shire Council) ]

The virus is similar to classical rabies and there are no cures for this once symptoms appear. However, the government of New South Wales has stated rapid and thorough cleaning of the wound, as well as prompt administration of rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine which can prevent the spread of the disease.

The Ingham local council has limited options when&nbsp;it comes to dispersing the colony&nbsp;as bats are protected under Queensland law despite the potential health risk their existence poses.

<img alt="flying fox" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21b4c49b-46f6-4fdd-ae62-cb5ce9f51215" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2872%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ An adult flying fox (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Smoke, noise and light can qualify as non-lethal methods to disperse of the animals, but local law dictates that these cannot be used when the bats are breeding. As per reports, there have been claims that the techniques in question are "rarely very successful" and extremely expensive when dispersing bat colonies.

The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats" which have been causing widespread havoc. What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the decade.

The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats" which have been causing widespread havoc. What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the decade. Sometimes referred to as "flying foxes", the bat colony has reached such biblical proportions that it now outnumbers Ingham's 4,300 residents by gargantuan margins. Residents have called the situation a "bat tornado", with the epicentre residing over the town's botanical gardens and the trees in nearby local primary schools. Pilots and aviation enthusiasts in 2013 had complained about the flying foxes as their presence made flights difficult. Since then, the numbers in the colony have jumped yearly, which is worsened by the fact that hundreds of fruit bats die of heat-stroke every summer, leaving residents and local authorities to clean up dead bodies of flying fox pups. [ Piles of fruit bat corpses litter the majority of Ingham - Representative Image (Courtesy: Doug Gimesy, National Geographic) Also Read: Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home The most obvious problem being faced by Ingham residents is a spike in their daily interactions with guano or bat droppings. This not only includes the sight and smell but also the sensation of stepping in a pile whenever one steps out of the safety of their homes. The constant cacophony of screeches also adds to local disgust. The major concern when it comes to infections is that Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL) can be transferred via scratches or bites. Though the risk of infection is low and only three confirmed cases have been registered in the country since was discovered in 1996 but research data from the Australian Journal of General Practice states that ABL has a 100 per cent kill rate. [ Current declared Ingham Roost area (Courtesy: Department of Environment and Science, Hinchinbrook Shire Council) ] The virus is similar to classical rabies and there are no cures for this once symptoms appear. However, the government of New South Wales has stated rapid and thorough cleaning of the wound, as well as prompt administration of rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine which can prevent the spread of the disease. The Ingham local council has limited options when it comes to dispersing the colony as bats are protected under Queensland law despite the potential health risk their existence poses. [ An adult flying fox (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Smoke, noise and light can qualify as non-lethal methods to disperse of the animals, but local law dictates that these cannot be used when the bats are breeding. As per reports, there have been claims that the techniques in question are "rarely very successful" and extremely expensive when dispersing bat colonies.

'Bat tornado' wreaks widespread havoc in Australian town

The United Nation's&nbsp;Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It&nbsp;comes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Syrian army advanced</a> into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib province</a>.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads&nbsp;which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-planes-pound-idlib-as-offensive-escalates-turkey-france-call-for-de-escalation-270092">backed by Russia</a> continue to advance despite Turkey's warning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250000-migrants-fleeing-from-syrias-idlib-towards-turkey-tayyip-erdogan-271660">Turkey has chosen</a> to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296">Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers</a>

Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on&nbsp;the Turkish border.

Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are backed by Russia continue to advance despite Turkey's warning. Turkey has chosen to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Also Read: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on the Turkish border. Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting

After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges. Meanwhile Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffled his cabinet and NASA's Christina Koch returned to Earth safely Thursday having shattered the spaceflight record for female astronauts after almost a year aboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;

Here are top 10 world news of the day.&nbsp;

Christina Koch, NASA astronaut returns to Earth after record 328 days in space

NASA's Christina Koch returned to Earth safely Thursday having shattered the spaceflight record for female astronauts after almost a year aboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-breaking-us-astronaut-christina-koch-returns-to-earth-after-328-days-279063" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate

After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-acquitted-of-impeachment-charges-in-republican-majority-senate-278933/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

More jobs? Booming economy? Fact-checking Trump's claims from State of the Union address

Yesterday, during the State of the Union address, Donald Trump made multiple claims about the booming economy, decreased unemployment, increased inequality.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-jobs-booming-economy-fact-checking-trumps-claims-from-yesterdays-state-of-the-union-address-278951" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

What happens if the coronavirus breaches Asian megacities?

Asian megacities outside of Mainland China are poorly equipped to contain the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, as per a leading epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-if-the-coronavirus-breeches-asian-megacities-279050" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Turkey plane accident: Three dead, 179 injured in mishap

Three people have died and 179 were injured when a plane skidded off the runway at an Istanbul airport, caught fire and split into three after landing in rough weather.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-plane-accident-three-dead-179-injured-in-mishap-278953" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffles cabinet after coalition partner ructions

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffled his cabinet on Thursday, replacing two senior ministers from junior coalition partner the National Party following their recent resignations.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-reshuffles-cabinet-after-coalition-partner-ructions-278993" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Outspoken Chechen blogger murdered 'violently' in French hotel

A youtube blogger from Chechen who was an outspoken critic of the country's President Ramzan Kadyrov was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-outspoken-chechen-blogger-murdered-violently-in-french-hotel-279061" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Finland to offer equal paid parental leave to mothers and fathers

Finland has announced plans to offer men and women equal paid parental leave as well as an extension of the total family allowance from 11.5 months to just over 14 months.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-to-offer-equal-paid-parental-leave-to-mothers-and-fathers-278968" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

All plastic ever produced still exists in the environment: Report

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://wionews.com/world/all-plastic-ever-produced-still-exists-in-the-environment-report-278967" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges. Meanwhile Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffled his cabinet and NASA's Christina Koch returned to Earth safely Thursday having shattered the spaceflight record for female astronauts after almost a year aboard the International Space Station.

After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges. Meanwhile Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffled his cabinet and NASA's Christina Koch returned to Earth safely Thursday having shattered the spaceflight record for female astronauts after almost a year aboard the International Space Station. Here are top 10 world news of the day. Christina Koch, NASA astronaut returns to Earth after record 328 days in space NASA's Christina Koch returned to Earth safely Thursday having shattered the spaceflight record for female astronauts after almost a year aboard the International Space Station. Read More US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges. Read More More jobs? Booming economy? Fact-checking Trump's claims from State of the Union address Yesterday, during the State of the Union address, Donald Trump made multiple claims about the booming economy, decreased unemployment, increased inequality. Read More What happens if the coronavirus breaches Asian megacities? Asian megacities outside of Mainland China are poorly equipped to contain the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, as per a leading epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong. Read More Turkey plane accident: Three dead, 179 injured in mishap Three people have died and 179 were injured when a plane skidded off the runway at an Istanbul airport, caught fire and split into three after landing in rough weather. Read More Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. Read More Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffles cabinet after coalition partner ructions Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffled his cabinet on Thursday, replacing two senior ministers from junior coalition partner the National Party following their recent resignations. Read More Outspoken Chechen blogger murdered 'violently' in French hotel A youtube blogger from Chechen who was an outspoken critic of the country's President Ramzan Kadyrov was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room. Read More Finland to offer equal paid parental leave to mothers and fathers Finland has announced plans to offer men and women equal paid parental leave as well as an extension of the total family allowance from 11.5 months to just over 14 months. Read More All plastic ever produced still exists in the environment: Report If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time. Read More

Top 10 world news today: NASA astronaut returns to Earth, coronavirus outbreak and more

Winners and losers from impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump

The United States was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-slams-us-for-stalling-peace-talks-278581">accused by the Taliban</a> on Twitter for obstructing negotiations over a potential withdrawal deal that would result in the Americans ending their 18-year-old war in Afghanistan. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-for-taliban-talks-back-in-kabul-official-278071">US Government</a> is still wrangling with the Taliban over a possible agreement that would allow US troops to begin leaving Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees. 
 
Insurgents have saddled the blame for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">pitiful state</a> of progress on the White House, and have called out the Administration on the growing list of demands being made to pave the way for a deal.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-violence-rises-amid-us-taliban-talks-watchdog-277677">Afghanistan violence rises amid US-Taliban talks: Watchdog</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reaction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reaction</a> 
IEA has the intention &amp; capacity for a resolution. Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump's tweet, numerous US demands &amp; quarrel b/w US &amp; Kabul officials.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> should refrain from blame-shifting. Our stance in principled &amp; concerted - unlike them.
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1224647135746043905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet made be Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban it was asserted that the extremist outfit has the intention &amp; capacity for a resolution. "Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump's tweet, numerous US demands &amp; quarrel b/w US &amp; Kabul officials. @SecPompeo should refrain from blame-shifting. Our stance in principled &amp; concerted - unlike them," he tweeted.

This preceded statements made by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who said during a meeting with Central Asian officials in Uzbekistan that the insurgents must present demonstrable evidence of their will and capacity to reduce violence if they wished to enter any agreement.

The United States was accused by the Taliban on Twitter for obstructing negotiations over a potential withdrawal deal that would result in the Americans ending their 18-year-old war in Afghanistan.

The United States was accused by the Taliban on Twitter for obstructing negotiations over a potential withdrawal deal that would result in the Americans ending their 18-year-old war in Afghanistan. The US Government is still wrangling with the Taliban over a possible agreement that would allow US troops to begin leaving Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees. Insurgents have saddled the blame for the pitiful state of progress on the White House, and have called out the Administration on the growing list of demands being made to pave the way for a deal. Also Read: Afghanistan violence rises amid US-Taliban talks: Watchdog #Reaction IEA has the intention & capacity for a resolution. Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump's tweet, numerous US demands & quarrel b/w US & Kabul officials.@SecPompeo should refrain from blame-shifting. Our stance in principled & concerted - unlike them. — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) February 4, 2020 × In a tweet made be Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban it was asserted that the extremist outfit has the intention & capacity for a resolution. "Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump's tweet, numerous US demands & quarrel b/w US & Kabul officials. @SecPompeo should refrain from blame-shifting. Our stance in principled & concerted - unlike them," he tweeted. This preceded statements made by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who said during a meeting with Central Asian officials in Uzbekistan that the insurgents must present demonstrable evidence of their will and capacity to reduce violence if they wished to enter any agreement.

Taliban takes to Twitter; accuses US Government of halting peace talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644">China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected</a>

The coronavirus outbreak has killed 490 people in China. The number of infected cases rose to 24,324 as the virus continued to spread in China.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newborn-baby-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-just-30-hours-after-birth-278877">Newborn baby tests positive for coronavirus just 30 hours after birth</a>

The infant is the youngest person recorded as being infected by the virus, which has killed nearly 500 people since emerging late last year. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newborn-baby-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-just-30-hours-after-birth-278877">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-breaking-news-update-meet-Pete-Buttigieg-the-man-who-shocked-Sanders-Biden-in-Iowa-caucus">Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus</a>

Buttigieg is also the first openly gay candidate to run for president. &nbsp;Two years ago his same-sex marriage to Chasten Glezman, a teacher, was widely covered in the US media. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-breaking-news-update-meet-Pete-Buttigieg-the-man-who-shocked-Sanders-Biden-in-Iowa-caucus">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/State-of-the-Union-address-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tears-up-text-as-trump-ends-state-of-the-union-address-278666">US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address</a>

Immediately after United States President Donald Trump concluded his ''State of the Union'' address, the House speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped apart the paper copy of his speech.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/State-of-the-Union-address-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tears-up-text-as-trump-ends-state-of-the-union-address-278666" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-body-temperature-is-not-986-fahrenheit-new-research-shows-temperatures-consistently-declining-278888">Human body temperature is not 98.6 Fahrenheit; new research shows temperatures consistently declining</a>

Results indicated that the body temperature of men born in the 2000s is lower than that of men born in the early 1800s and body temperature of women born in the 2000s is lower than that of women born in the 1890s. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-body-temperature-is-not-986-fahrenheit-new-research-shows-temperatures-consistently-declining-278888">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-wants-petrol-diesel-vehicles-out-by-2035-proposes-switching-to-hybrid-vehicles-278805">UK wants petrol &amp; diesel vehicles out by 2035, proposes switching to hybrid vehicles</a>

The United Kingdom is bent on pursuing its ''electric dream'' by banning diesel, petrol vehicles and promoting hybrid vehicles. If put into action, the goal should be achieved by 2035.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-wants-petrol-diesel-vehicles-out-by-2035-proposes-switching-to-hybrid-vehicles-278805" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-version-of-national-anthem-removed-from-sri-lankas-independence-day-celebrations-3-years-after-being-introduced-278890">Tamil version of national anthem removed from Sri Lanka's Independence day celebrations, 3 years after being introduced</a>

This was concerning for many, as it reflected the government's policy for national reconciliation which marked the end of the brutal civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-version-of-national-anthem-removed-from-sri-lankas-independence-day-celebrations-3-years-after-being-introduced-278890">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/measles-vaccine-drive-aims-to-protect-45-million-children-in-africa-asia-278628">Measles vaccine drive aims to protect 45 million children in Africa, Asia</a>

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/measles-vaccine-drive-aims-to-protect-45-million-children-in-africa-asia-278628" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-malaysias-former-first-lady-goes-on-trial-for-corruption-278771">Malaysia's former first lady goes on trial for corruption</a>

Malaysia's former first lady, who allegedly bankrolled a luxurious lifestyle with kickbacks and stolen public money, went on trial Wednesday for corruption for the first time since her husband lost power.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-malaysias-former-first-lady-goes-on-trial-for-corruption-278771" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-israel-strikes-in-gaza-after-palestinians-fire-projectiles-278765">Israel strikes in Gaza after Palestinians fire projectiles</a>

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas positions in Gaza early Wednesday, the military said, after Palestinians in the enclave launched projectiles and explosive balloons at the Jewish state.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-israel-strikes-in-gaza-after-palestinians-fire-projectiles-278765" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected The coronavirus outbreak has killed 490 people in China. The number of infected cases rose to 24,324 as the virus continued to spread in China.

China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected The coronavirus outbreak has killed 490 people in China. The number of infected cases rose to 24,324 as the virus continued to spread in China. Read More Newborn baby tests positive for coronavirus just 30 hours after birth The infant is the youngest person recorded as being infected by the virus, which has killed nearly 500 people since emerging late last year. Read More Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus Buttigieg is also the first openly gay candidate to run for president. Two years ago his same-sex marriage to Chasten Glezman, a teacher, was widely covered in the US media. Read More US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address Immediately after United States President Donald Trump concluded his ''State of the Union'' address, the House speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped apart the paper copy of his speech. Read More Human body temperature is not 98.6 Fahrenheit; new research shows temperatures consistently declining Results indicated that the body temperature of men born in the 2000s is lower than that of men born in the early 1800s and body temperature of women born in the 2000s is lower than that of women born in the 1890s. Read More UK wants petrol & diesel vehicles out by 2035, proposes switching to hybrid vehicles The United Kingdom is bent on pursuing its ''electric dream'' by banning diesel, petrol vehicles and promoting hybrid vehicles. If put into action, the goal should be achieved by 2035. Read More Tamil version of national anthem removed from Sri Lanka's Independence day celebrations, 3 years after being introduced This was concerning for many, as it reflected the government's policy for national reconciliation which marked the end of the brutal civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Read More Measles vaccine drive aims to protect 45 million children in Africa, Asia Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease. Read More Malaysia's former first lady goes on trial for corruption Malaysia's former first lady, who allegedly bankrolled a luxurious lifestyle with kickbacks and stolen public money, went on trial Wednesday for corruption for the first time since her husband lost power. Read More Israel strikes in Gaza after Palestinians fire projectiles Israeli aircraft struck Hamas positions in Gaza early Wednesday, the military said, after Palestinians in the enclave launched projectiles and explosive balloons at the Jewish state. Read More

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus toll jumps to 425, Israel strikes in Gaza and more

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected an offer from the government to lead a major United Nations climate summit taking place in November. Known as COP26, the summit in Glasgow is seen as a moment of truth for the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat global warming.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected an offer from the government to lead a major United Nations climate summit taking place in November. Known as COP26, the summit in Glasgow is seen as a moment of truth for the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat global warming. Britain will be responsible for persuading major powers to accept more ambitious emissions cuts. "It was an honour to be asked to do that job and I was very grateful to be asked," Cameron, who served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, told reporters. "But I think its best in these situations if you have a government minister doing the job - you then have sort of one line of command rather than perhaps two people doing the same thing," he said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked summit head, Clare O'Neill, last week. O'Neill said Johnson had shown a lack of leadership and engagement over the summit. Also Read: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga Many critics feel that this announcement is damage control to shield UK's credentials in terms of the environment. However, the British PM behind a successful Brexit, disagrees and claims that it is part of the government's larger plan to cut down CO2 emissions by 2050. [ Britain's former Prime Minister David Cameron (Courtesy: Reuters) ] O'Neil clapped back at Johnson and claimed that he does not understand climate change. "Well, he [Boris Johnson] doesn't get it, I think is what he said. But others around him do", she stated. "I think my advice to anybody to whom Boris is making promises, whether it is voters, world leaders, ministers, employees or indeed family members, is to get it in writing. Get a lawyer to look at it and make sure the money's in the bank", O'Neil added.

Former British PM Cameron turns down climate summit job

Thousands of passengers and crew on a cruise ship that docked in Hong Kong on Wednesday were being kept on board while they were tested for a coronavirus as the city government said that all visitors from mainland China would be quarantined for two weeks.

Thousands of passengers and crew on a cruise ship that docked in Hong Kong on Wednesday were being kept on board while they were tested for a coronavirus as the city government said that all visitors from mainland China would be quarantined for two weeks. The former British colony saw its first death from the coronavirus on Tuesday. It has confirmed 21 cases, with many that were transmitted locally, authorities said. Hong Kong health workers have been on strike this week to demand that city authorities seal the border with China, where the virus originated last month, to block its spread. The cruise ship, World Dream, operated by Dream Cruises, docked in Hong Kong after it was denied entry to the Taiwan port of Kaohsiung on Tuesday. It has some 1,800 passengers and staff on board. Also Watch: Nine-year-old girl in Wuhan asks people to not give up on the city amid coronavirus crisis, says 'we shall overcome' Three mainland Chinese who had been on board from Jan. 19 to Jan. 24 were found to have had the virus, Hong Kong's health department said, adding that most of those remaining on board were from Hong Kong. Some crew had reported symptoms including fever, health officials said. Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that Hong Kong's two cruise terminals, Kai Tak and Ocean Terminal, would suspend operations immediately, while all visitors from mainland China would face compulsory quarantine. "These measures are stringent," said Lam. Dream Cruises, which is operated by Genting Hong Kong >, said the three confirmed cases of the virus had disembarked in the Chinese city of Guangzhou on Jan. 24. The coronavirus epidemic, which began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December, has rekindled memories in Hong Kong of a 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), another coronavirus that began in China and killed nearly 300 people in the city. Also read: Japan to quarantine cruise ship after Hong Kong man tests positive for coronavirus The latest virus has spread rapidly in China with nearly 25,000 people infected and 490 deaths, most in Wuhan and the surrounding province of Hubei. Hong Kong health workers and members of other trade unions have demanded the border with the mainland be completely sealed. "We are dangerously close to a massive community outbreak comparable to SARS," a newly formed union called the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA) said in a statement. Teargas Lam has closed some border crossings and links with the mainland but she has left three open, arguing that to close the entire border would be inappropriate, impractical and discriminatory. She said the government was allocating $10 billion to fight the spread of the virus. Thousands of medical staff have joined members of other trade unions this week and the city’s Hospital Authority has warned that emergency services are being severely hampered. Hong Kong’s beleaguered public hospital network was suffering from staff shortages and limited hospital beds before the coronavirus outbreak. On Wednesday, dozens of medical representatives marched to government headquarters to demand the border to be sealed. The health scare comes after months of at times violent anti-government protests in Hong Kong sparked by fears its autonomy, guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula, is being eroded by Beijing. Beijing has denied meddling and accused foreign countries of inciting unrest. Some pro-democracy protesters have come out in support with demonstrations beginning to take on the characteristics of the pro-democracy protests. Overnight, police fired teargas and rubber bullets to disperse a crowd in the rural New Territories after protesters denounced the government's refusal to seal the border.

Thousands held on cruise ship in Hong Kong as authorities check for virus

Recently being scrapped is a piece of legislation from the British Isles that was brought into effect in the year 1928 on the island of Jersey, which deemed that a wife's income belongs to her husband. Jersey is a self-governing dependency with its own administrative, fiscal, legal systems and courts of law.

A proposal is being backed by politicians on the island which states that married women should have the same income tax right and responsibilities as their spouses.

Not only does this mean that wives will no more require the permission of their husbands to talk to Revenue Jersey on tax-related subjects, but it will also mean that younger partners in same-sex marriages and civil partnerships will be equal rights. The current procedure states that the younger person is essentially considered the wife and the older their husband.&nbsp;

Debate on the issue was conducted at the States Assembly and Treasury Minister Susie Pinel said, "This will give equal rights to both spouses and civil partners under Jersey’s tax law."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-bigger-challenges-still-lies-ahead-of-brexit-278245">UK: Bigger challenges still lies ahead of Brexit?</a>

It will remove the archaic presumption in the current law that a wife’s income is deemed to belong to her husband. It brings to an end an outdated system that treats married women and younger spouses in same-sex relationships unfairly.”

Concerns from bodies including Citizens Advice Jersey about this leading to a bigger tax bill for some couples as well as spouse/civil partner being liable for the debt of the other party was assuaged by Pinel, who said, "To be clear, my proposition has no negative financial impact on any couple. It simply brings to an end an outdated system that treats married women and younger spouses in same-sex relationships unfairly."

The motion has received flak from Senator Kristina Moore, who stated that while she favoured greater equality, this measure may muddy the waters even more. 40 Members backed the proposal, with two abstentions and two against.

Recently being scrapped is a piece of legislation from the British Isles that was brought into effect in the year 1928 on the island of Jersey, which deemed that a wife's income belongs to her husband.

Recently being scrapped is a piece of legislation from the British Isles that was brought into effect in the year 1928 on the island of Jersey, which deemed that a wife's income belongs to her husband. Jersey is a self-governing dependency with its own administrative, fiscal, legal systems and courts of law. A proposal is being backed by politicians on the island which states that married women should have the same income tax right and responsibilities as their spouses. Not only does this mean that wives will no more require the permission of their husbands to talk to Revenue Jersey on tax-related subjects, but it will also mean that younger partners in same-sex marriages and civil partnerships will be equal rights. The current procedure states that the younger person is essentially considered the wife and the older their husband. Debate on the issue was conducted at the States Assembly and Treasury Minister Susie Pinel said, "This will give equal rights to both spouses and civil partners under Jersey’s tax law." Also Read: UK: Bigger challenges still lies ahead of Brexit? It will remove the archaic presumption in the current law that a wife’s income is deemed to belong to her husband. It brings to an end an outdated system that treats married women and younger spouses in same-sex relationships unfairly.” Concerns from bodies including Citizens Advice Jersey about this leading to a bigger tax bill for some couples as well as spouse/civil partner being liable for the debt of the other party was assuaged by Pinel, who said, "To be clear, my proposition has no negative financial impact on any couple. It simply brings to an end an outdated system that treats married women and younger spouses in same-sex relationships unfairly." The motion has received flak from Senator Kristina Moore, who stated that while she favoured greater equality, this measure may muddy the waters even more. 40 Members backed the proposal, with two abstentions and two against.

Channel island politicians back proposal that mandates equal rights for women

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