Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-rises-to-425-over-20000-infected-nationwide-278426" hreflang="en">Death toll in China's coronavirus rises to 425; over 20,000 infected</a>

<img alt="corona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ebeae3d-4161-423b-9fa5-11fd9b319e59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_70.jpg" />

The death toll in China's&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;reached 425 on Tuesday with 20,400 infected, the nation's national health commission confirmed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Iowa caucus kicks off as Democrats seek Trump's 2020 election challenger</a>

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Americans kicked off the 2020&nbsp;presidential elections&nbsp;race on Monday as the state of Iowa opened its caucuses with 41 delegates up for grabs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-ruled-out-of-new-zealand-tour-due-to-injury-gill-and-agarwal-to-replace-278428">Rohit ruled out of Kiwi tour; Gill, Agarwal to replace</a>

<img alt="rohit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afb54f7a-ff84-4632-bd1b-4cded6ff5b42" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_42.jpg" />

Indian cricket team's vice-captain Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the New Zealand tour following a calf injury. The injury was struck during the fifth T20I against New Zealand on Sunday at Mount Maunganui. He scored 60 runs off 41 balls, he retired hurt after he pulled his calf muscle while running a quick single.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-harvey-weinstein-trial-accuser-breaks-down-in-court-describes-former-producer-as-pseudo-father-278430">Harvey Weinstein rape accuser weeps uncontrollably during cross-examination</a>

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A woman who has alleged that Harvey Weinstein raped her broke down in sobs at the former Hollywood producer`s sexual assault trial on Monday, as she read an email in which she described Weinstein as a "pseudo father" figure after the alleged attack.

Watch-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-abandoned-pak-citizens-reach-out-to-wion-278412" hreflang="en">Gravitas: Abandoned Pak citizens reach out to WION</a>

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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Death toll in China's coronavirus rises to 425; over 20,000 infected The death toll in China's coronavirus reached 425 on Tuesday with 20,400 infected, the nation's national health commission confirmed.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Death toll in China's coronavirus rises to 425; over 20,000 infected The death toll in China's coronavirus reached 425 on Tuesday with 20,400 infected, the nation's national health commission confirmed. Iowa caucus kicks off as Democrats seek Trump's 2020 election challenger Americans kicked off the 2020 presidential elections race on Monday as the state of Iowa opened its caucuses with 41 delegates up for grabs. Rohit ruled out of Kiwi tour; Gill, Agarwal to replace Indian cricket team's vice-captain Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the New Zealand tour following a calf injury. The injury was struck during the fifth T20I against New Zealand on Sunday at Mount Maunganui. He scored 60 runs off 41 balls, he retired hurt after he pulled his calf muscle while running a quick single. Harvey Weinstein rape accuser weeps uncontrollably during cross-examination A woman who has alleged that Harvey Weinstein raped her broke down in sobs at the former Hollywood producer`s sexual assault trial on Monday, as she read an email in which she described Weinstein as a "pseudo father" figure after the alleged attack. Watch- Gravitas: Abandoned Pak citizens reach out to WION ×

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, Iowa caucus and more

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-death-toll-hits-213-in-china-nearly-10000-infected-277621">Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0557ae63-8e9c-4c48-84d9-56db53748356" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/126569-untitled-design-10.jpg" />

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The death toll has now jumped to 213 with over 10,000 people infected in China itself. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-death-toll-hits-213-in-china-nearly-10000-infected-277621">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-claim-lungs-magically-repair-damage-from-smoking-if-one-quits-277604">Scientists claim lungs magically repair damage from smoking if one quits</a>

<img alt="Smoking" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c02e18e5-cc0f-4418-b731-4cc3ac51556b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/126634-smoking.jpg" />

A group of researchers have found that our lungs have a magical capability to repair some of the damages caused by smoking if a person quits the habit. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-claim-lungs-magically-repair-damage-from-smoking-if-one-quits-277604">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-lawmakers-nominate-greta-thunberg-for-nobel-peace-prize-277600">Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize</a>

<img alt="Greta Thunberg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb25de13-0025-4844-be13-d52690969700" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/121069-untitled-design-48.jpg" />

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg and the global protest movement "Fridays for Future" were nominated Thursday for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize by two Swedish lawmakers. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-lawmakers-nominate-greta-thunberg-for-nobel-peace-prize-277600">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-virus-spreads-is-who-dragging-its-feet-277583">Opinion:&nbsp;China virus spreads: Is WHO dragging its feet?</a>

<img alt="coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5232d3fb-10b3-4e6d-9c24-b1d28b46c6cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/126202-untitled-design-13%20%281%29.jpg" />

It's a deadly mix, a government that wants to control everything, and an international health body that is reluctant to act against a big economy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-virus-spreads-is-who-dragging-its-feet-277583">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-news-now-akshay-kumar-joins-bear-grylls-to-film-a-special-episode-of-into-the-wild-with-bear-grylls-277586">Now, Akshay Kumar joins Bear Grylls to film a special episode of 'Into the Wild with Bear Grylls'</a>

<img alt="Akshay Kumar Bear Grylls" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17a5a14f-85d5-4ab8-8bbf-c25d6d8193b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/126621-untitled-design-2020-01-30t210622378.jpg" />

After Rajinikanth, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has now shot with TV host Bear Grylls. Kumar, who is known to be an adventure sports enthusiast, reached Mysore on Wednesday to join Grylls to film a special episode of 'Into the Wild with Bear Grylls'.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-news-now-akshay-kumar-joins-bear-grylls-to-film-a-special-episode-of-into-the-wild-with-bear-grylls-277586">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-imran-khan-was-trolled-by-netziens-again-277426">Watch-&nbsp;Gravitas: Why netizens again&nbsp;ridicule Imran Khan</a>

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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected The death toll has now jumped to 213 with over 10,000 people infected in China itself.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected The death toll has now jumped to 213 with over 10,000 people infected in China itself. Also read Scientists claim lungs magically repair damage from smoking if one quits A group of researchers have found that our lungs have a magical capability to repair some of the damages caused by smoking if a person quits the habit. Also read Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg and the global protest movement "Fridays for Future" were nominated Thursday for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize by two Swedish lawmakers. Also read Opinion: China virus spreads: Is WHO dragging its feet? It's a deadly mix, a government that wants to control everything, and an international health body that is reluctant to act against a big economy. Also read Now, Akshay Kumar joins Bear Grylls to film a special episode of 'Into the Wild with Bear Grylls' After Rajinikanth, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has now shot with TV host Bear Grylls. Kumar, who is known to be an adventure sports enthusiast, reached Mysore on Wednesday to join Grylls to film a special episode of 'Into the Wild with Bear Grylls'. Also read Watch- Gravitas: Why netizens again ridicule Imran Khan

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, Nobel prize for Thunberg, and more

The numbers of coronavirus deaths and infections are continuously rising around the world. China has placed millions under lockdown as the virus continues to spread. Countries are evacuating their citizens from the epicentre of the outbreak which is Wuhan. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Countries evacuate its citizens from epicenter of Coronavirus outbreak

Overnight there has been a massive hike in the death toll of the deadly coronavirus. Around 425 people have lost their lives around the world and 62 new deaths were reported in China and all the casualties were reported in the Hubei province. WHO has warned all the countries dealing with the coronavirus outbreak by preparing and not by panicking. At a press briefing in Geneva, the Director of 'Global Infections' elaborated about the global collaboration of WHO and Google to narrow down all the information regarding the coronavirus, to avoid the spread of misinformation on the internet.

WION Dispatch: Coronavirus kills 425 people killed around the world, WHO ask countries to not panic

India has evacuated nearly 600 of its citizen's mainly students from Wuhan. Hundreds of Pakistani students are still waiting for help as they are stranded in a city which is a lockdown. These Pakistani's are appealing to their government for help. Two such students spoke to WION. Watch report:

Your Story: Stranded Pakistani students in Wuhan seek help from their govt

The fast spreading outbreak of coronavirus has killed 427 people and threatened the global economy. The World Health Organisation has asked all countries dealing with coronavirus to be prepared and not panic. Watch report:

Fineprint: WHO asks nations dealing with Coronavirus to be prepared, not panic

The Indian state of Kerala has declared a state of emergency as the third case of deadly coronavirus has been confirmed in the state. Another Indian state Karnataka is also observing 63 travellers who have recently come from coronavirus affected countries. Out of them 58 people have been put under isolation at home and one person has been admitted to an isolation ward in the hospital. Watch report:

Fineprint: India confirms 3rd case of Coronavirus in Kerala, Indian govt reviews nCOV preparedness

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-coronavirus-outbreak-air-india-flight-carrying-324-indians-from-wuhan-lands-in-delhi-277894">China Coronavirus outbreak: Air India flight carrying 324 Indians from Wuhan lands in Delhi</a>

<img alt="Air-India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87534e1f-ad02-4e36-a6a8-7d69c28511f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_38.jpg" />

Air India's 423-seater jumbo B747 plane, carrying 324 Indian nationals from the coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China, landed in New Delhi on Saturday morning. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-coronavirus-outbreak-air-india-flight-carrying-324-indians-from-wuhan-lands-in-delhi-277894">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-cuts-loose-from-eu-with-delight-anger-and-indifference-277891">Britain cuts loose from EU with delight, anger and indifference</a>

<img alt="Brexit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78a06476-e573-4298-9e43-0d1bc3300936" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brexit.jpg" />

The stroke of midnight in Brussels, the EU will lose 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world's international financial capital - London. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-cuts-loose-from-eu-with-delight-anger-and-indifference-277891">READ MORE</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-does-the-2020-economic-survey-say-277886/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-while-air-india-flight-lands-in-china-to-rescue-indians-pakistan-says-it-wont-evacuate-citizens-from-wuhan-277853">Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan says it won't evacuate citizens</a> 
 
<img alt="Imran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e60faf58-3027-4c3b-81ad-b118d082202d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran.jpg" />

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Pakistan has said that it has no plans, as of now, to evacuate its nationals living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-while-air-india-flight-lands-in-china-to-rescue-indians-pakistan-says-it-wont-evacuate-citizens-from-wuhan-277853">READ MORE</a><meta name="uuid" content="uuidUId5ZBaGIOR2" /><meta charset="utf-8" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-presidential-elections-2020-which-democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">US Presidential elections 2020: Which Democratic contender stands where</a>

<img alt="US-election" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c4feffe-8bb8-4af0-8339-877e29b30dc3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/%272.jpg" /> 
There will be important wins, and also, heartbreaks from what this time is known as a very 'crowded' race of Democratic challengers. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-presidential-elections-2020-which-democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-review-bong-joon-hos-film-on-class-divide-is-a-masterclass-in-storytelling-277783">'Parasite' review: Bong Joon-Ho's film on class divide is a masterclass in storytelling</a>

<img alt="parasite" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7cb8ddde-2a25-45b8-86b8-0cc87a88b9bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_4.jpg" />

Filmmaker Bong Jong Ho's latest film 'Parasite' makes class divide glaring and obvious leaving you numb and perhaps more conscious of your surroundings. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-review-bong-joon-hos-film-on-class-divide-is-a-masterclass-in-storytelling-277783">READ MORE</a>

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. China Coronavirus outbreak: Air India flight carrying 324 Indians from Wuhan lands in Delhi Air India's 423-seater jumbo B747 plane, carrying 324 Indian nationals from the coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China, landed in New Delhi on Saturday morning.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. China Coronavirus outbreak: Air India flight carrying 324 Indians from Wuhan lands in Delhi Air India's 423-seater jumbo B747 plane, carrying 324 Indian nationals from the coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China, landed in New Delhi on Saturday morning. READ MORE Britain cuts loose from EU with delight, anger and indifference The stroke of midnight in Brussels, the EU will lose 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world's international financial capital - London. READ MORE Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan says it won't evacuate citizens Pakistan has said that it has no plans, as of now, to evacuate its nationals living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak. READ MORE US Presidential elections 2020: Which Democratic contender stands where There will be important wins, and also, heartbreaks from what this time is known as a very 'crowded' race of Democratic challengers. READ MORE 'Parasite' review: Bong Joon-Ho's film on class divide is a masterclass in storytelling Filmmaker Bong Jong Ho's latest film 'Parasite' makes class divide glaring and obvious leaving you numb and perhaps more conscious of your surroundings. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: 324 Indians evacuated from Wuhan, Budget 2020 and more

The death toll in China's coronavirus reached 425 on Tuesday with over 20,000 infected. The deadly virus also caused a death in Hong Kong thereby becoming the second region outside mainland China to report any loss of life

Here are the top ten stories of the day.

Hong Kong reports first death due to coronavirus; toll in China rises to 425

Hong Kong has become the second place outside China to report the death of a patient due to coronavirus as health authorities confirmed a 39-year-old man who was being treated for the virus died on Tuesday morning. A man had earlier died in the Philippines on Sunday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-rises-to-425-over-20000-infected-nationwide-278426">Read more</a>

Donald Trump calls Democrats Iowa 'unmitigated disaster' as Sanders, Buttigieg claim victory

President Donald Trump branded the Democratic Party's chaotic effort in Iowa to begin choosing an election challenger as an "unmitigated disaster" on Tuesday after results in the state caucus were delayed indefinitely. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-unmitigated-disaster-as-sanders-buttigieg-claim-victory-278558">Read more</a>

South African court issues arrest warrant for ex-president Zuma in graft trial

A South African court issued an arrest warrant for former president Jacob Zuma on Tuesday after he skipped court on grounds of needing medical treatment, but the judge stayed the warrant until his corruption trial resumes on May 6. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-south-african-court-issues-arrest-warrant-for-ex-president-zuma-in-graft-trial-278527">Read more</a>

Belgium confirms first coronavirus case, six more infected in Singapore as death toll reaches 425

Belgium on Tuesday confirmed its first coronavirus case after one out of the nine persons rescued from Wuhan in China was tested positive. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-news-belgium-confirms-first-coronavirus-case-six-more-infected-in-singapore-as-death-toll-reaches-426-278515">Read more</a>

Pakistan to help Malaysia in ‘palm oil-war’ with India, 'will do its best' to increase import

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is on a visit to Malaysia said his country "will do its best" to buy more palm oil from Malaysia after India pulled out of importing it last month. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-to-help-malaysia-in-palm-oil-war-with-india-will-do-its-best-to-increase-import-278502">Read more</a>

Coronavirus outbreak currently not pandemic: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that that the outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus is currently not a pandemic. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-currently-not-pandemic-who-278551">Read more</a>

British reporters stage mass walkout from government briefing after seleted reporters banned

Political reporters staged a mass walk-out from the British government's briefing at the residence of the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about Brexit after selected reporters were barred from attending it. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-british-reporters-stage-mass-walkout-from-government-briefing-after-seleted-reporters-banned-278510">Read more</a>

Iowa caucus results delayed due to 'inconsistencies'

Iowa caucus results have been delayed due to "inconsistencies" as the US Democratic party began its hunt to find a candidate to take on President Trump in the 2020 elections to be held on November 3. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-news-iowa-caucus-results-delayed-due-to-inconsistencies-278461">Read more</a>

Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim

Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old, on December 30 warned his friends of an outbreak on Chinese messaging app WeChat and advised them to wear protection. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">Read more</a>

Opinion |&nbsp;Donald Trump's peace plan puts Israel on the cutting edge

Donald Trump’s approach towards solving the Israel-Palestine conflict threatens to put Israel at the cutting edge of the struggle to shape a new world order <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/donald-trumps-peace-plan-puts-israel-on-the-cutting-edge-278513">Read more</a>

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The death toll in China's coronavirus reached 425 on Tuesday with over 20,000 infected. The deadly virus also caused a death in Hong Kong thereby becoming the second region outside mainland China to report any loss of life Here are the top ten stories of the day.

The death toll in China's coronavirus reached 425 on Tuesday with over 20,000 infected. The deadly virus also caused a death in Hong Kong thereby becoming the second region outside mainland China to report any loss of life Here are the top ten stories of the day. Hong Kong reports first death due to coronavirus; toll in China rises to 425 Hong Kong has become the second place outside China to report the death of a patient due to coronavirus as health authorities confirmed a 39-year-old man who was being treated for the virus died on Tuesday morning. A man had earlier died in the Philippines on Sunday. Read more Donald Trump calls Democrats Iowa 'unmitigated disaster' as Sanders, Buttigieg claim victory President Donald Trump branded the Democratic Party's chaotic effort in Iowa to begin choosing an election challenger as an "unmitigated disaster" on Tuesday after results in the state caucus were delayed indefinitely. Read more South African court issues arrest warrant for ex-president Zuma in graft trial A South African court issued an arrest warrant for former president Jacob Zuma on Tuesday after he skipped court on grounds of needing medical treatment, but the judge stayed the warrant until his corruption trial resumes on May 6. Read more Belgium confirms first coronavirus case, six more infected in Singapore as death toll reaches 425 Belgium on Tuesday confirmed its first coronavirus case after one out of the nine persons rescued from Wuhan in China was tested positive. Read more Pakistan to help Malaysia in ‘palm oil-war’ with India, 'will do its best' to increase import Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is on a visit to Malaysia said his country "will do its best" to buy more palm oil from Malaysia after India pulled out of importing it last month. Read more Coronavirus outbreak currently not pandemic: WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) said that that the outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus is currently not a pandemic. Read more British reporters stage mass walkout from government briefing after seleted reporters banned Political reporters staged a mass walk-out from the British government's briefing at the residence of the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about Brexit after selected reporters were barred from attending it. Read more Iowa caucus results delayed due to 'inconsistencies' Iowa caucus results have been delayed due to "inconsistencies" as the US Democratic party began its hunt to find a candidate to take on President Trump in the 2020 elections to be held on November 3. Read more Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old, on December 30 warned his friends of an outbreak on Chinese messaging app WeChat and advised them to wear protection. Read more Opinion | Donald Trump's peace plan puts Israel on the cutting edge Donald Trump’s approach towards solving the Israel-Palestine conflict threatens to put Israel at the cutting edge of the struggle to shape a new world order Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus toll jumps to 425, Iowa chaos, and more

More figures have been trickling in the deadly Coronavirus and its spread across the world. In the latest Belgium has confirmed its first case. Belgium had evacuated a total of nine people from Wuhan in China, which has been the epicentre of that virus. Among the nine people, one has been tested positive.

Belgium confirms 1st case of Coronavirus

As the deadly Coronavirus spreads the city of Wuhan is under complete lockdown. The government's response has been opaque at times with information very hard to come by. Watch this report to know the inside situation in the city of Wuhan.

What is it like inside the Wuhan lockdown

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197" hreflang="en">Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="20eddf9f-c1b1-45fd-887d-7a6a4b48564a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_66.jpg" /> 
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The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 361 on Monday as authorities continued to grapple with the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-sure-the-people-of-bolivia-are-crying-for-me-morales-278204">I am sure the people of Bolivia are crying for me: Morales</a>

<img alt="Morales" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4f51d4c-b3b2-4e1a-a9f7-f82a99f37291" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_17.jpg" />

Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, was in power for almost 14 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-promises-sweeping-reform-to-system-after-terror-stabbing-278202">UK promises sweeping reform to system after terror stabbing</a>

<img alt="London" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7c4a2c7-aa6a-427a-a2d9-ddf0f5690f67" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_26.jpg" />

After an Islamist extremist stabbed two people in London yesterday, the British government has promised strict action against not only the perpetrator but also a rehaul of&nbsp;the system.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-fati-and-messi-connection-sees-barcelona-hold-on-against-levante-278199" hreflang="en">La Liga: Fati and Messi connection sees Barcelona hold on against Levante</a>

<img alt="Lionel Messi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26613c6c-0ba3-4f9d-b87d-5cc3e3522f49" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_50.jpg" />

Ansu Fati became the youngest player ever to score a brace in La Liga on Sunday by capitalising on two brilliant Lionel&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;assists to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Levante.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-bafta-2020-1917-wins-best-film-and-best-director-best-actor-joaquin-phoenix-talks-of-lack-of-diversity-278203" hreflang="en">BAFTA 2020: '1917' wins best film and best director, best actor Joaquin Phoenix talks of lack of diversity</a>

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First World War drama '1917' was the big winner at the BAFTAs on Sunday, picking up seven awards including best picture and director for Sam Mendes, at a glittering ceremony that made headlines for a glaring lack of diversity among nominees.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../brexit-what-do-the-common-people-think- 278177">Brexit: What do the common people think?</a>

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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 361 on Monday as authorities continued to grapple with the virus.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 361 on Monday as authorities continued to grapple with the virus. I am sure the people of Bolivia are crying for me: Morales Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, was in power for almost 14 years. UK promises sweeping reform to system after terror stabbing After an Islamist extremist stabbed two people in London yesterday, the British government has promised strict action against not only the perpetrator but also a rehaul of the system. La Liga: Fati and Messi connection sees Barcelona hold on against Levante Ansu Fati became the youngest player ever to score a brace in La Liga on Sunday by capitalising on two brilliant Lionel Messi assists to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Levante. BAFTA 2020: '1917' wins best film and best director, best actor Joaquin Phoenix talks of lack of diversity First World War drama '1917' was the big winner at the BAFTAs on Sunday, picking up seven awards including best picture and director for Sam Mendes, at a glittering ceremony that made headlines for a glaring lack of diversity among nominees. Brexit: What do the common people think? ×

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus toll, London stabbing and more

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on a two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur from Monday to placate the Malaysian leadership after he skipped a major summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia. Pakistan PM Imran Khan Skips Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet for Malaysia Trip.

WION Dispatch: Imran Khan in damage control mode

The total number of coronavirus infections surpassed 17,000 nationwide in China with the fatalities now exceeding the SARS outbreak-related deaths in 2002-2003. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Turkish and&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;troops traded&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;fire in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Syria</a>'s northwest on Monday.

Here are the top ten stories of the day.

Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines

The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 361 on Monday as authorities continued to grapple with the virus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197">Read more</a>

Turkey and Syrian regime engage in deadly flare-up

Turkish and&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;troops traded&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;fire in&nbsp;Syria's northwest on Monday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-syrian-regime-in-deadly-flare-up-278351">Read more</a>

Social media apps are fighting misinformation surrounding coronavirus

Social media platforms such as&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Twitter, Youtube and&nbsp;Tiktok are taking steps to address false information about the deadly coronavirus on them. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-social-media-applications-tackling-false-claims-against-coronavirus-278258">Read more</a>

Bushfire smoke blows into Australia's capital as fire threat eases

Bushfires eased near&nbsp;Australia's&nbsp;capital, Canberra, on Monday, as temperatures dipped, but officials warned heavy&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;was set to blow into the city with a shift in the wind.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-smoke-blows-into-australias-capital-as-fire-threat-eases-278276">Read more</a>

Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in&nbsp;Kenya,&nbsp;according to the&nbsp;United Nations. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-spray-planes-can-counter-worst-locust-outbreak-in-eastern-africa-united-nations-278328">Read more</a>

Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report

A Chinese doctor named&nbsp;had warned about a ''mysterious illness'' which had struck seven patients at a hospital on December 30 2019. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Read more</a>

'Britain will prosper': Prime Minister Johnson sets out tough terms for EU talks

Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will lay&nbsp;out&nbsp;his negotiating&nbsp;terms&nbsp;for&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with the&nbsp;European Union on Monday, saying Britain will prosper even if he cannot strike his preferred trade deal. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-will-prosper-prime-minister-johnson-sets-out-tough-terms-for-eu-talks-278292">Read more</a>

Palestinians should come to the table and negotiate: Kushner on Middle East peace plan

Jared Kushner,&nbsp;said that if Palestinians are unable to meet the conditions then&nbsp;the US wouldn't be able to get "Israel to take the risk to recognize them as a state." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-should-come-to-the-table-and-negotiate-kushner-on-middle-east-peace-plan-278319">Read more</a>

NFL Super Bowl: After leading Chiefs to Super Bowl win, the future belongs to Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs ended a 50-year Super Bowl drought with its win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFL's 100th season. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-super-bowl-after-leading-chiefs-to-super-bowl-win-the-future-belongs-to-mahomes-278338">Read more</a>

Today is National Sickie Day: 8.6 million claimed sick days last year due to 'painful' jobs

A recent survey suggested that 8.6 million people claimed sick days last year because they thought their jobs were ''too painful''. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/today-is-national-sickie-day-86-million-claimed-sick-days-last-year-due-to-painful-jobs-278223">Read more&nbsp;</a>

The total number of coronavirus infections surpassed 17,000 nationwide in China with the fatalities now exceeding the SARS outbreak-related deaths in 2002-2003. Meanwhile, Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday.

The total number of coronavirus infections surpassed 17,000 nationwide in China with the fatalities now exceeding the SARS outbreak-related deaths in 2002-2003. Meanwhile, Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday. Here are the top ten stories of the day. Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 361 on Monday as authorities continued to grapple with the virus. Read more Turkey and Syrian regime engage in deadly flare-up Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday. Read more Social media apps are fighting misinformation surrounding coronavirus Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Tiktok are taking steps to address false information about the deadly coronavirus on them. Read more Bushfire smoke blows into Australia's capital as fire threat eases Bushfires eased near Australia's capital, Canberra, on Monday, as temperatures dipped, but officials warned heavy smoke was set to blow into the city with a shift in the wind. Read more Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations. Read more Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report A Chinese doctor named had warned about a ''mysterious illness'' which had struck seven patients at a hospital on December 30 2019. Read more 'Britain will prosper': Prime Minister Johnson sets out tough terms for EU talks Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lay out his negotiating terms for talks with the European Union on Monday, saying Britain will prosper even if he cannot strike his preferred trade deal. Read more Palestinians should come to the table and negotiate: Kushner on Middle East peace plan Jared Kushner, said that if Palestinians are unable to meet the conditions then the US wouldn't be able to get "Israel to take the risk to recognize them as a state." Read more NFL Super Bowl: After leading Chiefs to Super Bowl win, the future belongs to Mahomes The Kansas City Chiefs ended a 50-year Super Bowl drought with its win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFL's 100th season. Read more Today is National Sickie Day: 8.6 million claimed sick days last year due to 'painful' jobs A recent survey suggested that 8.6 million people claimed sick days last year because they thought their jobs were ''too painful''. Read more

Top 10 world news: Coronavirus outbreak, deadly flare-up between Turkey and Syria, NFL Superbowl and more

Pak PM Imran Khan Skips OIC meet for Malaysia Trip | WION News | World News Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on a two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur from Monday to placate the Malaysian leadership after he skipped a major summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia. Pakistan PM Imran Khan Skips Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet for Malaysia Trip.

Pak PM Imran Khan Skips OIC meet for Malaysia Trip

Australia's capital, Canberra, was on high alert on Sunday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599">bushfires burned</a> nearby, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-to-fuel-biggest-annual-rise-in-co2-concentration-this-year-276424">smoke and dust engulfed</a> large parts of the country's east, prompting warnings from health authorities. Fire in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the capital city, has spread to more than 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres), close to a quarter of the territory's entire landmass.

Local fire authorities said cooler conditions would support containment efforts on Sunday but that residents should closely monitor any change in fire activity.

"There are still days, and possibly weeks, of firefighting ahead of us," ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr told the media. There were fears&nbsp;that the blaze, fuelled by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bushfires-can-ecosystems-recover-from-such-dramatic-losses-of-biodiversity-275472">temperatures exceeding 40 degrees</a> Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), could reach Canberra's southern suburbs, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/businesses-in-australian-town-hopes-receded-bushfires-will-draw-tourists-back-275522">threatening homes and lives</a> as they did in 2003 when fires destroyed almost 500 houses and led to four deaths.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fbc2ae4-b66f-4010-addd-ec69b650cf0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T122306.220.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A helicopter carrying out aerial firefighting operations flies through the smoke of a bushfire (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-news-australia-bushfire-threat-emergency-declared-in-australian-capital-canberra-277652">Amid bushfire threat, emergency declared in Australian capital Canberra</a>

But containment lines supported by airdrops of fire retardant helped keep the blaze back, even in the face of wild winds and elevated temperatures which only fell to 26.7 degrees Celsius in the capital overnight, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology. Australia's devastating and prolonged bushfire season has killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals since September. About 2,500 homes have been destroyed and more than 11.7 million hectares (2.8 million acres) of tinder-dry bushland have been razed.

<img alt="bushfire australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e5f6ce5-d470-4c9f-a4f2-ceda7398fe22" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T122352.948.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A firefighter from a local brigade works to extinguish flames after a bushfire burnt through the area (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The fire in the southern tip of the ACT also crossed into the state of New South Wales (NSW) and destroyed some homes, authorities said on Sunday.In NSW, 63 fires were burning across the state on Sunday morning, with more than a third uncontained. NSW Health issued a statement saying air quality would be poor in parts of the state, including Sydney, due to a combination of bushfire smoke and dust blowing in from drought-hit areas.

Affected residents were urged to stay indoors and minimise physical activity, NSW Health said, adding those with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are particularly at risk. Parts of the ACT and NSW are bracing for forecast thunderstorms later on Sunday - a weather event that could bring cooling rains but also cause damage and even trigger new fires through lightning strikes. 
&nbsp;

Australia's capital, Canberra, was on high alert on Sunday as bushfires burned nearby, while smoke and dust engulfed large parts of the country's east, prompting warnings from health authorities.

Australia's capital, Canberra, was on high alert on Sunday as bushfires burned nearby, while smoke and dust engulfed large parts of the country's east, prompting warnings from health authorities. Fire in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the capital city, has spread to more than 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres), close to a quarter of the territory's entire landmass. Local fire authorities said cooler conditions would support containment efforts on Sunday but that residents should closely monitor any change in fire activity. "There are still days, and possibly weeks, of firefighting ahead of us," ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr told the media. There were fears that the blaze, fuelled by temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), could reach Canberra's southern suburbs, threatening homes and lives as they did in 2003 when fires destroyed almost 500 houses and led to four deaths. [ A helicopter carrying out aerial firefighting operations flies through the smoke of a bushfire (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Amid bushfire threat, emergency declared in Australian capital Canberra But containment lines supported by airdrops of fire retardant helped keep the blaze back, even in the face of wild winds and elevated temperatures which only fell to 26.7 degrees Celsius in the capital overnight, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology. Australia's devastating and prolonged bushfire season has killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals since September. About 2,500 homes have been destroyed and more than 11.7 million hectares (2.8 million acres) of tinder-dry bushland have been razed. [ A firefighter from a local brigade works to extinguish flames after a bushfire burnt through the area (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The fire in the southern tip of the ACT also crossed into the state of New South Wales (NSW) and destroyed some homes, authorities said on Sunday.In NSW, 63 fires were burning across the state on Sunday morning, with more than a third uncontained. NSW Health issued a statement saying air quality would be poor in parts of the state, including Sydney, due to a combination of bushfire smoke and dust blowing in from drought-hit areas. Affected residents were urged to stay indoors and minimise physical activity, NSW Health said, adding those with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are particularly at risk. Parts of the ACT and NSW are bracing for forecast thunderstorms later on Sunday - a weather event that could bring cooling rains but also cause damage and even trigger new fires through lightning strikes.

Excess smoke and dust trigger health warnings from Australian government; Canberra on fire alert

Japan confirmed an additional three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-tells-citizens-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-to-china-277709">cases of the new coronavirus</a> among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.

One of the three, a man in his 40s who had symptoms such as fever and coughing, first tested negative for coronavirus, the ministry said. But the man, who was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, later confirmed positive for the virus with an additional test, it said.

The government plans to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-plane-to-virus-hit-wuhan-to-evacuate-citizens-277129">send another chartered plane</a> mid-week or later to bring back Japanese nationals who are still in China's Hubei province and the capital Wuhan, where the disease is thought to have originated, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c778734-975d-4611-be1f-0639a5142890" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2873%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ Extreme precautions are being taken to counter the coronavirus - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters)

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-mystery-virus-behind-china-outbreak-274738">Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak</a>

Japan has emailed its citizens in the province to tell them of its plan, and is negotiating with China about Chinese spouses of Japanese citizens who also wish to travel to Japan, it said.

China is facing mounting isolation amid increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. Japan on Saturday moved to contain the economic impact of the outbreak as strict new measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus came into effect.

Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.

Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases. One of the three, a man in his 40s who had symptoms such as fever and coughing, first tested negative for coronavirus, the ministry said. But the man, who was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, later confirmed positive for the virus with an additional test, it said. The government plans to send another chartered plane mid-week or later to bring back Japanese nationals who are still in China's Hubei province and the capital Wuhan, where the disease is thought to have originated, the foreign ministry said on Sunday. [ Extreme precautions are being taken to counter the coronavirus - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters) Also Read: Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak Japan has emailed its citizens in the province to tell them of its plan, and is negotiating with China about Chinese spouses of Japanese citizens who also wish to travel to Japan, it said. China is facing mounting isolation amid increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. Japan on Saturday moved to contain the economic impact of the outbreak as strict new measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus came into effect.

Three more Japanese citizens evacuated from Wuhan test positive for nCoV

China faced mounting isolation in the face of increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions on Saturday, as the death toll from a spreading coronavirus outbreak rose to 259.

China faced mounting isolation in the face of increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions on Saturday, as the death toll from a spreading coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. The epidemic has led to mass evacuations of foreign citizens as world airlines halt flights, and risks exacerbating a slowdown in growth in the world's second-largest economy. China's National Health Commission said there were 2,102 new confirmed infections in China as of Friday, bringing the total to 11,791. Around two dozen other countries have reported more than 130 cases. All of the reported deaths from the virus have been in China. The Russian military was to start evacuating Russian citizens from China on Monday and Tuesday, Interfax and TASS news agencies reported. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying the evacuations would be from regions that had been most affected by the outbreak. Russia, which has already restricted direct flights with its biggest trading partner, also said it was suspending visa-free travel for Chinese visitors and halting work visas. Most international cases have been in people who had recently travelled to or were visiting from Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak. Hubei has been under a virtual quarantine for the last week, with roads sealed off and public transport shut down. Elsewhere, Chinese authorities placed growing restrictions on travel and business. In Beijing, counters were set up at the entrances of housing estates, where volunteers wearing red armbands and masks noted details of residents coming back from their hometowns after the Lunar New Year holiday. [ A woman wears a face mask in a market alley in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, China. (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Coronavirus: China toll climbs to 304; Philippines becomes first country outside China to report first death In Hubei, the provincial government extended the holiday break to Feb. 13 in a bid to contain the outbreak, the Hubei Daily reported. The World Health Organization, which this week declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, has said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed. But Singapore and the United States announced measures on Friday to ban foreign nationals who have recently been in China from entering their territories. Australia followed suit on Saturday. "We're operating with an abundance of caution in these circumstances so Australians can go about their daily lives with confidence," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Sydney. The Chinese data would suggest the flu-like virus is less deadly than the 2002-03 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people of the some 8,000 it infected, although such numbers can evolve rapidly. Evacuations The list of international airlines suspending all or some flights to China is growing. The latest was Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand, who said travel bans forced them to suspend their direct flights to China from Feb. 9. All three major U.S. airlines said on Friday they would cancel flights to mainland China. The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific banned travel to China for all service members and civilian personnel under his authority and ordered those now in China to leave immediately, officials said. U.S. health officials on Saturday confirmed an eighth case of the virus, a person in Massachusetts who recently returned from Hubei province. Many nations have sent charter flights to repatriate citizens from China and then place them in isolation for around two weeks, believed to be the incubation period of the virus. German Health Minister Jens Spahn called for calm and warned against hysteria as more than 100 Germans and family members landed in Frankfurt, none showing any symptoms of the virus. As of Saturday evening Germany had eight confirmed cases. Britain, which has had two confirmed cases, said it was withdrawing some staff from its embassy and consulates in China. Many of the private clinics catering to foreigners in China have started to turn away people with fevers. Disruptions Infections have jumped in two cities flanking Wuhan, where the new virus is believed to have originated, raising concerns that new hot spots are emerging despite strict transport restrictions. In Huanggang, authorities asked households to designate one individual who can leave the home, a local newspaper said. The mayor of the city of about 7.5 million people said there could be a significant rise in cases this weekend. The northern city of Tianjin, home to some 15 million, suspended all schools and businesses until further notice. Efforts to contain the virus risk slowing economic growth in China. The virus impact prompted Goldman Sachs to cut its estimate for first-quarter growth to 4% from 5.6%. China's central bank said the impact was temporary and economic fundamentals remained sound, but that it would increase credit support, lowering lending costs for affected companies. Apple Inc said on Saturday it would close all of its official stores and corporate offices in China until Feb. 9, the latest of dozens of major companies, including IKEA and Walmart Inc, to restrict travel and operations due to the outbreak.

Coronavirus death toll rises; China faces global isolation deemed unnecessary by WHO

New Zealand announced on Sunday it would bar entry into the country from all foreign nationals arriving from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-213-277727">mainland China</a> due too the increasing threat from the <a href="WHO declares Coronavirus as global health emergency">coronavirus epidemic</a>. The ban is in effect from Monday and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also raised its travel advice to New Zealanders for all of mainland China to “Do not travel”, the highest level.

"We have been advised by health officials that while there is still a range of unknowns in the way the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-fresh-cases-being-detected-in-several-countries-spain-confirms-its-first-case-278026"> virus is being transmitted</a>, we should take a precautionary approach,” New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement. New Zealand citizens and permanent residents can still enter the country, as can their immediate family members, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the country.

The ban will be in effect for up to 14 days, reviewed every 48 hours and includes all foreign travellers who left or transited through mainland China after February 2. There have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in New Zealand.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-soars-to-259-as-chinas-isolation-grows-278028">Coronavirus: Death toll soars to 259 as China's isolation grows</a>

<img alt="New Zealand PM" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0680b2e1-8934-4c16-a02f-4bc212c9f06c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T111752.225.jpg" /> 
[ New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses the media (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

New Zealand's announcement followed a similar decision announced on Saturday by neighbouring Australia, where 12 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed. China is facing mounting isolation amid increasing international travel curbs and flight suspension. Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand both said they were suspending direct flights to mainland China.

Australia announced during the week that it would evacuate locals from the Chinese city of Wuhan as part of a joint operation with New Zealand. 
Some health officials have criticized Australia's decision to move its evacuees to Christmas Island - about 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) from Australia, which had been used to hold thousands of refugees between 2002 and 2018.

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Sunday he expected Australians to be airlifted from Wuhan soon and that a medical assessment team and mobile hospital was ready to greet them. "Personnel are in place to receive the passengers from Wuhan and we expect that the flight will be collecting within the next 24 hours," Hunt said. 
&nbsp;

New Zealand announced on Sunday it would bar entry into the country from all foreign nationals arriving from mainland China due too the increasing threat from the coronavirus epidemic.

New Zealand announced on Sunday it would bar entry into the country from all foreign nationals arriving from mainland China due too the increasing threat from the coronavirus epidemic. The ban is in effect from Monday and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also raised its travel advice to New Zealanders for all of mainland China to “Do not travel”, the highest level. "We have been advised by health officials that while there is still a range of unknowns in the way the virus is being transmitted, we should take a precautionary approach,” New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement. New Zealand citizens and permanent residents can still enter the country, as can their immediate family members, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the country. The ban will be in effect for up to 14 days, reviewed every 48 hours and includes all foreign travellers who left or transited through mainland China after February 2. There have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in New Zealand. Also Read: Coronavirus: Death toll soars to 259 as China's isolation grows [ New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses the media (Courtesy: Reuters) ] New Zealand's announcement followed a similar decision announced on Saturday by neighbouring Australia, where 12 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed. China is facing mounting isolation amid increasing international travel curbs and flight suspension. Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand both said they were suspending direct flights to mainland China. Australia announced during the week that it would evacuate locals from the Chinese city of Wuhan as part of a joint operation with New Zealand. Some health officials have criticized Australia's decision to move its evacuees to Christmas Island - about 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) from Australia, which had been used to hold thousands of refugees between 2002 and 2018. Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Sunday he expected Australians to be airlifted from Wuhan soon and that a medical assessment team and mobile hospital was ready to greet them. "Personnel are in place to receive the passengers from Wuhan and we expect that the flight will be collecting within the next 24 hours," Hunt said.

Foreigners from China barred entry to New Zealand; travel ban to last fortnight

Facebook's massive settlement in a class-action case over violating a state law on how it uses facial recognition is being hailed as a watershed moment for "biometric privacy.

Facebook's massive settlement in a class-action case over violating a state law on how it uses facial recognition is being hailed as a watershed moment for "biometric privacy." The leading social network said it agreed to the $550 million payout after failing to win dismissal of the case alleging it illegally collected biometric information for "face tagging" in violation of a 2008 Illinois privacy law. The settlement could have wide-ranging implications for Facebook and other tech firms using facial recognition technology and highlights the potential for state laws to force changes in privacy practices. Plaintiff attorney Jay Edelson said the case helps establish the principle of biometric privacy or the right of users of tech services and products to control access to their data used for facial recognition. "Biometrics is one of the two primary battlegrounds, along with geolocation, that will define our privacy rights for the next generation," Edelson said in a statement. "We hope and expect that other companies will follow Facebook's lead and pay significant attention to the importance of our biometric information." Attorney Nathan Wessler of the American Civil Liberties Union, which backed the plaintiffs' legal arguments, said the settlement could mark a turning point for consumers and biometrics. "Companies are going to have to take this seriously," Wessler said. "Hopefully, a settlement of this size will be a deterrent." The deal is one of the largest settlements in a US privacy case, topped only by Facebook's $5 billion deal with the Federal Trade Commission on its data practices. Both are awaiting court approval. Also Read: Facebook sued in US federal court for alleged anti competitive conduct [ Facial Recognition and Facebook - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Facial recognition growing The legal case comes amid an array of deployments of biometric technologies such as facial recognition for law enforcement and border control, but also for "tagging" in social networks and in applications for retail stores or unlocking personal devices and cars. Several US cities including San Francisco have passed bans on the use of facial recognition technology. There are concerns about creating large databases with the potential for errors in identifying some individuals. "We have seen growing recognition in the courts and in the public for the last few years on the need for reasonable but strong limits on the collection and use of our most private information," Wessler said. Illinois law does not apply to government entities or contractors. At least two other states have similar laws, but Illinois is the only one allowing for private lawsuits for damages when companies collect data without consent. Alan Butler of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, which also supported the plaintiff arguments, called the case "hugely significant" with a potential impact for all Facebook users. Butler noted that the courts ruled the case could proceed merely on the basis of showing a violation, without evidence of specific harms. Unintended consequences? But the Illinois law and similar restrictions may have negative consequences as well, according to Daniel Castro of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a think tank often aligned with industry. The ability to sue without showing damages has unleashed a flood of litigation and some firms "are even blocking their services in Illinois to avoid the risk of penalties. That's not good for consumers," Castro said. "At the same time, it does not do much to actually address many specific concerns, such as police use of facial recognition to track citizens." Castro said the "patchwork" of state laws could make it difficult for tech firms to launch new products, leaving them at a disadvantage compared to their Chinese counterparts. The settlement comes as US lawmakers are debating federal privacy legislation, with some proposals that could pre-empt laws such as those in Illinois. Wessler argued that some states have been taking the lead in offering strong privacy rules and that a federal law could weaken overall data protection.

Biometric Privacy: Topical issue gains spotlight after Facebook's settlement

Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus

Thai doctors have seen success in treating severe cases of the new coronavirus with combination of medications for flu and HIV, with initial results showing vast improvement 48 hours after applying the treatment, they said on Sunday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-doctors-say-cocktail-of-flu-hiv-drugs-appears-to-help-fight-coronavirus-278168">Read more</a>&nbsp;

Chinese central bank to inject $173 billion to economy as country fights coronavirus

China's central bank said Sunday it would inject 1.2 trillion yuan ($173 bln) into the economy as the country struggles to contain the deadly virus that is expected to hit the already slowing economy, news agency AFP reported. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-central-bank-to-pump-173-billion-to-economy-as-country-fights-deadly-virus-278141">Read more</a>

Hong Kong University study says China fudged coronavirus numbers&nbsp;

Did China fudge coronavirus numbers? If a study published by scientists at Hong Kong University is anything to go by, China did fudge. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-study-says-china-fudged-coronavirus-numbers-278115">Read more</a>

Excess smoke and dust trigger health warnings from Australian government; Canberra on fire alert

Australia's capital, Canberra, was on high alert on Sunday as bushfires burned nearby, while smoke and dust engulfed large parts of the country's east, prompting warnings from health authorities. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-excess-smoke-and-dust-trigger-health-warnings-from-australian-government-canberra-on-fire-alert-278118">Read more</a>&nbsp;

Three more Japanese citizens evacuated from Wuhan test positive for nCoV

Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-three-more-japanese-citizens-evacuated-from-wuhan-test-positive-for-ncov-278107">Read more</a>

Coronavirus death toll rises; China faces global isolation deemed unnecessary by WHO

China faced mounting isolation in the face of increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions on Saturday, as the death toll from a spreading coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-rises-china-faces-global-isolation-deemed-unnecessary-by-who-278104">Read more</a>

Biometric Privacy: Topical issue gains spotlight after Facebook's settlement

Facebook's massive settlement in a class-action case over violating a state law on how it uses facial recognition is being hailed as a watershed moment for "biometric privacy." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-biometric-privacy-topical-issue-gains-spotlight-after-facebooks-settlement-278101">Read more</a>

Coronavirus: India temporarily suspends e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China

India on Sunday temporarily suspended e-visa facility for Chinese travellers and foreigners residing in China in view of the virulent coronavirus that has killed more than 300 people, infected 14,562 others and spread to 25 countries, including India, the US and the UK. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-temporarily-suspends-e-visa-facility-for-chinese-and-foreigners-residing-in-china-278144">Read more</a>

Australian Open 2020: Djokovic beats Thiem to clinch 8th men's title&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic on Sunday clinched the Australian Open men's title beating Austrian Dominic Thiem. This is Djokovic's 17th Grand Slam title win, moving him within two of Rafael Nadal and three of Roger Federer on the all-time list. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2020-djokovic-beats-thiem-to-clinch-8th-mens-title-278160">Read more</a>

India whitewash New Zealand, wins fifth T20I by seven runs

India whitewashed New Zealand in the five-match T20I series as they defeated the hosts by seven runs in the fifth game here on Sunday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-whitewash-new-zealand-wins-fifth-t20i-by-seven-runs-278153">Read more</a>

Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus Thai doctors have seen success in treating severe cases of the new coronavirus with combination of medications for flu and HIV, with initial results showing vast improvement 48 hours after applying the treatment, they said on Sunday.

Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus Thai doctors have seen success in treating severe cases of the new coronavirus with combination of medications for flu and HIV, with initial results showing vast improvement 48 hours after applying the treatment, they said on Sunday. Read more Chinese central bank to inject $173 billion to economy as country fights coronavirus China's central bank said Sunday it would inject 1.2 trillion yuan ($173 bln) into the economy as the country struggles to contain the deadly virus that is expected to hit the already slowing economy, news agency AFP reported. Read more Hong Kong University study says China fudged coronavirus numbers Did China fudge coronavirus numbers? If a study published by scientists at Hong Kong University is anything to go by, China did fudge. Read more Excess smoke and dust trigger health warnings from Australian government; Canberra on fire alert Australia's capital, Canberra, was on high alert on Sunday as bushfires burned nearby, while smoke and dust engulfed large parts of the country's east, prompting warnings from health authorities. Read more Three more Japanese citizens evacuated from Wuhan test positive for nCoV Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases. Read more Coronavirus death toll rises; China faces global isolation deemed unnecessary by WHO China faced mounting isolation in the face of increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions on Saturday, as the death toll from a spreading coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. Read more Biometric Privacy: Topical issue gains spotlight after Facebook's settlement Facebook's massive settlement in a class-action case over violating a state law on how it uses facial recognition is being hailed as a watershed moment for "biometric privacy." Read more Coronavirus: India temporarily suspends e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China India on Sunday temporarily suspended e-visa facility for Chinese travellers and foreigners residing in China in view of the virulent coronavirus that has killed more than 300 people, infected 14,562 others and spread to 25 countries, including India, the US and the UK. Read more Australian Open 2020: Djokovic beats Thiem to clinch 8th men's title Novak Djokovic on Sunday clinched the Australian Open men's title beating Austrian Dominic Thiem. This is Djokovic's 17th Grand Slam title win, moving him within two of Rafael Nadal and three of Roger Federer on the all-time list. Read more India whitewash New Zealand, wins fifth T20I by seven runs India whitewashed New Zealand in the five-match T20I series as they defeated the hosts by seven runs in the fifth game here on Sunday. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus outbreak, Djokovic clinches Australian Open title and more

Today in History: Treaty of Tartu, inauguration of New York Grand Central Terminal and more

Democratic presidential candidates fanned out across Iowa on Saturday for a frenzy of rallies and last-ditch speeches with just two days to go before the rural state kicks off the nominating process.

Public opinion polls show a tight race for the right to take on Republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-trump-revives-border-wall-promise-in-iowa-campaign-speech-and-mocks-his-democrat-coworkers-277639">President Donald Trump</a> in November. US&nbsp;Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden are in a dead heat for first place, with US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg close behind.

The final campaigning before Monday's caucuses took on extra urgency as Sanders, Warren and fellow senators have been stuck in Washington serving as jurors in Trump's impeachment trial and are due to return by Monday morning for closing arguments. Here is what is happening in Iowa <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-debate-six-candidates-face-off-in-iowas-capital-city-des-moines-274306">on the campaign trail</a>:

Settle for Biden

A comedy troupe confronted Biden on Saturday at a town hall in North Liberty, Iowa, prompting an awkward exchange. One of the men stood as Biden was getting underway with his speech and asked the former vice president for advice on how to get his wife back. Biden offered to speak to the man afterwards, but the man persisted.

"I’m beginning to see why your wife left you," Biden said to cheers and laughter at a packed campaign event. Moments later, another man stood up wearing a shirt that mimicked the colours and style of Biden campaign attire but instead said, "Settle for Biden." People chanted "Let’s go Joe" as the comedians exited. The men did not identify themselves to reporters but matched the descriptions of a comedy troupe called The Good Liars that confronts politicians at public events.

<img alt="Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f507c59f-4b4a-4525-9275-405a1006e1bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T120135.102.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A woman attends a Democratic 2020 US&nbsp;presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

That's your job

US&nbsp;Senator Amy Klobuchar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/democratic-debate-in-iowa-274401">zipped around Iowa</a> on a charter plane to try to hit as many campaign events as possible. Klobuchar is trying to mount a late surge and beat expectations after struggling for the past year to break 10 per cent&nbsp;in polls. Her campaign strategy has relied on spending time on the ground in Iowa, which got derailed by the impeachment trial.

Her final Saturday night event in Beaverdale, a suburb of Des Moines, at her fourth event of the day, she joked about being stuck in Washington. "I'm trying to make up for being gone for 10 days in two days," she said. "I may be the juror in that chamber but you are the jurors in this election. That's your job."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-presidential-elections-2020-which-democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">US Presidential elections 2020: Which Democratic contender stands where</a>

This is our moment

Warren may have hit the ground running in Iowa on Saturday, but she took a moment to offer new remarks reminiscing on a year on the campaign trail. “You’ve pressed notes into my hand, you’ve whispered your dreams into my ears, you’ve told me about your lives, about issues, about your ideas on how we can make things better,” she said at an event in Cedar Rapids.

At a Saturday morning event in Des Moines, signs behind her declared "Unite the Party," suggesting that she is best positioned to bring Democrats together to defeat Trump, a new addition to her campaign message in the closing stretch.

<img alt="Warren" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="403e38e5-7e5b-485f-9949-19cc50e69dd5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T120505.783.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Emma Patty runs with a sign supporting Democratic 2020 US&nbsp;presidential candidate and US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Warren fled Washington on Friday night as soon as the impeachment proceedings ended for the day, arriving in Des Moines for a late-night event at a crowded brewery. The bar ran out of clean glasses to keep pouring beer before Warren emerged, holding her husband's hand and dragging him into the crowd.

The pressing need to play catch-up after having been taken off the campaign trail for Trump's trial was evident on Saturday. To save time so she could get to another event, Warren skipped her usual "selfie" line.

“I need to get around to a lot of places in Iowa today and tomorrow,” she said after one event. But she had a worthy substitute: Bailey, her golden retriever, who has become perhaps her most beloved campaign surrogate, would stay for a photo line. “He’s been working on his smile,” she said, as the crowd cooed at a happy-looking Bailey. “He’s ready.”

Sanders supporter boos Clinton

At a Sanders campaign rally on Friday night, one of his high-profile supporters waded into an ongoing fight with Hillary Clinton, his Democratic primary opponent in the 2016 White House contest. In an interview last month, Clinton said no one in the Senate liked Sanders, and she criticized how his supporters treated her after she won the nomination four years ago.

On Friday, when the crowd at Sanders' rally began to boo at the mention of Clinton's name, the moderator interjected, "We're not going to boo here, we're classy here." But US&nbsp;Representative Rashida Tlaib, speaking on a panel at the event, was not having any of it. "No, no. I'll boo. Boo," the congresswoman said. "You all know I can't be quiet, no, we're going to boo. That's all right, the haters will shut up on Monday when we win." On Saturday, she voiced regret.

"I allowed my disappointment with Secretary Clinton's latest comments about Senator Sanders and his supporters get the best of me," Tlaib said in a statement on Twitter, adding the movement "deserved better."

Union flips to Biden

A labour union representing 200,000 transit workers endorsed Biden on Saturday, a shift after having backed Sanders in the 2016 campaign. Sanders has been racking up union endorsements, support that played an important role in his failed 2016 bid for the nomination.

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) announced it is encouraging members to support Biden after a survey of the union's membership found a majority believe the former vice president is the best positioned to beat Trump.

"Joe Biden has been a true champion of working Americans throughout his career," said ATU International President John Costa in a statement. "We know he will fight to rebuild the middle class by restoring the rights of labour, advancing racial justice and equity, and bolstering our economy through an unprecedented investment in public services like transit."

Democratic presidential candidates fanned out across Iowa on Saturday for a frenzy of rallies and last-ditch speeches with just two days to go before the rural state kicks off the nominating process.

Democratic presidential candidates fanned out across Iowa on Saturday for a frenzy of rallies and last-ditch speeches with just two days to go before the rural state kicks off the nominating process. Public opinion polls show a tight race for the right to take on Republican President Donald Trump in November. US Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden are in a dead heat for first place, with US Senator Elizabeth Warren and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg close behind. The final campaigning before Monday's caucuses took on extra urgency as Sanders, Warren and fellow senators have been stuck in Washington serving as jurors in Trump's impeachment trial and are due to return by Monday morning for closing arguments. Here is what is happening in Iowa on the campaign trail: Settle for Biden A comedy troupe confronted Biden on Saturday at a town hall in North Liberty, Iowa, prompting an awkward exchange. One of the men stood as Biden was getting underway with his speech and asked the former vice president for advice on how to get his wife back. Biden offered to speak to the man afterwards, but the man persisted. "I’m beginning to see why your wife left you," Biden said to cheers and laughter at a packed campaign event. Moments later, another man stood up wearing a shirt that mimicked the colours and style of Biden campaign attire but instead said, "Settle for Biden." People chanted "Let’s go Joe" as the comedians exited. The men did not identify themselves to reporters but matched the descriptions of a comedy troupe called The Good Liars that confronts politicians at public events. [ A woman attends a Democratic 2020 US presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa (Courtesy: Reuters) ] That's your job US Senator Amy Klobuchar zipped around Iowa on a charter plane to try to hit as many campaign events as possible. Klobuchar is trying to mount a late surge and beat expectations after struggling for the past year to break 10 per cent in polls. Her campaign strategy has relied on spending time on the ground in Iowa, which got derailed by the impeachment trial. Her final Saturday night event in Beaverdale, a suburb of Des Moines, at her fourth event of the day, she joked about being stuck in Washington. "I'm trying to make up for being gone for 10 days in two days," she said. "I may be the juror in that chamber but you are the jurors in this election. That's your job." Also Read: US Presidential elections 2020: Which Democratic contender stands where This is our moment Warren may have hit the ground running in Iowa on Saturday, but she took a moment to offer new remarks reminiscing on a year on the campaign trail. “You’ve pressed notes into my hand, you’ve whispered your dreams into my ears, you’ve told me about your lives, about issues, about your ideas on how we can make things better,” she said at an event in Cedar Rapids. At a Saturday morning event in Des Moines, signs behind her declared "Unite the Party," suggesting that she is best positioned to bring Democrats together to defeat Trump, a new addition to her campaign message in the closing stretch. [ Emma Patty runs with a sign supporting Democratic 2020 US presidential candidate and US Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Warren fled Washington on Friday night as soon as the impeachment proceedings ended for the day, arriving in Des Moines for a late-night event at a crowded brewery. The bar ran out of clean glasses to keep pouring beer before Warren emerged, holding her husband's hand and dragging him into the crowd. The pressing need to play catch-up after having been taken off the campaign trail for Trump's trial was evident on Saturday. To save time so she could get to another event, Warren skipped her usual "selfie" line. “I need to get around to a lot of places in Iowa today and tomorrow,” she said after one event. But she had a worthy substitute: Bailey, her golden retriever, who has become perhaps her most beloved campaign surrogate, would stay for a photo line. “He’s been working on his smile,” she said, as the crowd cooed at a happy-looking Bailey. “He’s ready.” Sanders supporter boos Clinton At a Sanders campaign rally on Friday night, one of his high-profile supporters waded into an ongoing fight with Hillary Clinton, his Democratic primary opponent in the 2016 White House contest. In an interview last month, Clinton said no one in the Senate liked Sanders, and she criticized how his supporters treated her after she won the nomination four years ago. On Friday, when the crowd at Sanders' rally began to boo at the mention of Clinton's name, the moderator interjected, "We're not going to boo here, we're classy here." But US Representative Rashida Tlaib, speaking on a panel at the event, was not having any of it. "No, no. I'll boo. Boo," the congresswoman said. "You all know I can't be quiet, no, we're going to boo. That's all right, the haters will shut up on Monday when we win." On Saturday, she voiced regret. "I allowed my disappointment with Secretary Clinton's latest comments about Senator Sanders and his supporters get the best of me," Tlaib said in a statement on Twitter, adding the movement "deserved better." Union flips to Biden A labour union representing 200,000 transit workers endorsed Biden on Saturday, a shift after having backed Sanders in the 2016 campaign. Sanders has been racking up union endorsements, support that played an important role in his failed 2016 bid for the nomination. The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) announced it is encouraging members to support Biden after a survey of the union's membership found a majority believe the former vice president is the best positioned to beat Trump. "Joe Biden has been a true champion of working Americans throughout his career," said ATU International President John Costa in a statement. "We know he will fight to rebuild the middle class by restoring the rights of labour, advancing racial justice and equity, and bolstering our economy through an unprecedented investment in public services like transit."

On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-plane-crashes-in-afghanistan-top-us-intel-officers-dead-277184">conflict's continued toll</a> despite relative calm in Kabul. The nation's capital and other urban areas have enjoyed a rare stretch of more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-recovers-two-bodies-from-bombardier-aircraft-crash-site-in-afghanistan-277343">two </a>months without the sorts of large-scale bomb attack that frequently rock the city and cause mass causalities.

Despite the lull, which has come as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/despite-defeats-the-islamic-state-remains-unbroken-and-defiant-around-the-world-277491"> US and the Taliban continue talks</a> over a possible deal for American forces to leave Afghanistan, fighting in rural provinces has continued unabated, with reports of skirmishes appearing daily. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), "enemy-initiated attacks" rose sharply last year, with the fourth quarter seeing a total of 8,204 attacks -- up from 6,974 in the same period in 2018.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-bombing-of-afghanistan-hits-10-year-high-us-air-force-277324">United States bombing of Afghanistan hits 10-year high: US Air Force</a>

September, when the first round of presidential voting was held, saw the highest number of casualty-causing attacks since recording began in 2010. SIGAR noted that attacks appeared to mirror progress in US-Taliban talks, with incidents dropping earlier in the year, then picking up again after US President Donald Trump temporarily halted negotiations in September.

"A turbulent last six months resulted in increases in overall enemy attacks (6 per cent) and effective attacks (4 per cent) in 2019 compared to the already high levels reported in 2018," SIGAR said in its quarterly report to the US Congress. The Pentagon has also continued to up the tempo of operations, with American warplanes dropping more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force.

Washington and the Taliban are continuing to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.&nbsp; The US has for months been calling on the militants to reduce violence, but both sides have said little in recent days about the status of talks and the Kabul government wants the US to push for a full ceasefire.

SIGAR's report also found that Afghanistan's security forces struggled to take the fight to the Taliban, relying on US support for more than half their ground operations. SIGAR also highlighted a slight increase in the number of casualties among Afghan military members, who have sustained massive losses over the past five years.

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul.

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul. The nation's capital and other urban areas have enjoyed a rare stretch of more than two months without the sorts of large-scale bomb attack that frequently rock the city and cause mass causalities. Despite the lull, which has come as the US and the Taliban continue talks over a possible deal for American forces to leave Afghanistan, fighting in rural provinces has continued unabated, with reports of skirmishes appearing daily. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), "enemy-initiated attacks" rose sharply last year, with the fourth quarter seeing a total of 8,204 attacks -- up from 6,974 in the same period in 2018. Also Read: United States bombing of Afghanistan hits 10-year high: US Air Force September, when the first round of presidential voting was held, saw the highest number of casualty-causing attacks since recording began in 2010. SIGAR noted that attacks appeared to mirror progress in US-Taliban talks, with incidents dropping earlier in the year, then picking up again after US President Donald Trump temporarily halted negotiations in September. "A turbulent last six months resulted in increases in overall enemy attacks (6 per cent) and effective attacks (4 per cent) in 2019 compared to the already high levels reported in 2018," SIGAR said in its quarterly report to the US Congress. The Pentagon has also continued to up the tempo of operations, with American warplanes dropping more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force. Washington and the Taliban are continuing to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. The US has for months been calling on the militants to reduce violence, but both sides have said little in recent days about the status of talks and the Kabul government wants the US to push for a full ceasefire. SIGAR's report also found that Afghanistan's security forces struggled to take the fight to the Taliban, relying on US support for more than half their ground operations. SIGAR also highlighted a slight increase in the number of casualties among Afghan military members, who have sustained massive losses over the past five years.

Amid US-Taliban peace talks, violence in Afghanistan rises: Watchdog

President Donald Trump's hopes for a speedy acquittal by the Senate received a boost on Thursday as Democrats suffered a setback in their efforts to introduce new witnesses at his impeachment trial.

President Donald Trump's hopes for a speedy acquittal by the Senate received a boost on Thursday as Democrats suffered a setback in their efforts to introduce new witnesses at his impeachment trial. Democrats had sought to have Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton testify but a key Republican senator said he would vote "no" when the question of calling further witnesses is put to the Senate on Friday. If the witness motion is rejected, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a key Trump ally, could conceivably call for a vote to acquit the president of the impeachment charges as soon as Friday. A two-thirds majority - or 67 senators - is needed to remove a president from office, and the 53-47 Republican majority in the Senate means Trump is virtually certain to be acquitted. Democrats were particularly eager to hear from Bolton following reports that he claims in an upcoming book to have been personally told by Trump that military aid to Ukraine was tied to Kyiv investigating his Democratic rival Joe Biden. The charge is at the heart of the December 18 impeachment of the 45th US president for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress by the Democratic-majority House of Representatives. Also Read: Trump Impeachment Poll: 47% Want Trump Out Of White House Four Republican votes are needed to allow new witnesses but Republican Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who had been considered a possible swing vote, issued a statement late Thursday saying there was no need for more evidence. "It was inappropriate for the president to ask a foreign leader to investigate his political opponent and to withhold United States aid to encourage that investigation," Alexander said. "But the Constitution does not give the Senate the power to remove the president from office and ban him from this year's ballot simply for actions that are inappropriate," he said. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she would support the call for witnesses, and Utah Senator Mitt Romney has said he was "very likely" to do so. Another wavering Republican - Lisa Murkowski of Alaska - has said she will announce her decision Friday morning. In the event of a 50-50 tie, US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, could be called upon to end the deadlock. If he declines to vote, the motion calling for witnesses would fail. 'Purely partisan impeachment' Chief Democratic prosecutor Adam Schiff, in a last-ditch bid on Thursday to win over Republican senators wary of a drawn-out process, proposed a one-week time frame to secure new witness testimony. "Let's have a reasonable accommodation here," the California lawmaker told the 100 senators sitting as jurors at the historic trial. "We'll take one week, and you'll continue with the business of the Senate." Trump's defence team rejected the Democratic calls for more witnesses. "They said for weeks it was an overwhelming case," said White House deputy counsel Patrick Philbin. "If that's their position, why do they need more witnesses?" White House counsel Pat Cipollone argued for an early acquittal, saying it "would be the best thing for our country. We're dealing with a purely partisan impeachment," Cipollone said, accusing Democrats of using impeachment "as a political weapon." Voters - not the Senate - should decide Trump's fate in the November presidential election, he said. Cipollone and Schiff made their remarks during an occasionally testy Senate session during which Democratic and Republican senators directed questions to the House prosecutors and White House defence team. House impeachment managers expressed outrage over an assertion by one of Trump's lawyers, Harvard professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, that a president can do almost anything he wants if he believes his re-election was "in the public interest." Schiff said the claim echoed the Watergate case of disgraced president Richard Nixon 45 years ago. "What we have seen in the last couple of days is a descent into constitutional madness," Schiff said. "Almost half a century ago, we had a president who said, 'Well, when the president does it that means it is not illegal.'" "Have we learned nothing in the last half-century?" Schiff asked. "That is the normalization of lawlessness," he said. "I would hope that every American would recognize that it's wrong to seek foreign help in an American election." 'Disgrace' Trump's defence team has argued alternatively that the impeachment is politically driven, that Trump did not tie Ukraine aid to the investigations he sought, that he had reason to seek a probe into his political rival and that he had the legal right to do so as president. The president has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, calling the entire process a politically driven "witch hunt" and a "disgrace." Speaking at a campaign rally on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa, Trump said, "We're having the best years in the history of our country and I just got impeached." Democrats are to hold their first vote in Iowa on Monday in the process of selecting a candidate to face Trump in November's presidential election.

Senate poised to acquit Donald Trump as witness motion appears doomed

US President Donald Trump campaigned on Thursday in Iowa - the state that kicks off the presidential nominating race next week - basking in the support of his base while the US Senate trial considering his impeachment continued in Washington.

Reviving some of the most polarizing speech lines from his 2016 campaign and mocking his potential Democratic opponents, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">Trump regaled the crowd</a> with a series of campaign promises, including revamping the US healthcare system and continuing to build a wall along the country's southern border with Mexico.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/democratic-debate-in-iowa-274401">Democratic contenders</a> for their party's nomination to challenge Trump in the November election face their first electoral test in the Iowa caucuses on Monday. Trump, who is seeking a second term, is expected to easily win the Republican caucus.

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c628d394-3e03-449a-b53b-89fba6cfa78e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2818%29_5.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;U.S. President Donald Trump mocks House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff&nbsp;as he rallies with supporters (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

His campaign, regardless, is making a show of force in the state and several of his supporters, including both of his adult sons, will be in the state on Monday. Trump's speech on Thursday was squarely focused on the general election. He won Iowa in 2016 and Democrats are not expected to invest many resources trying to flip it back to their column this year.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-swing-district-democrats-back-joe-bidens-presidential-bid-272511">Three swing-state Democrats back for Joe Biden's presidential bid</a>

But Democrats have dominated the airwaves in Iowa for the past year, making Trump the focus of their appeals to the state's Democratic voters. 
Trump repeated his criticism of his potential Democratic opponents, denigrating former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg for his height and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg for his last name, and repeating his reference to US Senator Elizabeth Warren as “Pocahontas.”

"Democrats stand for crime, corruption and chaos, Republicans stand for law, order and justice," Trump said. Trump renewed a 2016 campaign promise to make Mexico pay for a wall along the US-Mexico border, a vow he made daily while campaigning the first time but has rarely mentioned since taking office.

"Illegal aliens from Mexico are going to pay for the wall ... through remittance, 100 per cent," Trump said. He also revisited a line from his 2016 campaign, maligning some migrants trying to enter the United States as criminals.

Fresh from signing a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada on Wednesday and a separate pact with China earlier this month, the president said the Democrats would be bad for Iowa’s farmers - warning they would "kill your cows." "If we don't win, your farms are going to hell," he said. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump campaigned on Thursday in Iowa - the state that kicks off the presidential nominating race next week - basking in the support of his base while the US Senate trial considering his impeachment continued in Washington.

US President Donald Trump campaigned on Thursday in Iowa - the state that kicks off the presidential nominating race next week - basking in the support of his base while the US Senate trial considering his impeachment continued in Washington. Reviving some of the most polarizing speech lines from his 2016 campaign and mocking his potential Democratic opponents, Trump regaled the crowd with a series of campaign promises, including revamping the US healthcare system and continuing to build a wall along the country's southern border with Mexico. Democratic contenders for their party's nomination to challenge Trump in the November election face their first electoral test in the Iowa caucuses on Monday. Trump, who is seeking a second term, is expected to easily win the Republican caucus. [ U.S. President Donald Trump mocks House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff as he rallies with supporters (Courtesy: Reuters) ] His campaign, regardless, is making a show of force in the state and several of his supporters, including both of his adult sons, will be in the state on Monday. Trump's speech on Thursday was squarely focused on the general election. He won Iowa in 2016 and Democrats are not expected to invest many resources trying to flip it back to their column this year. Also Read: Three swing-state Democrats back for Joe Biden's presidential bid But Democrats have dominated the airwaves in Iowa for the past year, making Trump the focus of their appeals to the state's Democratic voters. Trump repeated his criticism of his potential Democratic opponents, denigrating former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg for his height and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg for his last name, and repeating his reference to US Senator Elizabeth Warren as “Pocahontas.” "Democrats stand for crime, corruption and chaos, Republicans stand for law, order and justice," Trump said. Trump renewed a 2016 campaign promise to make Mexico pay for a wall along the US-Mexico border, a vow he made daily while campaigning the first time but has rarely mentioned since taking office. "Illegal aliens from Mexico are going to pay for the wall ... through remittance, 100 per cent," Trump said. He also revisited a line from his 2016 campaign, maligning some migrants trying to enter the United States as criminals. Fresh from signing a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada on Wednesday and a separate pact with China earlier this month, the president said the Democrats would be bad for Iowa’s farmers - warning they would "kill your cows." "If we don't win, your farms are going to hell," he said.

Donald Trump revives border wall promise in Iowa campaign speech, mocks Democrats

World Health Organisation on Friday&nbsp;declared coronavirus outbreak as global emergency as death toll in China crossed 200. While, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Brexit as "new dawn" as it set to bid farewell to the European Union today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here are the top ten stories of the day.

Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213

The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-us-others-nations-tighten-curbs-on-travel-to-china-as-virus-toll-hits-213-277797">Read more</a>

Boris Johnson hails 'new dawn' as Britain set to bid farewell to <gwmw class="ginger-module-highlighter-mistake-type-3" id="gwmw-15804763166707671667367">European Union</gwmw>

Britain on Friday ends almost half a century of integration with Europe, finally making its&nbsp;historic departure from the EU&nbsp;to begin a new -- but still uncertain -- future, with emotions running high following years of wrangling and several false starts. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-hails-new-dawn-as-britain-set-to-bid-farewell-to-european-union-277806">Read More</a>

Thai taxi driver is kingdom's first human-to-human transmission of virus

A Thai taxi driver has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, health officials said Friday, in the kingdom's first case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly sickness which has sparked a global health alert. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-thailand-confirms-first-human-to-human-coronavirus-transmission-277810">Read more</a>

Explained: Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry

The global tourism industry is already reeling under the impact of China's economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions between some countries. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-coronavirus-impact-on-the-tourism-industry-277803">Read More</a>

Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out Friday at the Damascus regime's "cruelty", warning Turkey was prepared to use "military force" again in Syria. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Read more</a>

Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth falls 4 million dollars in one day

Mark Zuckerberg’s wealth witnessed a huge decline to 4 billion dollars on Thursday after shares of his Facebook Inc. <gwmw class="ginger-module-highlighter-mistake-type-1" id="gwmw-15804763590297026840622">slid</gwmw>. The sharp fall in social media giant CEO's wealth came after Facebook witnessed its slowest-ever quarterly sales growth. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trending-latest-facebook-mark-zuckerberg-net-worth-falls-4-million-dollars-in-one-day-277781">Read More</a>

Afghanistan violence rises amid US-Taliban talks: Watchdog

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-violence-rises-amid-us-taliban-talks-watchdog-277677">Read more</a>

Egypt unveils tombs dating back to 3,000 years

A new archaeological discovery dating back to 3,000 years was unveiled in the southern governorate of Minya in&nbsp;Egypt&nbsp;on Thursday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-egypt-unveils-tombs-dating-back-to-3000-years-277770">Read More</a>

NASA <gwmw class="ginger-module-highlighter-mistake-type-3" id="gwmw-15804766605893496172288">bids</gwmw> farewell to <gwmw class="ginger-module-highlighter-mistake-type-3" id="gwmw-15804766605895936624331">iconic Spitzer Space Telescope</gwmw>

After nearly two decades, NASA has finally bid adieu to one of its iconic telescopes.&nbsp;Spitzer Space Telescope that has taken images of some of the most ancient objects in <gwmw class="ginger-module-highlighter-mistake-type-3" id="gwmw-15804766605949717091053">Universe</gwmw> was decommissioned on Thursday, a tweet from <gwmw class="ginger-module-highlighter-mistake-type-3" id="gwmw-15804766605943347166580">NASA Spitzer</gwmw> handle said. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/science-trending-nasa-telescope-nasa-bids-farewell-to-iconic-spitzer-space-telescope-277732">Read More</a>

Gone with the wind; Trump's 'impenetrable' border wall blown away by strong winds

A new section of President Donald Trump's signature wall along the&nbsp;US-Mexico border&nbsp;has been blown over in strong winds, US officials say. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-gone-with-the-wind-trumps-impenetrable-border-wall-blown-away-by-strong-winds-277716">Read More</a>

World Health Organisation on Friday declared coronavirus outbreak as global emergency as death toll in China crossed 200. While, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Brexit as "new dawn" as it set to bid farewell to the European Union today.

World Health Organisation on Friday declared coronavirus outbreak as global emergency as death toll in China crossed 200. While, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Brexit as "new dawn" as it set to bid farewell to the European Union today. Here are the top ten stories of the day. Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213 The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency. Read more Boris Johnson hails 'new dawn' as Britain set to bid farewell to European Union Britain on Friday ends almost half a century of integration with Europe, finally making its historic departure from the EU to begin a new -- but still uncertain -- future, with emotions running high following years of wrangling and several false starts. Read More Thai taxi driver is kingdom's first human-to-human transmission of virus A Thai taxi driver has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, health officials said Friday, in the kingdom's first case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly sickness which has sparked a global health alert. Read more Explained: Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry The global tourism industry is already reeling under the impact of China's economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions between some countries. Read More Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out Friday at the Damascus regime's "cruelty", warning Turkey was prepared to use "military force" again in Syria. Read more Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth falls 4 million dollars in one day Mark Zuckerberg’s wealth witnessed a huge decline to 4 billion dollars on Thursday after shares of his Facebook Inc. slid. The sharp fall in social media giant CEO's wealth came after Facebook witnessed its slowest-ever quarterly sales growth. Read More Afghanistan violence rises amid US-Taliban talks: Watchdog Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul. Read more Egypt unveils tombs dating back to 3,000 years A new archaeological discovery dating back to 3,000 years was unveiled in the southern governorate of Minya in Egypt on Thursday. Read More NASA bids farewell to iconic Spitzer Space Telescope After nearly two decades, NASA has finally bid adieu to one of its iconic telescopes. Spitzer Space Telescope that has taken images of some of the most ancient objects in Universe was decommissioned on Thursday, a tweet from NASA Spitzer handle said. Read More Gone with the wind; Trump's 'impenetrable' border wall blown away by strong winds A new section of President Donald Trump's signature wall along the US-Mexico border has been blown over in strong winds, US officials say. Read More

Top 10 world news today: Brexit, WHO declares coronavirus a global emergency, Turkey warns Syria and more

Israeli police increased their presence in Jerusalem's Old City, ahead of the first Friday prayers at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque since US President Donald Trump unveiled a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-tells-vladimir-putin-mideast-deal-a-new-opportunity-277570">controversial peace plan</a>.

The plan released on Tuesday was seen as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jared-kushner-meet-the-man-behind-middle-east-peace-plan-277295">heavily biased towards Israel</a> and was angrily rejected by Palestinians, with one of the key bones of contention being its classification of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital."

Palestinians&nbsp;have long seen the city's eastern sector, which was occupied by Israel in 1967, as the capital of their future state.

At the Al-Aqsa compound in east Jerusalem, a group of Palestinians gathered after dawn prayers and "began a procession with nationalist calls," Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

Police "responded and dispersed the gathering," the official added. Thousands of Palestinians were expected to attend the main prayers at noon, which are often a rallying point for demonstrations.

The Al-Aqsa mosque is Islam's third holiest is also revered by Jews as the location of their Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Rosenfeld said "heightened security" measures would be in place across the Old City and "police units will respond if necessary".

The Trump plan gives Israel the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297">green light to annex</a> the strategic Jordan Valley, which 30 per cent of the &nbsp;West Bank, as well as all Israeli settlements, which now number more than 200, including those in annexed east Jerusalem.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/has-donald-trump-proposed-a-middle-east-peace-plan-or-terms-of-surrender-for-the-palestinians-277760">Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan – or terms of surrender for the Palestinians?</a>

The settlements are home to some 600,000&nbsp;&nbsp;are considered illegal under international law. Immediately after Trump presented the plan&nbsp;flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,&nbsp;officials said they would swiftly send an annexation bill to the&nbsp;cabinet on Sunday.

But the situation seemed less clear on Friday, after Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner seemed to row back from initial comments by US ambassador David Friedman that Israel could move ahead with annexation immediately.

Jared said a decision would be best left until a new government has been formed after a general election scheduled for March 2, even though both major parties support it.

Gaza protests, rockets

Clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces in the West Bank have left at least 30 Palestinians wounded since Tuesday, although the demonstrations have mostly been small.

In Hamas-controlled Gaza, thousands gathered for demonstrations this week. Many more donned badges proclaiming "no to the deal of the century".

There has been some rocket fire from Gaza into on nothing like the scale of barrages launched during multiple flare-ups last year.

Israel carried out on Hamas targets in Gaza early Friday after three rockets were fired the previous evening, causing neither casualties nor damage, the army said.

One rocket was fired on Wednesday evening drawing similar retaliation.

Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008 but over the past year, the Islamists an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has slightly eased its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm.

Quest for Arab support

The Palestinians have sought to rally international support against the plan, which they see as illegal and a violation of their rights.

"What we're trying to do here is to get behind us, behind president Mahmud Abbas and his determination to achieve&nbsp;peace," said Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat.

But there was a muted response, even within the Arab world.

Both Egypt and the Gulf Arab states held off on any immediate criticism of their US ally, saying they would study the plan's contents.

Those governments have quietly moved closer to Israel in recent years amid shared hostility towards Iran. Abbas will try to rally opposition at an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo on Saturday.

Israeli police increased their presence in Jerusalem's Old City, ahead of the first Friday prayers at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque since US President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial peace plan.

Israeli police increased their presence in Jerusalem's Old City, ahead of the first Friday prayers at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque since US President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial peace plan. The plan released on Tuesday was seen as heavily biased towards Israel and was angrily rejected by Palestinians, with one of the key bones of contention being its classification of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital." Palestinians have long seen the city's eastern sector, which was occupied by Israel in 1967, as the capital of their future state. At the Al-Aqsa compound in east Jerusalem, a group of Palestinians gathered after dawn prayers and "began a procession with nationalist calls," Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. Police "responded and dispersed the gathering," the official added. Thousands of Palestinians were expected to attend the main prayers at noon, which are often a rallying point for demonstrations. The Al-Aqsa mosque is Islam's third holiest is also revered by Jews as the location of their Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Rosenfeld said "heightened security" measures would be in place across the Old City and "police units will respond if necessary". The Trump plan gives Israel the green light to annex the strategic Jordan Valley, which 30 per cent of the West Bank, as well as all Israeli settlements, which now number more than 200, including those in annexed east Jerusalem. Also Read: Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan – or terms of surrender for the Palestinians? The settlements are home to some 600,000 are considered illegal under international law. Immediately after Trump presented the plan flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, officials said they would swiftly send an annexation bill to the cabinet on Sunday. But the situation seemed less clear on Friday, after Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner seemed to row back from initial comments by US ambassador David Friedman that Israel could move ahead with annexation immediately. Jared said a decision would be best left until a new government has been formed after a general election scheduled for March 2, even though both major parties support it. Gaza protests, rockets Clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces in the West Bank have left at least 30 Palestinians wounded since Tuesday, although the demonstrations have mostly been small. In Hamas-controlled Gaza, thousands gathered for demonstrations this week. Many more donned badges proclaiming "no to the deal of the century". There has been some rocket fire from Gaza into on nothing like the scale of barrages launched during multiple flare-ups last year. Israel carried out on Hamas targets in Gaza early Friday after three rockets were fired the previous evening, causing neither casualties nor damage, the army said. One rocket was fired on Wednesday evening drawing similar retaliation. Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008 but over the past year, the Islamists an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has slightly eased its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm. Quest for Arab support The Palestinians have sought to rally international support against the plan, which they see as illegal and a violation of their rights. "What we're trying to do here is to get behind us, behind president Mahmud Abbas and his determination to achieve peace," said Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat. But there was a muted response, even within the Arab world. Both Egypt and the Gulf Arab states held off on any immediate criticism of their US ally, saying they would study the plan's contents. Those governments have quietly moved closer to Israel in recent years amid shared hostility towards Iran. Abbas will try to rally opposition at an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo on Saturday.

Israel tightens security for first Friday prayers since Trump plan

Iraq's top Shiite cleric called Friday for parliamentary elections "as soon as possible" to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-american-clowns-who-lie-says-khamenei-in-friday-sermon-referring-to-trump-274902">ease the political crisis</a> gripping the country since anti-government protests erupted four months ago.&nbsp;

His appeal echoed that of the demonstrators in Baghdad and across the mainly-Shiite south who have demanded a snap vote and an independent figure to replace the current caretaker premier.

In a sermon delivered by his representative in the shrine city of Karbala, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani said it was "imperative to speed up holding early elections so that the people will have their say."&nbsp;

He said Iraq must "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">accelerate the formation of a new government</a>" and "take the necessary steps to hold free and fair elections as soon as possible".

Parliament has passed a new electoral law, but it failed to address most of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">protesters' specific demands</a> and President Barham Saleh has yet to sign it into effect.&nbsp;And while the pressure from Sistani and the street forced Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi to resign in December, he has stayed on in a caretaker capacity as political parties have yet to agree on a consensus replacement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irans-khamenei-delivers-friday-sermon-bid-to-quell-public-anger-274853">Iran's Khamenei delivers Friday sermon, bid to quell public anger</a>

According to Iraq's constitution, parliament's largest bloc must nominate a prime minister within 15 days of legislative elections.&nbsp;The candidate is then tasked by the president with forming a government within one month.

But Iraq is in a legal gray area, as the constitution makes no provisions for the premier's resignation and the 15-day period since Abdel Mahdi stepped down has long since expired.&nbsp;

This week, Saleh told the deeply divided parliament it had until Saturday to name a candidate, otherwise he would nominate someone unilaterally.

As the clocked ticked, political parties were in crisis talks to agree on a replacement, but the absence of two key powerbrokers has complicated the meetings.&nbsp;

Top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on January 3 that rocked the region.

In the closing remarks of his sermon, Sistani also spoke out against the controversial Middle East peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The marjaiyah (the Shiite religious leadership) strongly condemns the unjust plan, which was recently revealed, to grant legitimacy to the occupation of more usurped Palestinian lands," he said.

&nbsp;

Iraq's top Shiite cleric called Friday for parliamentary elections "as soon as possible" to ease the political crisis gripping the country since anti-government protests erupted four months ago.

Iraq's top Shiite cleric called Friday for parliamentary elections "as soon as possible" to ease the political crisis gripping the country since anti-government protests erupted four months ago. His appeal echoed that of the demonstrators in Baghdad and across the mainly-Shiite south who have demanded a snap vote and an independent figure to replace the current caretaker premier. In a sermon delivered by his representative in the shrine city of Karbala, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani said it was "imperative to speed up holding early elections so that the people will have their say." He said Iraq must "accelerate the formation of a new government" and "take the necessary steps to hold free and fair elections as soon as possible". Parliament has passed a new electoral law, but it failed to address most of the protesters' specific demands and President Barham Saleh has yet to sign it into effect. And while the pressure from Sistani and the street forced Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi to resign in December, he has stayed on in a caretaker capacity as political parties have yet to agree on a consensus replacement. Also Read: Iran's Khamenei delivers Friday sermon, bid to quell public anger According to Iraq's constitution, parliament's largest bloc must nominate a prime minister within 15 days of legislative elections. The candidate is then tasked by the president with forming a government within one month. But Iraq is in a legal gray area, as the constitution makes no provisions for the premier's resignation and the 15-day period since Abdel Mahdi stepped down has long since expired. This week, Saleh told the deeply divided parliament it had until Saturday to name a candidate, otherwise he would nominate someone unilaterally. As the clocked ticked, political parties were in crisis talks to agree on a replacement, but the absence of two key powerbrokers has complicated the meetings. Top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on January 3 that rocked the region. In the closing remarks of his sermon, Sistani also spoke out against the controversial Middle East peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. "The marjaiyah (the Shiite religious leadership) strongly condemns the unjust plan, which was recently revealed, to grant legitimacy to the occupation of more usurped Palestinian lands," he said.

Top Iraq cleric urges elections 'as soon as possible'

A Thai taxi driver has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, health officials said Friday, in the kingdom's first case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly sickness which has sparked a global health alert.

The finding makes Thailand only the sixth country alongside China, Germany, Japan, France and the US with confirmed domestic infections.

It also comes as the Chinese death toll topped 200 on Friday and warnings intensified over the potential for the SARS-like virus to spread through countries with less well maintained public health systems.

"Today (Friday) there are five more patients with coronavirus, four are Chinese who came in from Wuhan," Sukhum Kanjanapimai, a Health Ministry official told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-coronavirus-impact-on-the-tourism-industry-277803">Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry</a>

"The fifth was a Thai national - a taxi driver - who hasn't travelled to China... but may have had contact with Chinese tourists."

He stopped driving after falling ill "so passengers shouldn't be worried," Sukhum said, adding 13 people who had close contact with the taxi driver had shown no signs of infection so far and were not under quarantine.

Officials did not immediately reveal which city the taxi driver worked but said his symptoms had eased.

Still the revelation will send a shudder through megacity Bangkok - as well as Thailand's second-tier cities - in a country where taxis are cheap and ubiquitous. &nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-coronavirus-outbreak-air-india-flight-leaves-for-wuhan-to-bring-back-indian-students-277772">&nbsp;China coronavirus outbreak - Air India flight leaves for Wuhan to bring back Indian students</a>

Thailand now has detected 19 cases of the virus, the most declared outside of China.

Thai authorities are trying to balance screening of inbound Chinese visitors with the economic needs of its tourist sector, which is heavily reliant on arrivals from the mainland.

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said thorough airport screening of all arrivals from China meant the kingdom "doesn't have to ban all flights" from the mainland, moreso as passenger numbers are already down "80 per cent" as parts of China remain in lockdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-portugal-set-to-evacuate-citizens-from-wuhan-as-coronavirus-death-toll-increases-277578">Several countries seal border with China as coronavirus death toll increases</a>

The government is also battling public criticism it has been slow to evacuate scores of its citizens from Hubei province, the ground zero of the virus.

Stranded Thai citizens, including a pregnant 32-year-old, told AFP they felt abandoned by the government, while governments from the US to Japan hustled out plans to rescue their nationals. &nbsp;

Anutin vowed the government was poised to pick up "161 Thai citizens... as soon as possible".

A Thai taxi driver has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, health officials said Friday, in the kingdom's first case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly sickness which has sparked a global health alert.

A Thai taxi driver has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, health officials said Friday, in the kingdom's first case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly sickness which has sparked a global health alert. The finding makes Thailand only the sixth country alongside China, Germany, Japan, France and the US with confirmed domestic infections. It also comes as the Chinese death toll topped 200 on Friday and warnings intensified over the potential for the SARS-like virus to spread through countries with less well maintained public health systems. "Today (Friday) there are five more patients with coronavirus, four are Chinese who came in from Wuhan," Sukhum Kanjanapimai, a Health Ministry official told reporters. Also read: Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry "The fifth was a Thai national - a taxi driver - who hasn't travelled to China... but may have had contact with Chinese tourists." He stopped driving after falling ill "so passengers shouldn't be worried," Sukhum said, adding 13 people who had close contact with the taxi driver had shown no signs of infection so far and were not under quarantine. Officials did not immediately reveal which city the taxi driver worked but said his symptoms had eased. Still the revelation will send a shudder through megacity Bangkok - as well as Thailand's second-tier cities - in a country where taxis are cheap and ubiquitous. Also read: China coronavirus outbreak - Air India flight leaves for Wuhan to bring back Indian students Thailand now has detected 19 cases of the virus, the most declared outside of China. Thai authorities are trying to balance screening of inbound Chinese visitors with the economic needs of its tourist sector, which is heavily reliant on arrivals from the mainland. Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said thorough airport screening of all arrivals from China meant the kingdom "doesn't have to ban all flights" from the mainland, moreso as passenger numbers are already down "80 per cent" as parts of China remain in lockdown. Also read: Several countries seal border with China as coronavirus death toll increases The government is also battling public criticism it has been slow to evacuate scores of its citizens from Hubei province, the ground zero of the virus. Stranded Thai citizens, including a pregnant 32-year-old, told AFP they felt abandoned by the government, while governments from the US to Japan hustled out plans to rescue their nationals. Anutin vowed the government was poised to pick up "161 Thai citizens... as soon as possible".

Thai taxi driver is kingdom's first human-to-human transmission of virus

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo <gwmw class="ginger-module-highlighter-mistake-type-1" id="gwmw-15804758481624880179160">emphasised</gwmw> Washington's support for Ukraine on a visit to Kyiv on Friday, as both countries sought to smooth over relations buffeted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-i-am-legally-required-to-testify-will-be-happy-to-do-it-pompeo-on-trumps-impeachment-275980">impeachment trial of President Donald Trump</a>.

Ukraine was thrust into a domestic political battle in Washington last year as Trump faced allegations he pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate the son of his Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

Pompeo has also walked back from comments <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/radio-reporter-says-pompeo-cursed-at-her-after-testy-interview-276466">he was accused</a> of making to a National Public Radio reporter before his trip that appeared to play down Ukraine's importance to Americans.

Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to travel to Ukraine since the impeachment began. His visit comes as Trump's impeachment trial was set for a climactic vote on Friday or Saturday that is likely to acquit the president.

After meeting Zelenskiy, both men played down the fallout from impeachment. "Today I'm here with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-leaders-free-to-come-up-with-a-counter-offer-pompeo-277390">a clear message</a>: The United States sees that the Ukrainian struggle for freedom, democracy and prosperity is a valiant one. Our commitment to support it will not waver," Pompeo said.

Ukraine counts on Washington for diplomatic support, sanctions on Moscow and military aid to buy Javelin anti-tank missiles and other hardware as it battles Russian-backed fighters in a war that has killed more than 13,000 people.

Trump had frozen nearly $400 million in US security assistance shortly before speaking to Zelenskiy in a July phone call, prompting accusations from Democrats he had misused US foreign policy for personal gain.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-probe-possible-surveillance-of-ukraine-envoy-pompeo-274945">Will probe possible surveillance of Ukraine envoy: Pompeo</a>

Trump's camp has called on Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who was on the board of a Ukrainian energy company called Burisma.

Impeachment overshadowed the first months of Zelenskiy's presidency, and he has voiced frustration about being constantly asked about it. He has repeatedly denied being pressured by Trump to launch investigations.

"I was wondering when this question would come up. When we speak with the USA, there is always a question about the impeachment of President Trump," Zelenskiy said on Friday when asked whether impeachment had spoiled bilateral ties.

"It seems to me honestly that, on the contrary, there are very good relations between our countries, not just in words. The US supports and defends Ukraine."

Pompeo also denied suggestions that Zelenskiy would only be granted a visit to the White House to meet Trump if Ukraine agreed to announce investigations into Hunter Biden and Burisma.

"No, there's no condition of the nature you described for President Zelenskiy to come to Washington and have that visit," Pompeo said in response to a question. "We'll find the right time. We'll find the appropriate opportunity."

Asked before the trip whether he would raise Burisma or the Bidens with Ukrainian officials, Pompeo had said, "I don't want to talk about particular individuals."

Democrats had hoped to hear from former National Security Adviser John Bolton as a witness in Trump's impeachment trial, but they do not appear to have enough support from Republicans to bring witnesses to the proceedings.

A report, which Bolton has not denied, said Bolton had written in an upcoming book that Trump told him he wanted to freeze military aid to Ukraine until it investigated both Bidens. 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasised Washington's support for Ukraine on a visit to Kyiv on Friday, as both countries sought to smooth over relations buffeted by the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasised Washington's support for Ukraine on a visit to Kyiv on Friday, as both countries sought to smooth over relations buffeted by the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. Ukraine was thrust into a domestic political battle in Washington last year as Trump faced allegations he pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate the son of his Democratic rival, Joe Biden. Pompeo has also walked back from comments he was accused of making to a National Public Radio reporter before his trip that appeared to play down Ukraine's importance to Americans. Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to travel to Ukraine since the impeachment began. His visit comes as Trump's impeachment trial was set for a climactic vote on Friday or Saturday that is likely to acquit the president. After meeting Zelenskiy, both men played down the fallout from impeachment. "Today I'm here with a clear message: The United States sees that the Ukrainian struggle for freedom, democracy and prosperity is a valiant one. Our commitment to support it will not waver," Pompeo said. Ukraine counts on Washington for diplomatic support, sanctions on Moscow and military aid to buy Javelin anti-tank missiles and other hardware as it battles Russian-backed fighters in a war that has killed more than 13,000 people. Trump had frozen nearly $400 million in US security assistance shortly before speaking to Zelenskiy in a July phone call, prompting accusations from Democrats he had misused US foreign policy for personal gain. Also Read: Will probe possible surveillance of Ukraine envoy: Pompeo Trump's camp has called on Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who was on the board of a Ukrainian energy company called Burisma. Impeachment overshadowed the first months of Zelenskiy's presidency, and he has voiced frustration about being constantly asked about it. He has repeatedly denied being pressured by Trump to launch investigations. "I was wondering when this question would come up. When we speak with the USA, there is always a question about the impeachment of President Trump," Zelenskiy said on Friday when asked whether impeachment had spoiled bilateral ties. "It seems to me honestly that, on the contrary, there are very good relations between our countries, not just in words. The US supports and defends Ukraine." Pompeo also denied suggestions that Zelenskiy would only be granted a visit to the White House to meet Trump if Ukraine agreed to announce investigations into Hunter Biden and Burisma. "No, there's no condition of the nature you described for President Zelenskiy to come to Washington and have that visit," Pompeo said in response to a question. "We'll find the right time. We'll find the appropriate opportunity." Asked before the trip whether he would raise Burisma or the Bidens with Ukrainian officials, Pompeo had said, "I don't want to talk about particular individuals." Democrats had hoped to hear from former National Security Adviser John Bolton as a witness in Trump's impeachment trial, but they do not appear to have enough support from Republicans to bring witnesses to the proceedings. A report, which Bolton has not denied, said Bolton had written in an upcoming book that Trump told him he wanted to freeze military aid to Ukraine until it investigated both Bidens.

US state secretary Pompeo pledges support for Ukraine amid Trump impeachment trial

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