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A health worker takes a swab sample from a resident to be tested for Covid-19 in Jiayuguan, in China’s northwestern Gansu province on Thursday. (AFP)

China’s Covid cases at record high, Beijing resorts to community lockdowns

Doggedly persisting with its much-criticised zero-Covid policy, China has slipped deeper into the coronavirus quagmire as it reported a record 31,444 infections on Thursday with many of its cities, including Beijing, resorting to community lockdowns to stem the virus amid worsening wintery weather. Among those restricted to their homes were some Indian families who were told not to step out until November 27. They were being provided with food supplies at their doorstep.

FILE PHOTO: New York City Mayor Eric Adams looks on during a press conference amid an election fundraising controversy at City Hall in Manhattan in New York City, U.S., November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

New York mayor, Eric Adams accused of sexually assaulting transit co-worker in 1993

A former NYC employee accused Mayor Eric Adams of sexual assault in 1993 in a civil complaint. Lorna Beach-Mathura alleges Adams assaulted her in his car after promising career help. Adams denies the claims. The lawsuit, filed under New York's Adult Survivors Act, also names the NYPD Transit Bureau and others as defendants. Adams' lawyers say he fully denies the "outrageous allegations."

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Movie armorer challenges conviction in fatal shooting of cinematographer by Alec Baldwin

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of "Rust" where Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed a cinematographer, is challenging her involuntary manslaughter conviction. Her defense is requesting a new trial, claiming issues with jury instructions. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, faces trial in July. Gutierrez-Reed could be sentenced on April 15. Prosecutors blamed her for bringing live ammunition on set. Assistant director Dave Halls previously pleaded no contest to negligent firearm handling.

An Israeli tank operates in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas

Hamas number three killed in Israeli operation: White House

The White House confirmed Israel killed Hamas's third-in-command, Marwan Issa, in a Gaza airstrike last week. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Israel also eliminated many Hamas battalions and senior commanders. Israel targeted Issa for his role in planning an attack on Israel. The status of other top Hamas leaders remains unknown.

US President Joe Biden (Reuters)

Biden warns Netanyahu over Rafah attack; team to visit DC

President Biden warned Netanyahu against a major ground operation in Rafah, urging talks in Washington to discuss Israel's war plans. The US wants an alternative approach to target Hamas and secure the border without a full-scale invasion. Biden and Netanyahu's call marked their first since Feb. 15, amid widening rift over Israel's military campaign against Hamas. Netanyahu faces international pressure for a cease-fire in Rafah.

Tributes laid after Alexei Navalny's death (Reuters)

EU backs new sanctions against Russia over Navalny’s death

EU foreign ministers approved new sanctions related to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny in an Arctic prison, targeting about 30 individuals and two entities. The decision follows Putin's pre-determined victory in a presidential election with no serious challengers. Navalny's allies called for protests, seen in long lines at polling stations in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Navalny, a Kremlin critic, fell ill in 2020 after being poisoned with a nerve agent.

Former US president Barack Obama followed by United States ambassador to the United Kingdom Jane Hartley, leave following a meeting at 10 Downing Street, London, Monday March 18, 2024. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP)

Barack Obama ‘drops in’ for informal meeting with UK PM Rishi Sunak

Former US President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street in London for a one-hour informal discussion. The meeting likely included talks on President Vladimir Putin's re-election and the conflict in Ukraine. Obama's visit was part of his work with the Obama Foundation, aiming to inspire change globally. It was his first visit to Downing Street since leaving office in 2017.

Retired NASA astronaut Tom Stafford, a native of Weatherford, Okla.,, who flew the first lunar module to the moon in 1969, stands in front of a portrait made in his honor

NASA astronaut Tom Stafford, commander of Apollo 10 lunar mission, dies at 93

Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, known for commanding a dress rehearsal for the 1969 moon landing and the first U.S.-Soviet space linkup, has passed away at 93. He was involved in four space missions, including Apollo 10 and the Apollo-Soyuz mission. Stafford's contributions to space exploration and his role as a peacemaker were widely recognized.

Oppenheimer is a 2023 epic biographical thriller film written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan

UN chief warns against sequel to ‘Oppenheimer’. Here's why

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the highest risk of nuclear war in decades, citing tensions with Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Guterres called for the US and Russia to resume talks on nuclear arms reduction treaties and urged support for the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. Japan, US, and France pledged to push for the treaty to ban production of key nuclear weapon ingredients.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shake hands

Russian voters showed 'unshakeable support' for Putin: Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election, praising Russian voters' "unshakeable support." Kim emphasized the valuable estimate of Putin's leadership and executive abilities. North Korea has been a strong supporter of Russia, providing weapons for Moscow's conflict with Ukraine. Putin won over 87% of the vote in an election criticized by Western nations.

Palestinians carry away the body of a man killed in Israeli bombardment

Israel urges World Court not to issue new measures over Gaza's looming famine

Israel has rejected South Africa's request for the International Court of Justice to issue emergency orders for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it "morally repugnant." Israel denies deliberately causing suffering in Gaza and claims South Africa's accusations are unfounded and an abuse of procedures. The dispute is part of South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. ICJ emergency measures aim to prevent situations from worsening before a full case hearing, which can take years.

A charter flight carrying dozens of U.S. citizens fleeing spiraling gang violence in Haiti landed Sunday, March 17, 2024, in Miami, U.S. State Department officials said. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph. File)

First flight of US citizens fleeing Haiti amid gang violence lands in Miami

A charter flight carrying over 30 U.S. citizens fleeing gang violence in Haiti arrived in Miami. The U.S. State Department facilitated the evacuation amid chaos and violence in Haiti, urging citizens to leave. Passengers expressed distress over the situation in their homeland. The State Department is offering limited charter flights for American citizens from Cap-Haïtien. Evacuees must sign a promissory bill to reimburse the government.

Pakistan carried out air strikes inside Afghan territory,

Launched retaliatory attacks on Pak after air strikes in Afghanistan killed 8: Taliban

The Taliban accuse Pakistan of air strikes killing women and children in retaliation for recent militant attacks in Pakistan. Pakistan blames Afghanistan for harboring militants. The Afghan Taliban denies supporting militant groups and warns of consequences for Pakistan's actions. Pakistan's military claims terrorism has Afghan support. tensions escalate between the neighboring countries.

Palestinians gather to receive aid outside an UNRWA warehouse as Gaza residents face crisis levels of hunger, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas,

Famine imminent in north Gaza, 'unprecedented' crisis: UN Report

A UN-backed food security assessment warns that half of Gaza's population is facing "catastrophic" hunger, with famine expected in the north by May due to the Israel-Hamas war. Around 1.1 million people are at risk of "catastrophic food insecurity", with challenges in distributing aid. The situation is urgent, and donors are urged to act before famine hits.

David Cameron, UK foreign secretary,

Russian election result underlines repression under Putin: UK

British Foreign Minister David Cameron criticized the outcome of Russia's election, denouncing the "depth of repression" under President Putin's regime. Cameron highlighted the silencing of opposition voices, control over media, and lack of democracy in the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin breaks silence on rival Navalny's death in prison: ‘It happens…’

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for a prisoner exchange involving opposition leader Alexei Navalny just before Navalny's death, as he also addressed his own presidential election win. Putin claimed he agreed to the swap but insisted Navalny not return to Russia. Navalny, a critic of the Kremlin, died in prison last month, sparking accusations of foul play. The Kremlin denies involvement.

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