China releases 2 Canadians detained for 1,000 days after Canada frees Huawei CFO
Two Canadian citizens who were detained by China for more than 1,000 days have been released. This comes after Canada freed Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who had been arrested on a US warrant. Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were detained in December 2018 by China after Vancouver police arrested Wanzhou.
France, Germany nominate Tedros for second term as WHO chief
Germany and France have nominated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for a second term as the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Notably, Tedros has not been nominated by his home country of Ethiopia for the top post at the WHO. The election for the next WHO Director-General will take place at the agency’s annual assembly meeting in May.
Russia reports its highest one-day jump in COVID-19 deaths at 828
Russia on Friday reported 828 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, its highest one-day rise in the death toll so far, according to the Russian government. The country’s total death toll from coronavirus rose to more than 2.02 lakh. Russia is one of the top ten worst coronavirus-hit countries with more than 73.7 lakh COVID-19 cases.
US lawmakers approve $1 bn for Israel’s Iron Dome defence system
The US House of Representatives passed a bill to provide $1 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system. “Assistance to Israel is vital, because Israel’s security is imperative for America’s security,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. The funds will be used to replace missile interceptors Israel used during an 11-day conflict with Gaza Strip in May.
UK PM Johnson sought emergency food deal: Brazil President Bolsonaro
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked him for an “emergency” agreement to supply a food product that is lacking in Britain. Bolsonaro had met Johnson in New York this week. Disputing Bolsonaro account, the British Embassy in Brazil said that what Bolsonaro claimed was not its recollection of the facts.
Global COVID-19 cases exceed 23 crore-mark; deaths cross 47 lakh
Coronavirus cases in the world rose to over 23 crore, while coronavirus-related deaths crossed 47 lakh, according to Johns Hopkins University tracker. US is the worst-hit country with the highest number of cases and deaths. In terms of cases, India comes second with over 3.3 crore cases, while Brazil comes second in terms of deaths with 5,92,964 fatalities.
