Friday, July 31, 2020

World News Briefs -- July 31, 2020 (Evening Edition)


Reuters: WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases, up over 292,000

The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Friday, with the total rising by 292,527.

The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report. Deaths rose by 6,812. The four countries have dominated global headlines with large outbreaks.

The previous WHO record for new cases was 284,196 on July 24. Deaths rose by 9,753 on July 24, the second largest one-day increase ever. Deaths have been averaging 5,200 a day in July, up from an average of 4,600 a day in June.

Nearly 40 countries have reported record single-day increases in coronavirus infections over the last week, around double the number that did so the previous week, according to a Reuters tally showing a pick-up in the pandemic in every region of the world.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq prime minister calls early elections for June 2021.

U.S. imposes sweeping sanctions targeting Assad regime.

Iran's Khamenei accuses US of trying to stoke protests. Iran's Khamenei says sanctions failed, no talks with Trump.

Iran won't stop ballistic missile & nuclear programs despite US pressure – Supreme Leader.

Ukraine, Iran conclude first-round talks on plane downing damages.

Coronavirus cases surge in occupied West Bank.

Saudi King Salman leaves hospital after gall bladder surgery.

Jordan 'rotten meat': Child dies and 800 poisoned near Amman.

ASIA

Afghan cease-fire begins, Taliban prisoners freed ahead of possible talks.

Exclusive: U.S. proposes house arrest for 'most dreaded' Taliban prisoners, to end stalemate.

Afghanistan: At least 17 killed in Eid car blast.

Coronavirus pushing millions of Afghans into poverty: SIGAR.

Protesters killed at Pakistan-Afghanistan border: officials.

Australia backs India over deadly border clashes with China.

Hong Kong 'seeking arrest' of fleeing activists.

Hong Kong delays legislative elections for a year over COVID-19.

China’s economy continued strong recovery from coronavirus shock in July, but challenges remain.

China uses Hong Kong security law against US and UK-based activists.

US sanctions Chinese officials, paramilitary agency over Uighur abuses.

India coronavirus deaths pass Italy's as floods hamper battle.

Duterte asks Filipinos to ‘endure’ coronavirus curbs until December, pins hopes on China vaccine.

Japan court recognizes more victims of Hiroshima atomic bombing.

AFRICA

Scores of anti-government protesters arrested in Zimbabwe.

Buhari admits Nigeria's security situation is 'very disturbing'.

Soldier in eastern DRC shoots and kills at least 12 civilians.

Nile dam row: Egypt fumes as Ethiopia celebrates.

Pompeo says ending Sudan terror listing a 'good thing'.

Libya prisoner amnesty: 41 teenagers freed on Eid holiday.

French soldier dies in Chad accident.

Namibia to close schools, limit public gatherings as COVID-19 cases surge.

EUROPE

Eurozone suffers deepest contraction on record. Eurozone GDP drops 12.1% in record pandemic plunge. Eurozone economies declined by record 12.1% in 2nd quarter.

French economy sees record drop in wake of coronavirus lockdowns.

Tens of thousands rally in Belarus despite pre-election crackdown.

Belarus TV shows arrest of 'Russian mercenaries'.

Russia says alleged mercenaries are 'in no way connected' with Belarus.

Kremlin demands release of Russians held in Belarus.

Poland: US to deploy at least 1,000 troops on eastern border.

Germany suspends Hong Kong extradition agreement amid national security law furore.

Underage girl forced to have sex with Prince Andrew, US court document claims.

AMERICAS

Fitch downgrades US outlook to negative from stable.

US House approves $1.3 trillion spending package for 2021.

Three people charged in US for alleged roles in massive Twitter hack.

Mexico eclipses Britain with third highest coronavirus death toll.

Mexican president Amlo says he will wear mask 'when there is no corruption'.

Violent protests in Paraguay against fresh lockdown.

Recovered from virus, Bolsonaro says nothing to fear.

Brazilian first lady Michelle Bolsonaro tests positive for COVID-19.

Mexico Supreme Court rejects state's bid to decriminalise abortion.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's death sentence overturned by appeals court.

British ISIS 'Beatles' who have admitted their involvement in the captivity of US aid worker Kayla Mueller 'will be spared the death penalty so they can be brought to the US and face trial'.

Jihadi bride Shamima Begum's return to Britain is put on HOLD after Government wins right to fight case at the Supreme Court.

Yazidi children still haunted by Islamic State, Amnesty International says.

Terrorist who threatened to blow up NYC buildings and follows 'Blind Shiekh' Abdel Rahman is released after 30 year sentence - but Feds fear he will strike again after he vowed to stop taking his medication.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Nasdaq surges on megacap earnings but U.S. fiscal uncertainty nags.

Economies slump as coronavirus cases reach 17 million globally.

US oil giants report big losses, prepare for longer downturn.

BREAKING: Trump announces he will BAN TikTok in the U.S..

Apple confirms new iPhones won’t arrive in September.

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