World News Briefs -- March 23, 2021 (Night Edition)

TASS: Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 393,000 in past day — WHO 

Europe accounts for more than 41% of the COVID-19 daily tally.

More than 393,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 123.41 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday. 

As of 17:52 Moscow time on March 23, as many as 123,419,065 novel coronavirus cases and 2,719,163 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 393,531 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 7,151.

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 MIDDLE EAST 

White House confirms new round of talks with Iraq on US troop presence. 

U.S., UK, Germany and France discuss peace initiatives for Yemen. 

Two years after defeat, IS just as dangerous, Kurds warn. 

Turkish foreign ministry expresses concern to Russian ambassador over situation in Idlib. 

Top Saudi official issued death threat against UN's Khashoggi investigator. 

Saudi envoy urges Lebanon politicians to form new government quickly. 

Israel election: Netanyahu claims 'huge win' for right-wing parties. 

No clear winner in Israeli election, but Netanyahu has upper hand in building a coalition. 

 ASIA 

China, Russia accuse US of interference with sanctions. 

Biden on North Korea missile launches: 'Nothing much has changed'. 

Myanmar army to retain internet curbs to ensure rule of law, stability. 

Myanmar military spokesman "sorry" for loss of lives of protesters. 

Thai army denies supplying rice to Myanmar forces. 

Philippines mulls next move as Chinese 'fishing fleet' lingers in nearby waters. 

Bangladesh: 14 given death penalty over plot to kill PM Sheikh Hasina. 

Rohingya camp fire death toll rises to 15, with 400 still missing in Bangladesh. 

 AFRICA 

Ethiopia PM admits Eritrean troops were in Tigray. 

'We don't want war' with Sudan: Ethiopian PM Abiy. 

Sudan’s cabinet backs UAE mediation in disputes with Ethiopia. 

Niger observes three days of national mourning after carnage. 

Congo Brazzaville's Sassou Nguesso re-elected with more than 88% of vote, early results show. 

Libya’s eastern administration hands power to interim government. 

DR Congo starts countdown to end of Ebola outbreak in east. 

Egypt's Suez Canal blocked by large container ship. 

Nigeria’s booming kidnap-for-ransom enterprise threatens security. 

 EUROPE 

Palpable relief in Brussels as Blinken pledges to rebuild transatlantic ties. 

EU to widen criteria for possible Covid vaccine export bans. 

Coronavirus: Germany imposes Easter lockdown to curb new surge. 

Dutch curfew, curbs extended as coronavirus infections surge. 

Covid-19: Macron vows to accelerate vaccine rollout as cases 'explode'. 

Britain remembers 126,000 COVID-19 victims one year after coronavirus lockdown began. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin receives domestically produced Covid-19 vaccine as nationwide immunization campaign continues. 

Allies of jailed Kremlin critic Navalny plan big spring protest. 

 AMERICAS 

REVEALED: Syrian-born gunman Ahmad Alissa, 21, was known to FBI and ranted about 'Islamophobes hacking his phone' before killing ten at Boulder grocery store with assault rifle he bought one week ago. 

New shootings plunge Biden, Congress into gun control debate. 

Child migrants: First photos emerge of Biden-era detention centres. 

U.S. judge criticizes prosecutors over '60 Minutes' interview about probe into Capitol attack. 

Brazil marks more than 3,000 daily Covid-19 deaths, a grim new record. 

Bolivia's Anez accuses authorities of risking her life. 

Venezuela's Maduro is biggest obstacle to implementing Colombia peace deal: official. 

Belize football team bus held up by armed gang in Haiti. 

 TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

Niger: Suspected jihadi attack kills 'at least 137'. 

Two years after their 'defeat' ISIS 'are still as dangerous and recruiting fighters from jihadist families living in displacement camps'. 

US drone strike case appealed to Germany's highest court. 

 ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Asian equity futures under pressure after U.S. stocks, oil slide. 

IMF staff recommends new allocation of $650 billion in emergency reserves: sources. 

Intel to spend $20 bn on new US chip plants. 

Banksy artwork honouring British health workers fetches a record €19.4 million.