China hackers 'target Uighurs on Facebook'
Social media giant says platform used to spy on activists, journalists and dissidents living abroad. Also: India halts AstraZeneca vaccine exports, the saliva test that detects concussion on the spot and are food apps killing the restaurant business.
US trial of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine confirms safety
It proved nearly eighty per cent effective at stopping Covid-19 symptomatic cases and there were no problems regarding blood clots. This paves the way for the US to start administering the jab. Also: the French subsidiary of the Swedish retail giant IKEA has gone on trial accused of spying on staff, and how ‘adopt a kiosk’ is saving a British icon that has lost its purpose.
US defence secretary's surprise Afghan visit
Lloyd Austin's trip comes weeks before a planned withdrawal of all remaining US troops. Also: Buckingham Palace reviews diversity policies, and a large asteroid swings by Earth.
Protests against Covid-19 restrictions in many European cities
In the German city of Kassel, police used pepper spray and batons to disperse demonstrators. Also: Turkey pulls out of gender violence convention, and Iceland's lava-spewing Fagradalsfjall volcano is "subsiding".
COVID-19: Europe expects a third wave amid vaccine shortage
Sixteen regions of France, including Paris, go back into lockdown, while Chancellor Angela Merkel says Germany could see more restrictions. Also, the US and China conclude a two-day meeting marked by confrontation and blunt talk. And Samia Suluhu Hassan becomes the first female president of Tanzania.
BBC journalist detained in Myanmar
Aung Thura was taken by unknown men as more people were reportedly killed by the military. Also: virtual reality Shakespeare, and the organisers of this year's Oscars ban Zoom.
EU agency says AstraZeneca vaccine is 'safe and effective'
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) reviewed the jab after 13 EU states suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over fears of a link to blood clots. Following the announcement, Germany, France, Italy and Spain announced they would restart their roll-out of the vaccine. Also: President Biden has announced that the US will on Friday meet his target of vaccinating a-hundred million people in his first one-hundred days in office, more than a month ahead of schedule, and up to ten Russian track and field athletes will be able to compete as neutrals at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
Russia recalls envoy after Biden remarks about Putin
President Joe Biden said Vladimir Putin would "pay the price" for alleged election meddling. Also: The European Union threatens to block Covid vaccine exports to countries including the UK, and the President of Tanzania, John Magufuli, has died aged 61.
Leader of shadow civilian government in Myanmar vows resistance to military
In his first public address, uploaded onto Facebook, Mahn Win Khaing Than said this was Myanmar's darkest moment. Also: Moscow police raid election forum, and former F1 motor racing commentator Murray Walker dies aged ninety-seven.
Minneapolis to pay George Floyd family $27m
The settlement comes as a jury selection resumes for the murder trial of ex-officer Derek Chauvin. Also: Covid vaccines top the agenda at "Quad" meeting, and scientists unlock mysteries of ancient "computer".
Brazil hospitals struggle as Covid death toll soars
The governor of Brazil's most populous state, Sao Paulo, has announced tough restrictions. Also: UN alleges the military regime in Myanmar is most probably guilty of crimes against humanity, and sniffing out Parkinson's disease.
The US gets huge Covid financial relief
The green light is given for President Biden's $1.9 trillion package which provides additional funding for vaccine distribution as well as one-off payments of $1,400 for most Americans. Also: the pro-democracy activist in Myanmar who helped elderly people escape a police raid and, for the first time, the sound of lasers are heard being fired on another planet.
Syria: How war has left young people with both trauma and hope
Research by International Red Cross looks at civil war's impact on younger Syrians. While most have suffered pain and loss, many are optimistic about future. Also, efforts in India to save a 4000-year-old community from extinction, and Japan's award for Most Sexist Remark has been won by a woman.
Brazil’s Lula cleared of corruption
A Supreme Court judge annuls ex-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s conviction -- clearing the way for a possible presidential run next year. Lula was freed in 2019 after 18 months in jail over a huge bribery scandal which ensnared politicians and business leaders. Also today: the shockwaves from Meghan and Harry’s Oprah interview continue, fear on the streets of Myanmar, and giving voice to Ghanaian women accused of witchcraft.
US Senate passes Covid relief plan
President Biden called it a 'giant step forward' and said it should become law next week. Also: the Yazidi women - raped by IS fighters - who are reunited with their children, and the 130 kilometre journey to pick up a sandwich.
Italy blocks AstraZeneca shipment to Australia
The ban on shipping 250,000 doses, amid a row with the firm, is backed by the EU. Also: the store where shoppers walk out without paying, and saving the butterfly.
ICC 'war crimes' inquiry in West Bank and Gaza
Israel rejects the court's investigation, while the Palestinians praise it. Also: S Korea's first transgender soldier is found dead, and the vultures threatened by poison in Kenya.
Hundreds of kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls freed
The girls were abducted by gunmen from their boarding school in Zamfara state and taken to a forest. Also: the Prime Minister of Singapore condemns the violence in Myanmar, and the extraordinary journey of a wolf on the west coast of the United States.
Fresh charges against deposed Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi is charged with two more offences, as the security forces again use tear gas and stun grenades against peaceful protesters. Also: the former president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, is found guilty of corruption and influence peddling; and Donald Trump hints at a new bid for the White House.
Fresh charges against deposed Burmese leader
Aung San Suu Kyi is charged with two more offences, as the security forces again use tear gas and stun grenades against peaceful protesters. Also: the former president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, is found guilty of corruption and influence peddling; and Donald Trump hints at a new bid for the White House.