GNA forces recapture the city of Sabratha, and the nearby town of Sorman in the Zawiya District, while seizing armored vehicles and weapons belonging to the Libyan National Army. (Anadolu Agency)
The Department of Health and Social Care reports 4,342 new confirmed cases and 717 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the UK's death toll to 11,329 and 88,621 total cases. (Reuters)
The Libyan National Army confirms one of its Mi-35 helicopters has been shot down near Misrata, killing three crew members onboard. (Al Masdar News)
The Walt Disney Company reports it is entering a US$5 billion unsecured credit agreement, possibly to make up for shortfalls in its theme park division. Citibank, N.A. is the main broker of the deal. (Reuters)
Wildfires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine, reach the abandoned city of Pripyat, 2 km (1.2 mi) away from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. (The Guardian)
2020 Kiribati parliamentary election Citizens of Kiribati cast their votes in the first round of the country's latest parliamentary election. (Radio New Zealand)
Citizens of Kiribati cast their votes in the first round of the country's latest parliamentary election. (Radio New Zealand)
United States and the United Nations, World Health Organization's response to the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic U.S. President Donald Trump announces the United States is suspending funding of the World Health Organization (WHO) pending an investigation of its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its relationship with China. (CNN)
Airbnb secures a US$1 billion loan to stay afloat as the pandemic causes worldwide demand for its services to drop. This follows a separate bond deal, also worth US$1 billion, it negotiated last week for similar reasons. (Reuters)
China appoints Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps general secretary Sun Jinlong as the new Communist Party Secretary of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. (Reuters)
China–Kazakhstan relations The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons the Chinese ambassador after an article claiming that Kazakhs are "eager to return to China" and "do not have too many complaints" about China's historical invasions of Kazakhstan is published on the private Chinese website Sohu. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in India, 2020 coronavirus lockdown in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends India's nationwide lockdown until May 3. (Al Jazeera) COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippine Department of Health initiates a nationwide "mass" testing program, but prioritizes the critically ill and vulnerable. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey will free one-third of its prisoners to curb the spread of COVID-19. At least 45,000 prisoners will be freed until the end of May, with the exception of those accused of terrorist offenses, as well as journalists and politicians accused of plotting the 2016 coup attempt. (Al Jazeera) COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion Jordan bans public worship at mosques during Ramadan, and will not allow evening prayers, as a precaution to fight the virus. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in India, 2020 coronavirus lockdown in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends India's nationwide lockdown until May 3. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion Jordan bans public worship at mosques during Ramadan, and will not allow evening prayers, as a precaution to fight the virus. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The death toll from COVID-19 in the United States rises by 2,228 in a single day, the highest number of COVID-19 linked deaths reported in any country in a single day, as total cases rise to over 600,000. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippine Department of Health initiates a nationwide "mass" testing program, but prioritizes the critically ill and vulnerable. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The death toll from COVID-19 in the United States rises by 2,228 in a single day, the highest number of COVID-19 linked deaths reported in any country in a single day, as total cases rise to over 600,000. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey will free one-third of its prisoners to curb the spread of COVID-19. At least 45,000 prisoners will be freed until the end of May, with the exception of those accused of terrorist offenses, as well as journalists and politicians accused of plotting the 2016 coup attempt. (Al Jazeera)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism Airbnb secures a US$1 billion loan to stay afloat as the pandemic causes worldwide demand for its services to drop. This follows a separate bond deal, also worth US$1 billion, it negotiated last week for similar reasons. (Reuters)
Jordan bans public worship at mosques during Ramadan, and will not allow evening prayers, as a precaution to fight the virus. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends India's nationwide lockdown until May 3. (Al Jazeera)
The ghost city of Pripyat was left unscathed by the fire while several abandoned villages burnt to the ground. (Forbes)
The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons the Chinese ambassador after an article claiming that Kazakhs are "eager to return to China" and "do not have too many complaints" about China's historical invasions of Kazakhstan is published on the private Chinese website Sohu. (Reuters)
The Philippine Department of Health initiates a nationwide "mass" testing program, but prioritizes the critically ill and vulnerable. (Arab News)
Turkey will free one-third of its prisoners to curb the spread of COVID-19. At least 45,000 prisoners will be freed until the end of May, with the exception of those accused of terrorist offenses, as well as journalists and politicians accused of plotting the 2016 coup attempt. (Al Jazeera)
According to the United States Navy, a Russian SU-35 fighter jet intercepts a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft, flying over the Mediterranean Sea. (Business Insider)
Elections for the 21st National Assembly of South Korea are held amidst the coronavirus pandemic. (BBC News)
Mali War, COVID-19 pandemic in Mali Spain evacuates its troops from Mali after several soldiers become infected with COVID-19. The troops were part of the European Union's EUTM Mali training mission. (The Olive Press)
Turnout is at 66.2 percent, the highest in a legislative election since 1992. (United Press International)
A 36-year-old man is arrested for attempting to firebomb a Jewish assisted living facility in Longmeadow, Massachusetts on April 3. His arrest is part of a larger investigation into a white supremacist group suspected of plotting mass killings online. He is charged with two counts of attempted arson, but is released the next day. (HuffPost) (WWLP)
COVID-19 pandemic in France France reports 1,438 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing the country's death toll to 17,167 with 133,470 total cases. The latest figures include deaths from COVID-19 in care homes over the three-day Easter weekend. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic on naval ships The French Ministry of Armed Forces reports 668 sailors, more than a third of the crew of its flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, have tested positive for COVID-19. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic on naval ships The French Ministry of Armed Forces reports 668 sailors, more than a third of the crew of its flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, have tested positive for COVID-19. (France 24)
Fourteen people are injured in a chain-reaction accident involving up to 60 vehicles, during the morning rush hour on Chicago's Kennedy Expressway, as unseasonable, wintry weather strikes the city. None of the injuries is considered life-threatening. At least 32 others are treated at the scene. (NBC News) (Accuweather)
France reports 1,438 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing the country's death toll to 17,167 with 133,470 total cases. The latest figures include deaths from COVID-19 in care homes over the three-day Easter weekend. (Reuters)
Spain evacuates its troops from Mali after several soldiers become infected with COVID-19. The troops were part of the European Union's EUTM Mali training mission. (The Olive Press)
Thae Yong-ho becomes the first ever North Korean defector to be elected to a constituency seat, representing Seoul's Gangnam District in the National Assembly. (The Korea Times)
The 2020 Tour de France is delayed until August due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (CNN)
The French Ministry of Armed Forces reports 668 sailors, more than a third of the crew of its flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, have tested positive for COVID-19. (France 24)
The leader of the main opposition United Future Party, Hwang Kyo-ahn resigns from his post after his party's defeat. (The Korea Times)
The ruling Democratic Party and its affiliate Together Citizens' Party are projected to win 180 seats, a record high for any political parties in South Korean history. (Yonhap News Agency)
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro fires Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta amid disagreements over the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. He is replaced by Nelson Teich. (CNN)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro fires Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta amid disagreements over the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. He is replaced by Nelson Teich. (CNN)
COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The government extends the country's lockdown for at least another three weeks. (BBC News) The COVID-19 critical care NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham is opened inside the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull, England. It can treat up to 4,000 COVID-19 patients. (BBC News) COVID-19 pandemic in Germany The Robert Koch Institute reports 2,866 new confirmed cases and 315 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing Germany's death toll to 3,569 and 130,450 total cases. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The government extends the country's lockdown for at least another three weeks. (BBC News) The COVID-19 critical care NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham is opened inside the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull, England. It can treat up to 4,000 COVID-19 patients. (BBC News)
Saudi Arabia executes a 33-year-old Yemeni man convicted for an attack on a Spanish dance troupe last year, which resulted in two dancers injured. The attack was claimed by the affiliate of al-Qaeda in the region. (Al Jazeera)
The government extends the country's lockdown for at least another three weeks. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini Eswatini reports the country's first death from COVID-19, as total cases rise to 17. (National Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria At least 18 people in Nigeria have been killed by police during the enforcement of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. (De Telegraaf)
COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini Eswatini reports the country's first death from COVID-19, as total cases rise to 17. (National Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany The Robert Koch Institute reports 2,866 new confirmed cases and 315 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing Germany's death toll to 3,569 and 130,450 total cases. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in India Tablighi Jamaat leader Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi is charged with manslaughter after a gathering the organization held in Delhi on March 3 was linked to 1,023 coronavirus cases across 17 Indian states. Police say he ignored two notices to end the religious event at a mosque in Delhi, though he denies any wrongdoing. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria At least 18 people in Nigeria have been killed by police during the enforcement of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. (De Telegraaf)
Eswatini reports the country's first death from COVID-19, as total cases rise to 17. (National Post)
The COVID-19 critical care NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham is opened inside the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull, England. It can treat up to 4,000 COVID-19 patients. (BBC News)
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases passes two million worldwide. (Foreign Policy)
The Robert Koch Institute reports 2,866 new confirmed cases and 315 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing Germany's death toll to 3,569 and 130,450 total cases. (Reuters)
China revises the coronavirus death toll upward in Wuhan, where the virus originated, adding 1,290 more fatalities to bring the country's reported deaths from COVID-19 to 4,632. (BBC News) (CNBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria Nigerian Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari dies from COVID-19 in Lagos. Kyari is the highest profile person to die from the virus in Nigeria so far. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reports 493 total cases and 17 deaths from COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Syria The Kurdish-controlled area of Syria confirms the first death from COVID-19 in Qamishli; that of a 53-year-old man who tested positive postmortem. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China revises the coronavirus death toll upward in Wuhan, where the virus originated, adding 1,290 more fatalities to bring the country's reported deaths from COVID-19 to 4,632. (BBC News) (CNBC) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates Dubai extends their 24-hour curfew by one week. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China revises the coronavirus death toll upward in Wuhan, where the virus originated, adding 1,290 more fatalities to bring the country's reported deaths from COVID-19 to 4,632. (BBC News) (CNBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria Nigerian Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari dies from COVID-19 in Lagos. Kyari is the highest profile person to die from the virus in Nigeria so far. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reports 493 total cases and 17 deaths from COVID-19. (Reuters)
Nigerian Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari dies from COVID-19 in Lagos. Kyari is the highest profile person to die from the virus in Nigeria so far. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reports 493 total cases and 17 deaths from COVID-19. (Reuters)
Abu Sayyaf militants ambush and kill 11 Philippine Army troops and wound 14 others in the southern Sulu Province, according to general officer Cirilito Sobejana. (The Straits Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Former England international and Leeds United F.C. footballer Norman Hunter dies from COVID-19. (BBC News) The Department of Health and Social Care reports 5,599 new confirmed cases and 847 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the UK's death toll to 14,576 and 108,692 total cases. (RTÉ)
COVID-19 pandemic in Syria The Kurdish-controlled area of Syria confirms the first death from COVID-19 in Qamishli; that of a 53-year-old man who tested positive postmortem. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates Dubai extends their 24-hour curfew by one week. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Former England international and Leeds United F.C. footballer Norman Hunter dies from COVID-19. (BBC News) The Department of Health and Social Care reports 5,599 new confirmed cases and 847 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the UK's death toll to 14,576 and 108,692 total cases. (RTÉ)
Dubai extends their 24-hour curfew by one week. (Reuters)
Former England international and Leeds United F.C. footballer Norman Hunter dies from COVID-19. (BBC News)
Moro conflict Abu Sayyaf militants ambush and kill 11 Philippine Army troops and wound 14 others in the southern Sulu Province, according to general officer Cirilito Sobejana. (The Straits Times)
Norway–Russia relations The Russian Foreign Ministry files a complaint to its Norwegian counterpart over a Russian fishing trawler's detainment by the Norwegian Coast Guard near Svalbard earlier this month. (Reuters)
The China Securities Regulatory Commission has approved a transaction in which Switzerland's Credit Suisse will take a majority interest in a China securities firm. Credit Suisse will thus be the first foreign bank to own a majority of such a company since the easing of rules about foreign ownership in 2018. (Reuters)
The Department of Health and Social Care reports 5,599 new confirmed cases and 847 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the UK's death toll to 14,576 and 108,692 total cases. (RTÉ)
The Kurdish-controlled area of Syria confirms the first death from COVID-19 in Qamishli; that of a 53-year-old man who tested positive postmortem. (Reuters)
The Russian Foreign Ministry files a complaint to its Norwegian counterpart over a Russian fishing trawler's detainment by the Norwegian Coast Guard near Svalbard earlier this month. (Reuters)
