As many as 2 million people have been infected by the novel coronavirus globally.
That's according to the latest statistics, which puts the global death toll at 126,758 and recoveries at 484,729.
The United States has recorded the most number of deaths worldwide with 26,064 and 614,246 confirmed cases, while Italy comes in second with 21,067 fatalities. Spain has recorded 18,255 deaths and more than 174,000 confirmed cases.
Bangladesh leader considered PM frontrunner returns from exile
Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned from nearly 17 years in exile on Thursday, a homecoming the party hopes will energise supporters with Rahman poised to be the top contender for prime minister in February.
Five killed in Nigeria mosque attack, police say
At least 5 were killed and 35 others injured when a bomber detonated an explosive inside a mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria's Borno state, during evening prayers, police said.
Helicopter crash on Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro kills five, aviation authority says
A helicopter has crashed on Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, killing five people, the civil aviation authority said on Thursday, while local media reported that the aircraft was on a medical rescue mission.
UK, Canada, Germany and others condemn Israel's West Bank settlement plan
Fourteen countries including Britain, Canada, and Germany have condemned the Israeli security cabinet's approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, saying they violated international law and risked fuelling instability.
Discovery of a million more potential Epstein documents delays further releases
The US Justice Department has found more than a million more documents potentially tied to convicted American financier Jeffrey Epstein, delaying a full release for weeks while officials redact details to protect victims, the Department of Justice said on Wednesday.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has directed that all imams and muezzins in mosques across the emirate be placed under the Sharjah government’s general staff system.
Dubai Police are inviting community members to play a starring role in the city’s world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations, by volunteering to support police operations.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led messages extending his "warmest regards" to all those celebrating Christmas.
