China to become world's biggest economy in 2028 thanks to COVID response

China is set to overtake the US to become the world's biggest economy five years earlier than previously thought, thanks in part to its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a think tank. https://ift.tt/2M0vbwM

France discovers its first case of the new coronavirus variant

France has reported its first confirmed case of the new coronavirus variant which was first discovered in the UK, the country's health ministry has said. https://ift.tt/3rtuBYH

222 killed in Ethiopia village massacre as ethnic tensions flare - Red Cross

Some 222 people have been killed following an attack in Ethiopia, a Red Cross volunteer has said. https://ift.tt/3aF34xy

Police investigate Navalny ally 'who visited spy accused of poisoning'

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny says police raided his ally's apartment after she allegedly visited the home of a spy accused of poisoning him. https://ift.tt/3mPmhz9

Pope Francis urges nations to share COVID vaccine in Christmas message

The Pope has used his Christmas message to urge countries to share COVID-19 vaccines, saying nationalism should not be a factor in granting access to the new treatments. https://ift.tt/3rsOTSd

US insists on negative COVID test for all travellers arriving from the UK

Anyone wanting to travel to the US from the UK will have to have tested negative for coronavirus within 72 hours of the proposed departure time in order to board their flight. https://ift.tt/34HSXo1

'Emotion and hope': Notre-Dame choir sings at cathedral for the first time since fire

The Notre-Dame cathedral choir has sung inside the gothic landmark for the first time since last year's devastating fire - complete with hard hats and social distancing in place. https://ift.tt/3hpbJWk