bbc--2020-01-27--Coronavirus: Death toll rises to 81 as China extends holiday

The number of people killed in China by the new coronavirus has risen to 81 , with almost 3,000 confirmed ill .
The national new year holiday has been extended by three days to Sunday , in an attempt to contain the spread .
On Monday , Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Wuhan , the capital of Hubei province and centre of the outbreak .
The number of deaths in Hubei rose from 56 to 76 , with five deaths elsewhere .
Wuhan is in lockdown and several other cities have imposed travel bans .
In Shanghai , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 10 February .
The ban applies to all companies apart from utilities , medical firms , medical suppliers , and supermarkets .
Meanwhile , the director-general of the World Health Organization , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , is in Beijing to discuss the outbreak with the Chinese government and health experts .
The BBC 's Robin Brant in Shanghai says extending the main holiday of the year is a highly unusual move .
But after the pre-new year travel surge , the prospect of half a billion people getting back on trains , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again is the last thing the government wants , he adds .
At least 44 cases have been confirmed abroad , including in Thailand , the United States , and Australia .
There have been no deaths outside China .
The coronavirus causes severe acute respiratory infection and there is no specific cure or vaccine .
Most of the deaths have been of elderly people or those with pre-existing respiratory problems .
• Wuhan : The London-sized city where the virus began • How do you quarantine a city - and does it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Travel from the city , home to 11 million people , has been severely restricted and non-essential vehicles have been banned from the roads .
At the Hubei border , workers are checking people 's temperatures before allowing them into the province .
The province has suspended emigration services , meaning Chinese citizens have been unable to get new visas or passports .
The local government in Wuhan said no-one from the city had left China in the past four days .
Some 4,096 tourists from Wuhan are still out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hospitals .
More than half a million medical staff have joined prevention , control and treatment operations in the province .
Two new makeshift hospitals are being built in the city and factories are rushing to produce masks and protective clothing .
On Monday , Premier Li inspected the ongoing efforts , and spoke to patients and medical staff , a government statement said .
The city 's mayor Zhou Xianwang said the number of cases would continue to rise , and warned that around five million new year travellers left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation in China ?
New year celebrations were scaled back and four major cities - Beijing , Shanghai , Xian and Tianjin - have banned long-distance buses .
Extending the new year holiday until Sunday means schools and official institutions will remain closed for the rest of this week .
Beijing has closed the Forbidden City for tourists , as well as a section of the Great Wall .
In Guangdong province , several cities have made face masks mandatory in public .
Both Disney parks in Hong Kong and Shanghai have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight confirmed cases , has declared a city-wide emergency , with schools closed until 17 February .
Mongolia - which has yet to record a case of the virus - has closed its border with China .
It has also closed schools until 2 March , and banned public events .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
Meanwhile , He Qinghua , a top official with China 's National Health Commission , told reporters some areas still `` lack determination in controlling the epidemic '' , according to the state-run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ villages , in particular , were failing to deal with the crisis `` in a timely manner '' .
Over the weekend , Chinese officials warned the virus was able to spread during its incubation period , making it harder to contain the illness .
In humans , the incubation period - during which a person has the disease , but no symptoms - ranges from between one and 14 days , officials believe .
What is the situation internationally ?
According to the World Health Organization and national authorities , there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
Almost all had recently been to Wuhan or had been in close contact with someone who had .
Where did the virus emerge ?
The virus is thought to have emerged from illegally traded wildlife at the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan .
Authorities have since temporarily banned the sale of all wildlife in China .
The virus itself is a new , or `` novel '' coronavirus - a family that normally affects animals .
Another variant , Sars , killed 774 people out of 8,098 reported cases during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originated in China .
'As long as we leave , they do n't mind' Police and officials in the impact zone in Hubei and Henan provinces are now very keen to move us on wherever we arrive .
They do n't seem to mind where we go - as long as we leave their towns .
We explain that the world wants to see the important , tiring work they 're doing to combat the virus .
But they 're not interested .
It could be that they 're worried that our presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not handling this emergency well enough .
One police officer at the entrance to a small town in Henan said to me : `` We do n't have a problem here any more so there 's no need for you to be here . ''
He said this at a checking station as cars were being pulled up behind him .
Medical staff covered head to toe in protective clothing were then screening every passenger .
They also checked the inside of all vehicles .
I 'm not sure what they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't look like business as usual .
What can people do to stay safe ?
In Beijing , subway carriages are being disinfected once a day , while escalators and ticket machines are being disinfected three times a day .
The city of Tianjin , near Beijing , has asked taxi drivers to disinfect vehicles after every passenger .
For individuals , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) advises its `` standard recommendations '' focusing on `` hand and respiratory hygiene '' .
That essentially means washing hands or using disinfectants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when coughing or sneezing .
The advice also suggests avoiding contact with live animals in places where there have been coronavirus cases , and not to eat raw or uncooked animal products .
Learn more about the new virus • Your questions : You asked , we answered • The story explained : How worried should we be ?
• Wuhan profiled : The city now in lockdown • In detail : Follow all our coverage here Are you in China ?
Have you been affected by the lockdown in various cities ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

We explain that the world wants to see the important, tiring work they're doing to combat the virus. But they're not interested. It could be that they're worried that our presence might imply to some that their patch is not handling this emergency well enough.


bbc--2020-01-27--Democrats call for Bolton to testify in impeachment trial

Democrats have renewed their demand for US President Donald Trump 's former National Security Adviser John Bolton to be called to testify in the president 's impeachment trial .
It follows Mr Bolton reportedly claiming that Mr Trump wanted to freeze aid to Ukraine unless it investigated his rival , Democrat Joe Biden .
The claims , apparently made in a book manuscript , are central to the trial due to resume later on Monday .
But they could damage his defence .
Mr Trump told reporters last week that he did not want Mr Bolton to testify , citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged to have withheld military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into starting a corruption investigation into Mr Biden , and his son Hunter .
What do the new reports allege ?
On Sunday , the New York Times cited excerpts from an unpublished book by Mr Bolton , who was fired from the White House in early September .
They included claims that Mr Trump told Mr Bolton in August that he wanted to withhold $ 391 million security aid to Ukraine until officials there assisted with probes into Democrats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's lawyers set out their case • Trump impeachment trial : All you need to know • Who 's who in the Trump-Ukraine story ?
If true , such a claim would undermine the main argument of Mr Trump 's defence team that there was no `` quid pro quo '' which offered aid in return for investigating Mr Biden .
`` Bolton directly contradicts the heart of the President 's defence , '' House impeachment manager Adam Schiff tweeted .
`` If the trial is to be fair , Senators must insist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witness , and provide his notes and other documents . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Republicans ' refusal to call Mr Bolton and others is `` now even more indefensible '' .
But Mr Trump denied the apparent claim , writing on Twitter : `` I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats , including the Bidens .
`` In fact , he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination .
If John Bolton said this , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Earlier Mr Bolton 's lawyers said it was clear that the book 's `` pre-publication review process has been corruption and that information has been disclosed by persons other than those properly involved in reviewing the manuscript '' .
According to the New York Times , they blamed the White House for the leak , saying it had received a copy to review it for any disclosure of classified information .
The latest reports come after a video made public on Saturday showed Mr Trump ordering the removal of the US ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate , it is unlikely that the president will be removed from office after being impeached by the House of Representatives .
He is the third president in US history to face an impeachment trial .

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bbc--2020-01-27--Billie Eilish is the big winner at the Grammys

Pop star Billie Eilish swept the board at the 2020 Grammys , winning five awards , including best new artist and song of the year .
The 18-year-old also won album of the year for her debut , When We All Fall Asleep , Where Do We Go , which was recorded in her childhood home in LA .
She replaces Taylor Swift as the youngest person ever to win the award .
`` I joke around a lot at these things , but I genuinely want to say I 'm so grateful , '' said the singer .
Eilish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big four '' marquee categories - song of the year , record of the year , album of the year and best new artist .
She is the first person to achieve the feat since Christopher Cross in 1981 .
• In Pictures : Highlight from the 2020 Grammys Her elder brother , Finneas O'Connell , also picked up producer of the year for his work on Eilish 's album .
He said the record had been made at home because `` I 'm the most creative where I 'm most comfortable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge honour to be given a Grammy for making home-made cookies . ''
Eilish appeared to be overwhelmed by the extent of her domination of the awards .
Accepting the album of the year prize , she turned to fellow nominee Ariana Grande and said : `` Can I just say that I think Ariana deserves this ? ''
( Grande waved off the comments , ceding the prize back to the winner ) .
Earlier , on the red carpet , the singer said she felt like an impostor .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be here , '' she joked .
`` I feel like they accidentally let in a fan . ''
But the teenager has re-written the rules of pop over the last 12 months , creating ominous , unsettling songs that disrupt typical song structures and lure listeners down dark sonic avenues .
`` We did n't make this album to win a Grammy , '' said Finneas , joining his sister on stage .
`` We wrote an album about depression and suicidal thoughts and climate change and being a bad guy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand up here confused and grateful . ''
Other big winners on the night included Lil Nas X , who won video of the year for Old Town Road , and Lizzo , who scooped three prizes including best pop solo performance for her breakout hit , Truth Hurts .
The singer also opened the ceremony and , along with host Alicia Keys , paid tribute to basketball star Kobe Bryant , who died earlier in the day .
`` Tonight is for Kobe , '' Lizzo announced as the show began , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm crying 'cos I love you '' .
After her performance , Keys , who was hosting the show , walked solemnly to the stage and asked the audience to remember Bryant 's family .
`` I would like everybody to take a moment and hold them inside of you and share our strength and our support , '' she said .
Several other performers , including Lil Nas X , DJ Khaled and Run-DMC , paid tribute to the star during the ceremony by holding his jersey aloft .
Stand-out moments came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who performed in the middle of a burning house ; and pop singer Demi Lovato , who sang live for the first time since a suspected overdose two years ago .
Ariana Grande , who refused to attend last year 's Grammys after a public clash with the show 's producer , Ken Ehrlich , made amends with a lavish , risqué and heavily bleeped-out medley of her songs Imagine , Seven Rings , and Thank You , Next , backed by an orchestra .
British artists were thin on the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awards , including best dance album for No Geography .
Dua Lipa , who won best new artist last year , was also on hand to pass the baton to Billie Eilish .
She used her speech to champion gender diversity in the music industry , which is still overwhelmingly dominated by men .
`` There are so many stellar female producers , artists , songwriters [ and ] engineers , '' she said .
`` If you 're in the business and you 're hiring , raise your sights to the amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve a seat at every table . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Eilish appeared to be overwhelmed by the extent of her domination of the awards. Accepting the album of the year prize, she turned to fellow nominee Ariana Grande and said: "Can I just say that I think Ariana deserves this?" (Grande waved off the comments, ceding the prize back to the winner).


bbc--2020-01-27--The Fighter and the Pimp: Fighting for Congo's most vulnerable girls in Kinshasa

In the Democratic Republic of Congo ’ s capital city , wrestling has helped an extraordinary woman to escape the @ @ @ @ @ grew up .
As a fighter , Shaki is an inspiration for dozens of street @ @ @ @ @ has become a refuge for girls trying to escape the thugs , rapists , and @ @ @ @ @ slums .
BBC Africa Eye follows Shaki as she steps into the wrestling ring , @ @ @ @ @ a chance in life , and takes on other women who have very different ideas @ @ @ @ @ girls .
If you or someone you know has been affected by these issues , @ @ @ @ @ at bbc.co.uk/actionline

In the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital city, wrestling has helped an extraordinary woman to escape the violent streets on which she grew up.
As a fighter, Shaki is an inspiration for dozens of street children, and her home has become a refuge for girls trying to escape the thugs, rapists, and pimps of Kinshasa’s slums.
BBC Africa Eye follows Shaki as she steps into the wrestling ring, fights to give her daughter a chance in life, and takes on other women who have very different ideas about how to raise teenage girls.
If you or someone you know has been affected by these issues, help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline


bbc--2020-01-27--Passenger plane crashes in Afghanistan

Passenger plane crashes in Afghanistan

A passenger plane has crashed in eastern Afghanistan , according to officials .
The aircraft came down in the Deh @ @ @ @ @ , to the south-west of Kabul , a provincial spokesman told local media .
The @ @ @ @ @ due to technical reasons , the spokesman said .
The plane was initially reported to @ @ @ @ @ but the company has now denied this .
`` Ariana planes that have left , @ @ @ @ @ have not crashed , '' a representative for the airline said .
`` The plane @ @ @ @ @ does n't belong to Ariana Airlines . ''
No details about casualties have been given @

Essentially it is an adapted Bombardier executive jet, chosen for its ability to fly at high altitude and with extended range. It is packed with electronics: its job is to enable better communications between air and ground forces, and between different types of aircraft operating in difficult terrain or using incompatible data links.


bbc--2020-01-27--Iranian aircraft slides onto highway after pilot 'misses' runway

An Iranian passenger plane ended up belly-down in the middle of a highway after reportedly skidding off the runway during a botched landing .
Two of the 136 passengers on board suffered leg injuries in the incident in the city of Mahshahr , medics said .
The Caspian Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-83 was flying there from Tehran .
State TV quoted provincial aviation officials as saying that the pilot `` landed the aircraft too late and this caused him to miss the runway '' .
This `` caused the aircraft to overshoot the runway and stop in a boulevard '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rezaei added .
A reporter who was on board the aircraft said that the back wheel of the plane had broken off and that the plane had skidded on its fuselage .
Iran 's Civil Aviation Organisation said an investigation was under way .
Sixty-six people were killed in a plane crash in February 2019 , while dozens were killed when an IranAir plane broke into pieces upon landing in 2011 .
The EU has either banned or restricted two Iranian airlines from using its airspace over safety concerns .
Iran had planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sanctions were lifted as part of the 2015 nuclear deal signed with world powers .
However , the US Treasury revoked licences for companies to sell passenger aircraft to Iran after President Donald Trump left the agreement in 2018 .
Monday 's incident in Mahshahr comes two weeks after a Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737-800 was mistakenly shot down by Iran 's armed forces near Tehran , killing all 176 people on board .

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bbc--2020-01-27--Manzoor Pashteen: Activist who dared to challenge Pakistan army held

The man leading protests accusing Pakistan 's army of human rights abuses has been arrested for alleged criminal conspiracy and sedition .
Manzoor Pashteen was taken into custody along with nine others from his Pashtun Protection Movement in Peshawar .
Mr Pashteen has drawn tens of thousands to rallies in cities around Pakistan .
A fellow protest leader said he was being punished for simply demanding human rights .
The powerful military , unused to criticism , denies wrongdoing .
Mr Pashteen , who shot to prominence two years ago , has become the face of the Pashtun Tahaffuz ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a country where few openly challenge the military .
• Price of speaking out against police killings The non-violent protests began over the alleged extra-judicial killing of a young man of ethnic Pashtun heritage by police in Karachi .
The movement then expanded , demanding accountability from Pakistan 's army for alleged human rights abuses against Pashtuns committed during the war against Islamist extremists in the country 's north-west .
Pashtuns make up the majority of the population along the border with Afghanistan .
The protests , drawing at times tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military .
Manzoor Pashteen has been accused of `` hate speech '' and sedition among other offences .
He was taken into police custody in Peshawar but is expected to appear before a magistrate in Dera Ismail Khan , some 300km ( 186 miles ) to the south .

Historically in Pakistan such movements have often fizzled out or been co-opted by the state - but the PTM has grown and grown in strength. All the while its 27-year-old leader with his trademark red cap has steadfastly maintained a modest lifestyle - he doesn't even have a security detail to speak of.


bbc--2020-01-27--German police probe Nazi-style beer brand

German police are investigating the sale of beer with a Nazi-style label , seen as scandalous in Germany as the world remembers Holocaust victims .
Photos of the `` German Reich Brewery '' beer were posted on Facebook by Götz Ulrich , a district chief in eastern Germany , who expressed outrage .
`` I feel so ashamed , '' he said , accusing neo-Nazis of staging a provocation exactly 75 years after Soviet troops liberated the Auschwitz death camp .
Their use is illegal if there is a clear link to Nazi or other far-right ideology .
In some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is tolerated .
Commemorations are being held at the site of Auschwitz-Birkenau in southern Poland , where Nazi Germany murdered about 1.1 million people - nearly a million of them Jews .
Mr Ulrich said the Deutsches Reichsbräu beer was being sold on Friday in Bad Bibra , his home town , and `` the worst thing is that the beer has been flying off the shelves and is sold out ! ''
The label is brown - reminiscent of the Nazis ' brown uniforms - and the Nazi eagle symbol is reproduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown inside a wreath , instead of a swastika .
The Gothic script lettering - harking back to German tradition - is also standard for neo-Nazi propaganda .
• How Auschwitz became centre of Nazi Holocaust The shop selling the beer was part of the retail chain Getränke-Quelle , but the chain has now distanced itself from the sale , saying it was an independent franchisee 's decision .
Getränke-Quelle told the local manager to withdraw the beer and said it would remove its branding from the shop .
German media report that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month via the internet , advertised by Tommy Frenck , a known neo-Nazi activist .
He runs a pub near Themar , a small town south-west of Jena , and Themar is the venue for an annual neo-Nazi festival .
• Game shows Nazi images in first for Germany German media note that neo-Nazi `` code '' numbers were used for the price of a crate of Deutsches Reichsbräu : €18.88 .
Neo-Nazis find the number 18 significant : they treat the first and eighth letters of the alphabet , AH , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 88 , for them , stands for `` Heil Hitler '' .

The shop selling the beer was part of the retail chain Getränke-Quelle, but the chain has now distanced itself from the sale, saying it was an independent franchisee's decision. Getränke-Quelle told the local manager to withdraw the beer and said it would remove its branding from the shop.


bbc--2020-01-27--Dos Santos: Whistleblower named a Football Leaks author

The author of the Football Leaks website , Rui Pinto , has come forward as the source behind leaked documents which showed how Africa 's richest woman made her fortune .
The documents allege Isabel dos Santos , the daughter of a former president of Angola , was able to enrich herself through corruption .
Mr Pinto has come forward through his lawyer , William Bourdon .
`` These revelations should allow for new investigations to be launched and thus help in the fight against impunity for financial crimes in Angola and in the world , '' said Mr Bourdon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief of the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa ( PPLAAF ) , a Paris-based advocacy group , says his client acted in the public interest .
• The other JLo - the man taking on Africa 's richest woman The documents show how the daughter of former Angolan president Jose Eduardo dos Santos and her husband were allowed to buy valuable state assets in a series of suspicious deals and build a $ 2bn fortune .
The former president 's daughter has made the UK her home and owns expensive properties in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal investigation by the authorities in Angola for corruption and her assets in the country have been frozen .
Attorney General Helder Pitta Gros has said the allegations relate to her time as chairwoman of state oil firm Sonangol .
Ms Dos Santos says the allegations against her are entirely false and that there is a politically motivated witch-hunt by the Angolan government .
• Educated in the UK , where she currently lives • Reported to be Africa 's richest woman , with a fortune of some $ 2bn • Has stakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banks , mostly in Angola and Portugal International Consortium of Investigative Journalists ( ICIJ ) director Gerard Ryle said : `` The leaking of this material to PPLAAF , and in turn to ICIJ 's media partners , provided indisputable evidence of unnecessary misery that was inflicted on the ordinary people of Angola , and the role of enablers who got rich by helping .
`` The documents came from a concerned citizen - someone doing the right thing by the public . ''
The BBC 's Panorama team , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month .
Mr Pinto 's Football Leaks was launched in 2015 to uncover alleged corruption taking place in the sport .
Football Leaks provided millions of documents and more than 3.4 terabytes of information to media outlets in the European Investigative Collaborations ( EIC ) consortium .
Last year , French prosecutors said they had collaborated with Mr Pinto on their own investigation , using material provided by him .
Mr Pinto is currently detained awaiting trial in Portugal .
He faces 90 criminal charges and is expected to stand trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , attempted extortion and other offences .
Mr Bourdon is a long-time French human rights lawyer who has represented Edward Snowden , Julian Assange , Hervé Falciani of Swiss Leaks and Antoine Deltour of Lux Leaks .
He pledged to defend Pinto in the event of any future legal action over the Dos Santos leaks , also known as the Luanda Leaks .
Mr Bourdon told an ICIJ gathering in Paris last year that protecting whistleblowers should be a duty for every government and society .

International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) director Gerard Ryle said: "The leaking of this material to PPLAAF, and in turn to ICIJ's media partners, provided indisputable evidence of unnecessary misery that was inflicted on the ordinary people of Angola, and the role of enablers who got rich by helping.


bbc--2020-01-27--Woman dies in Australia Day lamington-eating contest

A woman has died in Australia while taking part in a contest to eat as many lamingtons as possible .
The woman , aged 60 , is reported to have had a seizure during the event at a hotel in Hervey Bay , Queensland , to mark Australia Day on Sunday .
Contestants had earlier been filmed speed-eating the lamingtons , a traditional sponge cake covered in chocolate and desiccated coconut .
She was given CPR at the scene and taken to hospital but later died .
Witnesses said the woman had crammed one of the cakes into her mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Footage has emerged showing other patrons of the pub cheering on the eaters , who have glasses of water next to them , before the accident .
The Beach House Hotel in Hervey Bay posted a message on Facebook expressing condolences to the family and friends of the woman , who has not been named .
They thanked the ambulance service for their `` prompt and professional response while this tragic incident was unfolding '' .
Eating competitions are a popular game during Australia Day , a national holiday marking the arrival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contestants usually win prizes for eating as many cakes , pies , hot dogs or other food in a limited time .

Footage has emerged showing other patrons of the pub cheering on the eaters, who have glasses of water next to them, before the accident.


bbc--2020-01-27--Calls for 'virginity repair' surgery to be banned

Campaigners are urging the government to outlaw `` virginity repair '' surgery .
Many Muslim women risk being outcast , or in extreme cases killed , if their spouses or families discover they have had sex before marriage .
And some are opting for a medical procedure in which doctors restore a layer of membrane at the entrance to the vagina .
But there are concerns a ban would increase the dangers to Muslim women by driving the procedure underground .
Guidelines from the General Medical Council ( GMC ) state a patient 's consent to undergo a procedure should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being `` given under pressure or duress exerted by another person '' .
Halaleh Taheri , founder of Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation told BBC News of a Moroccan student in hiding in London after being told her father had hired someone to murder her .
After coming to the UK in 2014 to study , the woman , now 26 , had met a man and they had moved in together .
But when her father had found out about their relationship , he had demanded she return to Morocco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clinic for a `` virginity test '' and discovered her hymen was no longer intact .
She fled back to London but now lives in constant fear her father will find out where she lived .
A Moroccan-born assistant teacher , 40 , told the BBC that after being forced to go through with the procedure in her 20s , she could not imagine pressuring her children into doing the same .
`` I would never , ever do such a thing to them .
I try to teach them to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 22 private clinics across the UK offering hymen-repair surgery , according to a recent investigation for The Sunday Times .
They charge up to £3,000 for the surgery , which takes about an hour .
Women 's rights campaigners say that such clinics are profiting from Muslims afraid of what could happen to them if they are not `` pure '' for their wedding night .
And many detail the procedure on their websites , with London 's Gynae Centre telling women who visit its site `` some marriages are even annulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hymen has been broken .
BBC News contacted the clinic for comment but has not received a response .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he would be investigating ways to end this `` dreadful practice , '' but the Department of Health declined to comment on how a potential ban would be enforced .
But Miss Taheri said : `` Girls could end up dying if banning this procedure is n't done with proper care . ''
Dr Khalid Khan , professor of Women 's Health at Barts and the London School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedure first hand , said a ban `` is n't an appropriate response '' .
And as long as `` good quality information '' was made available to patients , the decision should be left up to individual women .
`` I believe doctors ' motives are genuinely for protection against abuse , '' he added .
However , Dr Naomi Crouch , who chairs the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology , worries about women and girls being coerced into a procedure with `` zero medical benefit '' .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in standards set out by the GMC , '' she said .
`` We as healthcare professions are bound by an oath to do no harm to patients and any reputable service engaging in these procedures is open to audit and scrutiny . ''
Colin Melville , medical director and director of education and standards at the GMC said that it 's vital that doctors consider the `` vulnerabilities and psychological needs of their patients '' first .
`` If a patient is under undue pressure from others to take a particular course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If a doctor judges that a child or young person does not want a cosmetic intervention , it should not be performed , '' he said .
Other cosmetic genital procedures , such as labiaplasty , which involves the lips of the vagina being shortened or reshaped , have become increasingly popular , especially among younger women , from all types of background in the UK .
And campaigners say there is little known about the long-term effects of these procedures and are concerned women are not receiving enough psychological support before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` These women on some level do n't see themselves as anything more than an object to be desired , rather a human being .
`` For Muslim women , the drive is feelings of shame and the fear of punishment .
`` For others , it is down to a lack of satisfaction with their own bodies , being fuelled by what society is telling them is normal . ''

"If a patient is under undue pressure from others to take a particular course, their consent may not be voluntary. If a doctor judges that a child or young person does not want a cosmetic intervention, it should not be performed," he said.


bbc--2020-01-27--Italy's far-right Salvini fails to gain foothold in key regional election

Italy 's far-right leader Matteo Salvini has suffered a setback after his League Party failed to unseat the left in a key election in the country 's north .
The centre-left Democratic Party 's ( PD ) Stefano Bonaccini won 51.4 % of the vote in Emilia-Romagna , while the League candidate Lucia Borgonzoni took 43.6 % .
The election had been seen as a test of Italy 's national coalition government .
Mr Salvini campaigned extensively in Emilia-Romagna , hoping to depose the left and force snap elections .
The wealthy northern region has been a stronghold of Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Emilia-Romagna has sent a signal , '' PD leader Nicola Zingaretti tweeted .
`` Salvini knows how to talk about problems , but he does n't know how to sort them out and the people have responded . ''
Mr Zingaretti said the result made his party stronger , adding that Mr Salvini had failed in his aim to `` shove the government out '' .
Italy has a coalition government consisting of members of the PD and the populist Five Star Movement .
The former staunch rivals agreed to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Mr Salvini pulled his party out of office .
The move was an attempt by Mr Salvini , who was leading in opinion polls at the time , to force the government to collapse and win outright power .
Why Salvini is still a threat to the left Twice in six months , Matteo Salvini has hoped to topple the government from the sidelines .
Twice he has failed .
First , he quit the coalition last summer , assuming it would spark fresh elections .
Then , he threw everything at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left .
Both bids for power have foundered .
Optimistic opponents believe this shows Mr Salvini 's fire burning itself out and that the current government will hold .
Others , perhaps realists , say the fact that the left needed mass mobilisation of its voters , helped by a huge street movement - the Sardines - to win in its stronghold against a weak right-wing candidate , shows the threat that Mr Salvini poses and how close he is to gaining power .
The fulcrum of Italian politics is clearly moving to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Umbria and posed a serious challenge in Emilia-Romagna .
The left 's coalition partner , Five Star , is imploding , endangering the government 's longevity .
Matteo Salvini hoped that it would be Emilia first and Italy next .
He miscalculated .
But he 'll try again .
`` I do n't feel defeated , '' Mr Salvini said as results began to show a clear lead for the PD 's Mr Bonaccini on Sunday evening , adding : `` I 'll work twice as hard . ''
Turnout for Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some three-and-a-half million registered voters , compared with 37 % in a previous vote in 2014 .
It comes as Italy has seen the rapid rise in recent weeks of a group known as the Sardines - an anti-nationalist movement started by four flatmates in the Italian city of Bologna that now demonstrates across the country .
Mr Bonaccini praised the Sardines during his victory speech .
He said the movement had made a difference by taking to the streets in their tens of thousands and asking for `` a more polite and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his centre-right allies Forza Italia - led by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi - enjoyed more success in a separate election in Italy 's southern region of Calabria .
The candidate for Forza Italia , Jole Santelli , won more than 55 % of the vote .
You might also be interested in : • Can Italy 's populist leader still return to power ?
• How Italy 's Sardines are pushing back against nationalist tide

Optimistic opponents believe this shows Mr Salvini's fire burning itself out and that the current government will hold. Others, perhaps realists, say the fact that the left needed mass mobilisation of its voters, helped by a huge street movement - the Sardines - to win in its stronghold against a weak right-wing candidate, shows the threat that Mr Salvini poses and how close he is to gaining power.


bbc--2020-01-27--Varadkar: EU will have stronger team in trade talks with UK

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has suggested the EU will be the `` stronger team '' in post-Brexit trade talks with the UK .
Comparing negotiations to a football match , he suggested the EU would be at an advantage due to its larger population and market .
The taoiseach also warned reaching agreement would become harder if the UK sought to diverge from EU rules .
Speaking after the meeting , Mr Barnier told reporters the two sides faced `` the risk of a cliff edge '' if trade terms were not agreed by the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short time '' remained to `` rebuild '' the UK-EU relationship before the post-Brexit transition period was due to end in December .
• What trade deals has the UK done so far ?
In an interview earlier with BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg , days before Britain is due to leave the EU , Mr Varadkar also warned against any attempt by the UK to get a `` piecemeal '' deal with the EU .
`` When I hear people talk about piecemeal , it sounds a bit like cake and eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't something that will fly in Europe . ''
Mr Varadkar , the leader of the Fine Gael party , is fighting his first election campaign as taoiseach .
Ireland heads to the polls on 8 February .
• What is in Boris Johnson 's new Brexit deal ?
• What trade deals has the UK done so far ?
He told the BBC : `` The European Union is a union of 27 member states .
The UK is only one country .
And we have a population and a market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , it 's about 60 [ m ] .
So if these were two teams up against each other playing football , who do you think has the stronger team ? ''
The UK government aims to secure a `` zero tariff , zero quota '' free trade deal with the EU by the end of the year , Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has said .
But Mr Varadkar questioned that timetable , disagreeing with Boris Johnson 's suggestion there is `` bags of time '' to sign an agreement , warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this . ''
He warned there might have to be an extension to the next phase of the Brexit process , beyond the end of this year , to finalise a trade deal .
However , the Irish prime minister vowed to work `` night and day '' to try and get it done , adding : `` We wo n't be dragging our feet . ''
In order to get a trade deal , there would need to be legal assurances the UK would not undercut the EU , he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` common set of minimum standards '' that would have to be `` high standards '' .
The taoiseach also suggested the UK had misread the first phase of Brexit , saying many people in Westminster and Britain `` do n't understand Ireland '' .
The future of the Irish Border after Brexit was central to the first phase of negotiations .
The backstop was key to this , having been designed to ensure there would be no border posts or barriers between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over as PM , Mr Johnson renegotiated Theresa May 's Brexit deal , replacing the backstop with new customs arrangements that would allow the UK to strike and implement its own trade deals with different countries .
Mr Varadkar said he did trust Mr Johnson , but it is in `` black-and-white '' that there will be have to be some checks on goods going from Great Britain into Northern Ireland , despite the PM 's repeated insistence to the contrary .
He said he had been genuinely fearful the UK might have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a meeting with Mr Johnson on the Wirral last autumn had provided the `` crucial moment '' for a breakthrough .
The two leaders sat in a room , without their staff present , `` talking turkey '' until they found a way they could move forward , Mr Varadkar said .
`` I knew when I was leaving Liverpool Airport that things were looking promising again '' , he said .

He pledged the EU would not be "dragging its feet," but added: "My assessment is that it is more likely that we will need an extension in order to finalise a free trade agreement and future economic partnership than not need it."


bbc--2020-01-27--Lizzo and Alicia Keys lead Grammys tributes

Alicia Keys , the host of the Grammy awards , paid tribute to the basketball star who died on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ Lizzo opened the ceremony , declaring `` tonight is for Kobe , '' before launching @ @ @ @ @ I love you . ''
The awards ceremony was held at the Staples Center , @ @ @ @ @ Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers .
Nine people died in the crash in @ @ @ @ @ , including Bryant 's 13-year-old daughter Gianna .
Read more : Grammys ceremony opens with @ @ @ @ @ Billie Eilish is the big winner at the Grammys • In Pictures : Highlights from @ @ @

Alicia Keys, the host of the Grammy awards, paid tribute to the basketball star who died on Sunday in a helicopter crash.
Lizzo opened the ceremony, declaring "tonight is for Kobe," before launching into her song "Cuz I love you."
The awards ceremony was held at the Staples Center, the same arena where Kobe Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nine people died in the crash in the Californian city of Calabasas, including Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Read more: Grammys ceremony opens with tribute to Kobe Bryant


bbc--2020-01-27--Kobe Bryant: Philippines mourns basketball hero

Just hours before Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday , a new basketball hall had opened in the Philippines , named in his honour .
`` I ca n't understand it .
Just 12 hours ' gap from ribbon cutting and hearing the news , '' said Congressman Eric Martinez , the man behind The House of Kobe in Valenzuela City .
`` Everyone has been fighting back tears today .
This is a basketball-loving nation . ''
Kobe Bryant has always been hugely popular in the Philippines , where basketball is the national sport and obsession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the years , winning him the affection of Philippine basketball fans .
Congressman Martinez told the BBC the city began building the LA Lakers-themed local community and sports centre last year .
But the decision to name it after the NBA star was only made last week inspired largely by Bryant 's mantra of upward social mobility .
The wall of the new basketball centre has now become a tribute to the former LA Lakers player .
`` Rest in paradise my hero , '' said one message .
`` Always be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Incredible family man . ''
`` It 's just sad .
It feels like I lost a brother that I look up to , '' said one fan , Marti Dadia , 33 from Laguna .
`` I named my son Kobe not just because of his on-court skills but more on how he inspires people to have the drive to be the best version of themselves in whatever field they are in . ''
Dadia 's comments reflect what Kobe himself called the Mamba Mentality , a belief that to succeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all and not be afraid of failure .
Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines , a legacy of America 's occupation of the country which ended in 1946 .
The Philippine Basketball Association ( PBA ) , which was founded in 1975 , was the first professional basketball league in Asia and is closely modelled on the NBA .
Philippine television channels screen up to 10 games a week and many in the country dream of becoming professional players .
For many in the Philippines , Kobe 's life represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was a humble , hardworking family man who remained loyal to his team , serving the Los Angeles Lakers for his entire 20-year career .
On Monday , news channels were rolling on the story of Kobe 's death , carrying tributes from various Philippines sports stars and celebrities .
One headline , on ABC CBS , read : `` Kobe Bryant showed Philippines love , and Filipinos loved him back '' Others ran photo galleries showing him playing ball with former President Joseph Estrada , or greeting emotional fans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who also owns and plays for a local basketball team , posted this tribute to Bryant on Instagram : '' The world lost a legend today but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever ! ''
BBC News presenter Rico Hizon , who is from the Philippines and met the basketball player in 2009 , said of the encounter : `` When he walked through the door we body-popped and fist-bumped , he made me so comfortable from the onset. ''
.
`` He was so nice .
So funny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to earth . ''
he added .
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial told GMA News that his organisation had lost a `` dear friend '' in Kobe Bryant .
`` Kobe was an exceptional basketball player , '' said Mr Marcial .
`` But beyond his athletic skills , he was known for his caring heart and love of family .
`` His life was an inspiration and a lesson to everyone that with hard work , dedication and self-sacrifice , nothing is impossible . ''

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bbc--2020-01-27--Gianna Bryant - talent killed alongside father

The 13-year-old daughter of Kobe Bryant was among nine people who were killed in a helicopter crash in California .
Like her father , Gianna Bryant was a prodigiously talented basketball player .
She also held ambitions of becoming a professional .
Her death on Sunday means that aspiration will never be realised .
Bryant and Gianna were travelling in a private helicopter when it came down in the city of Calabasas , west of Los Angeles .
The pair was expected to take part in a basketball tournament for young players at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attending basketball games together was typical of their relationship , which was said to be close .
The second of Bryant 's four daughters , Gianna dreamed of continuing her dad 's legacy .
In an interview , Bryant had said his daughter was determined to play for the University of Connecticut women 's basketball team .
The team shared an image of the two on its Twitter page .
Bryant said that , following his retirement from basketball in 2016 , he switched off from the sport .
His daughter , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It was n't me sitting there , you know as an athlete or a player or something like that , and you know it 's like about me , and I do n't like that .
It was her , she was having such a good time , '' Bryant told the BET network in a recent interview .
Bryant 's affection for his daughter , also known as Gigi , is obvious from his social media profiles .
One video posted to his Instagram shows him playing `` one-on-one with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LA Lakers star , 41 , said he had been coaching Gianna 's middle school team since his retirement .
A clip which appears to show Bryant imparting advice about basketball went viral a few weeks ago .
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Bryant took `` special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna '' .
Speaking to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel , Bryant , a five-time NBA champion , talked about his wish for his daughter to follow in his footsteps .
`` The best thing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans would come up to me and she 'll be standing next to me , and they 'll be like , 'You 've got ta have a boy , you and V got ta have a boy .
You got ta have somebody to carry on your tradition , the legacy .
`` She 's like , ' I got this ' , '' Bryant said .
`` I 'm like , 'that 's right ' .
Yes , you do , you got this . ''

"The best thing that happens is when we go out and fans would come up to me and she'll be standing next to me, and they'll be like, 'You've gotta have a boy, you and V gotta have a boy. You gotta have somebody to carry on your tradition, the legacy.


bbc--2020-01-26--Bryant's famous poem 'Dear Basketball'

Bryant's famous poem 'Dear Basketball'

Watch Kobe Bryant 's poem entitled 'Dear Basketball ' , written when the five-time NBA champion retired in 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ 41 , died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday .
READ MORE : @ @ @ @ @ crash - US media

Watch Kobe Bryant's poem entitled 'Dear Basketball', written when the five-time NBA champion retired in 2016.
The US basketball legend, 41, died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday.
READ MORE: Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash - US media


bbc--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant: NBA legend's career in numbers

Kobe Byrant , who has died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41 , is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time .
Here is why : The number of Most Valuable Player awards Bryant won .
The accolade is given to the best-performing player in the regular season - Bryant won it in 2007-08 .
Also his number of Oscar wins .
Bryant won the award for best short animated film in 2016 for Dear Basketball , a five-minute film based on a love letter to the sport he wrote in 2015 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ won by Bryant , in 2008-09 and the following year .
It is also the number of Olympic gold medals he won , helping the United States top the podium in 2008 and 2012 .
Also the number of shirts the Lakers retired in his honour - eight and 24 .
All-Star MVP Awards won - in 2001-02 , 2006-07 , 2008-09 and 2010-11 .
He is tied with Bob Pettit for the most in NBA history .
Just four players in NBA history - Bryant , Michael Jordan , Kevin Garnett and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NBA All-defensive first team nine times .
He made the All-NBA First Team selection 11 times , second-equal with Karl Malone .
LeBron James is the only player to have made it in 12 times .
That is how many starts Bryant has made in the NBA 's annual All-Star Game - the second most in history , one behind James , who was selected to make his 16th just two days ago .
And 16 is the number of times Bryant has played on Christmas day - again , the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making 15 starts , Bryant was picked for the All-Star Game 18 times in a row .
That is the longest streak in NBA history and only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , with 19 , made the All-Star Game more times .
Bryant spent 20 seasons with the Lakers .
Only Dirk Nowitzki , who had 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks , has had a longer one-club career in the NBA .
The number of games in which he scored 50 points - only Wilt Chamberlain ( 118 ) and Michael Jordan ( 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of points scored against the Utah Jazz in his final game .
It was the seventh time he had scored 60-plus points and the first time he had achieved the feat since 2009 .
When the Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 122-104 on 22 January 2006 , Bryant scored 81 of his side 's points .
Only Wilt Chamberlain , with a 100-point game in 1962 , has scored more .
Bryant 's 5,640 points scored in the NBA playoffs is the fourth highest total in NBA history behind James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Abdul-Jabbar ( 5,762 ) .
Bryant , who made his debut in the 1996-97 season , scored 33,643 regular season points , putting him fourth on the all-time scoring list behind Abdul-Jabbar ( 38,387 ) , Karl Malone ( 36,928 ) and LeBron James ( 33,655 ) , who overtook Bryant while playing for the Lakers on Sunday .
His 48,637 minutes played is the eighth-highest total in the NBA .

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
Kobe Byrant, who has died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41, is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Here is why:
1
The number of Most Valuable Player awards Bryant won. The accolade is given to the best-performing player in the regular season - Bryant won it in 2007-08.
Also his number of Oscar wins. Bryant won the award for best short animated film in 2016 for Dear Basketball, a five-minute film based on a love letter to the sport he wrote in 2015.
2
The number of NBA Finals MVP awards won by Bryant, in 2008-09 and the following year. It is also the number of Olympic gold medals he won, helping the United States top the podium in 2008 and 2012.
Also the number of shirts the Lakers retired in his honour - eight and 24.
4
All-Star MVP Awards won - in 2001-02, 2006-07, 2008-09 and 2010-11. He is tied with Bob Pettit for the most in NBA history.
5
Bryant won five NBA championships.
9
Just four players in NBA history - Bryant, Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett and Gary Payton - have been selected for the NBA All-defensive first team nine times.
11
He made the All-NBA First Team selection 11 times, second-equal with Karl Malone. LeBron James is the only player to have made it in 12 times.
15
That is how many starts Bryant has made in the NBA's annual All-Star Game - the second most in history, one behind James, who was selected to make his 16th just two days ago.
16
And 16 is the number of times Bryant has played on Christmas day - again, the most in NBA history.
18
As well as making 15 starts, Bryant was picked for the All-Star Game 18 times in a row. That is the longest streak in NBA history and only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with 19, made the All-Star Game more times.
20
Bryant spent 20 seasons with the Lakers. Only Dirk Nowitzki, who had 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, has had a longer one-club career in the NBA.
25
The number of games in which he scored 50 points - only Wilt Chamberlain (118) and Michael Jordan (31) have scored 50-plus points more times.
60
The number of points scored against the Utah Jazz in his final game. It was the seventh time he had scored 60-plus points and the first time he had achieved the feat since 2009.
81
When the Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 122-104 on 22 January 2006, Bryant scored 81 of his side's points. Only Wilt Chamberlain, with a 100-point game in 1962, has scored more.
5,640
Bryant's 5,640 points scored in the NBA playoffs is the fourth highest total in NBA history behind James (6,911), Jordan (5,987) and Abdul-Jabbar (5,762).
33,643
Bryant, who made his debut in the 1996-97 season, scored 33,643 regular season points, putting him fourth on the all-time scoring list behind Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928) and LeBron James (33,655), who overtook Bryant while playing for the Lakers on Sunday.
48,637
His 48,637 minutes played is the eighth-highest total in the NBA.


bbc--2020-01-27--Tributes paid to Kobe Bryant

Tributes paid to Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was `` one of the most extraordinary players '' in the history of basketball who `` inspired people around the world '' to play the game .
The 41-year-old died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna .
Bryant , who retired in 2016 after a 20-year career with the LA Lakers , was a five-time NBA champion and was named an NBA All-Star 18 times .
He and his wife , Vanessa , have three other daughters - Natalia , Bianca and Capri .
`` The NBA family is devastated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his daughter , Gianna , '' said NBA commissioner Adam Silver .
`` For 20 seasons , Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning .
He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary .
`` But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability .
`` He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with future generations of players , taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna . ''
Shaquille O'Neal , who won three NBA titles with Bryant for the LA Lakers , said : `` There 's no words to express the pain I 'm going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi & my brother , my partner in winning championships , my dude and my homie .
`` I love you and you will be missed .
My condolences goes out to the Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers on board .
I 'm sick right now . ''
The NBA 's all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , who played for the Lakers from 1975-1989 , said : `` It 's very difficult for me to put in words how I feel .
Kobe was an incredible family man , he loved his wife and daughters , he was an incredible athlete , he inspired a whole generation .
This loss is hard to comprehend . ''
Former US President Barack Obama wrote on Twitter : `` Kobe was a legend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in what would have been just as meaningful a second act .
To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents .
Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day . ''
US President Donald Trump said : `` Kobe Bryant , despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time , was just getting started in life .
He loved his family so much , and had such strong passion for the future .
The loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this moment even more devastating . ''
Former LA Lakers president Magic Johnson , a five-time NBA champion in the 1980s , tweeted : `` Kobe was a leader of our game , a mentor to both male and female players .
Words ca n't express the impact that he had on the game of basketball . ''
Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan added : `` I loved Kobe - he was like a little brother to me .
We used to talk often , and I will miss those conversations very much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the greats of the game and a creative force .
Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply - and took great pride in his daughter 's love for the game of basketball . ''
LeBron James surpassed Bryant to become the NBA 's third-highest scorer of all time on Saturday .
Speaking after the game , which was the day before Bryant 's death , he said : `` I 'm happy just to be in any conversation with Kobe Bryant .
`` One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the all-time greatest Lakers . ''
Bryant finished his playing career as the Lakers ' all-time leading points scorer , and is fourth on the NBA 's all-time list with 33,643 points .
In his 1,566th and final game for the Lakers in April 2016 he scored 60 points for the sixth time .
Some in the 18,000 sell-out crowd had paid upwards of $ 25,000 ( £17,580 ) to be in the crowd to see the two-time Olympic gold medallist .
The Lakers retired both Bryant 's number eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2018 he won an Oscar for his five-minute film Dear Basketball , based on a love letter to the sport he had written in 2015 .
Iconic golfer Tiger Woods , a 15-time major winner , said he heard the news after completing his final round at the Farmers Insurance Open in California .
`` [ Caddie ] Joey La Cava told me coming off the 18th green .
I did n't understand why the crowd was saying 'beautiful Mamba ' , now I know , '' he said .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sinking in because I was told about five minutes ago .
`` He brought a desire to win every night on both ends of the floor , not too many guys can say that .
Any time he was in the game , he 'd take on their best player . ''
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson wrote on Twitter : `` I mourn with the world .
Lost a legend .
No words .
I 'm messed up .
RIP Kobe Bryant , Gianna and the rest of the passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Instagram : `` I have no words ... All my love for Kobe 's family and friends .
It was a pleasure to meet you and share good times together .
You were a genius like few others . ''
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo said the news was `` heartbreaking '' , adding Bryant was `` a true legend and inspiration to so many '' , while Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba added : `` Heroes come and go , legends are for ever . ''
Britain 's six-time Formula 1 champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so sad to hear that we lost one of our greats .
Bryant was one of the greatest athletes and was such an inspiration to so many , including myself . ''
Brazil and Paris St-Germain forward Neymar paid tribute with a goal celebration in Sunday evening 's win at Lille .
After scoring a second-half penalty , he held up two fingers on one hand and four on the other , marking Bryant 's Lakers shirt number of 24 .
The Brazil striker , a basketball fan who had met Bryant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
World number one tennis player Rafael Nadal tweeted : `` I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsmen in the world .
Kobe Bryant , his daughter Gianna and other passengers .
My condolences to his wife and families .
I am in shock . ''
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford tweeted : `` A true inspiration in the sporting industry .
RIP legend . ''
And Manchester City 's Raheem Sterling added : `` Rest easy Legend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Osaka posted this letter to Bryant on Twitter .
Nick Kyrgios wore an La Lakers shirt with Bryant 's name and number on it as he warmed up before his fourth-round match against Nadal at the Australian Open .
A moment of silence was held before the Toronto Raptors ' game against the San Antonio Spurs in Texas .
The two teams also let the 24-second shot clock run out at the start of their game to honour Bryant .
The New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics also started their game by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Arena , where Bryant played , many recipients paid tribute to the former Lakers superstar .
Hundreds of fans gathered outside the venue after his death ; while his image was projected on screens around the arena .
Kim Kardashian and husband and rapper Kanye West , US singers Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift and Oscar-winning Leonardo DiCaprio were among those to tweet their tributes .

Kobe Bryant was "one of the most extraordinary players" in the history of basketball who "inspired people around the world" to play the game.
The 41-year-old died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Bryant, who retired in 2016 after a 20-year career with the LA Lakers, was a five-time NBA champion and was named an NBA All-Star 18 times.
He and his wife, Vanessa, have three other daughters - Natalia, Bianca and Capri.
"The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
"For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary.
"But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.
"He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna."
Shaquille O'Neal, who won three NBA titles alongside Bryant for the LA Lakers, said: "There's no words to express the pain I'm going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi & my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie.
"I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. I'm sick right now."
'Rest in peace young man' Abdul-Jabbar pays tribute to Bryant
The NBA's all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who played for the Lakers from 1975-1989, said: "It's very difficult for me to put in words how I feel. Kobe was an incredible family man, he loved his wife and daughters, he was an incredible athlete, he inspired a whole generation. This loss is hard to comprehend."
Former US President Barack Obama wrote on Twitter: "Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day."
US President Donald Trump said: "Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating."
Former LA Lakers president Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA champion in the 1980s, tweeted: "Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. Words can't express the impact that he had on the game of basketball."
Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan added: "I loved Kobe - he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much.
"He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply - and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball."
LeBron James surpassed Bryant to become the NBA's third-highest scorer of all time on Saturday.
Speaking after the game, which was the day before Bryant's death, he said: "I'm happy just to be in any conversation with Kobe Bryant.
"One of the all-time greatest basketball players to ever play, one of the all-time greatest Lakers."
Bryant finished his playing career as the Lakers' all-time leading points scorer, and is fourth on the NBA's all-time list with 33,643 points.
In his 1,566th and final game for the Lakers in April 2016 he scored 60 points for the sixth time.
Some in the 18,000 sell-out crowd had paid upwards of $25,000 (£17,580) to be in the crowd to see the two-time Olympic gold medallist.
The Lakers retired both Bryant's number eight and 24 jerseys in September 2017.
In 2018 he won an Oscar for his five-minute film Dear Basketball, based on a love letter to the sport he had written in 2015.
Ronaldo, Messi, Tyson and Woods pay tribute
Iconic golfer Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner, said he heard the news after completing his final round at the Farmers Insurance Open in California.
"[Caddie] Joey La Cava told me coming off the 18th green. I didn't understand why the crowd was saying 'beautiful Mamba', now I know," he said.
"It's unbelievably sad and the reality is sinking in because I was told about five minutes ago.
"He brought a desire to win every night on both ends of the floor, not too many guys can say that. Any time he was in the game, he'd take on their best player."
Former England captain David Beckham, who also played for LA Galaxy, posted on Instagram: "This was one special athlete, husband, father and friend. Having to write these words is hard enough but also knowing we have lost an amazing human being and his beautiful and talented daughter Gianna is heartbreaking.
"The commitment Kobe showed to his sport was inspiring, to go through the pain and to finish a game off like only he could inspired me to try to be better.
"Kobe always talked about Vanessa and his beautiful girls and how proud he was of them. Kobe's passion was his family and basketball. He was determined to inspire the next generation of boys and girls to embrace the sport that he loved. His legacy will live on."
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson wrote on Twitter: "I mourn with the world. Lost a legend. No words. I'm messed up. RIP Kobe Bryant, Gianna and the rest of the passengers."
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi wrote on Instagram: "I have no words... All my love for Kobe's family and friends. It was a pleasure to meet you and share good times together. You were a genius like few others."
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo said the news was "heartbreaking", adding Bryant was "a true legend and inspiration to so many", while Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba added: "Heroes come and go, legends are for ever."
Britain's six-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton said: "I'm so sad to hear that we lost one of our greats. Bryant was one of the greatest athletes and was such an inspiration to so many, including myself."
Brazil and Paris St-Germain forward Neymar paid tribute with a goal celebration in Sunday evening's win at Lille.
After scoring a second-half penalty, he held up two fingers on one hand and four on the other, marking Bryant's Lakers shirt number of 24.
The Brazil striker, a basketball fan who had met Bryant, also bowed and pointed to the sky.
World number one tennis player Rafael Nadal tweeted: "I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsmen in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock."
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford tweeted: "A true inspiration in the sporting industry. RIP legend." And Manchester City's Raheem Sterling added: "Rest easy Legend."
Two-time Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka posted this letter to Bryant on Twitter.
Nick Kyrgios wore an La Lakers shirt with Bryant's name and number on it as he warmed up before his fourth-round match against Nadal at the Australian Open.
NBA teams honour Bryant
A moment of silence was held before the Toronto Raptors' game against the San Antonio Spurs in Texas.
The two teams also let the 24-second shot clock run out at the start of their game to honour Bryant.
The New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics also started their game by each taking 24-second shot-clock violations.
Music and celebrities remember Bryant
At the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Arena, where Bryant played, many recipients paid tribute to the former Lakers superstar.
Hundreds of fans gathered outside the venue after his death; while his image was projected on screens around the arena.
Kim Kardashian and husband and rapper Kanye West, US singers Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift and Oscar-winning Leonardo DiCaprio were among those to tweet their tributes.


bbc--2020-01-27--Grammys 2020: Red carpet in pictures

Grammys 2020: Red carpet in pictures

The great and the good of the music world arrived for the 62nd Grammys at the Staples Center in Los Angeles earlier on Sunday evening .
The main nominees include Billie Eilish , Lizzo and Lil Nas X , with performances due from Camila Cabello , Aerosmith and Ariana Grande .
Here 's how music 's biggest artists looked as they graced the red carpet .
Tonight could be the biggest night of Lizzo 's life , which perhaps explains why she looks like she 's going to her own wedding .
Her fur-lined Versace dress sees her pay tribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cher .
Lizzo is up for four of the big awards - record of the year , song of the year , album of the year and best new artist .
She 'll face stiff competition from Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X in the latter category , but they 'll do well to top this look .
• Grammys 2020 : Seven things to watch out for Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is up for song of the year with Someone You Loved .
`` Let 's face it , it 's never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joked on the red carpet .
`` It 's all downhill from here '' .
Which is why he 's probably steadying himself in this picture .
Ariana Grande is one of the front-runners this year , with her deeply personal Thank U , Next being up for best album .
She wore a custom-made Giambattista Valli gown , which is 20 feet across .
So if an impromptu game of musical chairs breaks out , she should win easily .
Lana Del Rey is a contender for album of the year with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ( the official broadcaster , CBS , has re-christened the album 'Norman Freaking Rockwell ' ) .
She looked every bit the winner as she stepped out in this shiny silver number .
Rap star Lil Nas X picked up one of the early awards for best video , in honour of his country-rap crossover Old Town Road ( which is also up for song and record of the year ) before going and slipping into something a little more ... dazzling .
You 'd certainly see him coming on the ranch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like Lizzo , Billie Eilish is also shortlisted for the `` big four '' awards and she 's gone green for Grammys night .
Her Gucci nails were apparently a late addition and hopefully wo n't cause any trophy-lifting issues for the 18-year-old , who told journalists she feels `` like a fan '' who has been let in for the night .
BTS were all suited and booted as they walked the red carpet .
The seven-strong Korean band are set to perform their remix `` Seoul Town Road '' ( see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lil Nas X .
It 's a case of YOLO , so wear a bright pink cowgirl number , for Bristol artist Yola , who also has four , despite being relatively unknown in her home country ( so far ) .
The Bristolian artist has performed with Phantom Limb , Massive Attack , The Chemical Brothers and Iggy Azalea - and she goes up against Lizzo , Billie Eilish , Lil Nas X and more in the best new artist category .
If they take a team picture with the nominees for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see it .
Continuing the pink theme , Tyler , The Creator arrived at the venue dressed as a bellhop .
`` I travel a lot and I appreciate them , so I decided to honour that , '' he told reporters .
Tyler is up for best rap album for Igor , which he does n't actually consider to be a rap record himself .
Either way the award trophy would fit nicely into that suitcase .
Billy Porter won the Grammy Award for best Best Musical Theatre album back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in town to present an award tonight you will not find a better hat anywhere .
Finally , David Crosby got the dickie bow memo before he trod the red carpet with his wife Jan Dance .
One of the original hippy rock ' n ' rollers , he was nominated in the best music film category , for his documentary Remember My Name .
The award was eventually won by Beyoncé for her Netflix documentary Homecoming , which captures her 2018 Coachella performance ( her win meant films about or by Crosby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thom Yorke all missed out ) .
But we 're giving the unofficial award for best moustache to the former Byrds guitarist , and we 're sure you 'll agree .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Lizzo is up for four of the big awards - record of the year, song of the year, album of the year and best new artist. She'll face stiff competition from Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X in the latter category, but they'll do well to top this look.


bbc--2020-01-27--Deepfake technology: Can you spot what's real?

Do you think you can tell the difference between real and fake videos you see online ?
Deepfakes are fake @ @ @ @ @ machine learning .
BBC My World presenter Radzi Chinyanganya tries out the latest techniques .
@ @ @ @ @ brand new programme for teenagers who want to know about the issues shaping our world @

Do you think you can tell the difference between real and fake videos you see online?
Deepfakes are fake videos of others created using machine learning. BBC My World presenter Radzi Chinyanganya tries out the latest techniques.
Produced by Hannah Gelbart and Cordelia Hemming
BBC My World is a news service for teenagers around the world, brought to you by executive producers Angelina Jolie and the BBC World Service. You can watch more on BBC My World's YouTube channel


The art of buildings

After thousands of public votes , the winners of the Art of Building Photographer of the Year 2019 have been announced .
The competition , run by the Chartered Institute of Building ( CIOB ) , celebrates the creativity of the construction industry and the built world around us .
The Public Choice Award went to Alexandr Bormotin for his striking image of a metro station in Moscow .
The Judges ' Prize went to Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz for this photo of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia , Spain .
Here are the other shortlisted entries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridge ( also known as the Dom Luís I Bridge ) was taken in Porto by Jose Pessoa Neto : `` People were waiting for the street festival 'Senhora da Agonia ' , one of the biggest in Portugal .
From the street I saw these beautiful silhouettes , the bridge , the green crosses and the building behind in harmony . ''
Muralla Roja by Agnese Sanvito : `` When I photographed La Muralla Roja , ( a postmodern apartment complex in Calpe , Spain ) it felt like being in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel of the place .
This image encapsulates for me the sense of light and colour in photography that I enjoy most , and which are important to my work.
`` Skywards by Debdatta Chakraborty : `` The House of the Black Madonna is a cubist building in the `` Old Town '' area of Prague , Czech Republic .
The building was designed and built between 1911 and 1912 .
Josef Gocár built the house as the first example of cubist architecture in Prague , and it remains probably the most celebrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chartered Institute of Building .

Image caption,
Eiffel Bridge (also known as the Dom Luís I Bridge) was taken in Porto by Jose Pessoa Neto: "People were waiting for the street festival 'Senhora da Agonia', one of the biggest in Portugal. From the street I saw these beautiful silhouettes, the bridge, the green crosses and the building behind in harmony."


bbc--2020-01-27--Teenage adoption: The family that took in a 17-year-old girl

`` I did n't think anyone would ever come for a teenager . ''
Ashley Lacasse spent her life without a permanent home , attending 19 different schools as she moved between parents , family members and foster care .
Now at 17 ( and a half ) years old , she has walked out of a courtroom in Ottawa , Ontario , officially part of a new family .
`` I just ca n't believe it , '' she told the BBC .
`` I felt like I was going to cry . ''
Ashley 's new mother Amanda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` permanent custody '' , which allowed Ashley to keep her last name .
`` She has a relationship with her parents , '' Amanda explained , `` it 's just she 's not able to live with them .
So we worked with her to create a situation she 's really happy with .
`` We found out she was going to become a crown ward , which means CPS would be her caregiver until she aged out of the system .
`` We did n't like that , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonderful person , she deserved more . ''
• 5-year-old boy invites his class to watch his adoption • 'Why I became a foster parent at 22' Ashley became known to Amanda through her other daughter Alexis , whom she met at school .
`` They got each other on a really deep level , '' Amanda said .
`` Alexis is trans , and she had come out only a couple of years before they met .
`` This was Alexis ' first year back at school , and she did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her first very close friends . ''
For Ashley , her relationship with Alexis was more than a friendship .
`` I felt connected for the first time , '' she said .
`` It was the first friend I had .
I moved around so much I was too scared to make a connection with anyone .
I 'd never even been to anyone 's house before , so when I went to her house , I was so scared .
I was begging , please let me have a friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to get a sister . ''
It was ultimately her close relationship with Alexis - and bad experience in foster care - which eventually led to Ashley being brought into Amanda 's home .
`` I had moved to a new home , '' Ashley said , `` but it was not really a home .
It was not a good experience .
I cried every day and I tried everything to get out of there , but no one was helping me . ''
It was the first time she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
`` She said it was unacceptable , and she would talk to her parents to ask if I could move in .
I thought it was impossible .
Who was going to take in a teenager who has been known to move around in foster care ? ''
Not only did Alexis follow through on her promise and speak to her mothers , but according to Amanda she also made a compelling argument .
`` Alexis told us that Ashley needed to come and live with us , '' Amanda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a family , she needed a home .
Our eldest son Aerik was 21 at the time , he was planning to move out on his own , so we were going to have a room .
`` Ashley had become part of our family by being Alexis ' friend .
So we started the process , and when Aerik moved out , four days later Ashley moved in . ''
Perhaps unsurprisingly , that move was one of the most emotional of Ashley 's life .
`` I could n't believe it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still ca n't believe it .
`` So many teenagers I know are still struggling , I was one of the lucky few to get adopted .
You need love and care , and without it it 's hard to live , it 's hard to thrive in life .
That 's the main goal of having a family .
`` When I walked in , my room was so nice .
They put a picture up on the wall which said 'you are home ' .
The wheels were in motion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to officially make Ashley part of their family .
But outside of the paperwork , there was another way Ashley became 'part of the family ' which stuck out - the first time she called her new mothers by a word other than their names .
`` When she first moved in she asked what she should call us , '' Amanda said .
`` I said she could call us mom and momma like everyone else , or just Amanda and Zoe .
`` I wanted her to feel like she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I did n't want to push it .
She does have a mom , and she is lovely .
We did n't want to harm that relationship at all .
`` But I 'm so glad she 's able to use the words here too .
I remember the first time she said it , it pulled at my heart strings . ''
For Ashley , those words represented becoming part of the family .
`` They 're my parents , '' she said .
`` I know they 're just titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I remember I kind of dragged out the word mom , it felt weird saying it for the first time because I already have a mom and dad - it was strange to use these words for two extra people .
`` But it felt so right .
I 've never had a normal life before , I wanted a permanent place with people who care about me and love me .
They do .
They were happy taking me in .
It makes me really , really happy . ''

"I felt connected for the first time," she said. "It was the first friend I had. I moved around so much I was too scared to make a connection with anyone. I'd never even been to anyone's house before, so when I went to her house, I was so scared. I was begging, please let me have a friend for life - and I was lucky enough to get a sister."


bbc--2020-01-27--China coronavirus: A visual guide

China coronavirus: A visual guide

A new respiratory virus first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan has infected almost 3,000 Chinese citizens and claimed dozens of lives .
The fast-spreading infection , which causes pneumonia-like symptoms , has prompted Chinese authorities to quarantine several major cities and cancel some Lunar New Year events .
Here are six maps and graphics that will help you understand what is going on .
1 .
Cases have been mainly in China Hundreds of patients have been infected with the virus across China , with central Hubei province the worst-affected .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to rise further , and Chinese authorities have introduced a number of measures to try to halt the virus 's spread .
Travel restrictions have been imposed on a number of cities in Hubei province and people have been asked to wear face masks in public places .
The Chinese government has also closed a number of temples , the Forbidden City and part of the Great Wall .
The growing list of restrictions comes at the beginning of a week-long holiday celebrating Lunar New Year - one of the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of people travel home .
The national new year holiday has been extended by three days to Sunday , in an attempt to contain the spread .
The WHO has not yet classed the virus as an `` international emergency '' , partly because of the low number of overseas cases , but said it `` may yet become one '' .
`` Make no mistake , this is , though , an emergency in China , '' said WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
• How do you quarantine a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ?
• Can wearing masks stop the spread of viruses ?
2 .
Hubei province has been particularly badly affected More than 1,400 cases have been recorded in Hubei province - the centre of the virus outbreak - which has also seen most of the deaths as a result of the virus .
Restrictions on travel are affecting at least 20 million people across 10 cities - including the capital Wuhan , where the virus emerged .
Its origins have been linked to illegally traded wildlife at the city 's seafood market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rabbits and marmots .
Wuhan - which has a population of 11 million people - has gone into lockdown , with authorities suspending flights and train services in and out of the city .
Local officials said no-one from the city had left Wuhan in four days .
`` My university is checking every student 's body temperature every day and are offering free masks .
It also has its own hospital and ambulance , '' Chongthan Pepe Bifhowjit , an Indian student at the Wuhan University of Technology , told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media , reportedly taken by Wuhan residents , showing long queues at local hospitals .
In a bid to tackle the increased demand for medical services , the authorities are building two makeshift hospitals .
• How can China build a hospital so quickly ?
State-owned news outlet Changjiang Daily said one could be ready by 3 February .
A total of 35 diggers and 10 bulldozers are currently working on the site .
3 .
There have been some cases elsewhere Outside China , confirmed cases have been recorded in Thailand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Taiwan , Malaysia , South Korea , France , Japan , Vietnam , Nepal and Canada .
Other nations are investigating suspected cases , including the UK .
Many authorities have announced screening measures for passengers from China , including the major airport hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi .
Taiwan has banned people arriving from Wuhan , and the US state department warned its nationals to exercise increased caution in China .
Coronaviruses are common , and typically cause mild respiratory symptoms , such as a cough or runny nose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the deadly Sars ( Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ( Mers ) .
This outbreak - known as novel coronavirus ( nCoV ) - is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans .
It seems to start with a fever , followed by a dry cough and then , after a week , leads to shortness of breath .
But in more severe cases , infection can cause pneumonia , severe acute respiratory syndrome , kidney failure and even death .
Most victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other chronic diseases including Parkinson 's and diabetes .
Peter Piot , professor of global health and director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , said the `` good news '' was that data suggested the virus may have a lower mortality than Sars .
There was also a diagnostic test and greater global sharing of information than previously , he said .
`` And that is essential because you can not deal with a potential pandemic in one country alone . ''
There is not yet a specific anti-viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus are currently being treated for their symptoms .
5 .
You can do things to reduce your chances of catching it The WHO is advising people in affected areas to follow standard procedures to reduce the chance of catching the virus .
They include hand and respiratory hygiene as well as safe food practices .
People are advised to avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections ; wash hands regularly , especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment ; and avoid unprotected contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raw or undercooked animal products is also advised .
Those with symptoms of coronavirus should practise `` cough etiquette '' , including maintaining distance , covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or the inside of an elbow , and washing hands .
The WHO has said that while there is evidence of transmission between people in close contact , such as families or those in healthcare settings , there is not yet evidence of onward transmission .
6 .
If a case is suspected , there are processes to follow The Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same category as the Sars epidemic .
This means people diagnosed with the virus in the country must be isolated and can be placed in quarantine .
Within healthcare facilities , the WHO advises staff to implement enhanced standard infection prevention and control practices , especially in emergency departments .
The WHO advises that patients should be assessed quickly and treated for the level of severity of the disease they have - mild , moderate , or severe .
It also recommends immediately implementing infection prevention measures .
These include staff wearing protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
In the UK , family doctors - GPs - are being advised to place patients suspected of having coronavirus in isolation and avoid physical examinations .
Official guidance from Public Health England ( PHE ) says patients should remain in a room away from other patients and staff and be prevented from using communal toilets .
The UK government 's emergency committee , Cobra , has held a meeting to discuss the outbreak .

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This information is regularly updated but may not reflect the latest totals for each country.
** The past data for new cases is a three day rolling average. Due to revisions in the number of cases, an average cannot be calculated for this date.
Source: Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies


bbc--2020-01-27--'They are invaders': Brazil indigenous group takes on mining giant

As Brazil 's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro seeks to authorise mining in indigenous reserves , a conflict with 12,000 members of the Mura indigenous group over a big potash mine in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest may forewarn troubles that lie ahead , report Sue Branford and Thaïs Borges from Autazes .
The company wanting to open the mine is Potássio do Brasil , a subsidiary of the Canadian conglomerate Forbes & Manhattan .
Potash is an important fertiliser used heavily by agribusiness .
In 2010 Potássio do Brasil discovered huge potash reserves in the municipal district of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east of Manaus , the capital of Amazonas state .
It quickly announced its plan to open a vast $ 2.5bn ( £3.25bn ) potash mine .
By a stroke of good luck for the mining company , the potash reserves are located beside the Madeira river , a waterway used to transport soya from Brazil 's largest soya-producing state , Mato Grosso , to ports on the Amazon for transhipment on to China and Europe .
`` Instead of travelling empty back up the Madeira River [ to the soya farms in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the barges could go stacked full of potash , '' explains Guilherme Jácome , project development director at Potássio do Brasil .
This would make the mine highly cost-effective .
Potássio do Brasil quickly obtained authorisation from Brazil 's mining agency to drill exploratory wells and began prospecting in 2013 .
'They are the invaders' But then the indigenous communities woke up to what was happening .
Speaking beside one of the exploratory wells , located on what the Mura claim is ancestral land , Aldinélson Pavão , the leader of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his indignation .
`` I am 47 years old , '' Mr Pavão said .
`` I was born here and brought up here .
My parents and grandparents too .
So I wo n't be told by Potássio , that comes from outside , that this land is n't ours .
It is our land and they are the invaders . ''
One of the by-products of potash mining is vast amounts of salt .
The company insists it will prevent this salt leaching into aquifers and rivers .
But the Mura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high rainfall , extreme heat and its location on a flood plain .
Many Mura are also fearful of the future .
`` In 20 or 30 years the company will leave , '' said Mr Pavão .
`` It 'll be our children and grandchildren who will suffer , as they 'll find there are no more animals to hunt . ''
The Mura mobilised and , represented by Brazil 's public prosecutor 's office , reached a court-approved deal with Potássio do Brasil in March 2017 .
You may also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save their land • 'We wo n't accept the destruction of our rights' This has halted the project until a `` free , prior and informed consultation '' has been carried out .
The rules for such a consultation are set out by the International Labour Organization 's Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention , which Brazil has signed .
This is the first time that an indigenous community in Brazil has ever won the right to carry out such a consultation .
The Mura began the consultation process in November and members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` no '' , `` yes '' or give conditional approval , meaning that they can agree to the mine going ahead , but only after certain conditions are met .
After having called in experts to provide impartial evidence , the Mura are now carefully weighing their options .
`` The good part is that [ the mine ] will bring jobs , '' , said Francisco Oliveira , the leader of Taquara village .
`` The bad part is the impact it will have on the environment and on our people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prostitution . ''
But one serious doubt hangs over the process : will the government accept the result of the indigenous consultation as binding or will it simply ignore it ?
The land where the company wants to locate the mine has not been demarcated as indigenous land , though the Mura claim it .
For Potássio do Brasil , this means the mine can go ahead .
Mr Jácome said : `` All of the mine and the area where potash ore will be extracted lies outside indigenous land . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazil 's indigenous affairs agency , Funai , maintains that if any lands are permanently inhabited by indigenous groups then they are indigenous .
`` Indigenous land is indigenous , whether or not it has been demarcated , which is after all only an administrative act of marking out the limits , '' Mr Marés explains .
What seems clear is that if the Mura turn down the mine , they will be on a collision course with the Bolsonaro administration which is reportedly already preparing legislation to permit large-scale mining on indigenous @ @

"I am 47 years old," Mr Pavão said. "I was born here and brought up here. My parents and grandparents too. So I won't be told by Potássio, that comes from outside, that this land isn't ours. It is our land and they are the invaders."