The Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch-lighting ceremony will be held this week in the city of Olympia without spectators.
That's the word from Greece's Olympic Committee, who explained that the decision was taken due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Olympic torch will be lit on March 12 before a seven-day relay that will culminate with a handover ceremony in Greece on March 19.
US House to vote on Ukraine and Israel aid, despite hardline objections
The US House of Representatives will have its long-awaited vote on aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific as soon as Saturday, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson said on Wednesday, paving the way for its possible passage despite fierce objections from the right wing of his conference.
Georgia proceeds with 'foreign agents' bill amid EU concerns
Georgia's parliament on Wednesday approved the first reading of a bill on "foreign agents" that the European Union said risked stifling freedoms and blocking the country's path to membership.
Qatar says Gaza ceasefire talks at 'delicate phase'
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Wednesday talks on a Gaza ceasefire and a release of hostages are at a "delicate phase".
Russian attack kills four in Ukraine's Chernihiv
A Russian missile attack killed and injured residents and damaged social infrastructure in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv on Wednesday, regional governor Vyacheslav Chaus said.
Pakistan blocked social media platform X over national security
Pakistan's interior ministry said on Wednesday it ordered the temporary blockage of social media platform X in February on national security concerns, confirming a long-suspected shutdown.
