Coronavirus digest: Scotland to impose strict lockdown

Only deaths resulting directly from respiratory failure due to a coronavirus infection will be counted as COVID-19 deaths under new Chinese rules. With the new guidelines in place, cases have risen but deaths declined.

The contentious law that would make it easier and faster for people to change their gender. Conservative opponents have blasted the bill, arguing it would give male predators access to female-only spaces.

The German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to build a network of fast-charging stations for electric cars in several of its core markets. It says they will be made available for drivers of any mark of car.

African stars were celebrated in the recently held Grammys, with major nominations and wins from artists such as Tems and South African artists. But what if there was an African version of the Grammys?

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her resignation as the leader of Scotland's national government after more than eight years in office.

South Africa is reluctant to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and they are currently hosting a joint maritime drills with Moscow. A continental power house — South Africa insists that they have a right to conduct their foreign relations in line with the country’s interests.

As Tropical Cyclone Freddy leaves around 100 people dead across Malawi amid a trail of destruction, a charity in Scotland is already doing its bit to try to mitigate the effects of climate change there. Malawi has been highlighted as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change.

Snoop Dogg is launching his very own premium coffee brand called INDOxyz. The coffee brand will use beans sourced from Indonesia’s Gayo Region. The region is renowned for producing a high-quality Arabica grown in the mountain basin surrounding Lake Tawar.

South Africa is reluctant to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and they are currently hosting a joint maritime drills with Moscow. A continental power house — South Africa insists that they have a right to conduct their foreign relations in line with the country’s interests.

Humza Yousaf is the first person of color and the first Muslim to head up Scotland’s devolved government. He’s vowed to kick the Scottish independence movement into fifth gear, but faces a divided party and society.

A life-sized statue of Lionel Messi was presented to the soccer player for his historic display during the 2022 World Cup. Messi was emotional at the time, taking to Instagram to say, “that was a beautiful moment, very special and emotional.” The statue will sit in a museum alongside similar sculptures of Pele and Diego Maradona.

The EU is under pressure from the US to take a tougher stance on China's strategic expansion in Southeast Asia. However, European leaders say they want to avoid being seen as an extension of Washington.