The United States has warned that companies' stockpiles of semiconductor chips have shrunk dramatically due to the global supply shortage, putting production at risk from any disruption. A survey of 150 firms for the Commerce Department found the median stocks held by manufacturers had fallen from 40 days' worth in 2019 to just 5 days' worth in 2021. It comes as Democrats in the House of Representatives published a bill for investment worth $52 billion in the sector.

A powerful explosion hit in Greek capital Athens damaging an office block and smashing nearby storefronts as one person reportedly injured. One person was injured and several buildings were extensively damaged by an explosion in central Athens that led to a fire early, officials and witnesses said.

Lone gunman wounds several in Heidelberg: Emmanuelle Chaze reports

The International Monetary Fund has slashed its forecast for the global economic recovery, warning of "multiple challenges" including new variants of Covid-19, high inflation and ongoing disruption to global supply chains. Petya Koeva Brooks, Deputy Director of the IMF's Research Department, discusses the risks and policy challenges as the pandemic enters its third year.

A German court has found a Syrian former army colonel guilty of crimes against humanity, handing him a life sentence. It was a landmark trial to examine state-sponsored torture during the Syrian civil war.

Indian news portal The Wire has alleged authorities likey spied on journalists, politicians and business leaders, among others. The revelations come as part of a global investigation into the use of specialized phone spying software Pegasus by governments around the world.