Afghan government says will release 100 Taliban prisoners

The Afghan government and militant group have been negotiating in Kabul since last week but finalising a prisoner swap has been beset with problems. Meanwhile, at least seven civilians were killed in a Taliban attack in Balkh, local officials said.

In pictures: masked crowds fill streets and trains in post-lockdown Wuhan

Wuhan residents are enjoying a renewed sense of freedom after 76 days of lockdown following the emergence and outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

People allowed to leave China's Wuhan as coronavirus lockdown eases

After 76 days of lockdown, China opens raid and road routes out of Wuhan where the highly contagious and deadly coronavirus that had emerged there late last year and spread across the world.

Taliban recalls negotiators after suspending prisoner exchange talks

Taliban said, "the intentional delays in the release of our prisoners violates the peace agreement, therefore we call back our technical team back from Kabul".

Coronavirus deaths in France now over 10,000 – latest updates

The virus has killed more than 80,000 people and has spread to 209 countries and territories. Here are the latest updates for April 7:

Dozens of prisoners contract coronavirus, doctors demand PPE in Pakistan

Governments in the populous South East Asian region are struggling with a shortage of tests and equipment as millions of people across Pakistan, India and Bangladesh face poverty amid lockdowns.

Japan declares state of emergency as China posts drop in coronavirus cases

The region remains on alert for a second wave of infections, as Hong Kong extends entry restrictions for non-residents indefinitely and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte approves a longer lockdown.

Saudi imposes 24-hour virus curfew in five cities – latest updates

The virus has killed more than 70,000 people, mostly in Europe, and has spread to 208 countries and territories. Here are the latest updates for April 6:

Odd number in India coronavirus testing data sparks questions

Experts baffled as government data on the difference between the number of overall samples tested and number of individuals tested remains exactly the same (890) for over a week in late March.

Japan PM proposes state of emergency over virus, $1 trillion stimulus

The official declaration of the state of emergency would likely come as soon as Tuesday, Shinzo Abe told reporters, as the country grapples with a recent spike in coronavirus cases, especially in the capital Tokyo.

Taliban warn peace deal with US near breaking point

Meanwhile, President Ashraf Ghani has announced his new Cabinet even as he squabbles with his main political challenger over last year's election results.

Vanuatu braces as monster Cyclone Harold strengthens in Pacific

Tropical cyclone Harold, which claimed 27 lives when it swept through the Solomon Islands last week, strengthened overnight Sunday as it moved east towards Vanuatu.