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Morning news brief: Facebook news ban, Quad meet, and more

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Feb 18, 2021, 08:49 AM IST
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FILE Photograph:(Others)

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Good morning! Start your day with WION's daily news brief!

The Australian government lashed out at Facebook on Thursday for a news blackout calling the social media giant's action as "unnecessary" and "heavy-handed". Meanwhile in a move that will further anger China, the United States on Wednesday announced talks with all the 'Quad' members: Australia, Japan and India. 

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The Australian government on Thursday slammed Facebook's news blackout as "heavy-handed" after the social media giant blocked sharing of news in Australia.

The United States on Wednesday announced talks with Australia, Japan and India to further boost the "Quad" alliance despite warnings from China. 

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. 

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that he will use "all means" to fight coronavirus pandmic and that it presented Italy with an opportunity to rebuild as it did after Second World War.

A new crisis has erupted in Africa - an outbreak of Ebola in Guinea and Congo. Five people have died in Guinea so far and six African countries have been put on alert.