Briefly

INDIA

Cases, deaths keep below record levels

India's confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths remained below record levels over the latest 24-hour period, but authorities are worried about a fungal infection that attacks those with weak immune systems. Doctors suspect that the sudden surge in mucormycosis, or "black fungus" infection, may be linked to the use of steroids to treat COVID-19. It can result in breathing problems and patients coughing up blood. For the latest 24-hour period, India reported 4,209 COVID-19 fatalities and 259,591 new confirmed cases. Megacities such as Mumbai and New Delhi have seen signs of improvement in recent days. But there is growing concern about smaller towns and rural areas where the virus has made inroads, stretching the weak health system.

UNITED KINGDOM

BBC under pressure over Diana interview

The BBC is facing questions about its integrity at home after a scathing report on its explosive 1995 interview with Princess Diana. Britain's justice secretary said on Friday that the government would review the rules governing oversight of the BBC after an investigation found that one of its journalists used "deceitful behavior" to secure the interview and the corporation obscured this misconduct for 25 years. Princes William and Harry, Diana's sons, late on Thursday excoriated the BBC, saying there was a direct link between the interview and their mother's death in a traffic accident two years later as she and a companion were being pursued by paparazzi. Diana's interview with journalist Martin Bashir was a global scoop, and saw the princess detail her crumbling marriage to heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles.

Agencies via Xinhua