Netflix and YouTube will reduce the default image quality of streaming video in Europe to ease pressure on the internet, the firms said Friday, as demand soars with millions confined to their homes over coronavirus fears.
EU commissioner for the digital economy Thierry Breton urged internet giants to switch from high definition to the former standard definition to reduce file sizes while stranded householders seek entertainment as well as news about the epidemic.
Late Thursday, entertainment platform Netflix agreed, and on Friday Google's video-sharing service YouTube said it would follow suit, although videos viewed on the site from a European connection on Friday by AFP were still defaulting to high definition mode.
"While we have seen only a few usage peaks, we have measures in place to automatically adjust our system to use less network capacity," a Google spokesperson said.
"Following the discussion between Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, YouTube's CEO Susan Wojcicki and ...

Netflix and YouTube reduce resolution as virus hits web

PTI Automatic

Equities enjoyed some much-needed gains Friday after another volatile week on global markets as investors took solace in a blockbuster series of government and central bank measures aimed at cushioning the economic blow from the coronavirus.
The dollar eased somewhat after a lengthy rally fuelled by traders cashing out of their investments, while the embattled oil market extended Thursday's gains.
With the deadly pandemic showing no sign of ending, countries are going into lockdown, effectively shutting down the global economy and leaving experts in the dark as to how deep and long an expected recession will last.
On Thursday, US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell presented a $1 trillion emergency relief package to combat the turmoil, with $1,200 cash handouts for individuals.
It also includes $208 billion in loans for companies hit by the crisis -- $58 billion of it for the battered airline sector -- and $300 billion in small business loans.
The plan is the latest in a series of .

Markets rally on huge economic support plans

South Korea is planning to send two chartered flights to Italy to evacuate some 570 citizens from the country with the most deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, reports said.
At one point South Korea was the country hardest-hit by the virus outside China, but Seoul appears to have brought the outbreak under control and has been comprehensively overtaken by Italy, where the death toll has reached 3,405 and authorities declared a national lockdown.
Seoul decided to step in as its citizens in Italy had initially sought to find flight tickets out themselves, but faced difficulties due to high costs, Yonhap news agency reported.
"We currently think that two flights are needed, and we are still in consultations over specifics," it quoted a foreign ministry official as saying.
Over the course of the outbreak South Korea has sent chartered flights to China, Iran and Japan to evacuate its citizens.
Italy is currently imposing 206 euro ($222) fines for anyone found wandering the streets ...

South Korea planning to evacuate citizens from Italy

The team are split in half, with some players in lockdown and others training, but a modest Chinese club from the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic is at last beginning to turn its attentions to football again.
Wuhan Three Towns FC, a team in China's third division that draws crowds of between 2,000 and 4,000, were gearing up for a promising new season in League Two South when their world was turned upside down.
"We have been isolated at home for almost two months," Yu Chen, an assistant coach, told AFP by telephone from Wuhan -- the city of 11 million people where the outbreak emerged in December.
As virus deaths ticked up alarmingly, Chinese authorities placed Wuhan and the surrounding province of Hubei on a strict lockdown in January, with nobody allowed in or out of the area and an estimated 56 million people ordered to stay indoors.
The start of the Chinese football season was indefinitely postponed.
"Earlier, when the epidemic was serious, I was very panicky," said the ...

'Blessing amid misfortune': the Chinese football club at coronavirus ground zero

Italy has closed its ports to foreign cruise ships and suspended the operation of its own services in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The transportation ministry said late Thursday that Italian ships already at sea will have to return to port and undergo tests on all crew and passengers.  Those not positive for COVID-19 will be asked to self-isolate and to monitor their health.
The notice runs until April 3.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Thursday that all Italian restrictions -- including the shutdown of most businesses and a ban on public gatherings -- will have to be extended well into next month.
Italy has a thriving cruise industry that employed 120,000 people and was Europe's largest in 2017.
Several cruise ships have experienced coronavirus outbreaks that saw them blocked from various ports during the virus crisis.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined at a port in Japan was under the command of Italian captain Gennaro Arma.

Italy closes ports to cruise ships

Moscow traffic police have launched spot checks on the city's taxis to ensure drivers wear face masks and regularly disinfect their vehicles.
The inspections, which rolled out Thursday, focus on drivers serving rail stations and airports, city traffic police spokeswoman Olga Dygalo said.
Traffic police are carrying out checks along with officials from the state health watchdog, which issued the rules to drivers.  Russia has recorded 199 cases of the coronavirus, according to the most recent official figures published Thursday.
Moscow health officials on Thursday reported the first death of a patient infected with COVID-19, but said the 79-year-old woman died of pneumonia, later changing the cause of death to a blood clot.
Under the new regulations, drivers are expected to change face masks every three hours and use sanitiser products to clean their hands and disinfect their vehicles twice a day, focusing  on seat belt fastenings, door handles and the steering wheel.
They are also ...

Moscow police check taxi drivers for masks, sanitiser

Malaysia will deploy the army to support police in enforcing tough restrictions to halt the spread of the coronavirus because many people are flouting isolation rules, a minister said Friday.
People have been told to stay at home and all schools and most businesses have closed, while Malaysians are barred from travelling overseas and foreigners from entering the country.
But some are ignoring the measures introduced this week, with people still going for walks in parks and eating out.
Police had originally been tasked with enforcing the restrictions, but Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the army would be brought in from Sunday.
"We are confident that with the army's help, stricter enforcement can be carried out," he told a press conference.
"There are still many who don't care about the orders from the government." Malaysia has so far reported 900 virus cases, the highest figure of any Southeast Asian country.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin previously appealed to Malaysians .

Malaysia to deploy army to enforce virus restrictions

The United States and Mexico are working on a plan to close their border to non-essential travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, the State Department said Thursday.
The move comes as similar measures are expected to come into force along the northern border with Canada by Saturday.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Mexico's Foreign Secretary Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubon spoke on "coordinating a plan to restrict non-essential travel across our shared border in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.
"The two leaders discussed the importance of creating a uniform North American strategy to reduce public health risks to our communities and more effectively address rising challenges jointly."
Pompeo tweeted that he had been working closely with Ebrard "on travel restrictions that balance protecting our citizens from further transmission of COVID19." "Together, we can reduce public health risks and prioritize essential cross-border commerce ..

US and Mexico plan to close border to 'non-essential travel'

Walmart plans to hire 150,000 people to meet increased demand during the coronavirus crisis and will pay out $365 million in bonuses, the US retail giant said.
"These roles will be temporary at first, but many will convert to permanent roles over time," it said.
The firm added it would pay $300 bonuses to full-time employees and $150 to those part-time.
Walmart said Thursday it wanted to reward them "for their hard work and dedication to serving customers in a time of an unprecedented national health crisis." It also plans to speed up payment of the next quarterly bonus payments, which will take its payout to nearly $550 million.
The hiring drive comes as travel restrictions and lockdown measures in various US states and cities to curb the spread of the virus have led people to stock up on basic foodstuffs and order more online.
Amazon has also announced plans to recruit an additional 100,000 workers in the United States to cope with the surge in internet shopping.
Meanwhile, many ...

Walmart to hire 150,000 workers as virus spreads in US

At least two dozen Afghan security forces were killed Friday in an insider attack on their base in southern Afghanistan, two officials told AFP.
Several "infiltrators" opened fire on their comrades as they slept, Zabul governor Rahmatullah Yarmal said, in one of the deadliest attacks since the US signed a withdrawal deal with the Taliban last month.
The pre-dawn raid targeted a joint police and army headquarters near Qalat, the provincial capital, long considered a Taliban stronghold.
"In the attack, 14 Afghan army forces and 10 policemen were killed," Zabul provincial council chief Ata Jan Haq Bayan said.  He added that four other Afghan security forces were missing.  "The attackers had connections with the Taliban insurgents," Bayan said.
They fled in two military Humvee vehicles, along with a pickup truck, weapons and ammunition.
Yarmal confirmed the toll to AFP.
The Taliban did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The incident comes a day after Afghan Defence Minister 

At least 24 Afghan security forces killed in insider attack: officials

Asian equities enjoyed some much-needed gains Friday after another volatile week on global markets as investors took solace in a blockbuster series of government and central bank measures aimed at cushioning the economic blow from the coronavirus.
The dollar eased somewhat after a lengthy rally fuelled by traders cashing out of their investments, while the embattled oil market extended Thursday's gains.
With the deadly pandemic showing no sign of ending, countries are going into lockdown, effectively shutting down the global economy and leaving experts in the dark as to how deep and long an expected recession will last.
On Thursday, US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell presented a $1 trillion emergency relief package to combat the turmoil, with $1,200 cash handouts for individuals.
It also includes $208 billion in loans for companies hit by the crisis -- $58 billion of it for the troubled airline sector -- and $300 billion in small business loans.
The plan is the latest in a ...

Asia markets rally on huge economic support plans

California was placed under lockdown in the most drastic step yet by a US state to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus as Italy surpassed China as the country with the most deaths from the pandemic.
The United States meanwhile is fast-tracking antimalarial drugs for use as a virus treatment, President Donald Trump said, as he lashed out at China for not informing the world earlier about the original outbreak.
China for its part on Friday reported a second day with no new domestic cases since the virus appeared in the central city of Wuhan in December, before spreading worldwide.
While there was a glimmer of hope in China, several countries tightened their borders and imposed lockdowns, trapping tens of millions of people in their homes.
And the UN chief warned "millions" could die if the virus spreads unchecked around the globe.  Governments and central banks have unleashed a blockbuster series of measures to prop up the teetering global economy, only to see the once-in-a-century ..

California goes on virus lockdown as Italy death toll overtakes China

The iconic Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, a glittering fixture on the world motorsport calendar for 65 years, was cancelled Thursday, the latest event to fall victim to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
The race, due to be held in the Principality on May 24, was axed completely while the Grand Prix in the Netherlands and Spain were postponed.
"The situation is no longer tenable," said a statement by the Automobile Club de Monaco.
"After careful consideration as to the gravity of this crisis worldwide, it is with great sadness that the board of directors has taken this decision."
It will be the first time since 1954 that there has not been a Monaco Grand Prix, part of motor racing's fabled 'Triple Crown' which also includes the Le Mans 24 Hour Race and Indy 500.
Winners of the celebrated race, which winds its way around the well-heeled streets of the millionaires' playground on the Riviera, include legends such as Ayrton Senna, a six-time champion, and Michael Schumacher, ..

Monaco Formula 1 GP cancelled due to coronavirus, ending 65-year run

The Olympic flame arrived in Japan to a scaled-down welcoming ceremony Friday as doubts grew over whether the Tokyo Games will go ahead on schedule with the coronavirus pandemic causing chaos around the world.
As the flame, enclosed in a special lantern, landed on a charter flight, a Japanese Olympic Committee member broke ranks to call for a postponement and Olympics chief
Thomas Bach admitted "different scenarios" were under consideration.
"Of course we are considering different scenarios, but we are contrary to many other sports organisations or professional leagues in that we are four-and-a-half months away from the Games," Bach, the International Olympic Committee president, told the New York Times.
"For us, (postponement) would not be responsible now and it would be premature to start speculation or make a decision at a time when we do not have any recommendation from the task force," he added.
Reflecting the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the flame's arrival at Matsushima Air .

Olympic flame gets muted welcome in Japan as Games doubts grow

Oil rose further Friday after a dramatic rebound from multi-year lows but stayed below USD 30 a barrel on fears the deadly coronavirus will push the world into recession with an oversupply.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 3.65 per cent to USD 26.14 a barrel in midday Asian trade.
Brent climbed 2.14 per cent to USD 29.08 a barrel.
On Thursday, WTI rebounded by more than 23 per cent following US government moves to help American crude producers weather a slump in demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic, recovering almost as spectacularly as it had plunged in recent days.
Crude slumped to 18-year lows Wednesday, with travel restrictions and other measures aimed at combating the virus hitting demand and major producers Saudi Arabia and Russia locked in a price war by ramping up production.
"Oil prices are recovering... as the three-day collapse saw some bottom fishing after WTI failed to break the USD 20 a barrel level," said OANDA senior market analyst Edward ...

Oil extends gains but stays below USD 30

Scottish giants Rangers have allowed their foreign players to return home while the football calendar is suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manager Steven Gerrard, who will also split his time between Glasgow and home in Liverpool, believes his foreign contingent are best to spend the shutdown nearer their loved ones if they can travel, with restrictions on border crossings across the world.
Football in Scotland has been indefinitely suspended to help halt the spread of the coronavirus.
"Players from out-with the UK have been allowed to return home but are on strict programming including diet recording," Rangers said in a statement.
"Some players have decided not to return home and have remained in Glasgow.
"The club's management are in daily dialogue with each player and are monitoring the ongoing situation regarding the virus.
"The manager will continue to balance his time between Glasgow and home during this period of uncertainty." Sonia O'Neill from Rangers women's team has ..

Rangers allow foreign players to return home

Turkey's Super Lig has been suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic, the sports minister announced on Thursday, after the country's football federation came under fire for insisting games go ahead.
"We decided all together to suspend the league," Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu said in a televised speech after meeting with the chiefs of the football, volleyball and basketball federations.
Turkish Football Federation (TFF) chief Nihat Ozdemir said the period of suspension would be decided later.
"All football activities in Turkey have been suspended until further notice because of the continuous spread of coronavirus," said a statement from the TFF.
"It means all professional and amateur football will be suspended immediately." Super Lig games have so far gone ahead behind closed doors despite criticism from players and coaches.
Former Nigeria international John Obi Mikel quit leading club Trabzonspor because he did not want to play in the midst of the ...

Turkey Super Lig suspended in response to coronavirus

Manchester United have vowed to pay 3,000 casual staff even for the remainder the season even if matches are forced behind closed doors or cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The shutdown of English football was extended until April 30 on Thursday with mass gatherings banned to try and halt the spread of the virus.
"Manchester United will pay all its loyal matchday and non-matchday casual workers, should Premier League games be cancelled or played behind closed doors for the remainder of this season," United said in a statement.
"This goodwill gesture reflects the club's desire to reduce the financial uncertainty facing its casual workforce, and is in recognition of the crucial role they play in delivering services to supporters."
Old Trafford is still due to host four Premier League matches this season, while United could still have three more home games in the Europa League.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "We understand that these are unprecedented circumstances .

Man Utd guarantee pay for casual workers

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain has left the team's quarantine and returned home to Argentina, according to multiple reports in Italy on Thursday.
The 32-year-old international had been in isolation along with the rest of Serie A leaders' squad following teammate Daniele Rugani's positive test a week ago, with France's Blaise Matuidi also catching the virus in recent days.
Higuain had reportedly asked Juve for permission to visit his sick mother, and had a test confirming he was negative for COVID-19.
The recommended quarantine period is two weeks.
As flights to Argentina are all blocked, Higuain organised a transfer by private jet with his family first to France late on Wednesday, then Spain and from there fly to South America, Sky Sports Italia and Gazzetta Dello Sport reported.
Germany's Sami Khedira and Bosnian Miralem Pjanic have also left Turin to join their families, Gazzetto reported.
Star attacker Cristiano Ronaldo had remained in Portugal to self-isolate after his mother ...

Higuain leaves Juve quarantine to return to Argentina

Borussia Moenchengladbach's squad have offered to give up their wages to help the club's financial situation during the coronavirus pandemic, sporting director Max Eberl said on Thursday.
Gladbach are set to lose income from broadcasting, sponsorships and ticket sales during the COVID-19 outbreak with all Bundesliga matches suspended until at least April 2.
"The team has offered to forego salaries if it can help the club and its employees," Eberl told the club's website.
"I didn't have to explain much. The players know what's going on. It's their job, they have already informed themselves and thought about what they could do," he added.
Coaching staff and boss Marco Rose have also said they would go without their salaries.
According to media reports in Germany, the decision by the likes of captain Lars Stindl, forward Alassane Plea and goalkeeper Yann Sommer will allow the side sitting fourth in the table to save one million euros ($1.07 million).
On Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund's ...

Gladbach players give up wages to help club during pandemic

British Olympic Association chiefs insist they will not "endanger the health" of athletes by encouraging them to prepare for Tokyo 2020 if the coronavirus makes it unsafe.
The International Olympic Committee remains committed to the Olympics going ahead in Japan on schedule on July 24.
But many athletes have raised concerns that current social distancing restrictions imposed due to the pandemic are making it impossible to prepare properly.
Guy Learmonth, hoping to be picked in the 800m, this week became the first British athlete to warn that the risks of going to Tokyo are too high in the circumstances.
Athletes' frustration was not reserved for the British, with Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi also blasting the IOC.
With Euro 2020 and the Copa America postponed because of the virus, there have been calls to cancel the Olympics or push it back, given the widespread chaos in the global sporting schedule at present.
The BOA support the IOC's decision-making process but ...

AFP

AFP

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