* The milestone was confirmed by Johns Hopkins University on Monday morning
* Experts believe the number is much higher, with the WHO estimating 780million
* US and India lead the way in infections but Europe is undergoing second wave
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the planet has passed 40million, although experts believe the true figure could be as high as 780million.
The milestone was passed early Monday according to Johns Hopkins University, which collates reporting from around the world.
Testing has been variable and many people have had no symptoms, while some governments have concealed the true number of cases.
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MIDDLE EAST
Middle East: IMF warns of social unrest risk in ‘fragile’ states.
Iran celebrates ‘momentous day’ as UN arms embargo lifts. Here’s what it means.
Iran hit by record 337 virus deaths in single day.
White House official went to Syria seeking Americans' release.
Israel and Bahrain formalise diplomatic ties in US-backed ceremony.
Israel’s attorney general says he won’t probe Netanyahu, cousin share deal.
ASIA
Thailand pro-democracy protesters keep gathering despite police warnings.
Embattled Thai PM recalls parliament as thousands protest.
India-China border dispute: PLA soldier apprehended in Indian-controlled territory.
China's Korean War sacrifices to be highlighted in new films.
China approves new law to protect whistleblowers and prevent epidemics.
China-Taiwan tensions erupt over diplomats' fight in Fiji.
Australia to rejoin 'quad' naval exercises in move certain to infuriate Beijing.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern credits coronavirus response for election win.
AFRICA
One killed in Ivory Coast as tensions rise ahead of vote.
Guinea's opposition leader claims victory in presidential poll.
Ethiopia violence fuelled by fighters trained in Sudan: PM Abiy.
In Ethiopia, a heated political tug-of-war sparks security fears.
EUROPE
Armenia and Azerbaijan truce breaks down within hours.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Heavy fighting breaks out despite cease-fire.
UK refuses to restart Brexit talks despite EU accepting its demands.
Coronavirus: Belgium facing 'tsunami' of new infections.
Protesters march across France in tribute to Samuel Paty, teacher beheaded in suspected terrorist attack near Paris.
Ankara-backed hardliner ousts incumbent in Turkish Cypriot runoff.
Czech police use tear gas, water cannons as thousands protest Covid-19 rules.
London Bridge attack: Convicted murderer who helped foil attack with narwhal tusk given prison pardon.
AMERICAS
Coronavirus: New Covid-19 cases rising rapidly across US.
Mikes to be muted in US presidential debate to stop interruptions.
Three in four adults in US following Trump-Biden race 'very' or 'fairly' closely: Pew.
Supreme Court to hear case over use of DoD funds for Trump border wall.
Donald Trump blasts 'disaster' Anthony Fauci in call with campaign workers.
US charges Russians with cyberattacks on Ukraine, French elections, Olympics.
Bolivian socialist candidate Arce set to win election outright, exit poll shows.
Churches burnt as Chile anniversary rallies turn violent.
Canada, US travel ban extended to Nov 21.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
French police raid dozens of targets suspected of extremism after teacher beheaded.
Trump to exclude Sudan from terrorism sponsors list after it pays US terror victims.
ISIS attacks surge in Africa.
Trump digs in on conspiracy theory over bin Laden raid.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Asian markets under pressure as Wall Street falters, COVID-19 cases rise.
Oil prices drop for fourth day as COVID-19 second wave worries intensify.
OPEC+ pledges to support oil markets in pandemic’s second wave.
Facebook unveils machine learning translator for 100 languages.
