Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest.

DiCaprio had shared a video on Twitter Wednesday from a campaign called DefundBolsonaro.org, which claims that "Bolsonaro's government has taken the destruction of the Amazon to unbearable levels," and calls on investors to pressure the president to take steps to protect the world's biggest rainforest.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefundBolsonaro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefundBolsonaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmazonOrBolsonaro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmazonOrBolsonaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhichSideAreYouOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhichSideAreYouOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg">https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg</a>
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio/status/1303747439271137281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Environment Minister Ricardo Salles fired back with a taunt.

"Dear @LeoDiCaprio, Brazil is launching 'Adopt1Park' preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is?" Salles wrote on Twitter.

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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeoDiCaprio</a> Brazil is launching “Adopt1Park” preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 Parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 Euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is? <a href="https://t.co/VMG817oUX8">https://t.co/VMG817oUX8</a>
— Ricardo Salles MMA (@rsallesmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsallesmma/status/1303994727663120385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolsonaro retweeted the message.

The president, who took office in January 2019, has presided over a surge in fires and deforestation in the Amazon, which scientists say is a vital resource for curbing climate change.

DiCaprio, who has called for stronger action to protect the rainforest, has become a favorite target of the Bolsonaro administration.

Last month, Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged the "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" star to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show him the rainforest was not actually burning.

Salles, for his part, has shown a knack for stirring up controversy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jair-bolsonaro-calls-reports-of-amazons-fires-a-lie-326273">Also watch:&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie'</a>

The environment minister faced intense criticism in April when a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which he said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid."

He landed in a new row Thursday when he tweeted a video by a Brazilian agricultural lobby group that claims, "The Amazon is not burning," with images of verdant forest, smiling indigenous people and cute animals.

However, it soon emerged the video featured animals that do not actually live in the Amazon.

Though Bolsonaro has called reports on the Amazon fires "a lie," figures from his own government show there were 29,307 fires in the rainforest last month, just slightly shy of the crisis levels that triggered international condemnation last year.

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest.

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest. DiCaprio had shared a video on Twitter Wednesday from a campaign called DefundBolsonaro.org, which claims that "Bolsonaro's government has taken the destruction of the Amazon to unbearable levels," and calls on investors to pressure the president to take steps to protect the world's biggest rainforest. #DefundBolsonaro #AmazonOrBolsonaro #WhichSideAreYouOn https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg — Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) September 9, 2020 × Environment Minister Ricardo Salles fired back with a taunt. "Dear @LeoDiCaprio, Brazil is launching 'Adopt1Park' preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is?" Salles wrote on Twitter. Dear @LeoDiCaprio Brazil is launching “Adopt1Park” preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 Parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 Euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is? https://t.co/VMG817oUX8 — Ricardo Salles MMA (@rsallesmma) September 10, 2020 × Bolsonaro retweeted the message. The president, who took office in January 2019, has presided over a surge in fires and deforestation in the Amazon, which scientists say is a vital resource for curbing climate change. DiCaprio, who has called for stronger action to protect the rainforest, has become a favorite target of the Bolsonaro administration. Last month, Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged the "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" star to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show him the rainforest was not actually burning. Salles, for his part, has shown a knack for stirring up controversy. Also watch: Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie' The environment minister faced intense criticism in April when a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which he said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid." He landed in a new row Thursday when he tweeted a video by a Brazilian agricultural lobby group that claims, "The Amazon is not burning," with images of verdant forest, smiling indigenous people and cute animals. However, it soon emerged the video featured animals that do not actually live in the Amazon. Though Bolsonaro has called reports on the Amazon fires "a lie," figures from his own government show there were 29,307 fires in the rainforest last month, just slightly shy of the crisis levels that triggered international condemnation last year.

Controversial Brazil environment minister taunts DiCaprio

ByteDance, the owner of popular short-video app TikTok, is planning to invest billions of dollars and recruit hundreds of employees in Singapore over the next three years, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The company’s plans about setting up a new data centre in the city-state is untrue, the source said, adding that the Beijing-based firm had stepped up the purchase of cloud-computing servers in Singapore to backup US&nbsp;data for contingency.

Separately, a company source said TikTok had moved some engineers to Singapore from China, starting this year.

Bloomberg earlier reported&nbsp;that ByteDance was planning to make Singapore its beachhead for the rest of Asia as part of its global expansion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-no-extension-trump-says-on-tiktok-deadline-326736">Also read|&nbsp;'There will be no extension': Trump says on TikTok deadline</a>

Singapore has been ramping up efforts over the last few years to attract tech firms and investors. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the global trade and transport hub hard, accelerating the need to reinvent itself.

The city-state is likely to become more attractive to companies seeking a neutral ground amid rising tensions between the United States and China, according to analysts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bytedance-may-miss-us-deadline-for-tiktok-deal-says-report-326587">Also read: ByteDance may miss US deadline for TikTok deal, says report</a>

The investment comes as ByteDance is being forced to sell TikTok’s US assets under pressure from the Trump administration, which has cited potential national security risk due to the vast amount of private data the app is compiling on US&nbsp;consumers.

According to a Bloomberg report on Thursday, the company is likely to miss the September 20 deadline imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump for the sale of assets as new Chinese regulations have complicated deal talks with bidders Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp.

ByteDance, the owner of popular short-video app TikTok, is planning to invest billions of dollars and recruit hundreds of employees in Singapore over the next three years, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

ByteDance, the owner of popular short-video app TikTok, is planning to invest billions of dollars and recruit hundreds of employees in Singapore over the next three years, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. The company’s plans about setting up a new data centre in the city-state is untrue, the source said, adding that the Beijing-based firm had stepped up the purchase of cloud-computing servers in Singapore to backup US data for contingency. Separately, a company source said TikTok had moved some engineers to Singapore from China, starting this year. Bloomberg earlier reported that ByteDance was planning to make Singapore its beachhead for the rest of Asia as part of its global expansion. Also read| 'There will be no extension': Trump says on TikTok deadline Singapore has been ramping up efforts over the last few years to attract tech firms and investors. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the global trade and transport hub hard, accelerating the need to reinvent itself. The city-state is likely to become more attractive to companies seeking a neutral ground amid rising tensions between the United States and China, according to analysts. Also read: ByteDance may miss US deadline for TikTok deal, says report The investment comes as ByteDance is being forced to sell TikTok’s US assets under pressure from the Trump administration, which has cited potential national security risk due to the vast amount of private data the app is compiling on US consumers. According to a Bloomberg report on Thursday, the company is likely to miss the September 20 deadline imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump for the sale of assets as new Chinese regulations have complicated deal talks with bidders Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp.

ByteDance to invest billions, recruit hundreds in Singapore in three years: Source

Aldo Gucci's grand daughter,&nbsp;Alexandra Zarini, has accused her stepfather of sexually assaulting her over a period of 16 years.

The heiress of the global fashion world filed a case in&nbsp;the California superior court in Los Angeles. She has accused her former stepfather&nbsp;Joseph Ruffalo of sexually abusing her.&nbsp;

She has also filed a case against Patricia Gucci, her mother, and Bruna Palombo, her grandmother, on the charges of complicity and a cover-up.

In the lawsuit, she alleged the producer of sexually abusing her from the age of six to 22. She explained that Ruffalo used to get&nbsp;into bed naked with her, and penetrate her with his hands. She also accused him of rubbing his&nbsp;own genitals against her.

Hinting towards Ruffalo's alcohol problem, she said she knew she&nbsp;was about to be subjected to abuse whenever she heard ice and alcohol being poured into Ruffalo's. She also accused him of encouraging her to use&nbsp;cocaine and crystal meth.

She said her mother and grandmother&nbsp;“tried to avoid, at all costs, what they perceived would be a scandal that could tarnish the Gucci name and potentially cost them millions.”

Patricia has also been accused of hitting Zarini when she was a child.&nbsp;

“If you think this doesn’t happen here in Beverly Hills, then you should know that my perpetrator still lives in California, spends time at the Bel-Air country club and volunteers in your children’s hospitals,” Zarini said in a video released by her lawyers.

“This is not something that only happens to other families, other neighborhoods or other countries. It is everywhere.”

Zarini has also launched her own&nbsp;anti-child abuse non-profit, the Alexandra Gucci Children’s Foundation.

“What he did to her is inexcusable and I was devastated when she disclosed everything to me at our family doctor’s office in London in September 2007. I immediately initiated divorce proceedings against Mr Ruffalo and set about healing my family through counseling,” Patricia&nbsp;Gucci said in a statament.

Aldo Gucci's grand daughter, Alexandra Zarini, has accused her stepfather of sexually assaulting her over a period of 16 years. The heiress of the global fashion world filed a case in the California superior court in Los Angeles.

Aldo Gucci's grand daughter, Alexandra Zarini, has accused her stepfather of sexually assaulting her over a period of 16 years. The heiress of the global fashion world filed a case in the California superior court in Los Angeles. She has accused her former stepfather Joseph Ruffalo of sexually abusing her. She has also filed a case against Patricia Gucci, her mother, and Bruna Palombo, her grandmother, on the charges of complicity and a cover-up. In the lawsuit, she alleged the producer of sexually abusing her from the age of six to 22. She explained that Ruffalo used to get into bed naked with her, and penetrate her with his hands. She also accused him of rubbing his own genitals against her. Hinting towards Ruffalo's alcohol problem, she said she knew she was about to be subjected to abuse whenever she heard ice and alcohol being poured into Ruffalo's. She also accused him of encouraging her to use cocaine and crystal meth. She said her mother and grandmother “tried to avoid, at all costs, what they perceived would be a scandal that could tarnish the Gucci name and potentially cost them millions.” Patricia has also been accused of hitting Zarini when she was a child. “If you think this doesn’t happen here in Beverly Hills, then you should know that my perpetrator still lives in California, spends time at the Bel-Air country club and volunteers in your children’s hospitals,” Zarini said in a video released by her lawyers. “This is not something that only happens to other families, other neighborhoods or other countries. It is everywhere.” Zarini has also launched her own anti-child abuse non-profit, the Alexandra Gucci Children’s Foundation. “What he did to her is inexcusable and I was devastated when she disclosed everything to me at our family doctor’s office in London in September 2007. I immediately initiated divorce proceedings against Mr Ruffalo and set about healing my family through counseling,” Patricia Gucci said in a statament.

Gucci heiress, Alexandra Zarini, accuses stepfather and mother of sexual abuse

A senior US&nbsp;intelligence official has come forward as a whistleblower and revealed that the White House had ordered him to stop all reporting on the Russian involvement in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>.

Brian Murphy is&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security analyst. He has claimed that he possesses proof of Donald Trump's manipulation of 2016 US elections when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> took over the role of the President of the United States.

Murphy claims that&nbsp;he was told by acting DHS chief Chad Wolf that assessments on the Russian threat made Trump "look bad."

He has also claimed that Chad Wolf asked him to falsify his analysis that&nbsp;"specifically originate ed from White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien." However, Murphy said he declined to ake part in such activities&nbsp;"as doing so would put the country in substantial and specific danger."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-admits-downplaying-seriousness-of-covid-19-326412">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19</a>

The whistleblower complaint was filed by Murphy on Wednesday.

He has also alleged Trump of manipulating intelligence to support his campaign of re-election in the upcoming US Presidential elections, scheduled for November, in which Trump is competing against Democratic leader Joe Biden.

The complaint came after Murphy was demoted when he declined to falsify his reports and censor his reporting on Russia's involvement in the US elections.

The complaint, released by the Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee, came after months of reports that the White House was downplaying the Russian election threat, despite what US intelligence chiefs have said was massive interference in the 2016 campaign that brought Trump to power.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-election-2020-book-troubles-for-donald-trump-in-2020-326488">Have a look|&nbsp;US election 2020: Book troubles for Donald Trump in 2020</a>

However, all these claims have been declined.&nbsp; "We flatly deny that there is any truth to the merits of Mr. Murphy's claim," said department spokesperson Alexei Woltornist.

"DHS is working to address all threats to the homeland regardless of ideology," Woltornist added.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pushing a report which claims that China was involved in the US elections, but it was Trump who was being targeted, and not his opponent.

The White House has also declined the accusations made by Murphy.

He has alleged that between 2018 and 2020, he observed&nbsp;"a repeated pattern of abuse of authority, attempted censorship of intelligence analysis and improper administration of an intelligence program related to Russian efforts to influence and undermine United States interests."

Murphy has also further accused the&nbsp;then-DHS secretary Kirstjen Nielsen of exaggerating the threats he mentioned in the testimony related to Mexico-US border, in order to support Trump's dream of building a wall on the US-Mexico border.

He also added that the&nbsp;acting deputy DHS secretary Ken Cuccinelli demanded changes to intelligence reports on corruption and violence in Central America that might be used to bolster asylum claims to support Trump's anti-migration policy.

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior US intelligence official has come forward as a whistleblower and revealed that the White House had ordered him to stop all reporting on the Russian involvement in the US elections.

A senior US intelligence official has come forward as a whistleblower and revealed that the White House had ordered him to stop all reporting on the Russian involvement in the US elections. Brian Murphy is Department of Homeland Security analyst. He has claimed that he possesses proof of Donald Trump's manipulation of 2016 US elections when Donald Trump took over the role of the President of the United States. Murphy claims that he was told by acting DHS chief Chad Wolf that assessments on the Russian threat made Trump "look bad." He has also claimed that Chad Wolf asked him to falsify his analysis that "specifically originate ed from White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien." However, Murphy said he declined to ake part in such activities "as doing so would put the country in substantial and specific danger." Also read| US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19 The whistleblower complaint was filed by Murphy on Wednesday. He has also alleged Trump of manipulating intelligence to support his campaign of re-election in the upcoming US Presidential elections, scheduled for November, in which Trump is competing against Democratic leader Joe Biden. The complaint came after Murphy was demoted when he declined to falsify his reports and censor his reporting on Russia's involvement in the US elections. The complaint, released by the Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee, came after months of reports that the White House was downplaying the Russian election threat, despite what US intelligence chiefs have said was massive interference in the 2016 campaign that brought Trump to power. Have a look| US election 2020: Book troubles for Donald Trump in 2020 However, all these claims have been declined. "We flatly deny that there is any truth to the merits of Mr. Murphy's claim," said department spokesperson Alexei Woltornist. "DHS is working to address all threats to the homeland regardless of ideology," Woltornist added. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pushing a report which claims that China was involved in the US elections, but it was Trump who was being targeted, and not his opponent. The White House has also declined the accusations made by Murphy. He has alleged that between 2018 and 2020, he observed "a repeated pattern of abuse of authority, attempted censorship of intelligence analysis and improper administration of an intelligence program related to Russian efforts to influence and undermine United States interests." Murphy has also further accused the then-DHS secretary Kirstjen Nielsen of exaggerating the threats he mentioned in the testimony related to Mexico-US border, in order to support Trump's dream of building a wall on the US-Mexico border. He also added that the acting deputy DHS secretary Ken Cuccinelli demanded changes to intelligence reports on corruption and violence in Central America that might be used to bolster asylum claims to support Trump's anti-migration policy. (With inputs from agencies)

US election 2020: White House ordered me not to report Russian meddling in polls: Whistleblower

In a book published on Wednesday about,&nbsp;Pope Francis has been quoted saying that&nbsp;enjoying a well-cooked meal and sexual intercourse are not sinful activities and are simply "divine".

The book, titled "TerraFutura, conversations with Pope Francis on integral ecology" has been published by&nbsp;Italian writer and gourmet Carlo Petrini. the book is a collection of interviews with the Pope.

"Pleasure arrives directly from God, it is neither Catholic, nor Christian, nor anything else, it is simply divine," he has been quoted in the book.

"The Church has condemned inhuman, brutish, vulgar pleasure, but has on the other hand always accepted human, simple, moral pleasure," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/creation-is-groaning-pope-francis-urges-countries-to-follow-paris-climate-agreement-324509">Also read|&nbsp;'Creation is groaning': Pope Francis urges countries to follow Paris Climate Agreement</a>

He also used the eample of a 1987 Danish film called "Babette's Feast"&nbsp; saying that the movie is a "hymn to Christian charity, to love."

He goes on to say that while these thoughts have existed in the Church in the past, he believes that this is&nbsp;"a wrong interpretation of the Christian message".

He goes on to explain that eating and indulging in sexual intercourse is important to keep human bodies healthy and fit. "The pleasure of eating is there to keep you healthy by eating, just like sexual pleasure is there to make love more beautiful and guarantee the perpetuation of the species," the Pope said.

The Pope said there is no place for&nbsp;"overzealous morality" in the church now. He also feels that opposing views to this has often caused harm in this history, and its impact can be seen till date.

In a book published on Wednesday about, Pope Francis has been quoted saying that enjoying a well-cooked meal and sexual intercourse are not sinful activities and are simply "divine".

In a book published on Wednesday about, Pope Francis has been quoted saying that enjoying a well-cooked meal and sexual intercourse are not sinful activities and are simply "divine". The book, titled "TerraFutura, conversations with Pope Francis on integral ecology" has been published by Italian writer and gourmet Carlo Petrini. the book is a collection of interviews with the Pope. "Pleasure arrives directly from God, it is neither Catholic, nor Christian, nor anything else, it is simply divine," he has been quoted in the book. "The Church has condemned inhuman, brutish, vulgar pleasure, but has on the other hand always accepted human, simple, moral pleasure," he added. Also read| 'Creation is groaning': Pope Francis urges countries to follow Paris Climate Agreement He also used the eample of a 1987 Danish film called "Babette's Feast" saying that the movie is a "hymn to Christian charity, to love." He goes on to say that while these thoughts have existed in the Church in the past, he believes that this is "a wrong interpretation of the Christian message". He goes on to explain that eating and indulging in sexual intercourse is important to keep human bodies healthy and fit. "The pleasure of eating is there to keep you healthy by eating, just like sexual pleasure is there to make love more beautiful and guarantee the perpetuation of the species," the Pope said. The Pope said there is no place for "overzealous morality" in the church now. He also feels that opposing views to this has often caused harm in this history, and its impact can be seen till date.

People who like food and sexual intercourse are not sinners, says Pope Francis

US election 2020: Book troubles for Donald Trump in 2020

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption.

According to a poll published by a local daily newspaper on Thursday, Suga is the frontrunner in the election race, as around 44 per cent survey-takers said they would like to see Suga replacing Abe.

The longest-serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had to step down from his post last month confirming the rumours doing rounds about&nbsp;his ill-health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abes-longtime-aid-yoshihide-suga-to-run-for-leadership-race-324791">Also read:&nbsp;Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race</a>

The elections for the post of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win. The prediction has been supported by the poll as 36 per cent said they would like to see the former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba replacing Abe, whereas 44 per cent supported Suga.

September 08 was the last day for leaders to file their nomination, and the leaders are now allowed to start campaigning for the race.

The poll was conducted by the&nbsp;Social Survey Research Centre and was published in a local daily newspaper&nbsp; Mainichi Shimbun.

The poll has come few days after Suga hinted pushing for snap elections and said he is hopeful about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-suga-hopeful-about-tokyo-olympic-games-amid-falling-economy-325911">Tokyo Olympic Games</a>.&nbsp;”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.”

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption. According to a poll published by a local daily newspaper on Thursday, Suga is the frontrunner in the election race, as around 44 per cent survey-takers said they would like to see Suga replacing Abe. The longest-serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had to step down from his post last month confirming the rumours doing rounds about his ill-health. Also read: Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race The elections for the post of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win. The prediction has been supported by the poll as 36 per cent said they would like to see the former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba replacing Abe, whereas 44 per cent supported Suga. September 08 was the last day for leaders to file their nomination, and the leaders are now allowed to start campaigning for the race. The poll was conducted by the Social Survey Research Centre and was published in a local daily newspaper Mainichi Shimbun. The poll has come few days after Suga hinted pushing for snap elections and said he is hopeful about Tokyo Olympic Games. ”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.”

Yoshihide Suga frontrunner in race to succeed Shinzo Abe: Poll

The US President Donald Trump has been campaigning all over the country with the hopes of getting re-elected in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>.

His campaigns have been criticised quite a lot of times from his opposition party members and health experts due to carelessness towards the coronavirus restrictions.

While Trump would like to continue campaigning in the same manner, his upcoming&nbsp;campaign rallies, scheduled for this weekend, have been cancelled — with the reason being over crowd-size restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-admits-downplaying-seriousness-of-covid-19-326412">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19</a>

The rallies were to be organised at&nbsp;&nbsp;two Nevada airports. However, the state cancelled the permit for the events as they would have&nbsp;violated the state’s coronavirus-related ban on gatherings of more than 50 people.

However, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> has a firm decision-making power and has, therefore, decided to still visit the state to assess his standing in the upcoming elections from this state — which is crucial to decide&nbsp;whether the Republican incumbent or Democratic rival Joe Biden wins the Nov. 3 presidential election.

The rallies had been scheduled at airports in Las Vegas and Reno.

"The Governor’s Office had no involvement or communication with the event organizers or potential hosts regarding the proposed campaign events advertised by the Trump campaign," Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak&nbsp;said on Twitter.

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Trump's team, however, has accused Sisolak and Democrats of not allowing Trump to meet his supporters — a claim that has been denied by the opposition.

The decision was taken after Trump's&nbsp;rally on Tuesday at an airport in North Carolina drew thousands, defying all coronavirus-related restrictions, in contrast to Joe Biden's rallies which have usually involved smaller crowds who can be spotted wearing face masks.

“The fact that Donald Trump was even considering holding these unsafe events in the midst of a global pandemic is just the latest example of his poor judgment and complete disregard for Nevadans’ public health and safety,”&nbsp;Madison Mundy, a spokeswoman for the Nevada Democratic Party, said in a statement

The US President Donald Trump has been campaigning all over the country with the hopes of getting re-elected in the upcoming US elections. His campaigns have been criticised quite a lot of times from his opposition party members and health experts due to carelessness towards the coronavirus restrictions.

The US President Donald Trump has been campaigning all over the country with the hopes of getting re-elected in the upcoming US elections. His campaigns have been criticised quite a lot of times from his opposition party members and health experts due to carelessness towards the coronavirus restrictions. While Trump would like to continue campaigning in the same manner, his upcoming campaign rallies, scheduled for this weekend, have been cancelled — with the reason being over crowd-size restrictions. Also read| US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19 The rallies were to be organised at two Nevada airports. However, the state cancelled the permit for the events as they would have violated the state’s coronavirus-related ban on gatherings of more than 50 people. However, Donald Trump has a firm decision-making power and has, therefore, decided to still visit the state to assess his standing in the upcoming elections from this state — which is crucial to decide whether the Republican incumbent or Democratic rival Joe Biden wins the Nov. 3 presidential election. The rallies had been scheduled at airports in Las Vegas and Reno. "The Governor’s Office had no involvement or communication with the event organizers or potential hosts regarding the proposed campaign events advertised by the Trump campaign," Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak said on Twitter. × Trump's team, however, has accused Sisolak and Democrats of not allowing Trump to meet his supporters — a claim that has been denied by the opposition. The decision was taken after Trump's rally on Tuesday at an airport in North Carolina drew thousands, defying all coronavirus-related restrictions, in contrast to Joe Biden's rallies which have usually involved smaller crowds who can be spotted wearing face masks. “The fact that Donald Trump was even considering holding these unsafe events in the midst of a global pandemic is just the latest example of his poor judgment and complete disregard for Nevadans’ public health and safety,” Madison Mundy, a spokeswoman for the Nevada Democratic Party, said in a statement

US election 2020: Donald Trump's Nevada rallies cancelled due to over-crowding

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months.

Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found&nbsp;decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported.

Mexico is now being called world's most dangerous country for journalists. The&nbsp;media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) confirmed that this was the fifth journalist to be murdered in cold-blood this year in Mexico.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-mexicos-corruption-scandal-that-involves-three-former-presidents-322000">Also read:&nbsp;Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents</a>

"In coordination with the state attorney general's office we will exhaust all resources to find those responsible," said Hugo Gutierrez, security minister and head of the police in eastern Veracruz state.

The 41-year-old journalist's dead body was found by the local police on a train track in a mountainous area of the municipality of Tezonapa.

Valdivia was known to cover difficult situations, such as a confrontation between the local police and few suspected criminals a day before his death.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-nabs-el-marro-fuel-theft-king-blamed-for-surge-in-drug-violence-317702">Also read:&nbsp;Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence</a>

He "worked in a complicated area where there are criminal groups," said Ana Laura Perez of the State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists, a government body.

"It must be investigated if he had reported something that bothered these criminal groups."

Mexico has been posted alongside war-struck countries such as Syria and Afghanistan when it comes to being unsafe for journalists. Since 2000, more than 100 journalists have been murdered.&nbsp;"All lines of inquiry must be exhausted, mainly those that have to do with his journalism because he worked in an area marked by violence," said Balbina Flores, RSF's representative in Mexico.

Before Valdivia,&nbsp;Maria Elena Ferral was shot dead by two assailants on motorbikes when getting into her car in Veracruz in March this year.

The Mexico police has claimed that investigations have started into the murder of&nbsp;Valdivia.

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months. Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported.

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months. Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported. Mexico is now being called world's most dangerous country for journalists. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) confirmed that this was the fifth journalist to be murdered in cold-blood this year in Mexico. Also read: Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents "In coordination with the state attorney general's office we will exhaust all resources to find those responsible," said Hugo Gutierrez, security minister and head of the police in eastern Veracruz state. The 41-year-old journalist's dead body was found by the local police on a train track in a mountainous area of the municipality of Tezonapa. Valdivia was known to cover difficult situations, such as a confrontation between the local police and few suspected criminals a day before his death. Also read: Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence He "worked in a complicated area where there are criminal groups," said Ana Laura Perez of the State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists, a government body. "It must be investigated if he had reported something that bothered these criminal groups." Mexico has been posted alongside war-struck countries such as Syria and Afghanistan when it comes to being unsafe for journalists. Since 2000, more than 100 journalists have been murdered. "All lines of inquiry must be exhausted, mainly those that have to do with his journalism because he worked in an area marked by violence," said Balbina Flores, RSF's representative in Mexico. Before Valdivia, Maria Elena Ferral was shot dead by two assailants on motorbikes when getting into her car in Veracruz in March this year. The Mexico police has claimed that investigations have started into the murder of Valdivia.

Fifth journalist found dead in violence-filled Mexico

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/visas-of-over-1000-chinese-revoked-by-us-under-trumps-order-state-department-326403">Visas of over 1000 Chinese revoked by US under Trump's order: State Department</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/01/157544-trump-final.jpg?itok=yeggbkCz" />

According to the State Department, more than 1,000 visas have been revoked since it began implementing the proclamation on June 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-poisoning-likely-by-senior-russian-officials-mike-pompeo-326402">Alexei Navalny's poisoning likely by 'senior Russian officials': Mike Pompeo</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/01/147625-mike-pompeo-afp.jpg?itok=_EtmbPs6" />

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that there was "substantial chances" that a senior official in Kremlin ordered opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/68-per-dent-decline-in-wildlife-population-in-less-than-50-years-report-326413">68 per dent decline in wildlife population in less than 50 years: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/07/30/104469-untitled-design-16.jpg?itok=PnJtdUm-" />

Human activity is to be blamed for severe destruction to three-quarters of land and 40 per cent of the oceans.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-admits-downplaying-seriousness-of-covid-19-326412">US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/21/150768-trump-mask.jpg?itok=PXHg8bt1" />

For the first time, Trump has reportedly admitted to downplaying the deadly situation in one of the strongest countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rebel-vote-in-ethiopia-tigray-leaders-reject-poll-delay-326420">Rebel vote in Ethiopia: Tigray leaders reject poll delay</a>

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Visas of over 1000 Chinese revoked by US under Trump's order: State Department According to the State Department, more than 1,000 visas have been revoked since it began implementing the proclamation on June 1.

Visas of over 1000 Chinese revoked by US under Trump's order: State Department According to the State Department, more than 1,000 visas have been revoked since it began implementing the proclamation on June 1. Alexei Navalny's poisoning likely by 'senior Russian officials': Mike Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that there was "substantial chances" that a senior official in Kremlin ordered opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning. 68 per dent decline in wildlife population in less than 50 years: Report Human activity is to be blamed for severe destruction to three-quarters of land and 40 per cent of the oceans. US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19 For the first time, Trump has reportedly admitted to downplaying the deadly situation in one of the strongest countries. Rebel vote in Ethiopia: Tigray leaders reject poll delay ×

Morning news brief: US pulls visas from Chinese students, Navalny's poisoning and more

The US has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. Local residents and opposition leaders have frequently alleged the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> of not doing enough to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

For the first time, Trump has reportedly admitted to downplaying the deadly situation in one of the strongest countries.

"I wanted to always play it down," Trump can be heard admitting on tape during an interview with a local news channel. However, he claims he did it for the greater good of the country because he did not want to create a state of panic among his fellow Americans.

"I still like playing it down, because I don't want to create a panic," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/book-trouble-trumps-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-accuses-him-of-colluding-with-russia-to-win-elections-320361">Also read|&nbsp;Book trouble: Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, accuses him of colluding with Russia to win elections</a>

The interview clippings are from the months of February and March, and have now been released for a book which will be published on September 15.

The book, which will be the fourth book this year attacking Trump, is titled "Rage" and can further decrease winning chances for Trump in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, scheduled for November 03.

Reportedly, Trump has also been caught on tape claiming that the novel coronavirus, which has killed nearly 190,000 people in the US till now,&nbsp;"goes through the air". The statement came from a man who not only avoided wearing face masks himself, but also mocked the people who wore face masks, in the starting months of this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-the-way-biden-wears-his-mask-encourages-supporters-to-try-to-vote-twice-325086">Also read|&nbsp;Trump mocks the way Biden wears his mask; encourages supporters to try to vote twice</a>

Calling the book to be yet another "political hit job", Trump stresses that he did not want to create a "frenzy" and therefore downplayed the dangers of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

"I don't want people to be frightened," he said.

"I'm not going to drive this country or the world into a frenzy," he continued. "We have to show leadership and the last thing you want to do is create a panic."

The new book is expected to hit Trump's chances of getting re-elected in the November elections, as it has been revealed through opinion polls that&nbsp;around two thirds of Americans disapprove of his handling of the virus, which led to the US becoming one of the worst affected countries in the world — as per the cases or the shoot in the unemployment rate, and the downward spiral of economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/psychologist-backed-documentary-labels-trump-malignant-narcissist-324443">Also read|&nbsp;Psychologist-backed documentary labels Trump 'malignant narcissist'</a>

Trump's opponent in the upcoming elections, joe Biden, was quick to respond to this new controversy surrounding his opponent.&nbsp;

"He knew how deadly it was," Biden said while campaigning in Michigan. "He lied to the American people. He knowingly and willingly lied about the threat it posed to the country for months."

"It was a life and death betrayal of the American people," Biden added. He also said labelled Trump's behaviour and response as "almost criminal" in an interview.

However, all these claims are have been denied by Trump's aid and infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci, who claimed that Trump always wanted to stop the country from getting "down and out".

"I don't recall anything that was any gross distortion in things that I spoke to him about," he added. Fauci has remained loyal to trump and claimed that Trump asked the medical experts to put their best foot forward, even if Trump publically asked people not to panic as the virus will be "killed by heat".

The truth about his wordings will be released soon, but the truth about his intentions will always remain a mystery. The effect of the new book will soon be revealed in the election results.

The US has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. Local residents and opposition leaders have frequently alleged the US President Donald Trump of not doing enough to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The US has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. Local residents and opposition leaders have frequently alleged the US President Donald Trump of not doing enough to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. For the first time, Trump has reportedly admitted to downplaying the deadly situation in one of the strongest countries. "I wanted to always play it down," Trump can be heard admitting on tape during an interview with a local news channel. However, he claims he did it for the greater good of the country because he did not want to create a state of panic among his fellow Americans. "I still like playing it down, because I don't want to create a panic," he said. Also read| Book trouble: Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, accuses him of colluding with Russia to win elections The interview clippings are from the months of February and March, and have now been released for a book which will be published on September 15. The book, which will be the fourth book this year attacking Trump, is titled "Rage" and can further decrease winning chances for Trump in the upcoming US elections, scheduled for November 03. Reportedly, Trump has also been caught on tape claiming that the novel coronavirus, which has killed nearly 190,000 people in the US till now, "goes through the air". The statement came from a man who not only avoided wearing face masks himself, but also mocked the people who wore face masks, in the starting months of this year. Also read| Trump mocks the way Biden wears his mask; encourages supporters to try to vote twice Calling the book to be yet another "political hit job", Trump stresses that he did not want to create a "frenzy" and therefore downplayed the dangers of the deadly virus. "I don't want people to be frightened," he said. "I'm not going to drive this country or the world into a frenzy," he continued. "We have to show leadership and the last thing you want to do is create a panic." The new book is expected to hit Trump's chances of getting re-elected in the November elections, as it has been revealed through opinion polls that around two thirds of Americans disapprove of his handling of the virus, which led to the US becoming one of the worst affected countries in the world — as per the cases or the shoot in the unemployment rate, and the downward spiral of economy. Also read| Psychologist-backed documentary labels Trump 'malignant narcissist' Trump's opponent in the upcoming elections, joe Biden, was quick to respond to this new controversy surrounding his opponent. "He knew how deadly it was," Biden said while campaigning in Michigan. "He lied to the American people. He knowingly and willingly lied about the threat it posed to the country for months." "It was a life and death betrayal of the American people," Biden added. He also said labelled Trump's behaviour and response as "almost criminal" in an interview. However, all these claims are have been denied by Trump's aid and infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci, who claimed that Trump always wanted to stop the country from getting "down and out". "I don't recall anything that was any gross distortion in things that I spoke to him about," he added. Fauci has remained loyal to trump and claimed that Trump asked the medical experts to put their best foot forward, even if Trump publically asked people not to panic as the virus will be "killed by heat". The truth about his wordings will be released soon, but the truth about his intentions will always remain a mystery. The effect of the new book will soon be revealed in the election results.

US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19

China's embassy in London has angrily demanded that Twitter investigate what it says was a hack on its ambassador's official account, which "liked" a pornographic video.

The video remained on the "liked" section of Liu Xiaoming's account for over an hour on Wednesday, attracting a stream of comments and reactions before being taken down.

"Some anti-China elements viciously attacked Ambassador Liu Xiaoming's Twitter account and employed despicable methods to deceive the public," a statement posted on the embassy's website said.

"The embassy has reported this to Twitter company and urged the latter to make thorough investigations and handle this matter seriously.

"The Embassy reserves the right to take further actions and hope that the public will not believe or spread such rumour."

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The Embassy Spokesperson issued the following statement: Recently, some anti-China elements viciously attacked Ambassador Liu Xiaoming's Twitter account and employed despicable methods to deceive the public. The Chinese Embassy strongly condemns such abominable behaviour. <a href="https://t.co/RnBfeZho7O">pic.twitter.com/RnBfeZho7O</a>
— Chinese Embassy in UK (@ChineseEmbinUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChineseEmbinUK/status/1303707219335294977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A Twitter spokesperson declined to comment.

Liu is known as one of China's most outspoken diplomats, using a pugnacious approach in media interviews and online to defend his government.

Twitter and pornography are officially banned in China, which the ruling Communist Party heavily censors.

However China's diplomats and journalists for the state-run media have in recent years set up Twitter accounts to promote and defend the government to foreigners.

Liu set up his Twitter account in October last year. He has more than 85,000 followers.&nbsp;

China's embassy in London has angrily demanded that Twitter investigate what it says was a hack on its ambassador's official account, which "liked" a pornographic video.

China's embassy in London has angrily demanded that Twitter investigate what it says was a hack on its ambassador's official account, which "liked" a pornographic video. The video remained on the "liked" section of Liu Xiaoming's account for over an hour on Wednesday, attracting a stream of comments and reactions before being taken down. "Some anti-China elements viciously attacked Ambassador Liu Xiaoming's Twitter account and employed despicable methods to deceive the public," a statement posted on the embassy's website said. "The embassy has reported this to Twitter company and urged the latter to make thorough investigations and handle this matter seriously. "The Embassy reserves the right to take further actions and hope that the public will not believe or spread such rumour." The Embassy Spokesperson issued the following statement: Recently, some anti-China elements viciously attacked Ambassador Liu Xiaoming's Twitter account and employed despicable methods to deceive the public. The Chinese Embassy strongly condemns such abominable behaviour. pic.twitter.com/RnBfeZho7O — Chinese Embassy in UK (@ChineseEmbinUK) September 9, 2020 × A Twitter spokesperson declined to comment. Liu is known as one of China's most outspoken diplomats, using a pugnacious approach in media interviews and online to defend his government. Twitter and pornography are officially banned in China, which the ruling Communist Party heavily censors. However China's diplomats and journalists for the state-run media have in recent years set up Twitter accounts to promote and defend the government to foreigners. Liu set up his Twitter account in October last year. He has more than 85,000 followers.

China says UK envoy's Twitter account hacked; asks Twitter to investigate

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