The&nbsp;Union Health Ministry of India has issued a&nbsp;standard operating procedure (SOP) for schools who would opt to re-open schools.

Only&nbsp;the schools that lie outside the containment zones will be allowed to reopen. It has also been ordered to not allow students, teachers and non-teaching staff come to school if they reside in containment zones. Furthermore, the students, teachers and&nbsp;non-teaching staff who will opt to come back to school will be advised not to travel to the containment zones after rejoining school.

The reopening will only be allowed for classes IX to XII, as of now. Instructions for other classes will be released soon, after looking at the turnout and judging the ability of schools.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-5-crore-covid-19-tests-conducted-till-date-in-india-325962">Also read:&nbsp;Over 5 crore COVID-19 tests conducted till date in India</a>

All schools will have to compulsorily sanitise the premises, from classrooms to labs, with&nbsp;1 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution. This will be personally checked by the local authorities for the schools which have been used as quarantine facilities in the past few months.

All the entry and exit points for the school will have to have sanitisation machines which will include&nbsp;mandatory hand sanitizer dispenser and thermal screening provisions.&nbsp;

All employees and students will be asked to wear face masks and follow social distancing.

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Health Ministry issues SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th-12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking 
guidance from their teachers in the context of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>.<a href="https://t.co/i1I8pPwXyT">https://t.co/i1I8pPwXyT</a> <a href="https://t.co/6c9datyVOC">pic.twitter.com/6c9datyVOC</a>
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It has also been ordered to not let the students/teachers/non-teaching staff come to school if any of them show the slightest symptoms of the novel coronavirus.

The schools have also been asked to display posters and sign boards reading out the preacuations and prevention needed to contain the spread of coronavirus, in school and in general.

While the schools are being given the permission to resume offline classes for specific class, the government has asked schools to keep encouraging students and parents to continue with online classes.

The Union Health Ministry of India has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for schools who would opt to re-open schools. Only the schools that lie outside the containment zones will be allowed to reopen.

The Union Health Ministry of India has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for schools who would opt to re-open schools. Only the schools that lie outside the containment zones will be allowed to reopen. It has also been ordered to not allow students, teachers and non-teaching staff come to school if they reside in containment zones. Furthermore, the students, teachers and non-teaching staff who will opt to come back to school will be advised not to travel to the containment zones after rejoining school. The reopening will only be allowed for classes IX to XII, as of now. Instructions for other classes will be released soon, after looking at the turnout and judging the ability of schools. Also read: Over 5 crore COVID-19 tests conducted till date in India All schools will have to compulsorily sanitise the premises, from classrooms to labs, with 1 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution. This will be personally checked by the local authorities for the schools which have been used as quarantine facilities in the past few months. All the entry and exit points for the school will have to have sanitisation machines which will include mandatory hand sanitizer dispenser and thermal screening provisions. All employees and students will be asked to wear face masks and follow social distancing. #IndiaFightsCorona Health Ministry issues SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th-12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers in the context of #COVID19.https://t.co/i1I8pPwXyT pic.twitter.com/6c9datyVOC — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 8, 2020 × It has also been ordered to not let the students/teachers/non-teaching staff come to school if any of them show the slightest symptoms of the novel coronavirus. The schools have also been asked to display posters and sign boards reading out the preacuations and prevention needed to contain the spread of coronavirus, in school and in general. While the schools are being given the permission to resume offline classes for specific class, the government has asked schools to keep encouraging students and parents to continue with online classes.

'Encourage online classes': Indian schools get guidelines for resuming offline classes

Belarus opposition politician Maxim Znak was detained on Wednesday by masked men wearing plain clothes, supporters said, as authorities extended a systematic campaign to round up the leaders of a month-long mass protest movement.

Znak was detained two days after another opposition leader, Maria Kolesnikova, was snatched in the street by masked men. Both are prominent leaders of protests demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko following an Aug. 9 election that the opposition says was rigged.

Znak was the last member of the opposition's Coordination Council still active inside Belarus apart from Nobel prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich, who has served as a figurehead for the movement.

All the rest have fled, been forced abroad or been detained in a crackdown by Lukashenko's security forces as he seeks to maintain his 26-year grip on power in the former Soviet republic.

"I demand the immediate release of Maxim Znak who was detained, or more accurately abducted, today. The methods employed by the so-called authorities are outrageous," said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran against Lukashenko in the election and fled soon afterwards to Lithuania.

"It's clear Lukashenko is afraid of negotiations and is trying in this way to paralyse the work of the Coordination Council and intimidate its members. But there is no alternative to negotiations, and Lukashenko will have to accept this."

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The Coordination Council quoted Znak's lawyer, Dmitry Laevsky, as saying the state Investigative Committee had opened a criminal case against it "for inciting actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus".

State investigators were also searching the headquarters of jailed opposition politician Viktor Babariko, Interfax news agency said.

On Tuesday, prominent opposition leader Kolesnikova thwarted an attempt to deport her by tearing up her passport to avoid being forced to cross the border into Ukraine, two of her allies said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093">Also read:&nbsp;If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a>

She remains in detention, her whereabouts unknown.

Washington voices concern

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Tuesday that Washington was "deeply concerned by the reported abduction" of Kolesnikova and two other opposition figures who were rounded up at the same time and forced to leave for Ukraine.

He called on the Belarusian authorities to "release all those who have been unjustly detained".

Lukashenko denies opponents' accusations of vote-rigging and has accused foreign powers of trying to topple him in a revolution. He retains the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin, an important ally, but faces the likelihood of European Union sanctions later this month against Belarusian officials involved in the election and its violent aftermath.

"Europe must quickly agree on a list of sanctions. And from my point of view, it should include Lukashenko, the head of this system," Manfred Weber, a senior German conservative and head of the largest grouping in the EU Parliament, told German public broadcaster ZDF.

Belarus opposition politician Maxim Znak was detained on Wednesday by masked men wearing plain clothes, supporters said, as authorities extended a systematic campaign to round up the leaders of a month-long mass protest movement.

Belarus opposition politician Maxim Znak was detained on Wednesday by masked men wearing plain clothes, supporters said, as authorities extended a systematic campaign to round up the leaders of a month-long mass protest movement. Znak was detained two days after another opposition leader, Maria Kolesnikova, was snatched in the street by masked men. Both are prominent leaders of protests demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko following an Aug. 9 election that the opposition says was rigged. Znak was the last member of the opposition's Coordination Council still active inside Belarus apart from Nobel prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich, who has served as a figurehead for the movement. All the rest have fled, been forced abroad or been detained in a crackdown by Lukashenko's security forces as he seeks to maintain his 26-year grip on power in the former Soviet republic. "I demand the immediate release of Maxim Znak who was detained, or more accurately abducted, today. The methods employed by the so-called authorities are outrageous," said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran against Lukashenko in the election and fled soon afterwards to Lithuania. "It's clear Lukashenko is afraid of negotiations and is trying in this way to paralyse the work of the Coordination Council and intimidate its members. But there is no alternative to negotiations, and Lukashenko will have to accept this." × The Coordination Council quoted Znak's lawyer, Dmitry Laevsky, as saying the state Investigative Committee had opened a criminal case against it "for inciting actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus". State investigators were also searching the headquarters of jailed opposition politician Viktor Babariko, Interfax news agency said. On Tuesday, prominent opposition leader Kolesnikova thwarted an attempt to deport her by tearing up her passport to avoid being forced to cross the border into Ukraine, two of her allies said. Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko She remains in detention, her whereabouts unknown. Washington voices concern U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Tuesday that Washington was "deeply concerned by the reported abduction" of Kolesnikova and two other opposition figures who were rounded up at the same time and forced to leave for Ukraine. He called on the Belarusian authorities to "release all those who have been unjustly detained". Lukashenko denies opponents' accusations of vote-rigging and has accused foreign powers of trying to topple him in a revolution. He retains the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin, an important ally, but faces the likelihood of European Union sanctions later this month against Belarusian officials involved in the election and its violent aftermath. "Europe must quickly agree on a list of sanctions. And from my point of view, it should include Lukashenko, the head of this system," Manfred Weber, a senior German conservative and head of the largest grouping in the EU Parliament, told German public broadcaster ZDF.

Another Belarus opposition politician, Maxim Znak, is seized by masked men

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after.

The decision has been taken after Trump met with the&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in August and decided to pull back troops from Iraq. However, Trump had not issued a timeline for the same to the Iraqi Prime Minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-justice-department-seeks-to-defend-trump-in-e-jean-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-326113">Also read|&nbsp;US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit</a>

The meeting's main agenda and the reason behind this pull back of the American troops was an increase in the attacks aimed at American targets by pro-Iranian fighters. The Iraqi government was also facing pressure domestically to ask the American troops to leave the country.

The US military withdrew from Iraq in late 2011, leaving a small mission attached to the US embassy. However, an additional unit was deployed a few years later to provide aid to the Iraqi forces in their war against Islamic State

In Afghanistan, the US currently has 8,600 soldiers in accordance with a bilateral agreement signed in February between Washington and the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-kamala-harris-becoming-first-woman-president-will-be-insult-to-us-says-trump-326114">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Kamala Harris becoming first woman president will be insult to US, says Trump</a>

As per the initial plans drawn in August this year, Trump plans to bring down the number of US troops in Afgahnistan to less than 5,000. The decision is being seen as a huge help in promoting the inter-Afghan peace talks.

Trump had earlier, in an interview, suggested that he plans to bring down the number of American troops to nearly 4,000 in time for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US Presidential elections</a> scheduled on November 03, in which Trump will be running against Joe Biden.

Under the US-Taliban deal, all foreign troops must leave the country by the spring of 2021, in exchange for security commitments from the militants.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US President Donald Trump will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after.

The US President Donald Trump will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after. The decision has been taken after Trump met with the Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in August and decided to pull back troops from Iraq. However, Trump had not issued a timeline for the same to the Iraqi Prime Minister. Also read| US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit The meeting's main agenda and the reason behind this pull back of the American troops was an increase in the attacks aimed at American targets by pro-Iranian fighters. The Iraqi government was also facing pressure domestically to ask the American troops to leave the country. The US military withdrew from Iraq in late 2011, leaving a small mission attached to the US embassy. However, an additional unit was deployed a few years later to provide aid to the Iraqi forces in their war against Islamic State In Afghanistan, the US currently has 8,600 soldiers in accordance with a bilateral agreement signed in February between Washington and the Taliban. Also read| US election 2020: Kamala Harris becoming first woman president will be insult to US, says Trump As per the initial plans drawn in August this year, Trump plans to bring down the number of US troops in Afgahnistan to less than 5,000. The decision is being seen as a huge help in promoting the inter-Afghan peace talks. Trump had earlier, in an interview, suggested that he plans to bring down the number of American troops to nearly 4,000 in time for the US Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, in which Trump will be running against Joe Biden. Under the US-Taliban deal, all foreign troops must leave the country by the spring of 2021, in exchange for security commitments from the militants. (With inputs from agencies)

US election 2020: Ahead of polls, Trump plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan

As the diplomatic relationship between China and the US are taking a downward fall, the trade deals between the two nations are also getting affected.

After banning several Chinese companies from operating in the US, now the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to&nbsp;to block imports of cotton and tomato products from western China's Xinjiang region.

However, the reason behind this decision is not the falling diplomatic relations but the inhumane actions from the Chinese side in the production. It has been alleged that the production of&nbsp;cotton and tomato products in the&nbsp;Xinjiang region is done through forced labour.

The announcement, which was to be made on Tuesday, has been postponed due to "scheduling issues". However, according to unofficial announcements and local reports, it has been reported the CBP is readying orders to stop the import of tomatoes, cotton, tomato paste,&nbsp;cotton yarn, textiles and apparel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-ahead-of-polls-trump-plans-to-withdraw-us-troops-from-iraq-afghanistan-326154">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Ahead of polls, Trump plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan</a>

The decision has been taken after the United Nations claimed to have credible reports and proof that around one&nbsp;million Muslims have been detained in camps in the region, where they are put to work forcefully and are treated in an inhumane manner with very limited resources.

However, China, irrespective of the pressure imposed by the west, has denied all allegations and has continuously declared that the&nbsp;camps are vocational training centers needed to fight extremism.

"We have reasonable but not conclusive evidence that there is a risk of forced labour in supply chains related to cotton textiles and tomatoes coming out of Xinjiang," CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith. "We will continue to work our investigations to fill in those gaps."

Although no official announcement has been made yet,&nbsp;the "Withhold Release Orders" allow the CBP to detain shipments based on suspicion of forced-labour involvement under long-standing US laws aimed at combating human trafficking, child labour and other human rights abuses.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-justice-department-seeks-to-defend-trump-in-e-jean-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-326113">Also read|&nbsp;US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit</a>

As per an order cited by a local news company, CBP has stated that the forced labour in the regionincludes&nbsp;"debt bondage, unfree movement, isolation, intimidation and threats, withholding of wages, and abusive working and living conditions."

The ban can have a negative effect on the US retail industry as China is one of the biggest cotton importer for the US as the Asian country&nbsp;produces about 20 per cent of the world's cotton and most of it comes from Xinjiang.

This is not the first time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>'s administration has taken a step against the forced labour in&nbsp;Xinjiang region. Earlier, in March, the US lawmakers had proposed legislation that would require all goods coming from the&nbsp;Xinjiang region to specifically state that the products are not a result of the forced labour.

Later, in July, Washington issued an advisory warning companies operating businesses out of or with resources from Xinjiang, or with entities using Xinjiang labour. The lawmakers warned these companies that they&nbsp;could be exposed to "reputational, economic, and legal risks".

The ban would affect&nbsp;Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and apparel produced by Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co Ltd and Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co Ltd.

It will also block imports of products made at the Lop County Industrial Park as well as the Lop County No. 4 Vocational Skills Education and Training Center. Products such as hair extensions from the Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. will also be banned. Additionally, tech-related products such as computer-parts made by the Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co Ltd, based in Anhui, China, will also face the ban.

As the diplomatic relationship between China and the US are taking a downward fall, the trade deals between the two nations are also getting affected. After banning several Chinese companies from operating in the US, now the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to to block imports of cotton and tomato products from western China's Xinjiang region.

As the diplomatic relationship between China and the US are taking a downward fall, the trade deals between the two nations are also getting affected. After banning several Chinese companies from operating in the US, now the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to to block imports of cotton and tomato products from western China's Xinjiang region. However, the reason behind this decision is not the falling diplomatic relations but the inhumane actions from the Chinese side in the production. It has been alleged that the production of cotton and tomato products in the Xinjiang region is done through forced labour. The announcement, which was to be made on Tuesday, has been postponed due to "scheduling issues". However, according to unofficial announcements and local reports, it has been reported the CBP is readying orders to stop the import of tomatoes, cotton, tomato paste, cotton yarn, textiles and apparel. Also read| US election 2020: Ahead of polls, Trump plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan The decision has been taken after the United Nations claimed to have credible reports and proof that around one million Muslims have been detained in camps in the region, where they are put to work forcefully and are treated in an inhumane manner with very limited resources. However, China, irrespective of the pressure imposed by the west, has denied all allegations and has continuously declared that the camps are vocational training centers needed to fight extremism. "We have reasonable but not conclusive evidence that there is a risk of forced labour in supply chains related to cotton textiles and tomatoes coming out of Xinjiang," CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith. "We will continue to work our investigations to fill in those gaps." Although no official announcement has been made yet, the "Withhold Release Orders" allow the CBP to detain shipments based on suspicion of forced-labour involvement under long-standing US laws aimed at combating human trafficking, child labour and other human rights abuses. Also read| US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit As per an order cited by a local news company, CBP has stated that the forced labour in the regionincludes "debt bondage, unfree movement, isolation, intimidation and threats, withholding of wages, and abusive working and living conditions." The ban can have a negative effect on the US retail industry as China is one of the biggest cotton importer for the US as the Asian country produces about 20 per cent of the world's cotton and most of it comes from Xinjiang. This is not the first time Donald Trump's administration has taken a step against the forced labour in Xinjiang region. Earlier, in March, the US lawmakers had proposed legislation that would require all goods coming from the Xinjiang region to specifically state that the products are not a result of the forced labour. Later, in July, Washington issued an advisory warning companies operating businesses out of or with resources from Xinjiang, or with entities using Xinjiang labour. The lawmakers warned these companies that they could be exposed to "reputational, economic, and legal risks". The ban would affect Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and apparel produced by Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co Ltd and Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co Ltd. It will also block imports of products made at the Lop County Industrial Park as well as the Lop County No. 4 Vocational Skills Education and Training Center. Products such as hair extensions from the Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. will also be banned. Additionally, tech-related products such as computer-parts made by the Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co Ltd, based in Anhui, China, will also face the ban.

US election 2020: Trump administration to ban imports from China over forced labour

As a symbol of protest against the terrible situation of the&nbsp;Greek migrant camps, four groups got together and placed 13,000 chairs outside the German parliament building in Berlin, Germany.

Moria camp, located on Lesbos island, is Greece's largest reception camp. The camp has a capacity of less than 2,800 people. However, at present, there are 13,000 people stuck there.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/44-of-people-in-greece-to-skip-coronavirus-vaccine-study-325662">Also read|&nbsp;44% of people in Greece to skip coronavirus vaccine: Study</a>

Overall, thee are five camps in Greece which have nearly 24,000 people stuck in them. the camps, however, can only&nbsp;handle less than 6,100 people.

The protesting groups said the capacity of the camps versus the present number of people in these migrant camps directly points out the terrible conditions that the migrants are being out through.

Germany has taken in 465 people from these camps, mostly sick children and their families.&nbsp;Berlin alone has promised to take in over a thousand.

"The Bundestag was on holiday this summer, the humanitarian catastrophe at the EU external borders was not," the groups said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-issues-fresh-threat-to-greece-warning-amid-row-over-gas-oil-resources-325510">Also watch|&nbsp;Turkey issues fresh threat to Greece, warning amid row over gas &amp; oil resources</a>

The demonstration was collectively organised by&nbsp;Seebruecke, Sea-Watch, Campact and LeaveNoOneBehind on Monday in Berlin.

These protests came a week after Greece reported first coronavirus case in the&nbsp;Moria camp.

During the protests, a mock stage was also planted with three chairs placed as a symbol for the chairs of&nbsp;German Chancellor Angela Merkel, German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.&nbsp;The chair installation is taking place in the context of the anti-racist action days by "We’ll Come United" and is organised by several groups such as Sea-Watch, Campact and LeaveNoOneBehind.

As a symbol of protest against the terrible situation of the Greek migrant camps, four groups got together and placed 13,000 chairs outside the German parliament building in Berlin, Germany.

As a symbol of protest against the terrible situation of the Greek migrant camps, four groups got together and placed 13,000 chairs outside the German parliament building in Berlin, Germany. Moria camp, located on Lesbos island, is Greece's largest reception camp. The camp has a capacity of less than 2,800 people. However, at present, there are 13,000 people stuck there. Also read| 44% of people in Greece to skip coronavirus vaccine: Study Overall, thee are five camps in Greece which have nearly 24,000 people stuck in them. the camps, however, can only handle less than 6,100 people. The protesting groups said the capacity of the camps versus the present number of people in these migrant camps directly points out the terrible conditions that the migrants are being out through. Germany has taken in 465 people from these camps, mostly sick children and their families. Berlin alone has promised to take in over a thousand. "The Bundestag was on holiday this summer, the humanitarian catastrophe at the EU external borders was not," the groups said in a statement. Also watch| Turkey issues fresh threat to Greece, warning amid row over gas & oil resources The demonstration was collectively organised by Seebruecke, Sea-Watch, Campact and LeaveNoOneBehind on Monday in Berlin. These protests came a week after Greece reported first coronavirus case in the Moria camp. During the protests, a mock stage was also planted with three chairs placed as a symbol for the chairs of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. The chair installation is taking place in the context of the anti-racist action days by "We’ll Come United" and is organised by several groups such as Sea-Watch, Campact and LeaveNoOneBehind.

13,000 chairs placed outside German parliament to protest against Greek migrant camps

India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network, a top official has said.

The branching out of this trilateral initiative in development and technological arena is a result of the people-to-people collaboration, in particular those by Indian diaspora in the US and Israel, that was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historic visit to Israel three years ago in July 2017, community leaders said.

A collaboration in 5G is a just tip of the iceberg and a first step, according to US Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick.

"Because we'll collaborate in science and research and development in coming up with the next generations of technologies, things that the likes of you and the rest of us on the phone can't even imagine what they might be. But by partnering by officially, affirming the importance of this relationship, we'll advance it," Glick told PTI in an interview after the US-India-Israel forum featuring discussions on strategic, tech and development/water cooperation held last week.

"We are thrilled to work with these partners to solve the world's development challenges," she said in her keynote address to the virtual US-India-Israel summit that focused on trilateral partnerships in the strategic, technology and development arenas.

The summit was also addressed by Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka and his counterpart Sanjeev Singla. 
"One area we've been cooperating on is digital leadership and innovation, particularly in next generation 5G technology," Glick said.

"In July, I chaired a roundtable discussion with several like-minded donors on 5G and digital development. To me, it was extremely important that India and Israel be part of that conversation. And the discussion was richer because of their contributions," she said.

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Silicon Valley, Bangaluru and Tel Aviv have all earned reputations as leading, innovative technology hubs, and rightfully so, according to Glick.

"So it's only right that our three nations play a key role in delivering the promise of 5G in a way that is open, interoperable, reliable, and secure," she stressed. "We cannot allow any nation to dominate this technology or use it to dominate other nations."

When Israel, the US and India collaborate in defence, much of that collaboration and discussion is done in closed rooms, because the topics are highly sensitive, the official said.

"When we're talking about development cooperation, we're talking about transparent and open activities that can make all three countries extremely proud about the way that they impact the lives of people all over the world," Glick said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tim-ceo-says-not-a-problem-to-develop-5g-without-huawei-325467">Also read:&nbsp;TIM CEO says not a problem to develop 5G without Huawei</a>

Javier Piedra, deputy assistant administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, said that in the case of India and Israel, they had a "peer-to-peer relationship", always looking to see how they might advance their respective activities cooperatively so that they might leverage common goals, resources, and comparative advantages in pursuit of self-reliance globally.

"Moreover, we continue to set the stage to further international development trilaterally, wherever possible," he said. 
"Our partnerships with Israel and India, given our peer-to-peer relationship, exemplifies the importance of working together on issues related to water, water management and security," Piedra said.

M R Rangaswami from Indiaspora, who presented the tech-triangle (Silicon Valley-Tel Aviv and Bangalore) concept to Modi in Israel in 2017, said the beauty of this model was because technology was a commonality in the three things, all kinds of "incredible things" had come out of it.

Dr Bharat Barai, an Indian-American from Chicago, said the people-to-people relationship, business, science and technology among the three countries would not only strengthen the ties, but also help in developmental activities in the third-world countries.

Nissim Reuben, assistant director, Asia Pacific Institute (API) at the American Jewish Committee, said a strong, prosperous, vibrant and resilient Indian economy was a top priority for many countries, especially the US and Israel. 
To achieve that goal, India needs to continuously update its agro, water &amp; wastewater management techniques, an area where Mashav Development Agency of Israel could play a key role with support of the USAID.

AJC, Indiaspora, GIJRI &amp; the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) will jointly advocate for this expansion of this US-Israel-India developmental partnership, he said.

"We hope to be able to advocate the setting up of US-Israeli joint centres of excellence in health in India similar to the 29 centres of agro-tech excellence set up by Mashav in India.

"Skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship, water and renewable energy cooperation will be other areas of trilateral cooperation advocacy by our four organisations in the US," Reuben said.

India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network, a top official has said.

India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network, a top official has said. The branching out of this trilateral initiative in development and technological arena is a result of the people-to-people collaboration, in particular those by Indian diaspora in the US and Israel, that was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historic visit to Israel three years ago in July 2017, community leaders said. A collaboration in 5G is a just tip of the iceberg and a first step, according to US Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick. "Because we'll collaborate in science and research and development in coming up with the next generations of technologies, things that the likes of you and the rest of us on the phone can't even imagine what they might be. But by partnering by officially, affirming the importance of this relationship, we'll advance it," Glick told PTI in an interview after the US-India-Israel forum featuring discussions on strategic, tech and development/water cooperation held last week. "We are thrilled to work with these partners to solve the world's development challenges," she said in her keynote address to the virtual US-India-Israel summit that focused on trilateral partnerships in the strategic, technology and development arenas. The summit was also addressed by Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka and his counterpart Sanjeev Singla. "One area we've been cooperating on is digital leadership and innovation, particularly in next generation 5G technology," Glick said. "In July, I chaired a roundtable discussion with several like-minded donors on 5G and digital development. To me, it was extremely important that India and Israel be part of that conversation. And the discussion was richer because of their contributions," she said. × Silicon Valley, Bangaluru and Tel Aviv have all earned reputations as leading, innovative technology hubs, and rightfully so, according to Glick. "So it's only right that our three nations play a key role in delivering the promise of 5G in a way that is open, interoperable, reliable, and secure," she stressed. "We cannot allow any nation to dominate this technology or use it to dominate other nations." When Israel, the US and India collaborate in defence, much of that collaboration and discussion is done in closed rooms, because the topics are highly sensitive, the official said. "When we're talking about development cooperation, we're talking about transparent and open activities that can make all three countries extremely proud about the way that they impact the lives of people all over the world," Glick said. Also read: TIM CEO says not a problem to develop 5G without Huawei Javier Piedra, deputy assistant administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, said that in the case of India and Israel, they had a "peer-to-peer relationship", always looking to see how they might advance their respective activities cooperatively so that they might leverage common goals, resources, and comparative advantages in pursuit of self-reliance globally. "Moreover, we continue to set the stage to further international development trilaterally, wherever possible," he said. "Our partnerships with Israel and India, given our peer-to-peer relationship, exemplifies the importance of working together on issues related to water, water management and security," Piedra said. M R Rangaswami from Indiaspora, who presented the tech-triangle (Silicon Valley-Tel Aviv and Bangalore) concept to Modi in Israel in 2017, said the beauty of this model was because technology was a commonality in the three things, all kinds of "incredible things" had come out of it. Dr Bharat Barai, an Indian-American from Chicago, said the people-to-people relationship, business, science and technology among the three countries would not only strengthen the ties, but also help in developmental activities in the third-world countries. Nissim Reuben, assistant director, Asia Pacific Institute (API) at the American Jewish Committee, said a strong, prosperous, vibrant and resilient Indian economy was a top priority for many countries, especially the US and Israel. To achieve that goal, India needs to continuously update its agro, water & wastewater management techniques, an area where Mashav Development Agency of Israel could play a key role with support of the USAID. AJC, Indiaspora, GIJRI & the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) will jointly advocate for this expansion of this US-Israel-India developmental partnership, he said. "We hope to be able to advocate the setting up of US-Israeli joint centres of excellence in health in India similar to the 29 centres of agro-tech excellence set up by Mashav in India. "Skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship, water and renewable energy cooperation will be other areas of trilateral cooperation advocacy by our four organisations in the US," Reuben said.

India, US, Israel collaborating in 5G tech: Official

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-accuses-indian-soldiers-of-crossing-lac-and-firing-warning-shots-325855">China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’</a>

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China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudis-verdict-on-khashoggis-case-fell-short-of-meeting-expectations-turkey-325854">'Saudi's verdict on Khashoggi's case fell short of meeting expectations': Turkey</a>

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Turkey on Monday said that the Saudi court's ruling to overturn five death sentences in the case of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's did not meet global expectations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-two-australian-journalists-in-china-leave-country-325865">Last two Australian journalists in China leave country</a>

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The decision of the journalists coming back to Australia was taken after the the Chinese government had started detaining the journalists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-kamala-harris-will-never-be-president-of-us-says-donald-trump-325860">US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump</a>

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The President asserted that a coronavirus vaccine will be available in a record time, maybe by the end of the year and even before the November 3 presidential election.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/california-wildfires-more-than-200-people-airlifted-to-safety-325871">California wildfires: More than 200 people airlifted to safety</a>

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China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’ China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake.

China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’ China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake. 'Saudi's verdict on Khashoggi's case fell short of meeting expectations': Turkey Turkey on Monday said that the Saudi court's ruling to overturn five death sentences in the case of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's did not meet global expectations. Last two Australian journalists in China leave country The decision of the journalists coming back to Australia was taken after the the Chinese government had started detaining the journalists. US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump The President asserted that a coronavirus vaccine will be available in a record time, maybe by the end of the year and even before the November 3 presidential election. California wildfires: More than 200 people airlifted to safety ×

Morning News Brief: California wildfires, China accuses India of crossing LAC and more

The UN&nbsp;rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a&nbsp;&nbsp;"thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic&nbsp;Alexei Navalny.

"The number of cases of poisoning, or other forms of targeted assassination, of current or former Russian citizens, either within Russia itself or on foreign soil, over the past two decades is profoundly disturbing," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-opposition-figure-navalny-who-was-poisoned-now-out-of-medically-induced-coma-325807">Also read:&nbsp;Russia's opposition figure Navalny who was poisoned now out of medically induced coma</a>

Calling this a very serious crime, she said "it is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime – a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil."

Russia's ties with the west are suffering after&nbsp;Navalny's alleged poisoning&nbsp;case. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday, said the country will not rule out consequences for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project if Russia fails to thoroughly investigate the incident.

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The US President Donald Trump, too, had called it a serious crime, saying,&nbsp;"I would be very angry if that's the case."

The British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab had also said,&nbsp;“What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer."

However, Russia has denied all allegations since the beginning of the matter.&nbsp;"Attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are absurd," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russian doctors had even blamed&nbsp;Navalny's condition on poor health and sleeping patterns.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Alexei Navalny&nbsp;came out of the medically induced coma on September 07, reported&nbsp;the hospital in Berlin where he is being treated.

The UN rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a "thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic Alexei Navalny.

The UN rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a "thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic Alexei Navalny. "The number of cases of poisoning, or other forms of targeted assassination, of current or former Russian citizens, either within Russia itself or on foreign soil, over the past two decades is profoundly disturbing," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. Also read: Russia's opposition figure Navalny who was poisoned now out of medically induced coma Calling this a very serious crime, she said "it is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime – a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil." Russia's ties with the west are suffering after Navalny's alleged poisoning case. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday, said the country will not rule out consequences for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project if Russia fails to thoroughly investigate the incident. × The US President Donald Trump, too, had called it a serious crime, saying, "I would be very angry if that's the case." The British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab had also said, “What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer." However, Russia has denied all allegations since the beginning of the matter. "Attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are absurd," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russian doctors had even blamed Navalny's condition on poor health and sleeping patterns. Meanwhile, Alexei Navalny came out of the medically induced coma on September 07, reported the hospital in Berlin where he is being treated.

UN urges Russia to conduct transparent investigation of Navalny's poisoning

After being criticised and accused by nearly the whole world for not handling the novel coronavirus in a right manner, Chinese President Xi Jinping has claimed that China&nbsp;passed "an extraordinary and historic test".

China organised an awards ceremony for medical professionals on Tuesday in which selected front-line workers were awarded with medals and applause for containing and handling the COVID-19 virus.

Calling the workers "heroes", and claiming that the country went through a&nbsp;"heroic struggle" against the novel coronavirus, Xi Jinping said,&nbsp;"We quickly achieved initial success in the people's war against the coronavirus. We are leading the world in economic recovery and in the fight against Covid-19."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-releases-first-batch-of-covid-19-vaccine-sputnik-v-into-public-325883">Also read|&nbsp;Russia releases first batch of Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V into public</a>

The ceremony was held at&nbsp;Great Hall of the People. The honour ceremony began with a moment of silence to pay respects to the ones who lost their battle against the virus.

Four "heroes" from the medical field were awarded with medals of honours in the ceremony which was attended by hundreds of masked&nbsp;delegates.

Zhong Nanshan, China's 83-year-old famous medical expert, was also awarded the medal by Xi Jinping. Nanshan is a famous medical expert who also became the face of China in their fight against the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-accuses-indian-soldiers-of-crossing-lac-and-firing-warning-shots-325855">Also read|&nbsp;China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’</a>

"We will join hands with the... world's medical workers to continue the fight in tracing the origins of the virus," said Zhong.

Other than Nanshan, three others were honoured with the title of "The People's Hero". The list included biochemical expert Chen Wei, the head of a hospital in Wuhan, and a 72-year-old expert in traditional Chinese medicine.

However, no mention of the&nbsp;whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang or the accusations by other countries was made.&nbsp;

China has been accused of spreading the novel coronavirus in the world by the US President Donald Trump. In addition to the US, the Xi administration has also faced backlash and rise in diplomatic tensions with Australia, India, and few other countries in the past few months.

After being criticised and accused by nearly the whole world for not handling the novel coronavirus in a right manner, Chinese President Xi Jinping has claimed that China passed "an extraordinary and historic test".

After being criticised and accused by nearly the whole world for not handling the novel coronavirus in a right manner, Chinese President Xi Jinping has claimed that China passed "an extraordinary and historic test". China organised an awards ceremony for medical professionals on Tuesday in which selected front-line workers were awarded with medals and applause for containing and handling the COVID-19 virus. Calling the workers "heroes", and claiming that the country went through a "heroic struggle" against the novel coronavirus, Xi Jinping said, "We quickly achieved initial success in the people's war against the coronavirus. We are leading the world in economic recovery and in the fight against Covid-19." Also read| Russia releases first batch of Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V into public The ceremony was held at Great Hall of the People. The honour ceremony began with a moment of silence to pay respects to the ones who lost their battle against the virus. Four "heroes" from the medical field were awarded with medals of honours in the ceremony which was attended by hundreds of masked delegates. Zhong Nanshan, China's 83-year-old famous medical expert, was also awarded the medal by Xi Jinping. Nanshan is a famous medical expert who also became the face of China in their fight against the coronavirus. Also read| China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’ "We will join hands with the... world's medical workers to continue the fight in tracing the origins of the virus," said Zhong. Other than Nanshan, three others were honoured with the title of "The People's Hero". The list included biochemical expert Chen Wei, the head of a hospital in Wuhan, and a 72-year-old expert in traditional Chinese medicine. However, no mention of the whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang or the accusations by other countries was made. China has been accused of spreading the novel coronavirus in the world by the US President Donald Trump. In addition to the US, the Xi administration has also faced backlash and rise in diplomatic tensions with Australia, India, and few other countries in the past few months.

China handled COVID-19 openly and transparently: Xi Jinping

Myanmar's election campaign began Tuesday with Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains widely admired and respected at home despite her tarnished image abroad, hoping for a landslide win to further cement her status as the country's civilian leader.

The Nobel laureate's National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to power in 2015 — the first national polls since the Southeast Asian nation emerged from decades of junta rule.

Despite the coronavirus threat, campaigns are, for now, under way — albeit with accessories.

Wearing a red face mask, plastic visor and rubber gloves, Suu Kyi Tuesday morning raised the NLD flag — with its fighting peacock symbol — at the party's office in the capital, Naypyidaw.

"We want our victory to be the country's victory," she said, thanking supporters for flying the NLD colours across the nation.

A tide of red NLD paraphernalia has swept across Yangon with printing shops in recent weeks in overdrive to produce stickers, T-shirts and masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-pulls-out-of-first-election-trip-over-coronavirus-325734">Also read:&nbsp;Myanmar's Suu Kyi pulls out of first election trip over coronavirus</a>

"I don't think about policies or candidates. I love Mother Suu and I like what she does for our country," 61-year-old street vendor Myint Myint Htay told AFP.

But the military is still hugely powerful in a country governed under a constitution written by the former junta.

The armed forces control three key ministries and 25 percent of parliamentary seats -- effectively giving them a veto on legislation.

In August, Suu Kyi reminded the country on Facebook why her party needed every vote: "We can't just get more than 50 percent of elected seats like in a normal democracy."

Credibility in question?

Suu Kyi -- once hailed as a democracy icon -- has seen her international standing plummet in recent years over allegations that Myanmar committed genocide against its Rohingya Muslim community.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-a-nun-in-myanmar-is-battling-deeply-rooted-misogyny-324936">Also read:&nbsp;How a nun in Myanmar is battling deeply-rooted misogyny</a>

Her decision to travel to the UN's top court to defend military operations against the minority was widely condemned in the West but stoked nationalistic pride at home.

NLD fervour still rages across much of the majority-Bamar heartlands, but a flagging peace process in a nation wrought with conflict -- as well as a perception the NLD acts only for the dominant Bamar group -- means a likely boon for ethnic minority parties.

The ruling party's principal foe, the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), sees this as an opening.

"I'm trying to build understanding with ethnic parties," USDP leader Than Htay told AFP.

Also out in force in Yangon Tuesday were the blue-clad People's Pioneer Party (PPP), led by businesswoman Thet Thet Khine, ousted from the NLD last year and proclaiming a "middle way" between Suu Kyi's party and the military.

But the coronavirus pandemic could still upend the vote with case numbers quadrupling in the last three weeks -- even if they remain relatively low at just 1,610 with eight deaths so far.

Campaign events are limited to a maximum of 50 people.

Many are even calling for the election to be postponed, but Suu Kyi would be loath to delay, said Yangon-based analyst Richard Horsey.

She has led the nation's fight against the pandemic and delaying would be a "sign she's not winning the battle".

If her hand is forced, a postponement of more than two months would theoretically cause a constitutional crisis and even the invocation of a state of emergency.

But Horsey predicted the government and military would reach a consensus to head off any political fallout.

Many observers expect the vote to be cancelled in the worst conflict areas, including northern Rakhine state -- likely fuelling further discontent.

Rakhine was also where the military drove out hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims in 2017 -- operations that now see Myanmar facing genocide charges.

The disenfranchisement of refugees and most of the 600,000 Rohingya still in Myanmar -- stripped of citizenship and rights -- raises "fundamental doubts" about the election's credibility, warned Phil Robertson from Human Rights Watch.

Myanmar's election campaign began Tuesday with Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains widely admired and respected at home despite her tarnished image abroad, hoping for a landslide win to further cement her status as the country's civilian leader.

Myanmar's election campaign began Tuesday with Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains widely admired and respected at home despite her tarnished image abroad, hoping for a landslide win to further cement her status as the country's civilian leader. The Nobel laureate's National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to power in 2015 — the first national polls since the Southeast Asian nation emerged from decades of junta rule. Despite the coronavirus threat, campaigns are, for now, under way — albeit with accessories. Wearing a red face mask, plastic visor and rubber gloves, Suu Kyi Tuesday morning raised the NLD flag — with its fighting peacock symbol — at the party's office in the capital, Naypyidaw. "We want our victory to be the country's victory," she said, thanking supporters for flying the NLD colours across the nation. A tide of red NLD paraphernalia has swept across Yangon with printing shops in recent weeks in overdrive to produce stickers, T-shirts and masks. Also read: Myanmar's Suu Kyi pulls out of first election trip over coronavirus "I don't think about policies or candidates. I love Mother Suu and I like what she does for our country," 61-year-old street vendor Myint Myint Htay told AFP. But the military is still hugely powerful in a country governed under a constitution written by the former junta. The armed forces control three key ministries and 25 percent of parliamentary seats -- effectively giving them a veto on legislation. In August, Suu Kyi reminded the country on Facebook why her party needed every vote: "We can't just get more than 50 percent of elected seats like in a normal democracy." Credibility in question? Suu Kyi -- once hailed as a democracy icon -- has seen her international standing plummet in recent years over allegations that Myanmar committed genocide against its Rohingya Muslim community. Also read: How a nun in Myanmar is battling deeply-rooted misogyny Her decision to travel to the UN's top court to defend military operations against the minority was widely condemned in the West but stoked nationalistic pride at home. NLD fervour still rages across much of the majority-Bamar heartlands, but a flagging peace process in a nation wrought with conflict -- as well as a perception the NLD acts only for the dominant Bamar group -- means a likely boon for ethnic minority parties. The ruling party's principal foe, the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), sees this as an opening. "I'm trying to build understanding with ethnic parties," USDP leader Than Htay told AFP. Also out in force in Yangon Tuesday were the blue-clad People's Pioneer Party (PPP), led by businesswoman Thet Thet Khine, ousted from the NLD last year and proclaiming a "middle way" between Suu Kyi's party and the military. But the coronavirus pandemic could still upend the vote with case numbers quadrupling in the last three weeks -- even if they remain relatively low at just 1,610 with eight deaths so far. Campaign events are limited to a maximum of 50 people. Many are even calling for the election to be postponed, but Suu Kyi would be loath to delay, said Yangon-based analyst Richard Horsey. She has led the nation's fight against the pandemic and delaying would be a "sign she's not winning the battle". If her hand is forced, a postponement of more than two months would theoretically cause a constitutional crisis and even the invocation of a state of emergency. But Horsey predicted the government and military would reach a consensus to head off any political fallout. Many observers expect the vote to be cancelled in the worst conflict areas, including northern Rakhine state -- likely fuelling further discontent. Rakhine was also where the military drove out hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims in 2017 -- operations that now see Myanmar facing genocide charges. The disenfranchisement of refugees and most of the 600,000 Rohingya still in Myanmar -- stripped of citizenship and rights -- raises "fundamental doubts" about the election's credibility, warned Phil Robertson from Human Rights Watch.

Election countdown starts in Myanmar under virus shadow

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal.

Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying&nbsp;social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions.

He was asked to resign by Ireland's Prime Minister&nbsp;Micheal Martin. Hogan had later issued an apology saying,&nbsp;"I wish to apologise fully and unreservedly for attending."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-to-recall-parliament-as-lawmakers-defy-covid-19-rules-322491">Also read|&nbsp;Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules</a>

"I acknowledge my actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland, something for which I am profoundly sorry," he added.

The apology was followed by Hogan's resignation, after which&nbsp;European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had asked executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis to take over his duties in the interim. She had also urged&nbsp;the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post — one woman and one man. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality," she had said at that time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-to-nominate-replacement-of-phil-hogan-for-eu-trade-chief-role-323468">Also read|&nbsp;Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role</a>

Experts were unsure about Ireland securing the position again. The position has now been handed over to the&nbsp;EU veteran Valdis Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister who is seen as a steady pair of hands for one of the bloc's most sensitive jobs.

Ireland, however, did better than expected in the reshuffle, with the important financial services portfolio going to the country's new commissioner, senior MEP Mairead McGuinness, the EU said.

(With inputs from AFP)

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal. Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions.

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal. Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions. He was asked to resign by Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin. Hogan had later issued an apology saying, "I wish to apologise fully and unreservedly for attending." Also read| Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules "I acknowledge my actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland, something for which I am profoundly sorry," he added. The apology was followed by Hogan's resignation, after which European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had asked executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis to take over his duties in the interim. She had also urged the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post — one woman and one man. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality," she had said at that time. Also read| Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role Experts were unsure about Ireland securing the position again. The position has now been handed over to the EU veteran Valdis Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister who is seen as a steady pair of hands for one of the bloc's most sensitive jobs. Ireland, however, did better than expected in the reshuffle, with the important financial services portfolio going to the country's new commissioner, senior MEP Mairead McGuinness, the EU said. (With inputs from AFP)

Ireland loses EU trade job after Phil Hogan defies coronavirus restrictions

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing.

In an&nbsp;address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine.

Trump feels Biden's stand on American <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> is&nbsp;very "reckless" and he should apologise for the "anti-vaccine rhetoric".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-kamala-harris-will-never-be-president-of-us-says-donald-trump-325860">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, during a Labor Day news conference in front of the White House, said,&nbsp;"Biden and his very liberal running mate, the most liberal person in Congress by the way - is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy - should immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now."

Trump, calling Biden "stupid" said Biden's opinion on the vaccine "undermines science".

The President has announced that he will have the COVID-19 vaccine ready before the upcoming US Presidential elections, that are scheduled for November 03.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-donald-trumps-latest-admirer-noor-bin-ladin-the-niece-of-osama-bin-laden-325838">Also read|&nbsp;Meet Donald Trump's latest admirer - Noor Bin Ladin, the niece of Osama Bin Laden</a>

The comment came after Joe Biden, his opponent in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election"> US elections 2020</a>, strongly opposed Trump's claim on vaccine, and even questioned if the FDA is being pressurised by the Trump administration to roll out the vaccine early.

Trump also touched upon the recent controversy of him calling the fallen US soldiers as "losers" and "suckers". Dismissing the reports, he said,&nbsp;"The story is a hoax. Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that."

He also claimed that he is the idle person to bring the country of the pandemic-hit economy recession, as opposed to Joe Biden who, according to Trump, would undo the progress.

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing. In an address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent Joe Biden for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine.

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing. In an address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent Joe Biden for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine. Trump feels Biden's stand on American COVID-19 vaccines is very "reckless" and he should apologise for the "anti-vaccine rhetoric". Also read| US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump Donald Trump, during a Labor Day news conference in front of the White House, said, "Biden and his very liberal running mate, the most liberal person in Congress by the way - is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy - should immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now." Trump, calling Biden "stupid" said Biden's opinion on the vaccine "undermines science". The President has announced that he will have the COVID-19 vaccine ready before the upcoming US Presidential elections, that are scheduled for November 03. Also read| Meet Donald Trump's latest admirer - Noor Bin Ladin, the niece of Osama Bin Laden The comment came after Joe Biden, his opponent in the US elections 2020, strongly opposed Trump's claim on vaccine, and even questioned if the FDA is being pressurised by the Trump administration to roll out the vaccine early. Trump also touched upon the recent controversy of him calling the fallen US soldiers as "losers" and "suckers". Dismissing the reports, he said, "The story is a hoax. Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that." He also claimed that he is the idle person to bring the country of the pandemic-hit economy recession, as opposed to Joe Biden who, according to Trump, would undo the progress.

US election 2020: Trump demands apology from Biden for challenging him on vaccines

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