A top official from&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said he will resign if the Trum administration meddles in the affairs of the FDA and approes a vaccine before it is proved to be safe and effectivw for the general public.

Peter Marks, Director of the Food and Drug Administration`s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, confirmed to a news agency that scientists, researchers, government officials and executives are worried that the Trump administration will try to rush the process and/or release of the COVID-19 vaccine to have a lead in the upcoming Presidential elections in November.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-locks-in-coronavirus-vaccine-deal-as-new-cases-ease-321609">Also read:&nbsp;Australia locks in coronavirus vaccine deal as new cases ease</a>

The statement came after Marks, on a NIH call with members of its vaccine working group on August 14, reacted to some participants' questions of whether it was realistic to expect sufficient safety and efficacy data from those trials before the election.

Marks said he can not stand by and see something ineffective — or probably unsafe — being handed out to the general public for a political agenda.

"You have to decide where your red line is, and that`s my red line," he said. "I would feel obligated (to resign) because in doing so, I would indicate to the American public that there's something wrong."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/can-the-world-overcome-vaccine-nationalism-321588">Also read:&nbsp;Can the world overcome vaccine nationalism?</a>

He is not just against Trump administration using the vaccine. Marks established that he would be against anyone using the vacacine for personal or political gains, even if the vaccine was proven to be medicaly safe for public.

Michael Caputo, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees FDA and NIH, said the government aims to identify a safe and effective vaccine by January 2021.

Meanwhile, there have been speculations of the FDA approving a vaccine under political pressure for the upcoming November elections.&nbsp;However, Caputo rejected such claims saying, "I've never met one FDA regulator who wouldn't resign over improper pressure, and that's how America knows their seal of approval is the gold standard." He added that such speculations&nbsp;"only undermines confidence in the public health system."

The FDA has scheduled a meeting of its advisory committee of outside experts on coronavirus vaccines on October 22. Marks claimed that the trials were doing well and the data could be available for interpretation by October.

A top official from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said he will resign if the Trum administration meddles in the affairs of the FDA and approes a vaccine before it is proved to be safe and effectivw for the general public.

A top official from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said he will resign if the Trum administration meddles in the affairs of the FDA and approes a vaccine before it is proved to be safe and effectivw for the general public. Peter Marks, Director of the Food and Drug Administration`s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, confirmed to a news agency that scientists, researchers, government officials and executives are worried that the Trump administration will try to rush the process and/or release of the COVID-19 vaccine to have a lead in the upcoming Presidential elections in November. Also read: Australia locks in coronavirus vaccine deal as new cases ease The statement came after Marks, on a NIH call with members of its vaccine working group on August 14, reacted to some participants' questions of whether it was realistic to expect sufficient safety and efficacy data from those trials before the election. Marks said he can not stand by and see something ineffective — or probably unsafe — being handed out to the general public for a political agenda. "You have to decide where your red line is, and that`s my red line," he said. "I would feel obligated (to resign) because in doing so, I would indicate to the American public that there's something wrong." Also read: Can the world overcome vaccine nationalism? He is not just against Trump administration using the vaccine. Marks established that he would be against anyone using the vacacine for personal or political gains, even if the vaccine was proven to be medicaly safe for public. Michael Caputo, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees FDA and NIH, said the government aims to identify a safe and effective vaccine by January 2021. Meanwhile, there have been speculations of the FDA approving a vaccine under political pressure for the upcoming November elections. However, Caputo rejected such claims saying, "I've never met one FDA regulator who wouldn't resign over improper pressure, and that's how America knows their seal of approval is the gold standard." He added that such speculations "only undermines confidence in the public health system." The FDA has scheduled a meeting of its advisory committee of outside experts on coronavirus vaccines on October 22. Marks claimed that the trials were doing well and the data could be available for interpretation by October.

Top FDA scientist says will resign if Trump administration meddles

In one of the rare instances, three crew members onboard the International Space Station (ISS) will be spending the weekend in the Russian area of the vessel.

NASA’s Chris Cassidy and Russia’s Ivan Vagner and Anatoly Ivanishin will be shifting to be able to search for the source of a cabin air leak, NASA and Russian space agency Roscosmos announced.

“In September 2019, NASA and its international partners first saw indications of a slight increase above the standard cabin air leak rate,” NASA said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/growing-dent-on-earths-magnetic-field-can-damage-satellites-and-navigation-321602">Also read:&nbsp;Growing dent on Earth’s magnetic field can damage satellites and navigation</a>

According to sources, the leak was identified by a machine used to measure the amount of&nbsp;nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide in the station. The machine is reportedly used by the Russian segment of the vessel.

The process is something that has been taught to the crew members during their training and is considered to be in the&nbsp;on-board documentation.

This decision was taken by&nbsp;Roscosmos and NASA jointly. Both the bodies have assured that there is no danger to the crew or thr space station.

In one of the rare instances, three crew members onboard the International Space Station (ISS) will be spending the weekend in the Russian area of the vessel. NASA’s Chris Cassidy and Russia’s Ivan Vagner and Anatoly Ivanishin will be shifting to be able to search for the source of a cabin air leak, NASA and Russian space agency Roscosmos announced.

In one of the rare instances, three crew members onboard the International Space Station (ISS) will be spending the weekend in the Russian area of the vessel. NASA’s Chris Cassidy and Russia’s Ivan Vagner and Anatoly Ivanishin will be shifting to be able to search for the source of a cabin air leak, NASA and Russian space agency Roscosmos announced. “In September 2019, NASA and its international partners first saw indications of a slight increase above the standard cabin air leak rate,” NASA said in a statement. Also read: Growing dent on Earth’s magnetic field can damage satellites and navigation According to sources, the leak was identified by a machine used to measure the amount of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide in the station. The machine is reportedly used by the Russian segment of the vessel. The process is something that has been taught to the crew members during their training and is considered to be in the on-board documentation. This decision was taken by Roscosmos and NASA jointly. Both the bodies have assured that there is no danger to the crew or thr space station.

ISS crew switch cabins to look for source of small cabin air leak

Two Australian men&nbsp;dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000.

The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.5 kgs in a goldmining town Tarnagulla in Victoria state by miners&nbsp;Brent Shannon and Ethan West.

The two men have been digging up gold for the past four years and claim to have found thousands of such pieces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vanuatus-citizenship-for-sale-scheme-keeps-economy-afloat-helps-record-budget-surplus-322097">Also read|&nbsp;Vanuatu's citizenship-for-sale scheme keeps economy afloat, helps record budget surplus</a>

"These are definitely one of the most significant finds," Ethan West said. "To have two large chunks in one day is quite amazing."

The gold nuggets were found within a couple of hours, with the help of Ethan West's dad on what they decribe as a "virgin ground, which means it's untouched and hasn't been mined."

The duo said they were not entriely sure but&nbsp;"I reckoned we were in for a chance,"&nbsp;Brent Shannon said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-oil-no-longer-the-liquid-gold-321787">Also watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Oil No Longer The Liquid Gold</a>

After finding the gold, the duo found fame when they got featured in a local TV show called 'Aussie Gold Hunters', which revolves around the plot of&nbsp;following teams of gold prospectors who dig in goldfields in remote parts of Australia.

Experts belive the duo can sell the nuggets for more than 30 per cent of the estimated value, which is currently US $ 250,000 (A$350,000).

Tarnagulla is a town that was itself found during the Victoria Gold Rush and was once known to be a very wealthy town.

Last year, too, an Australian man had found a gold nugget worth US$69,000 using a metal detector.

Two Australian men dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000. The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.

Two Australian men dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000. The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.5 kgs in a goldmining town Tarnagulla in Victoria state by miners Brent Shannon and Ethan West. The two men have been digging up gold for the past four years and claim to have found thousands of such pieces. Also read| Vanuatu's citizenship-for-sale scheme keeps economy afloat, helps record budget surplus "These are definitely one of the most significant finds," Ethan West said. "To have two large chunks in one day is quite amazing." The gold nuggets were found within a couple of hours, with the help of Ethan West's dad on what they decribe as a "virgin ground, which means it's untouched and hasn't been mined." The duo said they were not entriely sure but "I reckoned we were in for a chance," Brent Shannon said. Also watch| Gravitas: Oil No Longer The Liquid Gold After finding the gold, the duo found fame when they got featured in a local TV show called 'Aussie Gold Hunters', which revolves around the plot of following teams of gold prospectors who dig in goldfields in remote parts of Australia. Experts belive the duo can sell the nuggets for more than 30 per cent of the estimated value, which is currently US $ 250,000 (A$350,000). Tarnagulla is a town that was itself found during the Victoria Gold Rush and was once known to be a very wealthy town. Last year, too, an Australian man had found a gold nugget worth US$69,000 using a metal detector.

Australia: Two men dug nuggets worth $250,000

Major news publishers are seeking more favorable terms from Apple Inc (AAPL.O) on commissions the iPhone maker collects from them on payments made through its app store, according to a letter posted by a trade body on Thursday.

Digital Content Next (DCN), which represents New York Times Co (NYT.N), the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and other publishers, posted the letter, addressed to Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, on its website.

Apple, which usually takes a cut that ranges between 15% and 30% from news publishers for first-time subscriptions made through apps on the store, has a reduced rate for Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-becomes-first-us-firm-to-reach-2-trillion-market-cap-321948">Also watch: Apple becomes first U.S firm to reach $2 trillion market cap</a>

In a House Judiciary Committee hearing last month, Cook said the reduced rate was available to any developer who met certain conditions.

News publishers should qualify for the same terms offered to Amazon for its Prime Video app on Apple's app store, DCN Chief Executive Officer Jason Kint suggested in Thursday's letter to Cook.

“I ask that you clearly define the conditions that Amazon satisfied for its arrangement so that DCN’s member companies meeting those conditions can be offered the same agreement.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-helped-us-build-a-top-secret-ipod-claims-former-engineer-321806">Also read:&nbsp;Apple helped US build a 'top secret' iPod, claims former engineer</a>

The letter cited communication between Apple veteran Eddy Cue and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos where the two companies agreed on a 15% revenue-sharing deal for new customer sign-ups for Prime Video through app store. The email emerged during the Committee hearing on July 29.

The latest missive comes days after Apple removed Epic Games’ “Fortnite” from its app store for violating in-app payment guidelines, prompting Epic to file federal lawsuits challenging the rule.

Apple and Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Major news publishers are seeking more favorable terms from Apple Inc (AAPL.O) on commissions the iPhone maker collects from them on payments made through its app store, according to a letter posted by a trade body on Thursday.

Major news publishers are seeking more favorable terms from Apple Inc (AAPL.O) on commissions the iPhone maker collects from them on payments made through its app store, according to a letter posted by a trade body on Thursday. Digital Content Next (DCN), which represents New York Times Co (NYT.N), the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and other publishers, posted the letter, addressed to Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, on its website. Apple, which usually takes a cut that ranges between 15% and 30% from news publishers for first-time subscriptions made through apps on the store, has a reduced rate for Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O). Also watch: Apple becomes first U.S firm to reach $2 trillion market cap In a House Judiciary Committee hearing last month, Cook said the reduced rate was available to any developer who met certain conditions. News publishers should qualify for the same terms offered to Amazon for its Prime Video app on Apple's app store, DCN Chief Executive Officer Jason Kint suggested in Thursday's letter to Cook. “I ask that you clearly define the conditions that Amazon satisfied for its arrangement so that DCN’s member companies meeting those conditions can be offered the same agreement.” Also read: Apple helped US build a 'top secret' iPod, claims former engineer The letter cited communication between Apple veteran Eddy Cue and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos where the two companies agreed on a 15% revenue-sharing deal for new customer sign-ups for Prime Video through app store. The email emerged during the Committee hearing on July 29. The latest missive comes days after Apple removed Epic Games’ “Fortnite” from its app store for violating in-app payment guidelines, prompting Epic to file federal lawsuits challenging the rule. Apple and Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

News publishers push back against Apple over app store terms

Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems.

The California automaker wants permission to use unlicensed millimeter-wave sensors that would operate at higher power levels than allowed under existing rules.

Tesla’s device would utilize four transmit and three receive antennas driven by a radar front-end unit. Tesla says millimeter wave radar technology has advantages over other sensing systems like camera-based or in-seat occupant detection systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-invites-elon-musk-after-aliens-built-pyramids-tweet-318124">Also read:&nbsp;Egypt invites Elon Musk after 'aliens built pyramids' tweet</a>

The radar-based system “provides depth perception and can ‘see’ through soft materials, such as a blanket covering a child in a child restraint.”

Tesla added it “can differentiate between a child and an object left on the seat, reducing the likelihood of false alarms” and can detect “micromovements like breathing patterns and heart rates, neither of which can be captured by cameras or in-seat sensors alone.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-upcoming-neuralink-will-let-you-beam-music-directly-into-the-brain-314879">Also read:&nbsp;Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain</a>

Radar imaging, Tesla adds, can assess body size to optimize airbag deployment in a crash depending on whether an adult or child is seated, which it says would be more effective than existing weight-based, in-seat sensor systems.

It would also more accurately determine when to engage seat belt reminders.

The FCC is seeking public comment on Tesla’s request through September 21.

Tesla notes the FCC in 2018 granted a similar request for a device of Alphabet Inc’s Google that works under identical operating parameters.

Valeo North America submitted a request in March to the FCC for its in-vehicle safety-related monitoring device that would also detect children in cars. The request is pending.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 50 children died when left behind in hot cars in both 2019 and 2018. Of those incidents, 54% occurred because someone forgot a child.

Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems.

Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems. The California automaker wants permission to use unlicensed millimeter-wave sensors that would operate at higher power levels than allowed under existing rules. Tesla’s device would utilize four transmit and three receive antennas driven by a radar front-end unit. Tesla says millimeter wave radar technology has advantages over other sensing systems like camera-based or in-seat occupant detection systems. Also read: Egypt invites Elon Musk after 'aliens built pyramids' tweet The radar-based system “provides depth perception and can ‘see’ through soft materials, such as a blanket covering a child in a child restraint.” Tesla added it “can differentiate between a child and an object left on the seat, reducing the likelihood of false alarms” and can detect “micromovements like breathing patterns and heart rates, neither of which can be captured by cameras or in-seat sensors alone.” Also read: Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain Radar imaging, Tesla adds, can assess body size to optimize airbag deployment in a crash depending on whether an adult or child is seated, which it says would be more effective than existing weight-based, in-seat sensor systems. It would also more accurately determine when to engage seat belt reminders. The FCC is seeking public comment on Tesla’s request through September 21. Tesla notes the FCC in 2018 granted a similar request for a device of Alphabet Inc’s Google that works under identical operating parameters. Valeo North America submitted a request in March to the FCC for its in-vehicle safety-related monitoring device that would also detect children in cars. The request is pending. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 50 children died when left behind in hot cars in both 2019 and 2018. Of those incidents, 54% occurred because someone forgot a child.

Tesla seeks approval for sensor that could detect child left in hot cars

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party.

Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday.

“The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified.

“How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-director-receives-death-threats-for-favouring-bjp-321138">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP</a>

Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment.

Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues.

The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”.

Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since.

The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-says-its-fielding-questions-by-us-regulators-322034">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators</a>

Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes.

Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users.&nbsp;

“How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement.

“We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices. Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party. Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday. “The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified. “How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.” Also read: Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment. Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”. Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since. The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices. Also read: Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes. Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users. “How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement. “We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source

Scientists digitally 'unwrap' mummies of ancient Egyptian cat, snake and bird

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion.

The drills come as tensions remain high between Seoul and Pyongyang after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border in June and threatened military measures.

The nuclear-armed North — which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War — has regularly been angered by military exercises between the US and the South.

The Combined Command Post Training will run until August 28 and "focus on the maintenance of the combined defence posture" between the two countries, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-increase-in-military-spending-320201">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan announces increase in military spending</a>

The decision to proceed was made "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation, comprehensively," it added.

Seoul and Washington had initially planned to start the exercises Sunday but pushed back the date due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a burst of new cases in the South sparks fears of a major second wave.

The South reported 246 new infections on Tuesday, taking its total to 15,761, the fifth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s.

Relations between the two Koreas have been at a standstill since the collapse of a summit last year between the North and the United States in Hanoi over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion.

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion. The drills come as tensions remain high between Seoul and Pyongyang after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border in June and threatened military measures. The nuclear-armed North — which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War — has regularly been angered by military exercises between the US and the South. The Combined Command Post Training will run until August 28 and "focus on the maintenance of the combined defence posture" between the two countries, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Also read: Taiwan announces increase in military spending The decision to proceed was made "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation, comprehensively," it added. Seoul and Washington had initially planned to start the exercises Sunday but pushed back the date due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a burst of new cases in the South sparks fears of a major second wave. The South reported 246 new infections on Tuesday, taking its total to 15,761, the fifth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s. Relations between the two Koreas have been at a standstill since the collapse of a summit last year between the North and the United States in Hanoi over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay

New Zealand Prime Minister&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge".

"Anyone who is following&nbsp;will quite easily see that New Zealand's nine cases in a day does not compare to the United States' tens of thousands," she said. "Obviously, it's patently wrong."

Her remarks came after Trump, during an election rally in Minnesota, talked about a "big surge in New Zealand".

"They beat it; they beat it. It was like front page (news), they beat it because they wanted to show me something."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-delays-election-after-coronavirus-return-321027">Also read:&nbsp;New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return</a>

He further added,&nbsp;"It's terrible. We don't want that." He also added that all his critics who held New Zealand as an example were wrong.

Ardern was successful in handling the spread of coronavirus and celebrated 100 days without the novel coronavirus. However, few days after the 100-day milestone, a new cluster was found in Auckland.&nbsp;

New Zealand, with a population of five million, has around 1,300 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. However, the US has reported more than five million coronavirus cases and more than&nbsp;170,000 deaths.

The two leaders, who have rarely clashed, are both gearing up for major elections later this year. Trump is contesting against Joe Biden for Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, and Ardern will be contesting against&nbsp;Judith Collins.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge".

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge". "Anyone who is following will quite easily see that New Zealand's nine cases in a day does not compare to the United States' tens of thousands," she said. "Obviously, it's patently wrong." Her remarks came after Trump, during an election rally in Minnesota, talked about a "big surge in New Zealand". "They beat it; they beat it. It was like front page (news), they beat it because they wanted to show me something." Also read: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return He further added, "It's terrible. We don't want that." He also added that all his critics who held New Zealand as an example were wrong. Ardern was successful in handling the spread of coronavirus and celebrated 100 days without the novel coronavirus. However, few days after the 100-day milestone, a new cluster was found in Auckland. New Zealand, with a population of five million, has around 1,300 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. However, the US has reported more than five million coronavirus cases and more than 170,000 deaths. The two leaders, who have rarely clashed, are both gearing up for major elections later this year. Trump is contesting against Joe Biden for Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, and Ardern will be contesting against Judith Collins.

It's patently wrong: Jacinda Ardern snaps back at Trump's coronavirus remarks

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community.

The Philippines' seismology agency said there was no risk of a tsunami from the earthquake but warned of the risk of aftershocks.

"The possibility of a stronger magnitude aftershock cannot be discounted," agency chief Renato Solidum told dZMM radio station.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/googles-new-quake-detection-system-android-phones-to-detect-earthquakes-320890">Also watch:&nbsp;Google's new quake detection system, android phones to detect earthquakes</a>

The quake struck in the sea at a depth of 30 km (18.64 miles), EMSC said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, but Rodrigo Gonhuran, 30, a computer shop technician based near the epicentre, told Reuters it was the strongest quake he had felt in the area.

"My cabinet and other stuff at home fell down and my neighbours` walls cracked and some collapsed," he said, speaking from the town of Cataingan, which has a population of more than 50,000 people.

The Philippines, which has a population of 107 million, lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community. The Philippines' seismology agency said there was no risk of a tsunami from the earthquake but warned of the risk of aftershocks. "The possibility of a stronger magnitude aftershock cannot be discounted," agency chief Renato Solidum told dZMM radio station. Also watch: Google's new quake detection system, android phones to detect earthquakes The quake struck in the sea at a depth of 30 km (18.64 miles), EMSC said. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but Rodrigo Gonhuran, 30, a computer shop technician based near the epicentre, told Reuters it was the strongest quake he had felt in the area. "My cabinet and other stuff at home fell down and my neighbours` walls cracked and some collapsed," he said, speaking from the town of Cataingan, which has a population of more than 50,000 people. The Philippines, which has a population of 107 million, lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

Strong quake strikes eastern Philippines, reports of damage

A&nbsp;spike of 55,079 cases and 876 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours. This has increased the coronavirus tally to&nbsp;2,702,743 including 673,166 active cases, 1,977,780 discharged/migrated and 51,797 deaths.

The country conducted&nbsp;899,864 tests on Monday. A total of 30,941,264 tests have been conducted till August 17,&nbsp;Indian Council of Medical Research reported.

The Ministry of Health said, "Focused implementation of Centre-led strategies has ensured prompt identification, timely isolation and effective clinical treatment, leading to reduced Case Fatality Rate. 30 States/UTs performed better than the national average."

On Monday night,&nbsp;Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Bengaluru-based Biocon Ltd, tested positive for coronavirus, she confirmed through a Twitter post.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have added to the Covid count by testing positive. Mild symptoms n I hope it stays that way.
— Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/kiranshaw/status/1295416763111284738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Delhi reported&nbsp;787 new cases, 740 discharges/recoveries and 18 deaths on Monday night. Total number of cases now stands at 153,367 including 138,301 recovered/discharged/migrated cases, 10,852 active cases and 4,214 deaths.

"The results of the second Sero survey expected in this week. The first survey showed that over 22% of the people from Delhi were exposed to the virus," said&nbsp;Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pandit-jasrajs-death-has-left-a-deep-void-in-indian-cultural-sphere-pm-modi-321282">Also read| Pandit Jasraj's death has left a deep void in Indian cultural sphere: PM Modi</a>

Maharashtra, one of the worst affected states in India, reported 8,493 new cases and 228 deaths. A total of 11,391 patients were also discharged. The total positive cases in the state rise to 604,358 including 428,514 recovered patients and 20,265 deaths. Active cases stand at 1,55,268.&nbsp;

Almost 1,043 prisoners and 302 jail staff tested positive for coronavirus in prisons across Maharashtra so far. Six inmates have died due to the virus.

Punjab, the northern Indian state, reported 1,492 new cases and 51 deaths on Monday night. The total cases in the state rise to 32,695 including 862 deaths and 20,180 patients discharged. Active cases stand at 11,653. The state government has decided to extend restrictions in Jalandhar, Patiala and Ludhiana to contain the spread of the virus. Under these restrictions, all non-essential movements will be prohibited between 9pm to 5am, and all shops and mall will be ordered to close down before 8:30pm, while mall will be shit down by 8pm.

Puducherry reported 370 new cases, 282 recoveries and 9 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases stands at 8,396 in the state till date, including 4,909 recovered cases, 3,364 active cases and 123 deaths so far.

A spike of 55,079 cases and 876 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours. This has increased the coronavirus tally to 2,702,743 including 673,166 active cases, 1,977,780 discharged/migrated and 51,797 deaths.

A spike of 55,079 cases and 876 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours. This has increased the coronavirus tally to 2,702,743 including 673,166 active cases, 1,977,780 discharged/migrated and 51,797 deaths. The country conducted 899,864 tests on Monday. A total of 30,941,264 tests have been conducted till August 17, Indian Council of Medical Research reported. The Ministry of Health said, "Focused implementation of Centre-led strategies has ensured prompt identification, timely isolation and effective clinical treatment, leading to reduced Case Fatality Rate. 30 States/UTs performed better than the national average." On Monday night, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Bengaluru-based Biocon Ltd, tested positive for coronavirus, she confirmed through a Twitter post. I have added to the Covid count by testing positive. Mild symptoms n I hope it stays that way. — Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw) August 17, 2020 × Delhi reported 787 new cases, 740 discharges/recoveries and 18 deaths on Monday night. Total number of cases now stands at 153,367 including 138,301 recovered/discharged/migrated cases, 10,852 active cases and 4,214 deaths. "The results of the second Sero survey expected in this week. The first survey showed that over 22% of the people from Delhi were exposed to the virus," said Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain. Also read| Pandit Jasraj's death has left a deep void in Indian cultural sphere: PM Modi Maharashtra, one of the worst affected states in India, reported 8,493 new cases and 228 deaths. A total of 11,391 patients were also discharged. The total positive cases in the state rise to 604,358 including 428,514 recovered patients and 20,265 deaths. Active cases stand at 1,55,268. Almost 1,043 prisoners and 302 jail staff tested positive for coronavirus in prisons across Maharashtra so far. Six inmates have died due to the virus. Punjab, the northern Indian state, reported 1,492 new cases and 51 deaths on Monday night. The total cases in the state rise to 32,695 including 862 deaths and 20,180 patients discharged. Active cases stand at 11,653. The state government has decided to extend restrictions in Jalandhar, Patiala and Ludhiana to contain the spread of the virus. Under these restrictions, all non-essential movements will be prohibited between 9pm to 5am, and all shops and mall will be ordered to close down before 8:30pm, while mall will be shit down by 8pm. Puducherry reported 370 new cases, 282 recoveries and 9 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases stands at 8,396 in the state till date, including 4,909 recovered cases, 3,364 active cases and 123 deaths so far.

COVID-19: Coronavirus tally increases by 55,079; death toll crosses 51,000

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously.

"What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying. We would go in to try to talk to him about a pressing national security issue -- cyberattack, terrorism threat -- he wasn't interested in those things. To him, they weren't priorities," Taylor says in a video produced by&nbsp;the group Republican Voters Against Trump.

Taylor, a longtime Republican,&nbsp;served as the&nbsp;chief of staff to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-will-accept-republican-nomination-live-from-the-white-house-321341">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump says will accept Republican nomination ‘live from the White House'</a>

In the video, he endorsed Joe Biden, who is contesting in the US Presidential elections 2020 against Donald Trump, and claimed the only reason behind his change of heart is that he thinks Biden will be able to protect the country, unlike Trump who, he claims, is "dangerous" for the country.&nbsp;

"Given what I have experienced in the administration, I have to support Joe Biden for president and even though I am not a Democrat, even though I disagree on key issues, I'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I'm confident that he won't make the same mistakes as this President," he said.

In the video, Taylor accused trump of bias against California as it was not a "political base" for him. He claims Trump ordered FEMA to withhold the disaster funding for California, simply because the California-residents did not vote for him.

"He told us to stop giving money to people whose houses had burned down from a wildfire because he was so rageful that people in the state of California didn't support him and that politically it wasn't a base for him," Taylor said in the video.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NEW: Testimonial ad from Trump's Former DHS Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/MilesTaylorUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MilesTaylorUSA</a>, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security." 
 
WATCH &amp; go to <a href="https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN">https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN</a> for more. <a href="https://t.co/iChqOdIIew">pic.twitter.com/iChqOdIIew</a>
— Republican Voters Against Trump (@RVAT2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/RVAT2020/status/1295428130170195968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He further accused Trump of planning to implement a 'zero-tolerance' immigration policy which laid down plans of separating migrant families.&nbsp;"He said he wanted to go further and have a deliberate policy of ripping children away from their parents to show those parents that they shouldn't come to the border in the first place."

He also claimed that if anyone in the White House protested against Trump's illegal actions, Trump simply reminded them of the&nbsp;"magical authorities" that a President can exercise.

"He was one of the most unfocused and undisciplined senior executives I have ever encountered," Taylor said. "I came away completely equipped based on firsthand experience that the President was ill-equipped and wouldn't become equipped to do his job effectively -- and what's worse, was actively doing damage to our national security."

However,&nbsp;White House adviser Jared Kushner, who is also Trump's son-in-law, dismissed all accusation by Taylor and said,&nbsp;"It makes a lot of sense to me that he's endorsing Joe Biden because when he was working at the Department of Homeland Security, no wall was built and the border was wide open. That's why the President changed up the team there."

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously. "What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying.

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously. "What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying. We would go in to try to talk to him about a pressing national security issue -- cyberattack, terrorism threat -- he wasn't interested in those things. To him, they weren't priorities," Taylor says in a video produced by the group Republican Voters Against Trump. Taylor, a longtime Republican, served as the chief of staff to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Also read: Donald Trump says will accept Republican nomination ‘live from the White House' In the video, he endorsed Joe Biden, who is contesting in the US Presidential elections 2020 against Donald Trump, and claimed the only reason behind his change of heart is that he thinks Biden will be able to protect the country, unlike Trump who, he claims, is "dangerous" for the country. "Given what I have experienced in the administration, I have to support Joe Biden for president and even though I am not a Democrat, even though I disagree on key issues, I'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I'm confident that he won't make the same mistakes as this President," he said. In the video, Taylor accused trump of bias against California as it was not a "political base" for him. He claims Trump ordered FEMA to withhold the disaster funding for California, simply because the California-residents did not vote for him. "He told us to stop giving money to people whose houses had burned down from a wildfire because he was so rageful that people in the state of California didn't support him and that politically it wasn't a base for him," Taylor said in the video. NEW: Testimonial ad from Trump's Former DHS Chief of Staff @MilesTaylorUSA, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security." WATCH & go to https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN for more. pic.twitter.com/iChqOdIIew — Republican Voters Against Trump (@RVAT2020) August 17, 2020 × He further accused Trump of planning to implement a 'zero-tolerance' immigration policy which laid down plans of separating migrant families. "He said he wanted to go further and have a deliberate policy of ripping children away from their parents to show those parents that they shouldn't come to the border in the first place." He also claimed that if anyone in the White House protested against Trump's illegal actions, Trump simply reminded them of the "magical authorities" that a President can exercise. "He was one of the most unfocused and undisciplined senior executives I have ever encountered," Taylor said. "I came away completely equipped based on firsthand experience that the President was ill-equipped and wouldn't become equipped to do his job effectively -- and what's worse, was actively doing damage to our national security." However, White House adviser Jared Kushner, who is also Trump's son-in-law, dismissed all accusation by Taylor and said, "It makes a lot of sense to me that he's endorsing Joe Biden because when he was working at the Department of Homeland Security, no wall was built and the border was wide open. That's why the President changed up the team there."

'Joe Biden will protect the country': Former senior Trump administration official

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Deeksha Teri

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.