<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-us-consulate-in-chengdu-interfered-in-our-internal-affairs-china-315732">People in US consulate in Chengdu interfered in our internal affairs: China</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/24/151346-us-consualteg.jpg?itok=bu6_sLy3" />

China's foreign ministry said the measure taken by it was the "legitimate and necessary response to the unjustified act by the US".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-7-billion-vaccinations-none-of-the-vaccines-appear-they-will-work-with-a-single-dose-says-bill-gates-on-combating-coronavirus-315718">'More than 7 billion vaccinations: None of the vaccines appear they will work with a 'single dose', says Bill Gates on combating coronavirus</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/47048-2018-04-19T050415Z_1_LYNXMPEE3I0B7_RTROPTP_4_HEALTH-MALARIA-GATES.JPG?itok=2_uM5_mz" />

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates added that the vaccine would need to cover "70-80% coverage on a global basis".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-former-lawyer-michael-cohen-soon-to-return-home-from-prison-315714">Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen soon to return home from prison</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/46642-lawyer.JPG?itok=z0uip8vq" />

The order came two weeks after Cohen was imprisoned in Otisville prison as a retaliation for planning to publish a book about Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-bull-heir-boss-free-of-hit-and-run-charges-315750">Red Bull heir 'Boss' free of hit-and-run charges</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/24/151358-untitled-design-2.jpg?itok=4XfGuQPg" />

The energy drink giant heir allegedly knocked over and killed the police officer near his compound.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-universities-in-uk-us-and-canada-hit-by-malware-attack-data-lost-315705">Several universities in UK, US and Canada hit by malware attack; data lost</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/24/151333-university-of-leeds.jpg?itok=Eu0CUTBN" />

The hackers targeted the company in May, but the universities were informed in July.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-muslim-prayer-in-hagia-sophia-after-mosque-reconversion-315692">First Muslim prayer in Hagia Sophia after mosque reconversion</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/24/151317-hagia-sophia-afp.jpg?itok=-w0Jog2I" />

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, tight crowds formed on Friday morning around the former cathedral for the prayer scheduled for around 1000 GMT, AFP correspondents said. Several people had spent the night in the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-concerned-over-spike-in-infections-in-europe-coronavirus-covid19-315708">Coronavirus: WHO concerned over infections surge in Europe</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/30/147276-eu-border.jpg?itok=awVLx9LL" />

The total number of cases in Europe on Thursday crossed three million, a fifth of over 15 million infections around the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/culture-of-sexism-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-hits-back-at-republican-ted-yohos-derogatory-slur-315649">'Culture of sexism': Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hits back at Republican Ted Yoho's derogatory slur</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/07/23/103543-untitled-design-11.jpg?itok=s2PD4YLu" />

“What we are seeing is that incidents like these are happening in a pattern,” she said. “This is a pattern of an attitude towards women and dehumanisation of others.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-backlash-malaysia-abandons-move-to-license-social-media-videos-315681">After backlash, Malaysia abandons move to license social media videos</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/24/151312-social-media-videos.jpg?itok=MAp1J63x" />

Expanding a decades old-law on video production, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said on Thursday that licenses were needed for videos to be published on social and traditional media platforms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-historian-who-found-stalin-era-graves-is-convicted-315610">Russian historian who found Stalin-era graves is convicted</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/24/151268-russian-historian-reu.jpg?itok=83hZFyTP" />

This has, in a way, ended a long campaign by the authorities to silence a scholar and rights activist whose work had challenged the Kremlin’s glorification of Russia’s past, including the Soviet era.

People in US consulate in Chengdu interfered in our internal affairs: China China's foreign ministry said the measure taken by it was the "legitimate and necessary response to the unjustified act by the US".

People in US consulate in Chengdu interfered in our internal affairs: China China's foreign ministry said the measure taken by it was the "legitimate and necessary response to the unjustified act by the US". 'More than 7 billion vaccinations: None of the vaccines appear they will work with a 'single dose', says Bill Gates on combating coronavirus Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates added that the vaccine would need to cover "70-80% coverage on a global basis". Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen soon to return home from prison The order came two weeks after Cohen was imprisoned in Otisville prison as a retaliation for planning to publish a book about Trump. Red Bull heir 'Boss' free of hit-and-run charges The energy drink giant heir allegedly knocked over and killed the police officer near his compound. Several universities in UK, US and Canada hit by malware attack; data lost The hackers targeted the company in May, but the universities were informed in July. First Muslim prayer in Hagia Sophia after mosque reconversion Despite the coronavirus pandemic, tight crowds formed on Friday morning around the former cathedral for the prayer scheduled for around 1000 GMT, AFP correspondents said. Several people had spent the night in the area. Coronavirus: WHO concerned over infections surge in Europe The total number of cases in Europe on Thursday crossed three million, a fifth of over 15 million infections around the world. 'Culture of sexism': Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hits back at Republican Ted Yoho's derogatory slur “What we are seeing is that incidents like these are happening in a pattern,” she said. “This is a pattern of an attitude towards women and dehumanisation of others.” After backlash, Malaysia abandons move to license social media videos Expanding a decades old-law on video production, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said on Thursday that licenses were needed for videos to be published on social and traditional media platforms. Russian historian who found Stalin-era graves is convicted This has, in a way, ended a long campaign by the authorities to silence a scholar and rights activist whose work had challenged the Kremlin’s glorification of Russia’s past, including the Soviet era.

Top 10 world news today: China on consulate row with US, Hagia Sophia reopens & more

According to the United Nations (UN), the Arab economies could shrink by 5.7 per cent due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least a quarter of the Arab population could be pushed into poverty.

In Saudi Arabia, the government is considering all options to bolster its finances. One of these options include introducing income tax as&nbsp;Saudi Arabia is headed towards its deepest contraction in 30 years. It is set to shrink 6.8 per cent in 2020.

Instead of helping the citizens in this grave situation, Riyadh may ask its citizens to pay income tax, according to reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/healthcare-and-education-could-be-privatized-in-saudi-arabia-315301">Also watch: Healthcare and education could be privatized in Saudi Arabia</a>

The Saudis do not pay income tax. Expats and corporates pay a 20 per cent income tax, and there is a flat 20 per cent federal tax for all.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saudi-arabia-to-introduce-income-tax-315553/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The world's biggest oil producing nation uses petroleum revenue to provide for its nationals. However, as the crude prices are sliding and exports are down 65 per cent because of coronavirus, there is a possibility that income tax may be introduced in the country.

Tax-free countries

United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens also do not pay any taxes. The country is rich in natural resources, so it exempts its citizens from paying taxes. Corporate tax is levied only on foreign banks and oil companies.

Qata, Kuwait and Oman, too, do not charge personal income tax for individuals. In the Caribbean country of Bahamas, even corporates do not have to pay taxes. However, Panama is the one which offers the best deal as it does not even tax offshore companies.&nbsp;

High tax-rate countries

Sweden, on the other hand, has the world's highest income tax rate of 57.1 per cent. Potugal follows closely with&nbsp;a tax rate of 56.5 per cent, and Japan ranks third with a tax rate of&nbsp;55.95 per cent.&nbsp;

Denmark and Austria&nbsp;too join the list with 55.8 per cent and 55 per cent tax rates, respectively.&nbsp;India has a tax rate of 30 per cent, which seems considerate compared to these countries, but is still very high.

According to the United Nations (UN), the Arab economies could shrink by 5.7 per cent due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least a quarter of the Arab population could be pushed into poverty.

According to the United Nations (UN), the Arab economies could shrink by 5.7 per cent due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least a quarter of the Arab population could be pushed into poverty. In Saudi Arabia, the government is considering all options to bolster its finances. One of these options include introducing income tax as Saudi Arabia is headed towards its deepest contraction in 30 years. It is set to shrink 6.8 per cent in 2020. Instead of helping the citizens in this grave situation, Riyadh may ask its citizens to pay income tax, according to reports. Also watch: Healthcare and education could be privatized in Saudi Arabia The Saudis do not pay income tax. Expats and corporates pay a 20 per cent income tax, and there is a flat 20 per cent federal tax for all. The world's biggest oil producing nation uses petroleum revenue to provide for its nationals. However, as the crude prices are sliding and exports are down 65 per cent because of coronavirus, there is a possibility that income tax may be introduced in the country. Tax-free countries United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens also do not pay any taxes. The country is rich in natural resources, so it exempts its citizens from paying taxes. Corporate tax is levied only on foreign banks and oil companies. Qata, Kuwait and Oman, too, do not charge personal income tax for individuals. In the Caribbean country of Bahamas, even corporates do not have to pay taxes. However, Panama is the one which offers the best deal as it does not even tax offshore companies. High tax-rate countries Sweden, on the other hand, has the world's highest income tax rate of 57.1 per cent. Potugal follows closely with a tax rate of 56.5 per cent, and Japan ranks third with a tax rate of 55.95 per cent. Denmark and Austria too join the list with 55.8 per cent and 55 per cent tax rates, respectively. India has a tax rate of 30 per cent, which seems considerate compared to these countries, but is still very high.

Saudi Arabia may introduce income tax as economy shrinks due to coronavirus

The United States has asked China to close its Houston embassy because Washington claims the move will "protect American intellectual property and Americans' private information." China has been given 72 hours to wind up its operations.

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says that China was stealing intellectual property.

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A video captured by our crew outside the Consulate General of China in Houston shows people hosing down what appear to be flaming open containers in the courtyard of the property. 
DETAILS: <a href="https://t.co/2cOeKoap96">https://t.co/2cOeKoap96</a> <a href="https://t.co/ToQitHjy2T">pic.twitter.com/ToQitHjy2T</a>
— KPRC2Tulsi (@KPRC2Tulsi) <a href="https://twitter.com/KPRC2Tulsi/status/1285787738243989504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A video of&nbsp;men destroying papers in the courtyard of the Houston consulate has been circulating on social media since Tuesday.&nbsp;

While the authenticity of the video cannot be guaranteed, emergency services&nbsp;were called to the consulate building. The Houston police said they did notice smoke, but were not allowed to enter the consulate.

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About 8:25 pm on Tuesday, our officers responded to a meet the firefighter call to the China Consulate General in Houston building at 3417 Montrose Blvd. 
 
Smoke was observed in an outside courtyard area. Officers were not granted access to enter the building. 1/2
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/houstonpolice/status/1285826800434774016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The incident happened on the same day as the&nbsp;US authorities also accused China of sponsoring hackers who were targeting the US labs. Within 24 hours, China was told to close its Houston consulate.

Beijing has called the accusations of intellectual theft "malicious slander". The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the order to close the consulate undermines the already deteriorating US-China relations.

Wang Wenbin, spokesman of&nbsp;China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The US side required China to close the consulate general in Houston, that seriously violates international law and basic norms governing international relations, seriously violates the related regulations in the bilateral consular agreement between China and the United States, and severely undermines China-US relations."

The Houston consulate was China's first consulate general in the US. China has&nbsp;four more consulates in the US, including&nbsp;the embassy in Washington DC.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-us-china-consulate-wars-315551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China's Foreign Ministry now claims that its Washington embassy has received death threats.

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As a result of smears &amp; hatred fanned up by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> gov, the Chinese embassy has received <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bomb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bomb</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeathThreats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeathThreats</a>.
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonCHN/status/1285970001199915008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Chinese consulate in San Francisco too is under scrutiny. The FBI claims that a Chinese researcher accused of visa fraud has been taking refuge in the building.

The US President Donald Trump has said that the US may ask China to close more consulates. "As far as closing additional embassies, it's always possible. You see what's going on, we thought there was a fire in the one that we did close and everybody said 'there's a fire, there's a fire'. And I guess they were burning documents are burning papers and I wonder what that was all about," he said.

According to Chinese media reports, Beijing may retaliate by asking the US to close its Wuhan consulate. China's main media outlet, Global Times, even put up a poll on which US&nbsp;consulate China could close.

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Chinese foreign ministry condemned the US for closing Chinese Consulate General in Houston and urged the US to immediately correct its mistakes. Otherwise, China will make a legitimate and necessary response. Which US consulate general in China is most likely to be closed?
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/status/1285849456613617664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However,&nbsp;the interesting thing that Twitter has been banned in China, so the whole point of voting becomes kind of obsolete.

The United States has asked China to close its Houston embassy because Washington claims the move will "protect American intellectual property and Americans' private information.

The United States has asked China to close its Houston embassy because Washington claims the move will "protect American intellectual property and Americans' private information." China has been given 72 hours to wind up its operations. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says that China was stealing intellectual property. A video captured by our crew outside the Consulate General of China in Houston shows people hosing down what appear to be flaming open containers in the courtyard of the property. DETAILS: https://t.co/2cOeKoap96 pic.twitter.com/ToQitHjy2T — KPRC2Tulsi (@KPRC2Tulsi) July 22, 2020 × A video of men destroying papers in the courtyard of the Houston consulate has been circulating on social media since Tuesday. While the authenticity of the video cannot be guaranteed, emergency services were called to the consulate building. The Houston police said they did notice smoke, but were not allowed to enter the consulate. About 8:25 pm on Tuesday, our officers responded to a meet the firefighter call to the China Consulate General in Houston building at 3417 Montrose Blvd. Smoke was observed in an outside courtyard area. Officers were not granted access to enter the building. 1/2 — Houston Police (@houstonpolice) July 22, 2020 × The incident happened on the same day as the US authorities also accused China of sponsoring hackers who were targeting the US labs. Within 24 hours, China was told to close its Houston consulate. Beijing has called the accusations of intellectual theft "malicious slander". The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the order to close the consulate undermines the already deteriorating US-China relations. Wang Wenbin, spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The US side required China to close the consulate general in Houston, that seriously violates international law and basic norms governing international relations, seriously violates the related regulations in the bilateral consular agreement between China and the United States, and severely undermines China-US relations." The Houston consulate was China's first consulate general in the US. China has four more consulates in the US, including the embassy in Washington DC. China's Foreign Ministry now claims that its Washington embassy has received death threats. As a result of smears & hatred fanned up by the #US gov, the Chinese embassy has received #bomb & #DeathThreats. — Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) July 22, 2020 × The Chinese consulate in San Francisco too is under scrutiny. The FBI claims that a Chinese researcher accused of visa fraud has been taking refuge in the building. The US President Donald Trump has said that the US may ask China to close more consulates. "As far as closing additional embassies, it's always possible. You see what's going on, we thought there was a fire in the one that we did close and everybody said 'there's a fire, there's a fire'. And I guess they were burning documents are burning papers and I wonder what that was all about," he said. According to Chinese media reports, Beijing may retaliate by asking the US to close its Wuhan consulate. China's main media outlet, Global Times, even put up a poll on which US consulate China could close. Chinese foreign ministry condemned the US for closing Chinese Consulate General in Houston and urged the US to immediately correct its mistakes. Otherwise, China will make a legitimate and necessary response. Which US consulate general in China is most likely to be closed? — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) July 22, 2020 × However, the interesting thing that Twitter has been banned in China, so the whole point of voting becomes kind of obsolete.

After Houston, China may ask US to close Wuhan consulate: Reports

Prince William and the&nbsp;Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have written to the Director of Assam's Kaziranga National Park to express condolences for the immense loss caused by the Assam floods this year.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote to the park's Director P Sivakumar expressing how heartbroken they were about the destruction caused by the floods. Remembering their own experience from their visit Prince William said,&nbsp;"We have the happiest memories of our visit to Kaziranga in April 2016 and are shocked by what has happened."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assam-floods-over-45000-people-displaced-89-killed-2-million-people-affected-315420">Also watch|&nbsp;Assam Floods: Over 45,000+ people displaced, 89 killed, 2 Million people affected</a>

The letter was made available to the press by park authorities on Friday.

The deaths of so many animals, including the one- horned rhino, is deeply upsetting, he said.

"We know from our visit how dedicated all the staff in Kaziranga are in caring for the park's wildlife, and can only begin to imagine what a difficult time this must be," he said.

The park has been badly hit by the monsoon floods, with almost 92 per cent of the area being submerged under the water. Almost 123 animals, including 12 unique one-horned rhinos, lost their lives in these floods.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-accused-of-mishandling-312000-funds-via-charities-he-responds-315112">Also read|&nbsp;Prince Harry accused of mishandling $312,000 funds via charities, he responds</a>

"Catherine and I greatly admire all the work that you and the rangers at Kaziranga are doing to risk your own safety, rescue animals and contain the damage," the Prince wrote.

"We offer our deepest condolences to all those affected," the Duke added.

The park director said that they are deeply moved by the letter, which is full of compassion and concern for the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

"In difficult times like this, a message from the Duke is surely a morale booster for all," he said.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have written to the Director of Assam's Kaziranga National Park to express condolences for the immense loss caused by the Assam floods this year.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have written to the Director of Assam's Kaziranga National Park to express condolences for the immense loss caused by the Assam floods this year. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote to the park's Director P Sivakumar expressing how heartbroken they were about the destruction caused by the floods. Remembering their own experience from their visit Prince William said, "We have the happiest memories of our visit to Kaziranga in April 2016 and are shocked by what has happened." Also watch| Assam Floods: Over 45,000+ people displaced, 89 killed, 2 Million people affected The letter was made available to the press by park authorities on Friday. The deaths of so many animals, including the one- horned rhino, is deeply upsetting, he said. "We know from our visit how dedicated all the staff in Kaziranga are in caring for the park's wildlife, and can only begin to imagine what a difficult time this must be," he said. The park has been badly hit by the monsoon floods, with almost 92 per cent of the area being submerged under the water. Almost 123 animals, including 12 unique one-horned rhinos, lost their lives in these floods. Also read| Prince Harry accused of mishandling $312,000 funds via charities, he responds "Catherine and I greatly admire all the work that you and the rangers at Kaziranga are doing to risk your own safety, rescue animals and contain the damage," the Prince wrote. "We offer our deepest condolences to all those affected," the Duke added. The park director said that they are deeply moved by the letter, which is full of compassion and concern for the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. "In difficult times like this, a message from the Duke is surely a morale booster for all," he said.

Death of so many animals is upsetting: Prince William and Kate Middleton write to Kaziranga National Park Director

The collapse of German payments firm Wirecard has become a focal point for an overhaul of how the European Union regulates the finance industry as it evolves away from traditional banks towards fintech companies, its financial services chief said.

Wirecard`s implosion to leave a $2.1 billion hole in its books came more than a decade after the first allegations of fraud by some investors and journalists.

As a financial technology company, albeit one that owned a bank, Wirecard was long considered as being in a grey area when it came to traditional bank supervision.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-vows-to-beef-up-finance-watchdog-after-wirecard-drama-310919">Also read|&nbsp;Germany vows to beef up finance watchdog after Wirecard drama</a>

"We will assess how to improve the relevant EU rules so these kinds of cases can be detected," Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters, adding that the review is set to end after the summer.

It will look at whether changes are needed to the bloc`s rules on transparency requirements for listed companies, accounting norms and existing regulation aimed at stamping out market abuses, he said.

Wirecard seems not to have provided reliable and trustful information to investors and therefore was in breach of current rules, Dombrovskis said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wirecard-fraud-ex-coo-marsaleks-immigration-papers-in-philippines-were-faked-310671">Also read|&nbsp;Wirecard fraud: Ex-COO Marsalek's immigration papers in Philippines were faked</a>

But there was also a need to examine supervision by regulators, and not just the rules themselves, he said.

Germany`s financial supervisor BaFin and the accounting watchdog - the privately-owned Financial Reporting Enforcement Panel (FREP) have come under scrutiny in the wake of Wirecard`s collapse. BaFin and FREP supervised Wirecard.

Wirecard was a hybrid company that processed electronic payments and also owned a bank, leaving regulators at odds over how it should be supervised.

Lessons from Wirecard could also be applied to the bloc`s work on how to supervise "critical third party" providers such as tech related companies, Dombrovskis said.

The Commission had launched a public consultation on its digital finance strategy, though it was unclear if the German company would have come under this criteria.

The strategy looks at how the same risks, whether from a technology or a financial company, should be regulated and supervised in the same way.

The collapse of German payments firm Wirecard has become a focal point for an overhaul of how the European Union regulates the finance industry as it evolves away from traditional banks towards fintech companies, its financial services chief said.

The collapse of German payments firm Wirecard has become a focal point for an overhaul of how the European Union regulates the finance industry as it evolves away from traditional banks towards fintech companies, its financial services chief said. Wirecard`s implosion to leave a $2.1 billion hole in its books came more than a decade after the first allegations of fraud by some investors and journalists. As a financial technology company, albeit one that owned a bank, Wirecard was long considered as being in a grey area when it came to traditional bank supervision. Also read| Germany vows to beef up finance watchdog after Wirecard drama "We will assess how to improve the relevant EU rules so these kinds of cases can be detected," Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters, adding that the review is set to end after the summer. It will look at whether changes are needed to the bloc`s rules on transparency requirements for listed companies, accounting norms and existing regulation aimed at stamping out market abuses, he said. Wirecard seems not to have provided reliable and trustful information to investors and therefore was in breach of current rules, Dombrovskis said. Also read| Wirecard fraud: Ex-COO Marsalek's immigration papers in Philippines were faked But there was also a need to examine supervision by regulators, and not just the rules themselves, he said. Germany`s financial supervisor BaFin and the accounting watchdog - the privately-owned Financial Reporting Enforcement Panel (FREP) have come under scrutiny in the wake of Wirecard`s collapse. BaFin and FREP supervised Wirecard. Wirecard was a hybrid company that processed electronic payments and also owned a bank, leaving regulators at odds over how it should be supervised. Lessons from Wirecard could also be applied to the bloc`s work on how to supervise "critical third party" providers such as tech related companies, Dombrovskis said. The Commission had launched a public consultation on its digital finance strategy, though it was unclear if the German company would have come under this criteria. The strategy looks at how the same risks, whether from a technology or a financial company, should be regulated and supervised in the same way.

Wirecard scandal brings overhaul of EU fintech rules into sharper focus

Michael Cohen, the US President Donald Trump's former lawyer, will be returning back to his apartment in Manhattan on Friday to finish his criminal sentence.

The order came two weeks after Cohen was imprisoned in Otisville prison as a retaliation for planning to publish a book about Trump.

US&nbsp;District Judge Alvin Hellerstein ordered Cohen to be released by 2 pm EDT (1800 GMT) from the prison in Otisville, New York.&nbsp;

"I make the finding that the purpose of transferring Mr. Cohen from furlough and home confinement to jail is retaliatory and it`s retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights to publish a book," Hellerstein said at Thursday`s hearing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-former-lawyer-michael-cohen-back-in-jail-after-home-confinement-fails-312112">Also read:&nbsp;Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, back in jail after home confinement fails</a>

Cohen was sentenced in 2018 for directing hush payments to pornographic film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed they had affairs with the current US President Donald Trump. All these claims were denied by Trump.

In the starting of July 2020, Cohen had requested to convert his furlough to a home confinement&nbsp;to finish out the final two years of his three-year sentence. However, he was brought back to the prison after he tweeted that his book, which will provide&nbsp;"unflattering details" of Trump`s behavior, was almost finished.

The officials claimed that his tweet was a breach of the agreement under which Cohen was not allowed to reach out to the media in any form, for any reason.

Cohen, who has once claimed that he would "take a bullet" for Trump, has not received any support from his old friend and colleague. Instead, he has labelled as a "rat" by Trump.

Michael Cohen, the US President Donald Trump's former lawyer, will be returning back to his apartment in Manhattan on Friday to finish his criminal sentence. The order came two weeks after Cohen was imprisoned in Otisville prison as a retaliation for planning to publish a book about Trump.

Michael Cohen, the US President Donald Trump's former lawyer, will be returning back to his apartment in Manhattan on Friday to finish his criminal sentence. The order came two weeks after Cohen was imprisoned in Otisville prison as a retaliation for planning to publish a book about Trump. US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein ordered Cohen to be released by 2 pm EDT (1800 GMT) from the prison in Otisville, New York. "I make the finding that the purpose of transferring Mr. Cohen from furlough and home confinement to jail is retaliatory and it`s retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights to publish a book," Hellerstein said at Thursday`s hearing. Also read: Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, back in jail after home confinement fails Cohen was sentenced in 2018 for directing hush payments to pornographic film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed they had affairs with the current US President Donald Trump. All these claims were denied by Trump. In the starting of July 2020, Cohen had requested to convert his furlough to a home confinement to finish out the final two years of his three-year sentence. However, he was brought back to the prison after he tweeted that his book, which will provide "unflattering details" of Trump`s behavior, was almost finished. The officials claimed that his tweet was a breach of the agreement under which Cohen was not allowed to reach out to the media in any form, for any reason. Cohen, who has once claimed that he would "take a bullet" for Trump, has not received any support from his old friend and colleague. Instead, he has labelled as a "rat" by Trump.

Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen soon to return home from prison

Almost 10 universities in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada have been hit by a malware in their cloud computing provider, Blackbaud.

Blackbaud is one of the largest providers of&nbsp;education administration, fundraising, and financial management software in the world.

The hackers focused on information about&nbsp;students and/or alumni. Sensitive information such as&nbsp;phone numbers, donation history and events attended were stolen. However, payment details such as credit card numbers were not exposed, according to BBC.

Mails asking for donation for the universities were sent out to alumni. However, in few of the cases, the threat was extended to&nbsp;staff, existing students and other supporters.

The company, Blackbaud, is being criticised for the way the whole whole situation&nbsp;as handled in their end. The hackers targeted the company in May, but the universities were informed in July.

"In May of 2020, we discovered and stopped a ransomware attack. Prior to our locking the cyber-criminal out, the cyber-criminal removed a copy of a subset of data from our self-hosted environment," Blackbaud said in a statement on their website.

It was further criticised for paying off the hackers ransom amount that has not been disclosed, without talking to the universities or the authorities.&nbsp;Blackbaud claims that paying off the ransom helped them get a&nbsp;"confirmation that the copy [of data] they removed had been destroyed".

While this is not illegal, the universities have not appreciated this step as they claim to have been kept in the dark about this whole situation.

Blackbaud has also claimed that majority of its customers were not affected. However, it has declined to give a complete list of affected universities, claiming that it wants to respect the privacy of its customers.

As of now the aconfirmed list of affected universities is:&nbsp;University of York, Oxford Brookes University, Loughborough University, University of Leeds, University of London, University of Reading, University College&nbsp;(Oxford), Ambrose University in Alberta (Canada), Human Rights Watch Young Minds, Rhode Island School of Design in the US and the University of Exeter.

The universities have now sent out an email apologising to the students and the alumni who were affected by the hacking activity.

"My main concern is how reassuring - impossibly so, in my opinion - Blackbaud were to the university about what the hackers have obtained," commented Rhys Morgan, a cyber-security specialist and former student at Oxford Brookes University, whose data was involved.

"They told my university that there is 'no reason to believe that the stolen data was or will be misused'. I can't feel reassured by this at all. How can they possibly know what the attackers will do with that information?"

"I doubt that my university has many details that aren't pretty easily available, but I am more concerned about giving in to the blackmail and blithely accepting the word of the blackmailer that all the data has now been destroyed," Matthew Scott, one of the recipients who received the email&nbsp;told the BBC.

After the whole situation was revealed to the universities,&nbsp;Leeds University said, in a statement: "We want to reassure our alumni that, since being informed by Blackbaud of this incident, we have been working tirelessly to investigate what has happened, in order to accurately inform those affected. No action is required by our alumni community at this time, although, as ever, we recommend that everyone remains vigilant."

Blackbaud will have to participate in investigations for the UK and Canada data authorities&nbsp;as the concernned authorities were informed last weekend, which is weeks after the company noticed the breach in the systems.

UK's Information Commissioner's Office [ICO] said, "Blackbaud has reported an incident affecting multiple data controllers to the ICO. We will be making enquiries to both Blackbaud and the respective controllers, and encourage all affected controllers to evaluate whether they need to report the incident to the ICO individually."

Almost 10 universities in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada have been hit by a malware in their cloud computing provider, Blackbaud. Blackbaud is one of the largest providers of education administration, fundraising, and financial management software in the world.

Almost 10 universities in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada have been hit by a malware in their cloud computing provider, Blackbaud. Blackbaud is one of the largest providers of education administration, fundraising, and financial management software in the world. The hackers focused on information about students and/or alumni. Sensitive information such as phone numbers, donation history and events attended were stolen. However, payment details such as credit card numbers were not exposed, according to BBC. Mails asking for donation for the universities were sent out to alumni. However, in few of the cases, the threat was extended to staff, existing students and other supporters. The company, Blackbaud, is being criticised for the way the whole whole situation as handled in their end. The hackers targeted the company in May, but the universities were informed in July. "In May of 2020, we discovered and stopped a ransomware attack. Prior to our locking the cyber-criminal out, the cyber-criminal removed a copy of a subset of data from our self-hosted environment," Blackbaud said in a statement on their website. It was further criticised for paying off the hackers ransom amount that has not been disclosed, without talking to the universities or the authorities. Blackbaud claims that paying off the ransom helped them get a "confirmation that the copy [of data] they removed had been destroyed". While this is not illegal, the universities have not appreciated this step as they claim to have been kept in the dark about this whole situation. Blackbaud has also claimed that majority of its customers were not affected. However, it has declined to give a complete list of affected universities, claiming that it wants to respect the privacy of its customers. As of now the aconfirmed list of affected universities is: University of York, Oxford Brookes University, Loughborough University, University of Leeds, University of London, University of Reading, University College (Oxford), Ambrose University in Alberta (Canada), Human Rights Watch Young Minds, Rhode Island School of Design in the US and the University of Exeter. The universities have now sent out an email apologising to the students and the alumni who were affected by the hacking activity. "My main concern is how reassuring - impossibly so, in my opinion - Blackbaud were to the university about what the hackers have obtained," commented Rhys Morgan, a cyber-security specialist and former student at Oxford Brookes University, whose data was involved. "They told my university that there is 'no reason to believe that the stolen data was or will be misused'. I can't feel reassured by this at all. How can they possibly know what the attackers will do with that information?" "I doubt that my university has many details that aren't pretty easily available, but I am more concerned about giving in to the blackmail and blithely accepting the word of the blackmailer that all the data has now been destroyed," Matthew Scott, one of the recipients who received the email told the BBC. After the whole situation was revealed to the universities, Leeds University said, in a statement: "We want to reassure our alumni that, since being informed by Blackbaud of this incident, we have been working tirelessly to investigate what has happened, in order to accurately inform those affected. No action is required by our alumni community at this time, although, as ever, we recommend that everyone remains vigilant." Blackbaud will have to participate in investigations for the UK and Canada data authorities as the concernned authorities were informed last weekend, which is weeks after the company noticed the breach in the systems. UK's Information Commissioner's Office [ICO] said, "Blackbaud has reported an incident affecting multiple data controllers to the ICO. We will be making enquiries to both Blackbaud and the respective controllers, and encourage all affected controllers to evaluate whether they need to report the incident to the ICO individually."

Several universities in UK, US and Canada hit by malware attack; data lost

Sri Lankan police on Thursday said that they have not received any "evidence" to confirm the media reports that the wife of one of the Easter suicide bombers may have fled to India to avoid arrest.

Police spokesman Jaliya Senaratne made the comments while responding to questions on the media reports that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings was told that Pulasthini Rajendran alias Sarah, the wife of bomber Achchi Mohammdu Mohammadu Hasthun, had fled to India by sea in September last.

"We have detained two people...But we have not received any acceptable evidence that the person had fled the country," Senaratne said.

On April 21, 2019, nine suicide bombers belonging to the local extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS carried out a series of blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, killing 258 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500 on the Easter Sunday. Hasthun blew himself up at St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo.

Sri Lankan police have arrested over 200 suspects in connection with the bombings.

Chief Inspector Arjuna Maheenkanda told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that the person who assisted her to flee had been arrested.

Maheenkanda said that in October 2019, he was assigned to investigate the attacks carried out by the NTJ.

He told the PCoI that on July 6, 2020, he received a tip-off from an informant that Sarah, who was in the NTJ hideout in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, had escaped and was hiding in Mankadu in the eastern town of Batticaloa.

"When we were in Batticaloa, we met another person who had seen a woman, whom he believed was Sarah. This informant said he had seen a cab parked along Batticaloa-Kalmunai main road, near Beach Road, Mankadu area around 3 AM in September 2019.

"He felt suspicious and slowed down. Then he saw Sarah and two other men walking towards the main road. There was a street light there and that's how the informant saw them. This informant had lived near Sarah's house for a long time. He also saw that she got into the back seat of the cab parked near the road," Maheenkenda told the PCoI. 
Maheenkanda said that there was information that Sarah had fled to India by boat from the Mannar area. The husband of Sarah's aunt and his brother had helped her escape.

"One of the suspects is currently in custody. The other person has gone abroad. Investigations have also revealed that a person in the Mannar area helped her flee," the officer said.

The blasts targeted St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo, and a church in the eastern town of Batticaloa when the Easter Sunday mass was in progress.

Three explosions were reported from three five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury in Colombo.

Sri Lankan police on Thursday said that they have not received any "evidence" to confirm the media reports that the wife of one of the Easter suicide bombers may have fled to India to avoid arrest.

Sri Lankan police on Thursday said that they have not received any "evidence" to confirm the media reports that the wife of one of the Easter suicide bombers may have fled to India to avoid arrest. Police spokesman Jaliya Senaratne made the comments while responding to questions on the media reports that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings was told that Pulasthini Rajendran alias Sarah, the wife of bomber Achchi Mohammdu Mohammadu Hasthun, had fled to India by sea in September last. "We have detained two people...But we have not received any acceptable evidence that the person had fled the country," Senaratne said. On April 21, 2019, nine suicide bombers belonging to the local extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS carried out a series of blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, killing 258 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500 on the Easter Sunday. Hasthun blew himself up at St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo. Sri Lankan police have arrested over 200 suspects in connection with the bombings. Chief Inspector Arjuna Maheenkanda told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that the person who assisted her to flee had been arrested. Maheenkanda said that in October 2019, he was assigned to investigate the attacks carried out by the NTJ. He told the PCoI that on July 6, 2020, he received a tip-off from an informant that Sarah, who was in the NTJ hideout in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, had escaped and was hiding in Mankadu in the eastern town of Batticaloa. "When we were in Batticaloa, we met another person who had seen a woman, whom he believed was Sarah. This informant said he had seen a cab parked along Batticaloa-Kalmunai main road, near Beach Road, Mankadu area around 3 AM in September 2019. "He felt suspicious and slowed down. Then he saw Sarah and two other men walking towards the main road. There was a street light there and that's how the informant saw them. This informant had lived near Sarah's house for a long time. He also saw that she got into the back seat of the cab parked near the road," Maheenkenda told the PCoI. Maheenkanda said that there was information that Sarah had fled to India by boat from the Mannar area. The husband of Sarah's aunt and his brother had helped her escape. "One of the suspects is currently in custody. The other person has gone abroad. Investigations have also revealed that a person in the Mannar area helped her flee," the officer said. The blasts targeted St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo, and a church in the eastern town of Batticaloa when the Easter Sunday mass was in progress. Three explosions were reported from three five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury in Colombo.

No evidence to confirm Easter attacker's wife fled to India: Lanka police

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests.

Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said.

The new DGHS chief was currently serving as the surgery department head of state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital, it said.

The official said the ministry simultaneously appointed a new DGHS director entrusting him with the charge of overseeing hospitals and clinics.

The new appointments come hours after the government said that it had scrapped the contractual agreement and appointment of Abul Kalam Azad as the chief of the DGHS, a key agency in the fight against the pandemic.

Azad preferred an honourable exit by resigning from his position amid allegations of irregularities.

The scams came to light after two private facilities allowed by Azad's office to test COVID-19 and treating patients found to be involved in faking the tests.

Their owners and senior officials of the two private facilities are now under police custody for investigations.

Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam in a statement said the restructuring was not enough and health minister Zahid Malek should resign as well due to the scandal.

Bangladesh on Thursday reported 50 deaths due to the coronavirus, taking the country's toll to 2,801. The country has witnessed 216,110 COVID-19 cases so far.

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests. Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said.

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests. Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said. The new DGHS chief was currently serving as the surgery department head of state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital, it said. The official said the ministry simultaneously appointed a new DGHS director entrusting him with the charge of overseeing hospitals and clinics. The new appointments come hours after the government said that it had scrapped the contractual agreement and appointment of Abul Kalam Azad as the chief of the DGHS, a key agency in the fight against the pandemic. Azad preferred an honourable exit by resigning from his position amid allegations of irregularities. The scams came to light after two private facilities allowed by Azad's office to test COVID-19 and treating patients found to be involved in faking the tests. Their owners and senior officials of the two private facilities are now under police custody for investigations. Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam in a statement said the restructuring was not enough and health minister Zahid Malek should resign as well due to the scandal. Bangladesh on Thursday reported 50 deaths due to the coronavirus, taking the country's toll to 2,801. The country has witnessed 216,110 COVID-19 cases so far.

Bangladesh restructures health services over COVID-19 scam

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday.

The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said. 
In the last 24 hours, 156 coronavirus patients have recovered, the spokesperson said. In total, 12,840 people have recovered from the disease and 5,358 active cases are undergoing treatment.

Nepal has so far conducted 331,095 Polymerase chain reaction tests in 28 laboratories across the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-lifts-its-coronavirus-lockdown-after-120-days-315206">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal lifts its coronavirus lockdown after 120 days</a>

The government lifted the nationwide lockdown earlier in the week. Long-route public transportation will be allowed from August 17.

Academic institutions will be allowed to open admissions for the new academic session from August 16.

Cinema halls, dance bars, beauty salons, fitness centres, swimming pools and religious places will remain closed. 
Domestic and international flights will be allowed to operate from August 17.

Following the second COVID-19 case in Nepal, the government on March 24 had enforced the nationwide lockdown.

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday. The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said.

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday. The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said. In the last 24 hours, 156 coronavirus patients have recovered, the spokesperson said. In total, 12,840 people have recovered from the disease and 5,358 active cases are undergoing treatment. Nepal has so far conducted 331,095 Polymerase chain reaction tests in 28 laboratories across the country. Also read: Nepal lifts its coronavirus lockdown after 120 days The government lifted the nationwide lockdown earlier in the week. Long-route public transportation will be allowed from August 17. Academic institutions will be allowed to open admissions for the new academic session from August 16. Cinema halls, dance bars, beauty salons, fitness centres, swimming pools and religious places will remain closed. Domestic and international flights will be allowed to operate from August 17. Following the second COVID-19 case in Nepal, the government on March 24 had enforced the nationwide lockdown.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally rises to 18,241

&nbsp;A bomb planted on a vegetable cart went off at a busy open-air market in a tribal district in northwestern Pakistan on Thursday, injuring at least 20 people including a child, police said.

The bomb blast occurred in Turi Bazar in the city of Parachinar when the explosives went off as people were busy buying groceries and vegetables.

Parachinar District Superintendent of Police Najab Ali said the cause of the explosion was an improvised explosive device (IED) that was fitted inside a vegetable cart.

The injured were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-loc-tourism-government-sponsoring-tours-for-its-propoganda-to-defame-india-315528">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan squandering away tax-payer's money on its propoganda to defame India</a>

At least 20 people have been brought wounded for treatment, said hospital staff, including a child, Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS) Parachinar Hospital Dr Qaiser Hasan was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

He said that two among the wounded are critically injured.

Parachinar is the capital city of Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Soon after the blast, security forces and rescue teams reached the spot. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-200-year-old-gurdwara-handed-back-to-sikhs-in-balochistan-315460">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan: 200-year-old Gurdwara handed back to Sikhs in Balochistan</a>

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but the region is known for sectarian clashes between Sunnis and Shias.

The residents blocked the main highway and staged a protest against the bombing in front of Parachinar Press Club. 
Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast, saying "terrorists seek to target citizens and leave Pakistan in the grip of terror."

Kurram district is considered one of the most sensitive tribal areas of Pakistan as it borders three Afghanistan provinces. It has witnessed scores of attacks and kidnapping for ransom incidents during the last decade.

In 2017, nearly 132 people were killed and 460 others wounded in five militant attacks in Parachinar.

In previous years, militants had carried out 11 bomb attacks that killed over 500 people.

A bomb planted on a vegetable cart went off at a busy open-air market in a tribal district in northwestern Pakistan on Thursday, injuring at least 20 people including a child, police said.

A bomb planted on a vegetable cart went off at a busy open-air market in a tribal district in northwestern Pakistan on Thursday, injuring at least 20 people including a child, police said. The bomb blast occurred in Turi Bazar in the city of Parachinar when the explosives went off as people were busy buying groceries and vegetables. Parachinar District Superintendent of Police Najab Ali said the cause of the explosion was an improvised explosive device (IED) that was fitted inside a vegetable cart. The injured were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital. Also read| Pakistan squandering away tax-payer's money on its propoganda to defame India At least 20 people have been brought wounded for treatment, said hospital staff, including a child, Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS) Parachinar Hospital Dr Qaiser Hasan was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper. He said that two among the wounded are critically injured. Parachinar is the capital city of Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Soon after the blast, security forces and rescue teams reached the spot. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Also read| Pakistan: 200-year-old Gurdwara handed back to Sikhs in Balochistan No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but the region is known for sectarian clashes between Sunnis and Shias. The residents blocked the main highway and staged a protest against the bombing in front of Parachinar Press Club. Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast, saying "terrorists seek to target citizens and leave Pakistan in the grip of terror." Kurram district is considered one of the most sensitive tribal areas of Pakistan as it borders three Afghanistan provinces. It has witnessed scores of attacks and kidnapping for ransom incidents during the last decade. In 2017, nearly 132 people were killed and 460 others wounded in five militant attacks in Parachinar. In previous years, militants had carried out 11 bomb attacks that killed over 500 people.

20 injured in bomb blast at open-air market in northwest Pakistan

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit.

Republicans have been trying for days to agree on a negotiating position, a preliminary step to hashing out details with Democrats who control the House of Representatives, which in May passed a proposed $3 trillion response plan that the Senate declined to take up.

Democratic leaders, meanwhile, rejected the idea of passing a piecemeal bill.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barack-obama-joe-biden-team-up-for-new-video-to-slam-trump-defend-their-administration-315510">Also read|&nbsp;Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration</a>

The talks continue as U.S. coronavirus cases passed the 4 million mark, a milestone of a pandemic that has killed more than 143,000 Americans and thrown tens of millions out of work.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Capitol Hill, a day after hammering out Republican agreements in principle on portions of a potential coronavirus-response bill, which could be presented to Democrats as early as this week.

"We`ve finalized the appropriations. We’re just going over some of the final text that went back and forth last night," Mnuchin told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dead-britons-pompeo-slams-world-health-organization-says-chief-tedros-bought-by-china-315441">Also read|&nbsp;'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams World Health Organization; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China</a>

Mnuchin said that if officials can`t get everything done at once, some items should be prioritized, including an extension of unemployment insurance, aid to schools and liability protections for businesses reopening.

Instead of continuing a weekly $600 enhancement of unemployment benefits that expires on July 31, Mnuchin said Republicans were looking at replacing 70% of wages. "We`re not going to pay people more to stay home than to work," he said.

However, the idea of doing a partial instead of a comprehensive coronavirus aid bill was shot down by Democrats from both sides of the Capitol.

"We cannot piecemeal this," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference.

Democrats want to keep the enhanced unemployment benefits, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer scoffed at the divisions that have thus far prevented Republicans from presenting a united proposal.

"Republicans are fighting with themselves over how much to cut unemployment benefits," he said.

The draft Senate Republican plan was expected to include direct payments to Americans totaling $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, according to a senior Senate aide.

Asked whether a payroll tax cut would be included in the proposal being put forth by Senate Republicans, Mnuchin said: "Not in this, but we`re going to come back. ... One of the problems with the payroll tax cut is it takes time, so we are much more focused right now on the direct payments."

Mnuchin told reporters the proposal being worked out by Senate Republicans will include $16 billion in new funding for coronavirus testing, for a total of $25 billion. He also said this might not be the last coronavirus aid package.

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit.

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit. Republicans have been trying for days to agree on a negotiating position, a preliminary step to hashing out details with Democrats who control the House of Representatives, which in May passed a proposed $3 trillion response plan that the Senate declined to take up. Democratic leaders, meanwhile, rejected the idea of passing a piecemeal bill. Also read| Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration The talks continue as U.S. coronavirus cases passed the 4 million mark, a milestone of a pandemic that has killed more than 143,000 Americans and thrown tens of millions out of work. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Capitol Hill, a day after hammering out Republican agreements in principle on portions of a potential coronavirus-response bill, which could be presented to Democrats as early as this week. "We`ve finalized the appropriations. We’re just going over some of the final text that went back and forth last night," Mnuchin told reporters. Also read| 'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams World Health Organization; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China Mnuchin said that if officials can`t get everything done at once, some items should be prioritized, including an extension of unemployment insurance, aid to schools and liability protections for businesses reopening. Instead of continuing a weekly $600 enhancement of unemployment benefits that expires on July 31, Mnuchin said Republicans were looking at replacing 70% of wages. "We`re not going to pay people more to stay home than to work," he said. However, the idea of doing a partial instead of a comprehensive coronavirus aid bill was shot down by Democrats from both sides of the Capitol. "We cannot piecemeal this," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference. Democrats want to keep the enhanced unemployment benefits, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer scoffed at the divisions that have thus far prevented Republicans from presenting a united proposal. "Republicans are fighting with themselves over how much to cut unemployment benefits," he said. The draft Senate Republican plan was expected to include direct payments to Americans totaling $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, according to a senior Senate aide. Asked whether a payroll tax cut would be included in the proposal being put forth by Senate Republicans, Mnuchin said: "Not in this, but we`re going to come back. ... One of the problems with the payroll tax cut is it takes time, so we are much more focused right now on the direct payments." Mnuchin told reporters the proposal being worked out by Senate Republicans will include $16 billion in new funding for coronavirus testing, for a total of $25 billion. He also said this might not be the last coronavirus aid package.

Republicans ditch coronavirus payroll tax cut, haggle over unemployment payments

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