As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy.

Due to this, the World Bank has approved a USD 500 million loan for Pakistan to help the country out of a major economic crisis.

World Bank has decided to help Pakistan once again after four years. This decision has been taken to help the country out of a major economy crisis allegedly caused due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eid-al-fitr-observed-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-across-the-globe-300733#syria-300725">Have a look:&nbsp;Eid al-Fitr observed amid coronavirus pandemic across the globe!</a>&nbsp;

The money is to help the country get better access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a media organisation reported.

"Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents.

Pakistan has been given 30 years to return the money back to World Bank.

"The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu.

The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that.&nbsp;

As the microeconomic risk is higher now, due to the pandemic, it is riskier and tougher for Pakistan.

World Bank has asked Pakistan to&nbsp;restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister.

(With inputs from PTI)

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy.

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy. Due to this, the World Bank has approved a USD 500 million loan for Pakistan to help the country out of a major economic crisis. World Bank has decided to help Pakistan once again after four years. This decision has been taken to help the country out of a major economy crisis allegedly caused due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report. Have a look: Eid al-Fitr observed amid coronavirus pandemic across the globe! The money is to help the country get better access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a media organisation reported. "Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents. Pakistan has been given 30 years to return the money back to World Bank. "The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu. The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that. As the microeconomic risk is higher now, due to the pandemic, it is riskier and tougher for Pakistan. World Bank has asked Pakistan to restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister. (With inputs from PTI)

World Bank approves USD 500 million loan for Pakistan

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel.

As per the guidelines, wearing face masks, or face shields, will be compulsory during the entire journey. All passengers have been advised to wear hand gloves and avoid coming in contact with anything in public spaces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maha-tn-west-bengal-seek-delay-in-restarting-flights-as-coronavirus-cases-rise-300734">Also read:&nbsp;Maha, TN, West Bengal seek delay in restarting flights as coronavirus cases rise</a>

Passengers will go through thermal screening on the airports and will have to follow all rules of social distancing throughout their journey.

All asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel, under the strict guidelines to self-quarantine&nbsp;themselves for the next 14 days. They will also have to self-examine their health symptoms&nbsp;for 14 days, and inform the&nbsp;district surveillance officer or the state/national call center if they suspect any symptoms.

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Latest guidelines on domestic &amp; international travel have been issued by <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a>. 
 
I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms &amp; strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic.<a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoCA_GoI</a> <a href="https://t.co/xVbTG1K44n">pic.twitter.com/xVbTG1K44n</a>
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It is compulsory for all passengers to be registered on Aarogya Setu app to prove that they are coming from a non-containment zone, or 'green zone'.

A list of dos and don'ts will be provided to the passengers along with tickets by the concerned authorities, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel).

These guidelines have been issued for domestic air, train and road travel.

As majority airlines have booked the tickets for their routes starting tomorrow,&nbsp;Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal&nbsp;have said they are not prepared to open for flights amid rising cases.

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel.

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel. As per the guidelines, wearing face masks, or face shields, will be compulsory during the entire journey. All passengers have been advised to wear hand gloves and avoid coming in contact with anything in public spaces. Also read: Maha, TN, West Bengal seek delay in restarting flights as coronavirus cases rise Passengers will go through thermal screening on the airports and will have to follow all rules of social distancing throughout their journey. All asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel, under the strict guidelines to self-quarantine themselves for the next 14 days. They will also have to self-examine their health symptoms for 14 days, and inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call center if they suspect any symptoms. Latest guidelines on domestic & international travel have been issued by @MoHFW_INDIA. I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms & strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic.@MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/xVbTG1K44n — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 24, 2020 × It is compulsory for all passengers to be registered on Aarogya Setu app to prove that they are coming from a non-containment zone, or 'green zone'. A list of dos and don'ts will be provided to the passengers along with tickets by the concerned authorities, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel). These guidelines have been issued for domestic air, train and road travel. As majority airlines have booked the tickets for their routes starting tomorrow, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have said they are not prepared to open for flights amid rising cases.

New guidelines issued for domestic travel; Aarogya Setu app compulsory

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-press-secretary-reveals-a-little-too-much-trumps-bank-details-300605">White House press secretary reveals a little too much -- Trump's bank details</a>

As McEnany held the cheque to show it to the reporters on Friday, it not only had the USD 100,000 amount to be given to the HHS but also displayed the president's private bank account and routing numbers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-successfully-tests-a-laser-weapon-that-can-destroy-aircraft-mid-flight-300564">US successfully tests a laser weapon that can destroy aircraft mid-flight</a>

The Navy, in a statement on Friday, said lasers, which it calls directed energy weapons (DEW), can be effective defences against drones or armed small boats.

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Neighbouring Bangladesh, which also fell in Cyclone Amphan's path on Wednesday, said it had suffered a loss of 11 billion taka ($130 million). But this could rise, government officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-clears-way-for-new-arms-sale-to-uae-despite-evidence-it-violated-previous-deal-300634">US clears way for new arms sale to UAE despite evidence it violated previous deal</a>

Under the UAE and Saudi Arabia's arms sales agreements with the US, American-made MRAPs are considered "proprietary technology," which neither party is supposed to let out of its control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-president-xi-jinping-makes-high-stakes-power-play-in-move-to-subdue-hong-kong-300637">China President Xi Jinping makes high-stakes power play in move to subdue Hong Kong</a>

The proposal for new legislation is expected to be passed on May 28 by the National People's Congress, though it remains unclear how and when exactly Hong Kong will bring it into effect.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/thailand-begins-coronavirus-vaccine-trials-on-monkeys-300660">Thailand begins coronavirus vaccine trials on monkeys</a>

Thailand announced on Wednesday that it was developing a vaccine - one of at least 100 potential vaccines in the works worldwide - and hoped to have it into production by next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/black-box-recovered-from-pakistan-airplane-crash-site-300652">Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site</a>

The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-attend-nasa-astronaut-launch-in-florida-on-wednesday-300648">Trump to attend NASA astronaut launch in Florida on Wednesday</a>

It will be the first time since the space shuttle programme ended in 2011 that US astronauts will launch into space aboard an American rocket from American soil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cummings-did-not-break-any-rules-uk-pm-office-resists-calls-to-take-action-over-lockdown-drive-300593">Cummings did not break any rules: UK PM office resists calls to take action over lockdown drive</a>

'At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines,' official stated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-40-test-positive-for-coronavirus-after-frankfurt-church-service-300636">More than 40 test positive for coronavirus after Frankfurt church service</a>

The service took place on May 10 at a Baptist church. It's being said the church did not violate official guidelines aimed at containing the spread of the virus.

White House press secretary reveals a little too much -- Trump's bank details As McEnany held the cheque to show it to the reporters on Friday, it not only had the USD 100,000 amount to be given to the HHS but also displayed the president's private bank account and routing numbers.

White House press secretary reveals a little too much -- Trump's bank details As McEnany held the cheque to show it to the reporters on Friday, it not only had the USD 100,000 amount to be given to the HHS but also displayed the president's private bank account and routing numbers. US successfully tests a laser weapon that can destroy aircraft mid-flight The Navy, in a statement on Friday, said lasers, which it calls directed energy weapons (DEW), can be effective defences against drones or armed small boats. Cyclone Amphan loss estimated at Rs 1 trillion in India Neighbouring Bangladesh, which also fell in Cyclone Amphan's path on Wednesday, said it had suffered a loss of 11 billion taka ($130 million). But this could rise, government officials said. US clears way for new arms sale to UAE despite evidence it violated previous deal Under the UAE and Saudi Arabia's arms sales agreements with the US, American-made MRAPs are considered "proprietary technology," which neither party is supposed to let out of its control. China President Xi Jinping makes high-stakes power play in move to subdue Hong Kong The proposal for new legislation is expected to be passed on May 28 by the National People's Congress, though it remains unclear how and when exactly Hong Kong will bring it into effect. Thailand begins coronavirus vaccine trials on monkeys Thailand announced on Wednesday that it was developing a vaccine - one of at least 100 potential vaccines in the works worldwide - and hoped to have it into production by next year. Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan. Trump to attend NASA astronaut launch in Florida on Wednesday It will be the first time since the space shuttle programme ended in 2011 that US astronauts will launch into space aboard an American rocket from American soil. Cummings did not break any rules: UK PM office resists calls to take action over lockdown drive 'At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines,' official stated. More than 40 test positive for coronavirus after Frankfurt church service The service took place on May 10 at a Baptist church. It's being said the church did not violate official guidelines aimed at containing the spread of the virus.

Top 10 world news today: Trump's bank details made public, US tests laser weapon and more

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country.

Afghanistan had recorded 9,216 cases of COVID-19, the lung disease caused by the virus, and 205 deaths as of Friday, the health ministry said. The highest number of cases has been in Kabul, a city of six million that has been under a lockdown of varying intensity since March 28.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drastic-increase-in-attacks-on-civilians-in-afghanistan-300341">Also watch:&nbsp;Drastic increase in attacks on civilians in Afghanistan</a>

"It's almost two months that Afghans have been in quarantine and surely everyone has suffered a lot during this period," Ghulam Hussain, a Kabul resident at one busy market, told Reuters.

Prices for everything in the market have shot up during the lockdown, he added.

Two of the largest markets in the heart of Kabul visited by Reuters were packed, with most shoppers not wearing masks or gloves and not observing social distancing rules. &nbsp;

"I admit that everyone should observe the hygiene (guidelines) and follow the government and doctors` advice, but what about the attacks and killings that are happening in our country and claim the lives of our people daily?" asked Abdul Saleem, another shopper.

While there has been a partial relaxation of the lockdown, with Kabul`s local administration also announcing fresh guidelines for residents in the lead-up to Eid on Friday, people have been ignoring appeals to respect social distancing.

The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed either on Saturday or Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon.

Most shoppers visiting markets were looking for dried foods to make traditional Eid dishes and new clothes to mark the occassion. 
&nbsp;

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country.

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country. Afghanistan had recorded 9,216 cases of COVID-19, the lung disease caused by the virus, and 205 deaths as of Friday, the health ministry said. The highest number of cases has been in Kabul, a city of six million that has been under a lockdown of varying intensity since March 28. Also watch: Drastic increase in attacks on civilians in Afghanistan "It's almost two months that Afghans have been in quarantine and surely everyone has suffered a lot during this period," Ghulam Hussain, a Kabul resident at one busy market, told Reuters. Prices for everything in the market have shot up during the lockdown, he added. Two of the largest markets in the heart of Kabul visited by Reuters were packed, with most shoppers not wearing masks or gloves and not observing social distancing rules. "I admit that everyone should observe the hygiene (guidelines) and follow the government and doctors` advice, but what about the attacks and killings that are happening in our country and claim the lives of our people daily?" asked Abdul Saleem, another shopper. While there has been a partial relaxation of the lockdown, with Kabul`s local administration also announcing fresh guidelines for residents in the lead-up to Eid on Friday, people have been ignoring appeals to respect social distancing. The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed either on Saturday or Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon. Most shoppers visiting markets were looking for dried foods to make traditional Eid dishes and new clothes to mark the occassion.

Afghans throng markets ahead of Muslim holiday despite virus fears

Portuguese return to beaches on first state-sanctioned weekend

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday.

The&nbsp;data recorder&nbsp;was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/97-dead-2-survived-in-pakistan-plane-crash-official-says-300526">Also watch:&nbsp;97 dead, 2 survived in Pakistan plane crash, official says</a>

The crash claimed lives of&nbsp;at least 97 people, including crew members.

"97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with the assistance of Civil Administration," said&nbsp;Major General Babar Iftikhar. Officials also stated that no houses were hit, and nobody on the ground lost their lives due to the crash.

Earlier, an audio conversation between the pilot and the air traffic control was also recovered, in which the pilot told the controllers about the engines failing.

"[The pilot] had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go-around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost," said&nbsp;PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday. The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday. The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan. Also watch: 97 dead, 2 survived in Pakistan plane crash, official says The crash claimed lives of at least 97 people, including crew members. "97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with the assistance of Civil Administration," said Major General Babar Iftikhar. Officials also stated that no houses were hit, and nobody on the ground lost their lives due to the crash. Earlier, an audio conversation between the pilot and the air traffic control was also recovered, in which the pilot told the controllers about the engines failing. "[The pilot] had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go-around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost," said PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site

For Chinese leader Xi Jinping it is a high-stakes power play. His move to impose tough national security laws on Hong Kong risks reigniting pro-democracy protests that plunged the city into chaos last year, increasing tensions in an already fraught relationship with the United States and undermining Hong Kong`s status as a global financial hub.

In the aftermath of the protests, Beijing appears determined to stamp out any renewed rebellion against the Communist Party's authority over the former British colony. China`s largely rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, is preparing to circumvent the city`s lawmaking body, the Legislative Council, in drafting the new laws. The fear among many in Hong Kong is that China intends to criminalize existing freedoms, including criticism of the central government and its policies. It is the latest and biggest step in a concerted effort by Beijing to assert control over Hong Kong and its 7.4 million people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-planned-security-agencies-for-hong-kong-a-death-knell-for-autonomy-pompeo-300521">Also read:&nbsp;China's planned security agencies for Hong Kong a 'death knell' for autonomy: Pompeo</a>

In recent weeks there had been widespread speculation here that Beijing was planning this move, described by some local commentators as the "nuclear option." Thursday's announcement by China nonetheless stunned pro-democracy lawmakers, business leaders and lawyers in the city. It was, they said, a historic turning point - the end of "one country, two systems," the formula Beijing had promised would allow Hong Kong to retain its way of life and freedom for at least 50 years after the 1997 handover to Chinese rule.

"This represents a real demolition of the one country, two systems idea and also the idea of Hong Kong's autonomy," said barrister Wilson Leung, a member of the Progressive Lawyers Group. Leung said extremely harsh sentences had been imposed on dissidents, journalists and lawyers on the mainland under vaguely expressed but draconian laws. "These same vague concepts are now being introduced to Hong Kong," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-betrayed-the-people-of-hong-kong-former-hk-governor-300579">Also read:&nbsp;China has betrayed the people of Hong Kong: Former HK Governor</a>

Many details of the new laws and exactly how they will be absorbed into Hong Kong`s existing statutes remain unclear. But Beijing has openly expressed its intentions in recent months. It wants to end the cycle of mass protests that have thwarted successive post-colonial administrations each time they have moved to more closely align the city with China's political and legal system.

The current Beijing-backed leader of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, was forced to drop proposed laws last year that would have allowed extraditions for trial in mainland Chinese courts after demonstrations convulsed the city. Alarmingly for Beijing, many young protesters began making calls to "free Hong Kong" and became increasingly violent as police battled to restore order.

The new laws will be annexed into Hong Kong`s mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, outlawing secession, subversion and terrorism - and providing for the stationing of mainland national security agencies in the city, according to a draft seen by Reuters that spells out what the legislation will cover. That intention is raising fears in Hong Kong that Chinese intelligence agents and police will not only be based in the city, but have formal enforcement power for the first time.

The draft also states that Hong Kong`s "judicial organs" along with its government and legislature "must effectively prevent, stop and punish acts endangering national security."

Senior judges in the city told Reuters last month that the independence of Hong Kong`s judicial system is under assault from the Communist Party leadership, posing a grave threat to the rule of law.

The proposal for new legislation is expected to be passed on May 28 by the National People's Congress, though it remains unclear how and when exactly Hong Kong will bring it into effect.

Legal scholars are unsure whether the Basic Law`s extensive human rights protections will apply to the new imposed legislation. The Basic Law currently prevents mainland security institutions from routinely taking enforcement action inside the city.

Shiu Sin-por, a former top aide to Lam`s predecessor as city leader, told Reuters that the deployment into Hong Kong of the Ministry of State Security – China`s leading intelligence agency – could happen "right away."

"For Beijing to announce this, they most probably already have something in mind," Shiu said. "This is not difficult to set up, so this can happen anytime."

Enough is enough 
Chinese officials say the decision to pass the legislation via the National People's Congress is because they know it won't be passed by the Legislative Council in Hong Kong. "Hong Kong still has not completed legislation on national security since its return to China," said a person with direct knowledge of Beijing`s thinking. "After the endless protests, it's time for Beijing to say enough is enough."

The mainland authorities did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.

Lam said in a statement on Friday that she "deeply" believed the new law "will seek to practically and effectively prevent and curb acts and activities that seriously undermine national security, as well as sanction those who undermine national security by advocating `Hong Kong independence` and resorting to violence."

The immediate risk for Beijing is that the move will spark a fresh, more violent round of demonstrations. Protest groups and pro-democracy lawmakers are furious and have vowed to take to the streets to protest what they describe as "evil laws."

"Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers` critical voices with force and fear," pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong said on Twitter. "Deep down protesters know, we insist not because we are strong, but because we have no other choice."

It is a decisive but potentially fraught move for the Chinese leadership at a time when Beijing faces the most intense international and domestic pressure it has experienced in decades.

The COVID-19 pandemic that began late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan is battering the global economy. The death toll now exceeds 330,000 worldwide. China`s inability to initially contain the virus - and evidence that it suppressed information about the outbreak - has damaged its international standing. A report presented early last month by the Ministry of State Security to Xi and other Chinese leaders contained a stark warning, Reuters reported: Global anti-China sentiment was at its highest since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Compounding Beijing`s discomfort, Taiwan's government under President Tsai Ing-wen is basking in international acclaim for its success in containing the infection and avoiding serious economic harm. So far, Taiwan has had 441 confirmed cases of coronavirus and just seven deaths. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to assert that sovereignty.

As the pandemic spreads, Beijing has unleashed what Chinese commentators dub "wolf-warrior" diplomats - envoys who are lashing out against perceived slights or criticism with mockery and threats of trade retaliation.

China may be misreading the international mood. After Australia last month called for an independent inquiry into the origins and spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, China's ambassador said Chinese consumers could boycott Australian beef, wine and tourism. Beijing ultimately agreed to back a probe when it became clear at this month's meeting of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, that there was overwhelming global support for an inquiry.

'Ready to fight tonight' 
Military and economic tension with the U.S. is also on the rise. The Trump administration is sending loud signals that it will resist any Chinese move to expand its footprint in the South China Sea or seek territorial gains while the world is distracted with the public health crisis. Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet took the unusual step of announcing that all its forward deployed attack submarines were at sea on patrol in the Western Pacific. The location of U.S. submarines is normally secret - unless the Pentagon wants to send a warning that it is prepared to counter a threat.

"The Pacific Fleet submarine force remains lethal, agile and ready to fight tonight," U.S. Pacific Fleet submarine commander Rear Admiral Blake Converse said in a statement.

In the South China Sea and East China Sea, U.S. warships and long-range bombers have been mounting an ongoing series of patrols and exercises off the Chinese coast.

On Hong Kong, the United States is warning that Washington could retaliate economically if the city`s freedoms are threatened. At stake is Hong Kong`s special status in its ties with the United States, which provides for a broad range of trade, economic, political, social and law enforcement cooperation. Hong Kong, for example, is treated separately from the mainland by the United States in terms of customs and immigration.

On Thursday, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a bill to impose sanctions on Chinese officials or entities who violate freedoms China pledged to preserve in Hong Kong. The bill also would place sanctions on any bank that does significant business with those officials and entities.

Chinese officials bristle at U.S. attempts to dictate to Beijing how it should handle Hong Kong, which is a Chinese city. In particular, some point to the State Department saying it would delay the release of a report on whether Hong Kong is autonomous enough to continue receiving special treatment from the world`s biggest economy.

"Beijing doesn`t bow to threats like this," said the person with direct knowledge of Beijing`s thinking. "To Beijing, Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong."

Damage to Hong Kong`s role as a financial center could compound the challenge facing Beijing in rejuvenating the Chinese economy. Business activity had been slowing even before the pandemic; Covid-19 has hammered it. Official figures recorded a 6.8% contraction in economic output in the first quarter. One measure of the country's woes: The authorities announced this week that because of the uncertainty created by the pandemic, they won`t be setting an annual growth target, a stark turnaround for a country whose statistics have shown unbroken expansion for decades in virtual lockstep with government forecasts. 
Hong Kong is a vital cog in China's economy.

While China still has extensive capital controls and often intervenes in its financial markets and banking system, Hong Kong is one of the most open economies in the world and one of the biggest markets for equity and debt financing. China uses Hong Kong`s currency, equity and debt markets to attract foreign funds, while international companies use Hong Kong as a launchpad to expand into mainland China. The bulk of foreign direct investment in China continues to be channeled through the city. And many of China's biggest firms have listed in Hong Kong, often as a springboard to global expansion.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said in a statement that the move by China "may jeopardize future prospects for international business," including the ability to "recruit and retain top tier talent" in the city. "No one wins if the foundation for Hong Kong`s role as a prime international business and financial center is eroded," said Robert Grieves, chairman of the business group.

More direct role

The core of the problem for Xi and other top leaders is that the Communist Party and the authoritarian political system it enforces on the mainland remain deeply unpopular in free-wheeling Hong Kong. With the 23rd anniversary of the handover approaching, top Chinese leaders are rarely seen in the city. When they do appear, usually at carefully staged events, they are enveloped by security cordons designed to ensure they never face the kind of rowdy protests or public criticism that Hong Kong leaders routinely endure.

In some respects, the mainland leadership appears to be more remote from the city's people than top British officials in the final years of colonial rule. Hong Kong`s last colonial governor, Chris Patten, remains a popular figure here and a regular commentator on local political affairs.

"I think there has been a significant change in China, in Beijing, since Xi Jinping became president or dictator for life, complete with a personality cult which is extraordinary," Patten told members of the city's Foreign Correspondents` Club in an online presentation earlier this week. "I think the sad point is that Xi Jinping and his court have regarded Hong Kong and Hong Kong's freedoms as an existential problem for them because Hong Kong represents so much of what they don't like."

Mainland authorities and their proxies have worked tirelessly to win support from local people since the handover, but these efforts appear to be ineffective. Pro-democracy groups scored a dramatic victory at local elections held after the climax of last year`s protests, in what was widely seen as a referendum on the performance of the Lam administration. A poll conducted for Reuters in March found that support for the demands of pro-democracy protesters had grown even though the demonstrations had paused as a result of the pandemic.

Veteran political activists in the city anticipate that pro-democracy candidates will repeat their success in a Legislative Council poll scheduled for September.

Resistance in the Legislative Council and mass protests killed off Beijing’s first attempt in 2003 to introduce national security legislation. Last year’s proposed extradition laws met a similar fate. Imposing such laws via the National People’s Congress means Beijing won’t have to risk another such setback at the hands of elected lawmakers and their supporters on the streets.

“Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy, but Hong Kong definitely is not independent from China,” Leung Chun-ying, a former leader of the city and now an adviser to China’s government, told Reuters. “Hong Kong is part of China, and therefore, Hong Kong has an obligation to protect the national security of China.”

Even as the pandemic and social distancing regulations restricted protests in Hong Kong in the early months of this year, there were signs Beijing was preparing to play a much more direct role in running the city. Key moves included the appointment of two top officials, both with reputations for toughness and both with close ties to President Xi, to oversee Hong Kong.

Luo Huining, who Xi had earlier deployed as party secretary to take down a corruption network in Shanxi province, was appointed to run Beijing’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong. Another former provincial party secretary, Xia Baolong, took over the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in Beijing, the top government body responsible for handling the city. Xia was Xi’s deputy when the Chinese leader was Party Secretary in Zhejiang province between 2002 and 2007.

After the two leaders took up their new posts, the Liaison Office sparked a controversy when it said in a statement last month that it had the power, along with the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, to “handle Hong Kong affairs.” Pro-democracy supporters in the city condemned the move as a clear threat to Hong Kong’s autonomy.

The Liaison Office and Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office did not immediately respond to questions.

In a speech on April 15, Luo also signaled that new national security laws were in the pipeline. “For the nearly 23 years since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the system for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong has had shortcomings and could be fatal at critical moments,” Luo said. New laws were needed “without delay,” he added.

On Thursday, five weeks after Luo spoke, Beijing made its dramatic announcement: Chinese-style national security is coming to China’s freest city.

For Chinese leader Xi Jinping it is a high-stakes power play. His move to impose tough national security laws on Hong Kong risks reigniting pro-democracy protests that plunged the city into chaos last year, increasing tensions in an already fraught relationship with the United States and undermining Hong Kong`s status as a global financial hub.

For Chinese leader Xi Jinping it is a high-stakes power play. His move to impose tough national security laws on Hong Kong risks reigniting pro-democracy protests that plunged the city into chaos last year, increasing tensions in an already fraught relationship with the United States and undermining Hong Kong`s status as a global financial hub. In the aftermath of the protests, Beijing appears determined to stamp out any renewed rebellion against the Communist Party's authority over the former British colony. China`s largely rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, is preparing to circumvent the city`s lawmaking body, the Legislative Council, in drafting the new laws. The fear among many in Hong Kong is that China intends to criminalize existing freedoms, including criticism of the central government and its policies. It is the latest and biggest step in a concerted effort by Beijing to assert control over Hong Kong and its 7.4 million people. Also read: China's planned security agencies for Hong Kong a 'death knell' for autonomy: Pompeo In recent weeks there had been widespread speculation here that Beijing was planning this move, described by some local commentators as the "nuclear option." Thursday's announcement by China nonetheless stunned pro-democracy lawmakers, business leaders and lawyers in the city. It was, they said, a historic turning point - the end of "one country, two systems," the formula Beijing had promised would allow Hong Kong to retain its way of life and freedom for at least 50 years after the 1997 handover to Chinese rule. "This represents a real demolition of the one country, two systems idea and also the idea of Hong Kong's autonomy," said barrister Wilson Leung, a member of the Progressive Lawyers Group. Leung said extremely harsh sentences had been imposed on dissidents, journalists and lawyers on the mainland under vaguely expressed but draconian laws. "These same vague concepts are now being introduced to Hong Kong," he said. Also read: China has betrayed the people of Hong Kong: Former HK Governor Many details of the new laws and exactly how they will be absorbed into Hong Kong`s existing statutes remain unclear. But Beijing has openly expressed its intentions in recent months. It wants to end the cycle of mass protests that have thwarted successive post-colonial administrations each time they have moved to more closely align the city with China's political and legal system. The current Beijing-backed leader of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, was forced to drop proposed laws last year that would have allowed extraditions for trial in mainland Chinese courts after demonstrations convulsed the city. Alarmingly for Beijing, many young protesters began making calls to "free Hong Kong" and became increasingly violent as police battled to restore order. The new laws will be annexed into Hong Kong`s mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, outlawing secession, subversion and terrorism - and providing for the stationing of mainland national security agencies in the city, according to a draft seen by Reuters that spells out what the legislation will cover. That intention is raising fears in Hong Kong that Chinese intelligence agents and police will not only be based in the city, but have formal enforcement power for the first time. The draft also states that Hong Kong`s "judicial organs" along with its government and legislature "must effectively prevent, stop and punish acts endangering national security." Senior judges in the city told Reuters last month that the independence of Hong Kong`s judicial system is under assault from the Communist Party leadership, posing a grave threat to the rule of law. The proposal for new legislation is expected to be passed on May 28 by the National People's Congress, though it remains unclear how and when exactly Hong Kong will bring it into effect. Legal scholars are unsure whether the Basic Law`s extensive human rights protections will apply to the new imposed legislation. The Basic Law currently prevents mainland security institutions from routinely taking enforcement action inside the city. Shiu Sin-por, a former top aide to Lam`s predecessor as city leader, told Reuters that the deployment into Hong Kong of the Ministry of State Security – China`s leading intelligence agency – could happen "right away." "For Beijing to announce this, they most probably already have something in mind," Shiu said. "This is not difficult to set up, so this can happen anytime." Enough is enough Chinese officials say the decision to pass the legislation via the National People's Congress is because they know it won't be passed by the Legislative Council in Hong Kong. "Hong Kong still has not completed legislation on national security since its return to China," said a person with direct knowledge of Beijing`s thinking. "After the endless protests, it's time for Beijing to say enough is enough." The mainland authorities did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters. Lam said in a statement on Friday that she "deeply" believed the new law "will seek to practically and effectively prevent and curb acts and activities that seriously undermine national security, as well as sanction those who undermine national security by advocating `Hong Kong independence` and resorting to violence." The immediate risk for Beijing is that the move will spark a fresh, more violent round of demonstrations. Protest groups and pro-democracy lawmakers are furious and have vowed to take to the streets to protest what they describe as "evil laws." "Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers` critical voices with force and fear," pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong said on Twitter. "Deep down protesters know, we insist not because we are strong, but because we have no other choice." It is a decisive but potentially fraught move for the Chinese leadership at a time when Beijing faces the most intense international and domestic pressure it has experienced in decades. The COVID-19 pandemic that began late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan is battering the global economy. The death toll now exceeds 330,000 worldwide. China`s inability to initially contain the virus - and evidence that it suppressed information about the outbreak - has damaged its international standing. A report presented early last month by the Ministry of State Security to Xi and other Chinese leaders contained a stark warning, Reuters reported: Global anti-China sentiment was at its highest since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Compounding Beijing`s discomfort, Taiwan's government under President Tsai Ing-wen is basking in international acclaim for its success in containing the infection and avoiding serious economic harm. So far, Taiwan has had 441 confirmed cases of coronavirus and just seven deaths. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to assert that sovereignty. As the pandemic spreads, Beijing has unleashed what Chinese commentators dub "wolf-warrior" diplomats - envoys who are lashing out against perceived slights or criticism with mockery and threats of trade retaliation. China may be misreading the international mood. After Australia last month called for an independent inquiry into the origins and spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, China's ambassador said Chinese consumers could boycott Australian beef, wine and tourism. Beijing ultimately agreed to back a probe when it became clear at this month's meeting of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, that there was overwhelming global support for an inquiry. 'Ready to fight tonight' Military and economic tension with the U.S. is also on the rise. The Trump administration is sending loud signals that it will resist any Chinese move to expand its footprint in the South China Sea or seek territorial gains while the world is distracted with the public health crisis. Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet took the unusual step of announcing that all its forward deployed attack submarines were at sea on patrol in the Western Pacific. The location of U.S. submarines is normally secret - unless the Pentagon wants to send a warning that it is prepared to counter a threat. "The Pacific Fleet submarine force remains lethal, agile and ready to fight tonight," U.S. Pacific Fleet submarine commander Rear Admiral Blake Converse said in a statement. In the South China Sea and East China Sea, U.S. warships and long-range bombers have been mounting an ongoing series of patrols and exercises off the Chinese coast. On Hong Kong, the United States is warning that Washington could retaliate economically if the city`s freedoms are threatened. At stake is Hong Kong`s special status in its ties with the United States, which provides for a broad range of trade, economic, political, social and law enforcement cooperation. Hong Kong, for example, is treated separately from the mainland by the United States in terms of customs and immigration. On Thursday, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a bill to impose sanctions on Chinese officials or entities who violate freedoms China pledged to preserve in Hong Kong. The bill also would place sanctions on any bank that does significant business with those officials and entities. Chinese officials bristle at U.S. attempts to dictate to Beijing how it should handle Hong Kong, which is a Chinese city. In particular, some point to the State Department saying it would delay the release of a report on whether Hong Kong is autonomous enough to continue receiving special treatment from the world`s biggest economy. "Beijing doesn`t bow to threats like this," said the person with direct knowledge of Beijing`s thinking. "To Beijing, Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong." Damage to Hong Kong`s role as a financial center could compound the challenge facing Beijing in rejuvenating the Chinese economy. Business activity had been slowing even before the pandemic; Covid-19 has hammered it. Official figures recorded a 6.8% contraction in economic output in the first quarter. One measure of the country's woes: The authorities announced this week that because of the uncertainty created by the pandemic, they won`t be setting an annual growth target, a stark turnaround for a country whose statistics have shown unbroken expansion for decades in virtual lockstep with government forecasts. Hong Kong is a vital cog in China's economy. While China still has extensive capital controls and often intervenes in its financial markets and banking system, Hong Kong is one of the most open economies in the world and one of the biggest markets for equity and debt financing. China uses Hong Kong`s currency, equity and debt markets to attract foreign funds, while international companies use Hong Kong as a launchpad to expand into mainland China. The bulk of foreign direct investment in China continues to be channeled through the city. And many of China's biggest firms have listed in Hong Kong, often as a springboard to global expansion. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said in a statement that the move by China "may jeopardize future prospects for international business," including the ability to "recruit and retain top tier talent" in the city. "No one wins if the foundation for Hong Kong`s role as a prime international business and financial center is eroded," said Robert Grieves, chairman of the business group. More direct role The core of the problem for Xi and other top leaders is that the Communist Party and the authoritarian political system it enforces on the mainland remain deeply unpopular in free-wheeling Hong Kong. With the 23rd anniversary of the handover approaching, top Chinese leaders are rarely seen in the city. When they do appear, usually at carefully staged events, they are enveloped by security cordons designed to ensure they never face the kind of rowdy protests or public criticism that Hong Kong leaders routinely endure. In some respects, the mainland leadership appears to be more remote from the city's people than top British officials in the final years of colonial rule. Hong Kong`s last colonial governor, Chris Patten, remains a popular figure here and a regular commentator on local political affairs. "I think there has been a significant change in China, in Beijing, since Xi Jinping became president or dictator for life, complete with a personality cult which is extraordinary," Patten told members of the city's Foreign Correspondents` Club in an online presentation earlier this week. "I think the sad point is that Xi Jinping and his court have regarded Hong Kong and Hong Kong's freedoms as an existential problem for them because Hong Kong represents so much of what they don't like." Mainland authorities and their proxies have worked tirelessly to win support from local people since the handover, but these efforts appear to be ineffective. Pro-democracy groups scored a dramatic victory at local elections held after the climax of last year`s protests, in what was widely seen as a referendum on the performance of the Lam administration. A poll conducted for Reuters in March found that support for the demands of pro-democracy protesters had grown even though the demonstrations had paused as a result of the pandemic. Veteran political activists in the city anticipate that pro-democracy candidates will repeat their success in a Legislative Council poll scheduled for September. Resistance in the Legislative Council and mass protests killed off Beijing’s first attempt in 2003 to introduce national security legislation. Last year’s proposed extradition laws met a similar fate. Imposing such laws via the National People’s Congress means Beijing won’t have to risk another such setback at the hands of elected lawmakers and their supporters on the streets. “Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy, but Hong Kong definitely is not independent from China,” Leung Chun-ying, a former leader of the city and now an adviser to China’s government, told Reuters. “Hong Kong is part of China, and therefore, Hong Kong has an obligation to protect the national security of China.” Even as the pandemic and social distancing regulations restricted protests in Hong Kong in the early months of this year, there were signs Beijing was preparing to play a much more direct role in running the city. Key moves included the appointment of two top officials, both with reputations for toughness and both with close ties to President Xi, to oversee Hong Kong. Luo Huining, who Xi had earlier deployed as party secretary to take down a corruption network in Shanxi province, was appointed to run Beijing’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong. Another former provincial party secretary, Xia Baolong, took over the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in Beijing, the top government body responsible for handling the city. Xia was Xi’s deputy when the Chinese leader was Party Secretary in Zhejiang province between 2002 and 2007. After the two leaders took up their new posts, the Liaison Office sparked a controversy when it said in a statement last month that it had the power, along with the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, to “handle Hong Kong affairs.” Pro-democracy supporters in the city condemned the move as a clear threat to Hong Kong’s autonomy. The Liaison Office and Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office did not immediately respond to questions. In a speech on April 15, Luo also signaled that new national security laws were in the pipeline. “For the nearly 23 years since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the system for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong has had shortcomings and could be fatal at critical moments,” Luo said. New laws were needed “without delay,” he added. On Thursday, five weeks after Luo spoke, Beijing made its dramatic announcement: Chinese-style national security is coming to China’s freest city.

China President Xi Jinping makes high-stakes power play in move to subdue Hong Kong

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations.

The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement. The two districts were identified as coronavirus hot-spots and placed under round-the-clock curfew since March 20.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-envoy-to-sri-lanka-gopal-baglay-visits-church-hit-by-terror-attack-in-first-engagement-300570">Also read:&nbsp;Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay visits church hit by terror attack in first engagement</a>

Inter-district movement will be permitted from Tuesday, except to Colombo and Gamapaha.

Though the curfew will be lifted during the day, social-distancing and other practices to check the spread of COVID-19 will be implemented strictly, officials said.

The coronavirus has claimed nine lives in the island nation with 1,068 confirmed cases.

This is the second round of curfew relaxations in the island-nation after certain changes were effected on May 11 to revive economic activity, as part of which employees of state and public sector companies were allowed to travel to work.

Senior police official Ajith Rohana said the curfew will be strictly enforced on Sunday and Monday. Id will held in Sri Lanka on Monday.

"There will be over 900 roadblocks during the curfew on both days," Rohana said.

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations. The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement.

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations. The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement. The two districts were identified as coronavirus hot-spots and placed under round-the-clock curfew since March 20. Also read: Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay visits church hit by terror attack in first engagement Inter-district movement will be permitted from Tuesday, except to Colombo and Gamapaha. Though the curfew will be lifted during the day, social-distancing and other practices to check the spread of COVID-19 will be implemented strictly, officials said. The coronavirus has claimed nine lives in the island nation with 1,068 confirmed cases. This is the second round of curfew relaxations in the island-nation after certain changes were effected on May 11 to revive economic activity, as part of which employees of state and public sector companies were allowed to travel to work. Senior police official Ajith Rohana said the curfew will be strictly enforced on Sunday and Monday. Id will held in Sri Lanka on Monday. "There will be over 900 roadblocks during the curfew on both days," Rohana said.

Sri Lanka to ease coronavirus restrictions from May 26

Amid the controversy of Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings, the officials have now stated that the adviser did not break any lockdown rules.

"I can tell you that the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters.

"Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for," a Downing Street spokesman said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-top-aide-visited-parents-while-having-symptoms-of-covid-19-300513">Also read:&nbsp;Boris Johnson's top aide visited parents while having symptoms of COVID-19</a>

"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr. Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally," the spokesman continued.

This comes after the opposition, Labour party, demanded a 'swift explanation' and sacking of the adviser, as they believed that Dominic Cummings broke the COVID-19 lockdown rules, as he&nbsp;400kms from London to Durham during while he had coronavirus symptoms.

The opposition also stated that the government cannot have different rules for the public and different for the officials.

Amid the controversy of Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings, the officials have now stated that the adviser did not break any lockdown rules. "I can tell you that the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters.

Amid the controversy of Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings, the officials have now stated that the adviser did not break any lockdown rules. "I can tell you that the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters. "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for," a Downing Street spokesman said. Also read: Boris Johnson's top aide visited parents while having symptoms of COVID-19 "At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr. Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally," the spokesman continued. This comes after the opposition, Labour party, demanded a 'swift explanation' and sacking of the adviser, as they believed that Dominic Cummings broke the COVID-19 lockdown rules, as he 400kms from London to Durham during while he had coronavirus symptoms. The opposition also stated that the government cannot have different rules for the public and different for the officials.

Cummings did not break any rules: UK PM office resists calls to take action over lockdown drive

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now.&nbsp;

Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July.

"From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks," Sanchez said in a video news conference. He did not provide any further details on this, though.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/honking-cars-and-motorbikes-take-over-spanish-streets-protesting-against-the-government-300623#protestors-gathered-in-cars-and-motorbikes-300606">Have a look:&nbsp;Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government</a>

The tourism industry contributes a huge chunk to the country's revenue. The closure of the beaches and tourism has affected the economy in a negative way, and has also crippled the tourism businesses.

Bank of Spain predicted that almost a million people have lost their jobs in the past few months during the lockdown, and have also predicted that the economy will contract by up to 12 per cent this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-jumps-to-no-2-in-worldwide-coronavirus-cases-behind-the-us-300497">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US</a>

The Spanish PM Sanchez also announced that another national money-spinner, top flight La Liga soccer, will be resuming on June 8.&nbsp;

The announcement has come at a critical point in Spanish political scenario, as the opposition far-right part, Vox, staged a protest against the government's handling of coronavirus outbreak. The protestors accused the government of poor crisis management and blamed the government of bringing the economy to a major downfall. The protestors demanded government's resignation.

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now. Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July.

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now. Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July. "From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks," Sanchez said in a video news conference. He did not provide any further details on this, though. Have a look: Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government The tourism industry contributes a huge chunk to the country's revenue. The closure of the beaches and tourism has affected the economy in a negative way, and has also crippled the tourism businesses. Bank of Spain predicted that almost a million people have lost their jobs in the past few months during the lockdown, and have also predicted that the economy will contract by up to 12 per cent this year. Also read: Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US The Spanish PM Sanchez also announced that another national money-spinner, top flight La Liga soccer, will be resuming on June 8. The announcement has come at a critical point in Spanish political scenario, as the opposition far-right part, Vox, staged a protest against the government's handling of coronavirus outbreak. The protestors accused the government of poor crisis management and blamed the government of bringing the economy to a major downfall. The protestors demanded government's resignation.

COVID 19: Spain plans to open tourism from July to save economy

The railways on Saturday said 50 per cent of its 5,213 isolation coaches meant for coronavirus patients will now be used to run Shramik Special trains.

PTI had on Friday reported that the railway board in an order dated May 21 allowed 60 per cent of these modified coaches to operate the special trains to ferry migrants.

The officials said these non-AC coaches will not be reconverted into normal coaches, but will be used as they are&nbsp;for these services.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-to-operate-2600-shramik-special-trains-in-next-10-days-to-ferry-36-lakh-home-300622">Also read:&nbsp;Railways to operate 2,600 Shramik Special trains in next 10 days to ferry 36 lakh home</a>

"We have so far converted 5,000 such coaches and we have 80,000 beds available. These coaches can be deployed wherever the states desire, but since they were not in use as of now, we have taken a decision to use 50 per cent of them as Shramik Special coaches," Railway Board Chairman V K Yadav said on Saturday. "However, the others are available for use as COVID-19 care centers. If required, even those used in the trains can be diverted for COVID-19 care whenever required," he said.

In the order issued on May 21, the railway board said "60 per cent of isolation coaches meant for intervention of COVID-19 cases, railways may utilise them for running of Shramik Special trains. It is permitted by board."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-asks-railways-not-to-send-shramik-special-trains-to-state-till-may-26-300555">Also read:&nbsp;West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26</a>

While making the modified isolation wards, the middle berths had been removed and the lower portion of the compartment plugged by plywood.

There is also a provision of partition provided from the aisle side for isolation of the compartment. 
Due to non-availability of the middle berth, when in use, the trains with these coaches will have lower number of passengers.

Officials said all the equipment on board the coaches like oxygen tanks, ventilators and other medical items will be removed from them.

One significant change for travelers would be the availability of a proper bathroom and not just a toilet on board. The four toilets in each coach have been converted into two bathrooms by plugging the toilet pan and with proper flooring. Each bathroom will have a hand shower, bucket and mug.

"This is a win-win situation for railways. We are not reconverting the coaches into regular ones, but using them as they are by removing only the medical equipment on board. There is no additional cost that we are incurring. We will also remove the curtains. These coaches will come in multipurpose use since they are currently not being utilised.

"If and when they are needed as isolation units, they will be shifted for use there," a railway spokesperson said.

The Centre has, however, earmarked 215 railway stations for the deployment of railways' isolation coaches to be used as COVID-19 Care Centers for suspected or confirmed patients categorised as mild or very mild cases.

As of now, none of these coaches are in use. Officials said modifying each coach into isolation wards has cost the national transporter around Rs 2 lakh, while reconverting them into regular non-AC coaches would cost it Rs 1 lakh for each coach.

So far, the railways has operated 2,600 Shramik Special trains since May 1 to ferry 36 lakh migrant workers home.

The railways on Saturday said 50 per cent of its 5,213 isolation coaches meant for coronavirus patients will now be used to run Shramik Special trains. PTI had on Friday reported that the railway board in an order dated May 21 allowed 60 per cent of these modified coaches to operate the special trains to ferry migrants.

The railways on Saturday said 50 per cent of its 5,213 isolation coaches meant for coronavirus patients will now be used to run Shramik Special trains. PTI had on Friday reported that the railway board in an order dated May 21 allowed 60 per cent of these modified coaches to operate the special trains to ferry migrants. The officials said these non-AC coaches will not be reconverted into normal coaches, but will be used as they are for these services. Also read: Railways to operate 2,600 Shramik Special trains in next 10 days to ferry 36 lakh home "We have so far converted 5,000 such coaches and we have 80,000 beds available. These coaches can be deployed wherever the states desire, but since they were not in use as of now, we have taken a decision to use 50 per cent of them as Shramik Special coaches," Railway Board Chairman V K Yadav said on Saturday. "However, the others are available for use as COVID-19 care centers. If required, even those used in the trains can be diverted for COVID-19 care whenever required," he said. In the order issued on May 21, the railway board said "60 per cent of isolation coaches meant for intervention of COVID-19 cases, railways may utilise them for running of Shramik Special trains. It is permitted by board." Also read: West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26 While making the modified isolation wards, the middle berths had been removed and the lower portion of the compartment plugged by plywood. There is also a provision of partition provided from the aisle side for isolation of the compartment. Due to non-availability of the middle berth, when in use, the trains with these coaches will have lower number of passengers. Officials said all the equipment on board the coaches like oxygen tanks, ventilators and other medical items will be removed from them. One significant change for travelers would be the availability of a proper bathroom and not just a toilet on board. The four toilets in each coach have been converted into two bathrooms by plugging the toilet pan and with proper flooring. Each bathroom will have a hand shower, bucket and mug. "This is a win-win situation for railways. We are not reconverting the coaches into regular ones, but using them as they are by removing only the medical equipment on board. There is no additional cost that we are incurring. We will also remove the curtains. These coaches will come in multipurpose use since they are currently not being utilised. "If and when they are needed as isolation units, they will be shifted for use there," a railway spokesperson said. The Centre has, however, earmarked 215 railway stations for the deployment of railways' isolation coaches to be used as COVID-19 Care Centers for suspected or confirmed patients categorised as mild or very mild cases. As of now, none of these coaches are in use. Officials said modifying each coach into isolation wards has cost the national transporter around Rs 2 lakh, while reconverting them into regular non-AC coaches would cost it Rs 1 lakh for each coach. So far, the railways has operated 2,600 Shramik Special trains since May 1 to ferry 36 lakh migrant workers home.

Railways to use 50% of converted isolation coaches to operate Shramik Special trains

As the aviation industry gets ready to start services from Monday, state governments are implementing all possible precautions for the incoming passengers.

Keeping the same in mind, Karnataka and Punjab governments have announced that the incoming passengers will have to go through a&nbsp;quarantine period.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-increase-international-flights-in-coming-days-union-civil-aviation-minister-300560">Also read:&nbsp;We will increase international flights in coming days: Union civil aviation minister</a>

Karnataka government's DGP announced through Twitter that the passengers entering will have to go through compulsory institutional seven-day institutional quarantine, followed by home quarantine

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All incoming persons will need to remain in home quarantine for 14 days if they come from states other than Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharasthra: Karnataka Govt <a href="https://t.co/s7l5odufVL">https://t.co/s7l5odufVL</a> <a href="https://t.co/oZAQILhVAw">pic.twitter.com/oZAQILhVAw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1264183011521597440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Following the suit, Punjab government, too, announced a compulsory 14-day quarantine period for incoming passengers from Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

The civil aviation minister, few days ago, announced that domestic travel will resume for the Indians stranded away from home. The domestic flights will resume from May 25, Monday.

All passengers will have to compulsorily wear face masks and gloves, and maintain and follow all social distancing guidelines laid out by the experts. Several other measures have been taken by the Airport Authority of India and airlines to make sure that there is no spread of infection.

All passengers who do not pass the required temperature check, and are unable to prove that they belong to a non-containment zone will not be allowed to enter the airport premises.&nbsp;

web check-in has been made compulsory to decrease the physical contact. Older people, babies and past COVID-10 patients, who are classified as vulnerable, have been advised to avoid travelling.&nbsp;

As the aviation industry gets ready to start services from Monday, state governments are implementing all possible precautions for the incoming passengers. Keeping the same in mind, Karnataka and Punjab governments have announced that the incoming passengers will have to go through a quarantine period.

As the aviation industry gets ready to start services from Monday, state governments are implementing all possible precautions for the incoming passengers. Keeping the same in mind, Karnataka and Punjab governments have announced that the incoming passengers will have to go through a quarantine period. Also read: We will increase international flights in coming days: Union civil aviation minister Karnataka government's DGP announced through Twitter that the passengers entering will have to go through compulsory institutional seven-day institutional quarantine, followed by home quarantine All incoming persons will need to remain in home quarantine for 14 days if they come from states other than Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharasthra: Karnataka Govt https://t.co/s7l5odufVL pic.twitter.com/oZAQILhVAw — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2020 × Following the suit, Punjab government, too, announced a compulsory 14-day quarantine period for incoming passengers from Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The civil aviation minister, few days ago, announced that domestic travel will resume for the Indians stranded away from home. The domestic flights will resume from May 25, Monday. All passengers will have to compulsorily wear face masks and gloves, and maintain and follow all social distancing guidelines laid out by the experts. Several other measures have been taken by the Airport Authority of India and airlines to make sure that there is no spread of infection. All passengers who do not pass the required temperature check, and are unable to prove that they belong to a non-containment zone will not be allowed to enter the airport premises. web check-in has been made compulsory to decrease the physical contact. Older people, babies and past COVID-10 patients, who are classified as vulnerable, have been advised to avoid travelling.

COVID 19: Karnataka and Punjab to quarantine incoming passengers

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Deeksha Teri

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