<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-3-trillion-coronavirus-aid-bill-fate-uncertain-in-senate-298971">Morning news brief: Covid-19 deaths worldwide cross 300,000, Obamagate and more</a>

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The US House of Representatives on Friday passed a $3 trillion Democratic bill aimed at salving the heavy human and economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 85,000 Americans and shut much of the economy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-3-trillion-coronavirus-aid-bill-fate-uncertain-in-senate-298971">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-health-minister-resigns-after-less-than-a-month-on-job-298974">Brazil’s health minister resigns after less than a month on job</a>

<img alt="Brazil's health minister resigns" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="185a4296-822e-49bb-b9af-e734dfca1f51" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_98.jpg" />

Nelson Teich took the office on April 17. He took over at a time when the country is under severe pressure to balance the public health with the President's view of saving the economy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-health-minister-resigns-after-less-than-a-month-on-job-298974">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sitharaman-unveils-third-tranche-of-economic-package-targeting-infrastructure-administrative-reform-298877">Sitharaman's third tranche targets infrastructure &amp; administrative reforms</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sitharaman-unveils-third-tranche-of-economic-package-targeting-infrastructure-administrative-reform-298877"><img alt="India's Finance Minister" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87414d2d-b54b-4540-841e-e1b987f26f9b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/140585-untitled-design-44.jpg" /></a> 
Government introduced Rs 10,000 crores scheme for the formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE) promoting the government's "vocal for local with global outreach".&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sitharaman-unveils-third-tranche-of-economic-package-targeting-infrastructure-administrative-reform-298877">READ MORE</a>

WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-donate-ventilators-to-india-in-battle-against-pandemic-coronavirus-298978">US to donate ventilators to India in battle against pandemic Coronavirus</a>

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WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-us-senator-thom-tillis-accuses-china-for-covid-19-outbreak-unveils-18-point-plan-for-actions-298979">Top US senator Thom Tillis accuses China for COVID-19 outbreak, unveils 18-point plan for actions</a>

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Morning news brief: Covid-19 deaths worldwide cross 300,000, Obamagate and more The US House of Representatives on Friday passed a $3 trillion Democratic bill aimed at salving the heavy human and economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 85,000 Americans and shut much of the economy.

Morning news brief: Covid-19 deaths worldwide cross 300,000, Obamagate and more The US House of Representatives on Friday passed a $3 trillion Democratic bill aimed at salving the heavy human and economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 85,000 Americans and shut much of the economy. READ MORE Brazil’s health minister resigns after less than a month on job Nelson Teich took the office on April 17. He took over at a time when the country is under severe pressure to balance the public health with the President's view of saving the economy. READ MORE Sitharaman's third tranche targets infrastructure & administrative reforms Government introduced Rs 10,000 crores scheme for the formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE) promoting the government's "vocal for local with global outreach". READ MORE WATCH: US to donate ventilators to India in battle against pandemic Coronavirus × WATCH: Top US senator Thom Tillis accuses China for COVID-19 outbreak, unveils 18-point plan for actions ×

Morning news brief: Brazil's health minister resigns, US to donate ventilators to India, and more

The US-China "Phase 1" trade deal reached in January is not falling apart and the two countries are still working to implement it, the White House`s top economic adviser said on Friday, but President Donald Trump added that he was not "thrilled" with the agreement.

Larry Kudlow told reporters at the White House the trade deal "is continuing," a day after Trump suggested he could cut ties with the world`s second-largest economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-us-unveils-plan-to-hold-china-accountable-for-covid-19-outbreak-298915">Also watch:&nbsp;WION Dispatch: US unveils plan to hold China accountable for COVID-19 outbreak&nbsp;</a>

In an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Thursday, Trump said he was very disappointed with China's failure to contain the coronavirus outbreak and that the pandemic had cast a pall over the trade deal with Beijing that he considers a major achievement.

Tensions between the world's two largest economies have spiked in recent weeks, with officials on both sides suggesting the hard-fought trade deal that defused a bitter 18-month trade war could be abandoned. 
Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, was asked if the trade deal was falling apart. "Absolutely not," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-the-world-is-forming-an-alliance-against-china-298934">Also read:&nbsp;How the world is forming an alliance against China</a>

The Chinese are working toward holding up their end of the agreement, which calls for Beijing to boost purchases of American farm goods, manufactured products, energy and services by $200 billion over two years, Kudlow said.

"They're a little slow on the commodity purchases. I think that has a lot to do with market and economic positions," he said.

Kudlow`s comments came at the end of a week of complaints from Trump about China`s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and separate steps by his government to crack down on China`s blacklisted telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies and curb US&nbsp;investment in some Chinese companies.

On Thursday, Trump said he now feels differently about the trade deal and may even cut economic ties with Beijing.

Asked at a White House Rose Garden event on Friday whether he is planning to impose additional tariffs on China or tear up the trade deal, Trump said: "I don`t want to talk about it. I can say China is buying a lot of our product. But the trade deal, the ink was barely dry when this (the virus) came in from China, so it's not like we're thrilled."

Kudlow noted what he described as a successful phone call last week with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Liu He, China's vice premier, as well as a positive deputies call on Thursday night.

"We have other issues with China, and of course the origin of the virus ... but with respect to the trade deal, it is continuing, absolutely," Kudlow said.

Earlier this week, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, which oversees billions in federal retirement dollars, said it would indefinitely delay plans to invest in some Chinese companies that are under scrutiny in Washington.

And on Friday, the Commerce Department moved to block supplies to Huawei, spurring threats of Chinese retaliation against US&nbsp;companies such as Apple and Boeing.

The US-China "Phase 1" trade deal reached in January is not falling apart and the two countries are still working to implement it, the White House`s top economic adviser said on Friday, but President Donald Trump added that he was not "thrilled" with the agreement.

The US-China "Phase 1" trade deal reached in January is not falling apart and the two countries are still working to implement it, the White House`s top economic adviser said on Friday, but President Donald Trump added that he was not "thrilled" with the agreement. Larry Kudlow told reporters at the White House the trade deal "is continuing," a day after Trump suggested he could cut ties with the world`s second-largest economy. Also watch: WION Dispatch: US unveils plan to hold China accountable for COVID-19 outbreak In an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Thursday, Trump said he was very disappointed with China's failure to contain the coronavirus outbreak and that the pandemic had cast a pall over the trade deal with Beijing that he considers a major achievement. Tensions between the world's two largest economies have spiked in recent weeks, with officials on both sides suggesting the hard-fought trade deal that defused a bitter 18-month trade war could be abandoned. Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, was asked if the trade deal was falling apart. "Absolutely not," he said. Also read: How the world is forming an alliance against China The Chinese are working toward holding up their end of the agreement, which calls for Beijing to boost purchases of American farm goods, manufactured products, energy and services by $200 billion over two years, Kudlow said. "They're a little slow on the commodity purchases. I think that has a lot to do with market and economic positions," he said. Kudlow`s comments came at the end of a week of complaints from Trump about China`s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and separate steps by his government to crack down on China`s blacklisted telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies and curb US investment in some Chinese companies. On Thursday, Trump said he now feels differently about the trade deal and may even cut economic ties with Beijing. Asked at a White House Rose Garden event on Friday whether he is planning to impose additional tariffs on China or tear up the trade deal, Trump said: "I don`t want to talk about it. I can say China is buying a lot of our product. But the trade deal, the ink was barely dry when this (the virus) came in from China, so it's not like we're thrilled." Kudlow noted what he described as a successful phone call last week with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Liu He, China's vice premier, as well as a positive deputies call on Thursday night. "We have other issues with China, and of course the origin of the virus ... but with respect to the trade deal, it is continuing, absolutely," Kudlow said. Earlier this week, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, which oversees billions in federal retirement dollars, said it would indefinitely delay plans to invest in some Chinese companies that are under scrutiny in Washington. And on Friday, the Commerce Department moved to block supplies to Huawei, spurring threats of Chinese retaliation against US companies such as Apple and Boeing.

US-China trade deal not falling apart: White House adviser

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status.

The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indias-support-for-taiwans-who-membership-can-rattle-china-298744">Also read:&nbsp;How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China</a>

Why is Taiwan shut out?

Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China.

The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsmc-plans-to-build-chip-plant-in-arizona-amid-us-china-rivalry-298838">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry</a>

Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign.

Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".

At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China".

Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse.

In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections.

Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter?

Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus.

"No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday.

"The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added.

Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO.

This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China.

What does the WHO say?

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing.

He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure.

WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings.

Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general.

It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island.

The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not.

Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely.

Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific.

Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated.

But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing.

And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA.

That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers. Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status. The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak. Also read: How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China Why is Taiwan shut out? Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China. The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island. Also read: Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign. Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei". At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China". Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse. In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections. Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter? Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus. "No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday. "The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added. Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO. This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China. What does the WHO say? WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing. He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure. WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings. Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general. It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island. The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not. Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely. Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific. Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated. But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing. And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic. In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA. That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

Explainer: Why is Taiwan excluded from the WHO

Brazil’s health minister,&nbsp;Nelson Teich, resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job. This resignation points towards the Brazilian President's pressure for the nation to prioritize economy over public's health.

Nelson Teich took the office on April&nbsp;April 17. He took over at a time when the country is under severe pressure to balance the public health with the President's view of saving the economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaros-brazil-struggles-to-curb-coronavirus-pandemic-298958">Also watch:&nbsp;Bolsonaro's Brazil struggles to curb coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;</a>

The resignation, which was confirmed by the Health Ministry, points towards the&nbsp;upheaval that the country is facing right now. Brazil's approach towards the coronavirus pandemic has been criticized in the past few weeks.

This sudden resignation has left the nation in surprise, more so because the man replacing Teich is someone who has no experience of the health industry.&nbsp;General Eduardo Pazuello, Mr. Teich’s number two, had no health experience until he joined the ministry last month. He will now be replacing Teich temporarily.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-struggling-to-cope-up-with-surge-in-dead-bodies-due-to-covid-19-298899">Brazil struggling to cope up with surge in dead bodies due to COVID-19</a>

The resignation comes a day after&nbsp;Bolsonaro held a video conference to inform the leaders that he will be easing out rules for the use of antimalaria drug to treat&nbsp;COVID-19 patients; a move that has been opposed by Teich publically. He has gone to the limit to warning the experts and public about its side effects.

He was praised by many leaders in the government for his active and right decision making power. However, after his predecessor was fired, and the President gave a green signal for usage of antimalaria drug, Teich submitted his resignation.

Brazil has reported 13,000 deaths as of now. However, officials and experts feel that the number of cases and death toll might be higher, as the country has not been actively testing for coronavirus patients.

Brazil’s health minister, Nelson Teich, resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job. This resignation points towards the Brazilian President's pressure for the nation to prioritize economy over public's health.

Brazil’s health minister, Nelson Teich, resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job. This resignation points towards the Brazilian President's pressure for the nation to prioritize economy over public's health. Nelson Teich took the office on April April 17. He took over at a time when the country is under severe pressure to balance the public health with the President's view of saving the economy. Also watch: Bolsonaro's Brazil struggles to curb coronavirus pandemic The resignation, which was confirmed by the Health Ministry, points towards the upheaval that the country is facing right now. Brazil's approach towards the coronavirus pandemic has been criticized in the past few weeks. This sudden resignation has left the nation in surprise, more so because the man replacing Teich is someone who has no experience of the health industry. General Eduardo Pazuello, Mr. Teich’s number two, had no health experience until he joined the ministry last month. He will now be replacing Teich temporarily. Also read: Brazil struggling to cope up with surge in dead bodies due to COVID-19 The resignation comes a day after Bolsonaro held a video conference to inform the leaders that he will be easing out rules for the use of antimalaria drug to treat COVID-19 patients; a move that has been opposed by Teich publically. He has gone to the limit to warning the experts and public about its side effects. He was praised by many leaders in the government for his active and right decision making power. However, after his predecessor was fired, and the President gave a green signal for usage of antimalaria drug, Teich submitted his resignation. Brazil has reported 13,000 deaths as of now. However, officials and experts feel that the number of cases and death toll might be higher, as the country has not been actively testing for coronavirus patients.

Brazil’s health minister resigns after less than a month on job

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. 
 
This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19. 
 
More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! <a href="https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR">https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1261581118458888192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet came in response to&nbsp;Trump's tweet.

Donald Trump, on Saturday morning, tweeted that the US will be donating ventilators to India to support the country, and will also be cooperating on development of vaccine for coronavirus treatment.

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I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1261368451555360774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-states-will-donate-ventilators-to-india-says-president-trump-299011">Also read:&nbsp;United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump</a>

Modi thanked Trump and stressed on the importance of nations working together to fight the deadly coronavirus, which has affected more than 4 million people worldwide in almost 120 countries.

In an event at the White House, Trump also assured that the US and India are closely working together to develop a vaccine for the virus. "'Many of the people you are talking about are working on the vaccine too. Great scientists and researches. We are working very closely with India too and say hello to your prime minister,'' he told a reporter.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19. More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2020 × The tweet came in response to Trump's tweet. Donald Trump, on Saturday morning, tweeted that the US will be donating ventilators to India to support the country, and will also be cooperating on development of vaccine for coronavirus treatment. I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2020 × Also read: United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump Modi thanked Trump and stressed on the importance of nations working together to fight the deadly coronavirus, which has affected more than 4 million people worldwide in almost 120 countries. In an event at the White House, Trump also assured that the US and India are closely working together to develop a vaccine for the virus. "'Many of the people you are talking about are working on the vaccine too. Great scientists and researches. We are working very closely with India too and say hello to your prime minister,'' he told a reporter.

PM Modi thanks Donald Trump for donating ventilators

As the world awaits a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus, India is inching a step closer to finding a cure. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal has claimed that the research institute has been conducting drug trials for the coronavirus treatment, and the trials have shown good results, till now.

On Saturday, a senior official of the research institute announced that trials&nbsp;of the drug Mycobacterium W (Mw) were conducted on COVID-19 patients at AIIMS Bhopal for the last few days.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oxford-covid-19-vaccine-shows-promising-results-in-study-of-6-months-298976">Also watch:&nbsp;Oxford COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results in study of 6 months</a>&nbsp;

Three out of four patients have fully recovered with the help of the drug prescribed for the treatment. "So far, three COVID-19 patients have recovered after the clinical trial of Mycobacterium W (Mw) at AIIMS," Dr Sarman Singh,&nbsp;Director, AIIMS Bhopal, said.

The drug,&nbsp;Mycobacterium W, was earlier used in the treatment of leprosy.&nbsp;The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently collaborated with&nbsp;Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd to evaluate the effect of the drug for coronavirus treatment.

The drug was allowed by the authorities to be tested on critically ill patients, and has shown good results in AIIMS Bhopal, till now.

Dr. Singh also informed media that soon India will be using Favipiravir, a drug used in Japan, to treat coronavirus patients.

As the world awaits a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus, India is inching a step closer to finding a cure. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal has claimed that the research institute has been conducting drug trials for the coronavirus treatment, and the trials have shown good results, till now.

As the world awaits a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus, India is inching a step closer to finding a cure. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal has claimed that the research institute has been conducting drug trials for the coronavirus treatment, and the trials have shown good results, till now. On Saturday, a senior official of the research institute announced that trials of the drug Mycobacterium W (Mw) were conducted on COVID-19 patients at AIIMS Bhopal for the last few days. Also watch: Oxford COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results in study of 6 months Three out of four patients have fully recovered with the help of the drug prescribed for the treatment. "So far, three COVID-19 patients have recovered after the clinical trial of Mycobacterium W (Mw) at AIIMS," Dr Sarman Singh, Director, AIIMS Bhopal, said. The drug, Mycobacterium W, was earlier used in the treatment of leprosy. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently collaborated with Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd to evaluate the effect of the drug for coronavirus treatment. The drug was allowed by the authorities to be tested on critically ill patients, and has shown good results in AIIMS Bhopal, till now. Dr. Singh also informed media that soon India will be using Favipiravir, a drug used in Japan, to treat coronavirus patients.

AIIMS Bhopal claims good results in drug trial for COVID-19 treatment

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) revealed a $12 billion investment plan in Arizona on Friday. The chip manufacturing company claimed that it will be generating over 1,600 jobs in the US.

TSMC is the biggest contract chipmaker. It is also a major supplier to U.S. tech giants such as Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc, as well as Chinese firms like Huawei Technologies, which has not been America's favourite right now

However,&nbsp;Keith Krach, the U.S. undersecretary for economic growth, energy and the environment, claimed that&nbsp;no assurance has been provided that TSMC will be granted a license to allow it to sell US technology to China's Huawei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsmc-plans-to-build-chip-plant-in-arizona-amid-us-china-rivalry-298838">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry</a>

"I think roughly around 10-12% of TMSC`s business is China, and I think that is in essence almost primarily Huawei," Krach said. "So they will be restricted unless they're granted a license, and there is no assurances on that and we don't anticipate that."

The conflict happened as American President Donald Trump threatened to cut all ties with China accusing the Chinese government of hiding information about&nbsp;coronavirus. Following this accusation and suspecting Huawei of hacking the US research data, the American government blacklisted Chinese technology company&nbsp;Huawei.

"In terms of incentives, I know there is a number of things the U.S. Congress is looking at. I think there are some really good possibilities coming down the road," Krach said, while talking about the incentives being provided to TMSC.

He also urged people and political leaders to join forces in bringing back the manufacturing units back to the US.

China and the US have been at crossroads for the past few months as the US government has accused China of not only withholding information about coronavirus, but also of stealing US research on COVID-19.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) revealed a $12 billion investment plan in Arizona on Friday. The chip manufacturing company claimed that it will be generating over 1,600 jobs in the US.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) revealed a $12 billion investment plan in Arizona on Friday. The chip manufacturing company claimed that it will be generating over 1,600 jobs in the US. TSMC is the biggest contract chipmaker. It is also a major supplier to U.S. tech giants such as Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc, as well as Chinese firms like Huawei Technologies, which has not been America's favourite right now However, Keith Krach, the U.S. undersecretary for economic growth, energy and the environment, claimed that no assurance has been provided that TSMC will be granted a license to allow it to sell US technology to China's Huawei. Also read: Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry "I think roughly around 10-12% of TMSC`s business is China, and I think that is in essence almost primarily Huawei," Krach said. "So they will be restricted unless they're granted a license, and there is no assurances on that and we don't anticipate that." The conflict happened as American President Donald Trump threatened to cut all ties with China accusing the Chinese government of hiding information about coronavirus. Following this accusation and suspecting Huawei of hacking the US research data, the American government blacklisted Chinese technology company Huawei. "In terms of incentives, I know there is a number of things the U.S. Congress is looking at. I think there are some really good possibilities coming down the road," Krach said, while talking about the incentives being provided to TMSC. He also urged people and political leaders to join forces in bringing back the manufacturing units back to the US. China and the US have been at crossroads for the past few months as the US government has accused China of not only withholding information about coronavirus, but also of stealing US research on COVID-19.

No assurance given to TSMC to sell to Huawei: US top official

The number of positive coronavirus cases has been rising. A couple of months ago, India had 100 positive cases. the number has increased to 85,940 on Saturday. The new number has crossed China's total number of cases.

In December 2019, China was the first country to identify the first case of the deadly coronavirus, Wuhan being the epicentre. THe virus spread to more than 120 countries since then, and has affected almost 4 million people all over the world, with more than 307,000 total deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-residents-fear-coronavirus-testing-could-rekindle-disease-298998">Also read:&nbsp;Wuhan residents fear coronavirus testing could rekindle disease</a>

While the number of positive cases has been rising, especially in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi, the death rate in India appears to be far better.&nbsp;According to health ministry data, there have been 2,752 fatalities, compared with China's 4,600.

"Clearly the situation has improved due to lockdown. We have utilised this period of lockdown to accelerate public health measures such as case detection, contact tracing, isolation and management of cases,"&nbsp;Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said.

He also talked about the slowing rate of infection. It now takes 11 days for the number of cases to double, in comparison to pre-lockdown when the cases were doubling every 3.5&nbsp;days.

Indian officials say the low death rate could be because a majority of people infected with the virus were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. A major reason of the low death toll can also be the nationwide lockdown, which was imposed shortly after first few cases were discovered.

"India is still in the growth phase, since total cases are still rising. Active cases are growing at 3.8% (daily) - and this needs to fall to 0% and decline subsequently for the country to recover overall," Shamika Ravi, a Brookings expert and former member of the Indian Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, said.

Lockdown 4.0

Although the number of cases is rising, people have urged the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open the shops and workplaces again,&nbsp;and help revive the economy.

The country has been under a lockdown since March third week, and the lockdown will now be extended for few more weeks but with lesser restrictions.&nbsp;

As people gear up to go back to their workplaces, the government and health experts are urging people to exercise caution and follow social distancing and the rules laid out by the government.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The number of positive coronavirus cases has been rising. A couple of months ago, India had 100 positive cases. the number has increased to 85,940 on Saturday. The new number has crossed China's total number of cases.

The number of positive coronavirus cases has been rising. A couple of months ago, India had 100 positive cases. the number has increased to 85,940 on Saturday. The new number has crossed China's total number of cases. In December 2019, China was the first country to identify the first case of the deadly coronavirus, Wuhan being the epicentre. THe virus spread to more than 120 countries since then, and has affected almost 4 million people all over the world, with more than 307,000 total deaths. Also read: Wuhan residents fear coronavirus testing could rekindle disease While the number of positive cases has been rising, especially in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi, the death rate in India appears to be far better. According to health ministry data, there have been 2,752 fatalities, compared with China's 4,600. "Clearly the situation has improved due to lockdown. We have utilised this period of lockdown to accelerate public health measures such as case detection, contact tracing, isolation and management of cases," Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said. He also talked about the slowing rate of infection. It now takes 11 days for the number of cases to double, in comparison to pre-lockdown when the cases were doubling every 3.5 days. Indian officials say the low death rate could be because a majority of people infected with the virus were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. A major reason of the low death toll can also be the nationwide lockdown, which was imposed shortly after first few cases were discovered. "India is still in the growth phase, since total cases are still rising. Active cases are growing at 3.8% (daily) - and this needs to fall to 0% and decline subsequently for the country to recover overall," Shamika Ravi, a Brookings expert and former member of the Indian Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, said. Lockdown 4.0 Although the number of cases is rising, people have urged the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open the shops and workplaces again, and help revive the economy. The country has been under a lockdown since March third week, and the lockdown will now be extended for few more weeks but with lesser restrictions. As people gear up to go back to their workplaces, the government and health experts are urging people to exercise caution and follow social distancing and the rules laid out by the government. (With inputs from Reuters)

India crosses the 85,000 mark of COVID-19 cases; crosses China

Coronavirus is a virus that affects elders the most. Majority of the positive cases have been of elderly people as their immune system is weaker.

Considering that it is elderly people who are the worst-affected by coronavirus, an Oxford economist feels that taking extra tax from the elderly is the right thing to do in these tough times.

Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an economist and professor, feels that the young people are sacrificing their health for the older people, so elderly should pay for it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-more-than-300000-298758">Also read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus death toll rises to more than 300,000</a>

"Young people benefit the least from the lockdown measures, because they are less susceptible to the virus. The older generation should realize that young people are sacrificing themselves, both economically and in terms of mental health," he told a media organization.

He has since been accused of scapegoating the vulnerable.

Neve heads the 'Wellbeing research center' for Oxford University. He has proposed a tax in the elderly people, and has even hinted towards an once-off payment. He claims that the tax will help the young people as they are the ones who have been hit by the crippling economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the unemployment rates are soaring high for majority of the affected countries and the GDP is falling in a ditch, the problems and concerns mention by Neve make sense. However, when we consider it from the medical point of view, the elderly people are the ones who have suffered the most.&nbsp;

Although he has not mentioned any age to qualify as "elderly", the reality is that not only are old people worst-affected by the deadly pandemic, but a lot of them are past their retirement age. Hence, they do not have a stable primary income. This makes the situation worse for the elderly.&nbsp;

However, Neve thinks it is better and 'only fair' to charge tax from the people who have suffered the most, in order to protect the younger generation who are capable of earning their own bread.

Coronavirus is a virus that affects elders the most. Majority of the positive cases have been of elderly people as their immune system is weaker. Considering that it is elderly people who are the worst-affected by coronavirus, an Oxford economist feels that taking extra tax from the elderly is the right thing to do in these tough times.

Coronavirus is a virus that affects elders the most. Majority of the positive cases have been of elderly people as their immune system is weaker. Considering that it is elderly people who are the worst-affected by coronavirus, an Oxford economist feels that taking extra tax from the elderly is the right thing to do in these tough times. Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an economist and professor, feels that the young people are sacrificing their health for the older people, so elderly should pay for it. Also read: Global coronavirus death toll rises to more than 300,000 "Young people benefit the least from the lockdown measures, because they are less susceptible to the virus. The older generation should realize that young people are sacrificing themselves, both economically and in terms of mental health," he told a media organization. He has since been accused of scapegoating the vulnerable. Neve heads the 'Wellbeing research center' for Oxford University. He has proposed a tax in the elderly people, and has even hinted towards an once-off payment. He claims that the tax will help the young people as they are the ones who have been hit by the crippling economy. As the unemployment rates are soaring high for majority of the affected countries and the GDP is falling in a ditch, the problems and concerns mention by Neve make sense. However, when we consider it from the medical point of view, the elderly people are the ones who have suffered the most. Although he has not mentioned any age to qualify as "elderly", the reality is that not only are old people worst-affected by the deadly pandemic, but a lot of them are past their retirement age. Hence, they do not have a stable primary income. This makes the situation worse for the elderly. However, Neve thinks it is better and 'only fair' to charge tax from the people who have suffered the most, in order to protect the younger generation who are capable of earning their own bread.

Tax the elderly: says an Oxford economist

Badrinath temple reopened today amid nationwide lockdown

French schools reopen; boxes and empty spaces to be the new normal

US Senator Thom Tillis presented an 18-point plan on Thursday. The plan aims at using the help of regional allies to hold the Chinese government accountable for its “lies, deception, and cover-ups” that led to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This plan also includes&nbsp;enhancing military ties with India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-covid-19-crisis-trump-threatens-to-cut-off-whole-relationship-with-china-298711">Also read:&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China'</a>

“The Chinese government maliciously covered up and enabled a global pandemic that has caused misery for so many Americans. This is the same regime that locks up its own citizens in labour camps, steals America’s technology and jobs, and threatens the sovereignty of our allies," said Thom Tillis.

"This is a major wake-up call to the United States and the rest of the free world. My plan of action will hold the Chinese government accountable for lying about COVID-19; sanctioning the Chinese government while protecting America’s economy, public health, and national security," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-china-of-stealing-american-research-on-covid-19-298763">Also read:&nbsp;Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19</a>

Through this, Tillis is blaming China and has claimed that China knew about the amount of damage and danger the coronavirus could bring, but hid the information. He has alleged Chinese government of not disclosing important information about COVID-19 for months, and has also claimed that thousand of lives could have been saved if the Chinese government would have been truthful about the coronavirus.

The 18-point plan talks about an immediate approval of USD 20 billion funding for the military, and strengthening ties with regional allies, and expanding equipment sales with India, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Talking about bringing back the manufacturing industry to the US, the plan read, "Move manufacturing back to the US from China and gradually eliminate our supply chain dependency on China. Stop China from stealing our technology and provide incentives to American companies to regain our technological advantage. Strengthen cybersecurity against Chinese hacks and sabotage."

Blaming China for hiding information on coronavirus, the plan states that the US should ban Chinese technology company, Huawei. It seeks support for preventing the American taxpayer's money to going to Chinese government, which Tillis alleges is being used by the Chinese government to pay off their debt.

Senator Tillis’ plan urges the Trump Administration to formally request the International Olympic Committee to withdraw the 2022 Winter Olympics from Beijing.

Tillis has also claimed that WHO should be investigated to ensure that the organization is working independently. "Expose and counter China’s predatory debt-trap diplomacy targeting developing countries. Increase intelligence sharing on potential pandemics and lead the creation of a watchdog organization to monitor foreign governments’ handling of deadly viruses,"&nbsp;Tillis said in his suggestions.

Congressman Troy Balderson introduced bicameral legislation with Congressman Doug Collins and Senator Lindsey Graham that will hold China accountable for deceptive actions taken by its leaders that led to the spread and subsequent global pandemic.

The Covid-19 Accountability Act authorises President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on China if it fails to cooperate with a full investigation led by the US or its allies into the events that lead to the Covid-19 outbreak.

This is not the first time such an accusation has been made against China. In the past few months, the US and Chinese government have been in a vocal rebuttal about coronavirus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

US Senator Thom Tillis presented an 18-point plan on Thursday. The plan aims at using the help of regional allies to hold the Chinese government accountable for its “lies, deception, and cover-ups” that led to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

US Senator Thom Tillis presented an 18-point plan on Thursday. The plan aims at using the help of regional allies to hold the Chinese government accountable for its “lies, deception, and cover-ups” that led to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This plan also includes enhancing military ties with India. Also read: Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China' “The Chinese government maliciously covered up and enabled a global pandemic that has caused misery for so many Americans. This is the same regime that locks up its own citizens in labour camps, steals America’s technology and jobs, and threatens the sovereignty of our allies," said Thom Tillis. "This is a major wake-up call to the United States and the rest of the free world. My plan of action will hold the Chinese government accountable for lying about COVID-19; sanctioning the Chinese government while protecting America’s economy, public health, and national security," he added. Also read: Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19 Through this, Tillis is blaming China and has claimed that China knew about the amount of damage and danger the coronavirus could bring, but hid the information. He has alleged Chinese government of not disclosing important information about COVID-19 for months, and has also claimed that thousand of lives could have been saved if the Chinese government would have been truthful about the coronavirus. The 18-point plan talks about an immediate approval of USD 20 billion funding for the military, and strengthening ties with regional allies, and expanding equipment sales with India, Taiwan and Vietnam. Talking about bringing back the manufacturing industry to the US, the plan read, "Move manufacturing back to the US from China and gradually eliminate our supply chain dependency on China. Stop China from stealing our technology and provide incentives to American companies to regain our technological advantage. Strengthen cybersecurity against Chinese hacks and sabotage." Blaming China for hiding information on coronavirus, the plan states that the US should ban Chinese technology company, Huawei. It seeks support for preventing the American taxpayer's money to going to Chinese government, which Tillis alleges is being used by the Chinese government to pay off their debt. Senator Tillis’ plan urges the Trump Administration to formally request the International Olympic Committee to withdraw the 2022 Winter Olympics from Beijing. Tillis has also claimed that WHO should be investigated to ensure that the organization is working independently. "Expose and counter China’s predatory debt-trap diplomacy targeting developing countries. Increase intelligence sharing on potential pandemics and lead the creation of a watchdog organization to monitor foreign governments’ handling of deadly viruses," Tillis said in his suggestions. Congressman Troy Balderson introduced bicameral legislation with Congressman Doug Collins and Senator Lindsey Graham that will hold China accountable for deceptive actions taken by its leaders that led to the spread and subsequent global pandemic. The Covid-19 Accountability Act authorises President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on China if it fails to cooperate with a full investigation led by the US or its allies into the events that lead to the Covid-19 outbreak. This is not the first time such an accusation has been made against China. In the past few months, the US and Chinese government have been in a vocal rebuttal about coronavirus. (With inputs from PTI)

India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies

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