May 15 in history: First hydrogen bomb tested, Harmonics Law discovered and more!

Mike Pompeo, on Thursday, accused China of stealing America's research on COVID-19.

"The US condemns attempts by cyber actors and non-traditional collectors affiliated with People's Republic of China (PRC) to steal US intellectual property and data related to COVID-19 research. The United States calls on China to cease this malicious activity," US Secretary of State said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fbi-arrests-nasa-researcher-for-not-disclosing-ties-with-china-298579">Also watch:&nbsp;FBI arrests NASA researcher for not 'disclosing' ties with China&nbsp;</a>

The allegations on China of stealing intellectual property and data on COVID-19 came a day after the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security announced that there is a chance that hackers might be targeting the research being conducted by few organisations.

They also claimed that these hackers might have a direct or indirect link to the&nbsp;Chinese government.

<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>

Mike Pompeo has alleged that "China continues to silence scientists, journalists, and citizens, and to spread disinformation, which has exacerbated the dangers of this health crisis." On the other hand, he has also claimed that the US&nbsp;and its allies and partners are coordinating a collective, transparent response to save lives.

This allegation was challenged by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, who&nbsp;said that the US is simply shifting blame on China just to cover up their poor way of handling the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

This is not the first time the US has accused China for coronavirus. Earlier, too, US President Donald Trump had accused China of spreading the coronavirus onto the world and had also been criticized for calling it the "Wuhan virus".&nbsp;

China and the US have been in constant verbal war for few months now. Trump had also, recently, threatened to cut all relationship ties with China over the coronavirus.

Mike Pompeo, on Thursday, accused China of stealing America's research on COVID-19. "The US condemns attempts by cyber actors and non-traditional collectors affiliated with People's Republic of China (PRC) to steal US intellectual property and data related to COVID-19 research.

Mike Pompeo, on Thursday, accused China of stealing America's research on COVID-19. "The US condemns attempts by cyber actors and non-traditional collectors affiliated with People's Republic of China (PRC) to steal US intellectual property and data related to COVID-19 research. The United States calls on China to cease this malicious activity," US Secretary of State said in a statement. Also watch: FBI arrests NASA researcher for not 'disclosing' ties with China The allegations on China of stealing intellectual property and data on COVID-19 came a day after the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security announced that there is a chance that hackers might be targeting the research being conducted by few organisations. They also claimed that these hackers might have a direct or indirect link to the Chinese government. Also read: Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China' Mike Pompeo has alleged that "China continues to silence scientists, journalists, and citizens, and to spread disinformation, which has exacerbated the dangers of this health crisis." On the other hand, he has also claimed that the US and its allies and partners are coordinating a collective, transparent response to save lives. This allegation was challenged by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, who said that the US is simply shifting blame on China just to cover up their poor way of handling the coronavirus pandemic. This is not the first time the US has accused China for coronavirus. Earlier, too, US President Donald Trump had accused China of spreading the coronavirus onto the world and had also been criticized for calling it the "Wuhan virus". China and the US have been in constant verbal war for few months now. Trump had also, recently, threatened to cut all relationship ties with China over the coronavirus.

Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19

There is an unsaid rule in Washington that presidents and ex-presidents do not publically clash at any given point. However, American President Donald Trump has called out his White House predecessor Barack Obama to testify in the Senate over a conspiracy theory.

President Trump has termed this conspiracy theory as "Obamagate".

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OBAMAGATE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260735992727769096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, Trump tweeted and asked Obama to testify against the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA by far. He asked Lindsey Graham, a senator, to "just do it".

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If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama. He knew EVERYTHING. Do it <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LindseyGrahamSC</a>, just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260938381254701060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet come after declassified documents, few days ago, revealed a list of officials from Obama's administration that had requested Trump's national security adviser Flynn to be "unmasked" in intelligence reports regarding calls with the Russian ambassador in 2016.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey, and intelligence chiefs John Brennan and James Clapper were among those named in the declassified documents who were allegedly a part of the plan to undermine Trump's administration.

Not a lot of US Presidents have openly clashed with ex-presidents. However, Trump has left no stone unturned to make his opinion public by tweeting against Obama.

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Obama was always wrong! <a href="https://t.co/xRU4kJtExs">https://t.co/xRU4kJtExs</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260562505845354497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Special counsel Robert Mueller had earlier claimed that&nbsp;Trump and his election campaign contacts with Russians, and there was a direct involvement of Russians in the 2016 election. However, Trump has denied all the rumours by calling it a hoax.

Ex-president Obama replied to Trump's tweet simply by commenting 'vote'.

There is an unsaid rule in Washington that presidents and ex-presidents do not publically clash at any given point. However, American President Donald Trump has called out his White House predecessor Barack Obama to testify in the Senate over a conspiracy theory.

There is an unsaid rule in Washington that presidents and ex-presidents do not publically clash at any given point. However, American President Donald Trump has called out his White House predecessor Barack Obama to testify in the Senate over a conspiracy theory. President Trump has termed this conspiracy theory as "Obamagate". OBAMAGATE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2020 × On Thursday, Trump tweeted and asked Obama to testify against the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA by far. He asked Lindsey Graham, a senator, to "just do it". If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama. He knew EVERYTHING. Do it @LindseyGrahamSC, just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2020 × The tweet come after declassified documents, few days ago, revealed a list of officials from Obama's administration that had requested Trump's national security adviser Flynn to be "unmasked" in intelligence reports regarding calls with the Russian ambassador in 2016. Former Vice President Joe Biden, former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey, and intelligence chiefs John Brennan and James Clapper were among those named in the declassified documents who were allegedly a part of the plan to undermine Trump's administration. Not a lot of US Presidents have openly clashed with ex-presidents. However, Trump has left no stone unturned to make his opinion public by tweeting against Obama. Obama was always wrong! https://t.co/xRU4kJtExs — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2020 × Special counsel Robert Mueller had earlier claimed that Trump and his election campaign contacts with Russians, and there was a direct involvement of Russians in the 2016 election. However, Trump has denied all the rumours by calling it a hoax. Ex-president Obama replied to Trump's tweet simply by commenting 'vote'.

Donald Trump blames Obama for conspiracy on Twitter; calls it 'Obamagate'

Pakistan's fiscal deficit will be significantly worse than projected this fiscal year, with the fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic pushing millions into unemployment and poverty, according to government estimates reviewed by Reuters.

Pakistan began a phased lifting of its countrywide lockdown last week despite a rising rate of cases – a move pushed primarily by fears of an economic meltdown. The country has reported 35,788 COVID-19 cases and 770 deaths.

Due to "a shortfall in revenues; re-prioritising of expenditures and increase in public spending," the post-pandemic fiscal deficit could reach as high as 9.4% against an earlier projection of 7.4%, one of the finance ministry documents seen by Reuters said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-generals-confess-abusing-prisoners-in-rakhine-state-298737">Also read:&nbsp;Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state</a>

Two government officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity that in recent meetings on the financial situation there were fears the deficit could even hit double digits.

That is higher than the previous upper estimate of 9% predicted by Pakistan's finance chief Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in a May 8 interview with Reuters.

Shaikh said on Thursday it is hard to give specific numbers given the pandemic's uncertainty, although the economy is to likely contract -1% to -1.5%.

"We think that right now where we're is likely to worsen," he said addressing a webinar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-to-resume-domestic-flights-from-saturday-298849">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan to resume domestic flights from Saturday</a>

The impact on workers and poorer people is also stark, with estimates that the poverty headcount will rise from 24.3% to a base case of 29%, and a worst-case scenario of 33.5%, the documents said.

At least 3 million people will lose their jobs - 1 million in the industrial sector and 2 million in services.

The documents noted that Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, an autonomous research organisation set up by the government, has projected job losses could reach 18 million.

Tax collection dropped sharply by 16.4% in April, the internal estimates showed.

They also stated that exports are likely to fall by $2.8 billion to $3.8 billion, with a negative impact on remittances from the Middle East, United States and Europe, which are likely to remain around $20 billion to $21 billion against $21.8 billion in 2019.

However, a slump in imports will cut Pakistan's current account deficit to $4.5 billion in the fiscal year, from $13.8 billion in 2019.

The estimates say the economy will contract 1.5% for financial year 2020 against a rise of 3.29% in 2019.

Pakistan has already rolled out a 1.24 trillion Pakistani rupee ($7.71 billion) stimulus to support the economy and cash handouts to the poor.

Moody's on Thursday placed Pakistan's local and foreign currency long-term issuer B3 ratings under review for downgrade, citing a potential default on private sector debt.

External help

Officials say Pakistan is confident of getting at least $5.4 billion in external financial help, including $1.386 billion already received from the IMF as rapid financing to mitigate the coronavirus losses, and a debt rescheduling of $1.8 billion from G20 countries.

That is aside from money expected from the IMF's three-year $6 billion support programme the country entered last year, according to two officials familiar with the situation.

"Our external finance outlook appears to be very good at the moment," one of the top officials told Reuters. "Our expectation and our assessment is very positive."

The officials said Pakistan was receiving $500 million in coronavirus-related support from the Asian Development Bank, and around $1 billion from the World Bank, that will also carry forward another $700 million in projects from last year.

Pakistan has also requested long-time ally China to roll over payments related to the power projects set up as part of Belt and Road initiative.

Finance chief Shaikh is to present a budget in two weeks aimed at finding ways to generate revenues and cut expenditures.

Pakistan's fiscal deficit will be significantly worse than projected this fiscal year, with the fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic pushing millions into unemployment and poverty, according to government estimates reviewed by Reuters.

Pakistan's fiscal deficit will be significantly worse than projected this fiscal year, with the fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic pushing millions into unemployment and poverty, according to government estimates reviewed by Reuters. Pakistan began a phased lifting of its countrywide lockdown last week despite a rising rate of cases – a move pushed primarily by fears of an economic meltdown. The country has reported 35,788 COVID-19 cases and 770 deaths. Due to "a shortfall in revenues; re-prioritising of expenditures and increase in public spending," the post-pandemic fiscal deficit could reach as high as 9.4% against an earlier projection of 7.4%, one of the finance ministry documents seen by Reuters said. Also read: Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state Two government officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity that in recent meetings on the financial situation there were fears the deficit could even hit double digits. That is higher than the previous upper estimate of 9% predicted by Pakistan's finance chief Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in a May 8 interview with Reuters. Shaikh said on Thursday it is hard to give specific numbers given the pandemic's uncertainty, although the economy is to likely contract -1% to -1.5%. "We think that right now where we're is likely to worsen," he said addressing a webinar. Also read: Pakistan to resume domestic flights from Saturday The impact on workers and poorer people is also stark, with estimates that the poverty headcount will rise from 24.3% to a base case of 29%, and a worst-case scenario of 33.5%, the documents said. At least 3 million people will lose their jobs - 1 million in the industrial sector and 2 million in services. The documents noted that Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, an autonomous research organisation set up by the government, has projected job losses could reach 18 million. Tax collection dropped sharply by 16.4% in April, the internal estimates showed. They also stated that exports are likely to fall by $2.8 billion to $3.8 billion, with a negative impact on remittances from the Middle East, United States and Europe, which are likely to remain around $20 billion to $21 billion against $21.8 billion in 2019. However, a slump in imports will cut Pakistan's current account deficit to $4.5 billion in the fiscal year, from $13.8 billion in 2019. The estimates say the economy will contract 1.5% for financial year 2020 against a rise of 3.29% in 2019. Pakistan has already rolled out a 1.24 trillion Pakistani rupee ($7.71 billion) stimulus to support the economy and cash handouts to the poor. Moody's on Thursday placed Pakistan's local and foreign currency long-term issuer B3 ratings under review for downgrade, citing a potential default on private sector debt. External help Officials say Pakistan is confident of getting at least $5.4 billion in external financial help, including $1.386 billion already received from the IMF as rapid financing to mitigate the coronavirus losses, and a debt rescheduling of $1.8 billion from G20 countries. That is aside from money expected from the IMF's three-year $6 billion support programme the country entered last year, according to two officials familiar with the situation. "Our external finance outlook appears to be very good at the moment," one of the top officials told Reuters. "Our expectation and our assessment is very positive." The officials said Pakistan was receiving $500 million in coronavirus-related support from the Asian Development Bank, and around $1 billion from the World Bank, that will also carry forward another $700 million in projects from last year. Pakistan has also requested long-time ally China to roll over payments related to the power projects set up as part of Belt and Road initiative. Finance chief Shaikh is to present a budget in two weeks aimed at finding ways to generate revenues and cut expenditures.

Pakistan's fiscal deficit to reach 9.4% post-pandemic

Pakistan will resume domestic flights in a phased manner from Saturday after the government eased some of the restrictions imposed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country that has claimed the lives of over 800 people.

The Pakistan government last week said that it would begin a phased lifting of the lockdown due to its effect on the economy and the workforce.

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) announced to resume the domestic flights operations from Saturday, The Express Tribune reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-generals-confess-abusing-prisoners-in-rakhine-state-298737">Also read:&nbsp;Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state</a>

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Serene Air will operate flights in the morning and afternoon. 
It said that 68 flights will operate from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, 32 from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, 32 from Islamabad International Airport, eight from Quetta International Airport and four from Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, the nationwide tally of the coronavirus cases on Friday soared to 37,218 after 1,430 new cases were reported.

A total of 10,155 patients have so far recovered from the virus. The total number of COVID-19 deaths in the country also reached 803 with 33 new fatalities reported during the last 24 hours.

Punjab province reported 13,914 cases, Sindh 14,099, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 5,423, Balochistan 2,310, Islamabad 866, Gilgit-Baltistan 501 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 105.

So far, 344,450 tests have been conducted, including 13,700 during the last 24 hours.

After easing the restrictions for the last four days, the Punjab government on Friday imposed a three-day lockdown throughout the province.

All markets across the province will remain closed except the grocery stores which will remain open from 9am to 5pm. Medical stores will operate even after 5pm.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan joined a call by world leaders for a "peoples' vaccine" to combat the coronavirus.

"We must work together to beat this virus," the Prime Minister's Office quoted Khan as saying.&nbsp;

Pakistan will resume domestic flights in a phased manner from Saturday after the government eased some of the restrictions imposed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country that has claimed the lives of over 800 people.

Pakistan will resume domestic flights in a phased manner from Saturday after the government eased some of the restrictions imposed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country that has claimed the lives of over 800 people. The Pakistan government last week said that it would begin a phased lifting of the lockdown due to its effect on the economy and the workforce. Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) announced to resume the domestic flights operations from Saturday, The Express Tribune reported. Also read: Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Serene Air will operate flights in the morning and afternoon. It said that 68 flights will operate from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, 32 from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, 32 from Islamabad International Airport, eight from Quetta International Airport and four from Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, the nationwide tally of the coronavirus cases on Friday soared to 37,218 after 1,430 new cases were reported. A total of 10,155 patients have so far recovered from the virus. The total number of COVID-19 deaths in the country also reached 803 with 33 new fatalities reported during the last 24 hours. Punjab province reported 13,914 cases, Sindh 14,099, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 5,423, Balochistan 2,310, Islamabad 866, Gilgit-Baltistan 501 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 105. So far, 344,450 tests have been conducted, including 13,700 during the last 24 hours. After easing the restrictions for the last four days, the Punjab government on Friday imposed a three-day lockdown throughout the province. All markets across the province will remain closed except the grocery stores which will remain open from 9am to 5pm. Medical stores will operate even after 5pm. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan joined a call by world leaders for a "peoples' vaccine" to combat the coronavirus. "We must work together to beat this virus," the Prime Minister's Office quoted Khan as saying.

Pakistan to resume domestic flights from Saturday

China's air quality saw "incomparable" improvements in the first quarter of this year as a coronavirus outbreak led to rapid declines in industrial activity and transportation, an environment ministry official said on Friday.

The number of "blue sky days" rose by 6.6 percentage points in the first quarter of 2020, said Liu Bingjiang, head of the air pollution office at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

"That was a level we didn't even dare imagine," he said, noting the target for the whole 2016-2020 period was 3.3 percentage points.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-a-part-of-18-point-plan-of-us-to-uncover-chinas-lies-298782">Also read:&nbsp;India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies</a>

China has for several months been grappling with a coronavirus outbreak, which has spread around the world and infected more than 4 million people, forcing governments to impose strict lockdowns, severely hurting economic activity.

With millions staying home, concentrations of small lung-damaging floating particles fell by nearly 15% in more than 300 Chinese cities in the first three months of the year, according to official ministry data.

Emissions in the city of Shanghai fell by nearly 20% in the first quarter while Beijing`s average emissions levels stood still in the first three months of the year, the data showed.

<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>

In Wuhan, where the pandemic originated, monthly averages of particulate matter emissions dropped more than a third.

Normally the country`s smoggiest province, Hebei also saw PM2.5 concentrations, a measure of air pollution, fall 15.7% in the first four months of 2020.

The province, however, attributed the drop to its crackdowns on pollution rather than the coronavirus.

New normal 
China has gradually loosened the lockdown since late March in several cities and Liu said the resumption of normal economic activity had not led to a noticeable decline in air quality so far.

He also attributed the improvements in China`s air quality to its strenuous anti-pollution efforts over the last few years.

China declared "war" on pollution in 2014 after a spate of politically damaging outbreaks of smog in Beijing and other regions and has been strict to punish those breaking the rules.

The country normally sets targets over the October-March winter heating period, forcing cities to make improvements in air quality compared to the previous year.

But Liu said the steep declines in emissions brought about by the virus would make it too difficult for cities to make further year-on-year cuts next winter, so China would not make the targets a "decisive element" of compliance over the period.

He said China would continue to eliminate small-scale coal use this year and further promote the replacement of coal by gas or electricity in households throughout northern regions, noting that the policies and financial support were now in place.

China is currently working on a new anti-smog plan that would further target ground-level ozone pollution, a rising health risk caused mainly by vehicle exhaust fumes and sunlight.

It will also extend the "blue sky" campaign to other regions, including Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong and Henan, he said.

China's air quality saw "incomparable" improvements in the first quarter of this year as a coronavirus outbreak led to rapid declines in industrial activity and transportation, an environment ministry official said on Friday.

China's air quality saw "incomparable" improvements in the first quarter of this year as a coronavirus outbreak led to rapid declines in industrial activity and transportation, an environment ministry official said on Friday. The number of "blue sky days" rose by 6.6 percentage points in the first quarter of 2020, said Liu Bingjiang, head of the air pollution office at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. "That was a level we didn't even dare imagine," he said, noting the target for the whole 2016-2020 period was 3.3 percentage points. Also read: India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies China has for several months been grappling with a coronavirus outbreak, which has spread around the world and infected more than 4 million people, forcing governments to impose strict lockdowns, severely hurting economic activity. With millions staying home, concentrations of small lung-damaging floating particles fell by nearly 15% in more than 300 Chinese cities in the first three months of the year, according to official ministry data. Emissions in the city of Shanghai fell by nearly 20% in the first quarter while Beijing`s average emissions levels stood still in the first three months of the year, the data showed. Also read: Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19 In Wuhan, where the pandemic originated, monthly averages of particulate matter emissions dropped more than a third. Normally the country`s smoggiest province, Hebei also saw PM2.5 concentrations, a measure of air pollution, fall 15.7% in the first four months of 2020. The province, however, attributed the drop to its crackdowns on pollution rather than the coronavirus. New normal China has gradually loosened the lockdown since late March in several cities and Liu said the resumption of normal economic activity had not led to a noticeable decline in air quality so far. He also attributed the improvements in China`s air quality to its strenuous anti-pollution efforts over the last few years. China declared "war" on pollution in 2014 after a spate of politically damaging outbreaks of smog in Beijing and other regions and has been strict to punish those breaking the rules. The country normally sets targets over the October-March winter heating period, forcing cities to make improvements in air quality compared to the previous year. But Liu said the steep declines in emissions brought about by the virus would make it too difficult for cities to make further year-on-year cuts next winter, so China would not make the targets a "decisive element" of compliance over the period. He said China would continue to eliminate small-scale coal use this year and further promote the replacement of coal by gas or electricity in households throughout northern regions, noting that the policies and financial support were now in place. China is currently working on a new anti-smog plan that would further target ground-level ozone pollution, a rising health risk caused mainly by vehicle exhaust fumes and sunlight. It will also extend the "blue sky" campaign to other regions, including Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong and Henan, he said.

Chinese official hails incomparable improvement in air quality as virus hits industry

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a&nbsp;$12 billion factory in Arizona. The factory aims to create over 1,600 jobs in the US.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said the deal is&nbsp;"another indication that President Trump’s policy agenda has led to a renaissance in American manufacturing."

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.

<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>

"This project is of critical, strategic importance to a vibrant and competitive U.S. semiconductor ecosystem that enables leading U.S. companies to fabricate their cutting-edge semiconductor products within the United States," TSMC said.

TSMC aims to build the plant over nine years.&nbsp;"The scale and technology is similar to what TSMC did in China, suggesting a balance between the US &amp; China,"&nbsp; Bernstein analysts commented.

This project can act as a peacemaker between the countries who have been engaged in a vocal war for the past few months. "While it is hard to be certain, we believe that TSMC announcing a U.S. Fab could remove the threat of further Huawei restrictions in the very near-term at least," JP Morgan analysts noted.

However, nothing can be guaranteed at this point, considering the political environment in both the countries.

The plant, the biggest foreign investment by TSMC, will produce the most sophisticated 5 nanometer chips, which can be used in high-end defense and communications devices.

(With inputs from Reuters)

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona.

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona. The factory aims to create over 1,600 jobs in the US. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said the deal is "another indication that President Trump’s policy agenda has led to a renaissance in American manufacturing." 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. Also read: Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China' "This project is of critical, strategic importance to a vibrant and competitive U.S. semiconductor ecosystem that enables leading U.S. companies to fabricate their cutting-edge semiconductor products within the United States," TSMC said. TSMC aims to build the plant over nine years. "The scale and technology is similar to what TSMC did in China, suggesting a balance between the US & China," Bernstein analysts commented. This project can act as a peacemaker between the countries who have been engaged in a vocal war for the past few months. "While it is hard to be certain, we believe that TSMC announcing a U.S. Fab could remove the threat of further Huawei restrictions in the very near-term at least," JP Morgan analysts noted. However, nothing can be guaranteed at this point, considering the political environment in both the countries. The plant, the biggest foreign investment by TSMC, will produce the most sophisticated 5 nanometer chips, which can be used in high-end defense and communications devices. (With inputs from Reuters)

Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry

As the number of positive cases is rising on a daily basis in the world, the pressure on scientists&nbsp;is increasing to develop a cure for coronavirus.

Few weeks ago, the European Union (EU) had chaired a global online summit for coronavirus research and had managed to secure pledges of $8bn (£6.5bn) from almost 40 countries and donors. However, the US and Russia did not participate in the summit.

Following that, Sanofi, a&nbsp;US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) funded company, claimed that the US had&nbsp;"the right to the largest pre-order because it's invested in taking the risk". Thi statement by Sanofi's CEO Paul Hudson attracted a lot of criticism.

<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>

Although, Sanofi is partly funded by US' BARDA, it has received&nbsp;tens of millions of euros in tax credits from the French government to help its research, in the recent years.

Paul's statement was immediately rebuked by the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe who claimed that access to the vaccine for all was non-negotiable.

On Friday,&nbsp;Sanofi's Chairman came to Paul's rescue and claimed that the CEO's words were distorted and misinterpreted. He also promised equal access for everyone.

"I am going to be extremely clear: there will be no particular advance for any country," Serge Weinberg told a local media organization.

French&nbsp;Prime Minister Philippe and President&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron, too, assured that the vaccine, when developed, will be accessible for all equally.

"The vaccine against Covid-19 should be a global public good and its access needs to be equitable and universal," European Commission spokesman Stefan de Keersmaecker told a media organization.

As the number of positive cases is rising on a daily basis in the world, the pressure on scientists is increasing to develop a cure for coronavirus. Few weeks ago, the European Union (EU) had chaired a global online summit for coronavirus research and had managed to secure pledges of $8bn (£6.

As the number of positive cases is rising on a daily basis in the world, the pressure on scientists is increasing to develop a cure for coronavirus. Few weeks ago, the European Union (EU) had chaired a global online summit for coronavirus research and had managed to secure pledges of $8bn (£6.5bn) from almost 40 countries and donors. However, the US and Russia did not participate in the summit. Following that, Sanofi, a US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) funded company, claimed that the US had "the right to the largest pre-order because it's invested in taking the risk". Thi statement by Sanofi's CEO Paul Hudson attracted a lot of criticism. Also read: Global coronavirus death toll rises to more than 300,000 Although, Sanofi is partly funded by US' BARDA, it has received tens of millions of euros in tax credits from the French government to help its research, in the recent years. Paul's statement was immediately rebuked by the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe who claimed that access to the vaccine for all was non-negotiable. On Friday, Sanofi's Chairman came to Paul's rescue and claimed that the CEO's words were distorted and misinterpreted. He also promised equal access for everyone. "I am going to be extremely clear: there will be no particular advance for any country," Serge Weinberg told a local media organization. French Prime Minister Philippe and President Emmanuel Macron, too, assured that the vaccine, when developed, will be accessible for all equally. "The vaccine against Covid-19 should be a global public good and its access needs to be equitable and universal," European Commission spokesman Stefan de Keersmaecker told a media organization.

There will be no advance for any country: says Sanofi's Chairman for COVID-19 vaccine

India is all set to start the trials ayurvedic cure for coronavirus. Experts of AYUSH have been working on four traditional medicine formulations.

The announcement was made by Shripad Y Naik, the Union Minister of State for AYUSH, through Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/moayush?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moayush</a> &amp; the <a href="https://twitter.com/CSIR_IND?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSIR_IND</a> are working together on validating four Ayush formulations against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19Pandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19Pandemic</a> and the trials will start within one week. These formulations will be tried as an add-on therapy and standard care for COVID-19 patients.
— Shripad Y. Naik (@shripadynaik) <a href="https://twitter.com/shripadynaik/status/1260786076773494786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In this research, the experts are trying a mix of treatment for the novel coronavirus till a vaccine is developed and distributed. So, these formulations will be add-on therapy.

Till now, no vaccine has been developed, and&nbsp;treatment has proved out to be hundred per cent successful. Plasma therapy has proved out to be useful, till certain extent.&nbsp;

Gilead's remdesivir, an antiviral drug, has also received authorisation by the&nbsp;US Food and Drug Administration to treat COVID-19 patients. However, the company, which is infamous for overpricing, is being closely monitored for pricing and distribution.

India is all set to start the trials ayurvedic cure for coronavirus. Experts of AYUSH have been working on four traditional medicine formulations. The announcement was made by Shripad Y Naik, the Union Minister of State for AYUSH, through Twitter.

India is all set to start the trials ayurvedic cure for coronavirus. Experts of AYUSH have been working on four traditional medicine formulations. The announcement was made by Shripad Y Naik, the Union Minister of State for AYUSH, through Twitter. The @moayush & the @CSIR_IND are working together on validating four Ayush formulations against #COVID19Pandemic and the trials will start within one week. These formulations will be tried as an add-on therapy and standard care for COVID-19 patients. — Shripad Y. Naik (@shripadynaik) May 14, 2020 × In this research, the experts are trying a mix of treatment for the novel coronavirus till a vaccine is developed and distributed. So, these formulations will be add-on therapy. Till now, no vaccine has been developed, and treatment has proved out to be hundred per cent successful. Plasma therapy has proved out to be useful, till certain extent. Gilead's remdesivir, an antiviral drug, has also received authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat COVID-19 patients. However, the company, which is infamous for overpricing, is being closely monitored for pricing and distribution.

India to test ayurvedic drugs for coronavirus treatment

French economy&nbsp;faced a huge downfall due to the worldwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. Like other European countries, France, too, had a lockdown in place for several weeks.

Now, that the number of cases are reducing, the country has lifted the lockdown&nbsp;people are allowed to go back to their daily lives and workplaces.

However, the&nbsp;unemployment rate fell in the first quarter to an 11-year low as people without work were unable to seek jobs once France entered a coronavirus lockdown, the INSEE stats agency said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-urges-people-to-eat-more-cheese-298129">Also watch:&nbsp;France urges people to eat more cheese&nbsp;</a>

The unemployment rate&nbsp;fell to 7.8 per cent from 8.1 per cent in the fourth quarter. This is the biggest downfall since 2008, according to INSEE.

France initiated a nationwide lockdown on March 17 to contain the spread of coronavirus. This led to many people losing their jobs, and they were not able to find any other job. Majority of people who lost their jobs are actively seeking but have been unable to find any source of income.

The unemployment rate before the lockdown, according to INSEE, was 8.2 per cent. To protect the daily source of income of French citizens, the government is reimbursing companies 70% of the gross wages of workers they put on furlough.

Now, with the lockdown being completely lifted, the French government is hoping to revive its economy and increasing the employment rate.

French economy faced a huge downfall due to the worldwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. Like other European countries, France, too, had a lockdown in place for several weeks.

French economy faced a huge downfall due to the worldwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. Like other European countries, France, too, had a lockdown in place for several weeks. Now, that the number of cases are reducing, the country has lifted the lockdown people are allowed to go back to their daily lives and workplaces. However, the unemployment rate fell in the first quarter to an 11-year low as people without work were unable to seek jobs once France entered a coronavirus lockdown, the INSEE stats agency said on Thursday. Also watch: France urges people to eat more cheese The unemployment rate fell to 7.8 per cent from 8.1 per cent in the fourth quarter. This is the biggest downfall since 2008, according to INSEE. France initiated a nationwide lockdown on March 17 to contain the spread of coronavirus. This led to many people losing their jobs, and they were not able to find any other job. Majority of people who lost their jobs are actively seeking but have been unable to find any source of income. The unemployment rate before the lockdown, according to INSEE, was 8.2 per cent. To protect the daily source of income of French citizens, the government is reimbursing companies 70% of the gross wages of workers they put on furlough. Now, with the lockdown being completely lifted, the French government is hoping to revive its economy and increasing the employment rate.

French unemployment rate falls down to 7.8%; lowest in 11 years

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) disclosed the name of a Saudi diplomat who is suspected of directing support to two al-Qaeda hijackers in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

However,&nbsp;Mussaed Ahmed al-Jarrah's name was disclosed by mistake.

In a response to a lawsuit by families of 9/11 victims, an FBI official accidentally revealed the name of the Saudi official in a declaration by him. The lawsuit was by the families of the victims, who have accused Saudi Arabia's government of involvement in the attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-enforce-24-hour-curfew-during-the-five-day-eid-al-fitr-holiday-298476">Also read:&nbsp;Saudi Arabia to enforce 24-hour curfew during the five-day Eid al-Fitr holiday</a>

The accidental revelation&nbsp;was spotted by&nbsp;Michael Isikoff, the chief investigative journalist at Yahoo News.

"When I noticed that the declaration included this information, I contacted the FBI for comment. Because I knew that the justice department and the Trump administration had been going to extraordinary length to keep all of this under wraps," he said.

"In fact, both Attorney General William Barr and the Acting Director of the National Intelligence Richard Grennell had filed motions with the court saying that any information relating to the Saudi embassy official and all internal FBI documents about this matter were so sensitive; they were state secrets, that means if revealed they could cause damage to the national security," he added.

The declaration was made by&nbsp;Jill Sanborn, the assistant director of the FBI's counterterrorism division.

When requested to depose the person under oath, Sanborn's declaration said that it involved "any and all records referring to or relating to Jarrah". This was the point where it was accidentally revealed that the "third person" was&nbsp;Mussaed Ahmed al-Jarrah.

However, all other background and investigative reports conducted by the FBI remain sealed.

This accidental slip-up has, however, revived the questions about Saudi government's involvement in the attacks. "This shows there is a complete government cover-up of the Saudi involvement," Brett Eagleson, a spokesman for the families, told Yahoo news. "This is a giant screw-up."

Officials notified the court and withdrew the FBI's declaration from the public docket. Following that, the docket now reads:&nbsp; "The document was incorrectly filed in this case."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) disclosed the name of a Saudi diplomat who is suspected of directing support to two al-Qaeda hijackers in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) disclosed the name of a Saudi diplomat who is suspected of directing support to two al-Qaeda hijackers in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. However, Mussaed Ahmed al-Jarrah's name was disclosed by mistake. In a response to a lawsuit by families of 9/11 victims, an FBI official accidentally revealed the name of the Saudi official in a declaration by him. The lawsuit was by the families of the victims, who have accused Saudi Arabia's government of involvement in the attacks. Also read: Saudi Arabia to enforce 24-hour curfew during the five-day Eid al-Fitr holiday The accidental revelation was spotted by Michael Isikoff, the chief investigative journalist at Yahoo News. "When I noticed that the declaration included this information, I contacted the FBI for comment. Because I knew that the justice department and the Trump administration had been going to extraordinary length to keep all of this under wraps," he said. "In fact, both Attorney General William Barr and the Acting Director of the National Intelligence Richard Grennell had filed motions with the court saying that any information relating to the Saudi embassy official and all internal FBI documents about this matter were so sensitive; they were state secrets, that means if revealed they could cause damage to the national security," he added. The declaration was made by Jill Sanborn, the assistant director of the FBI's counterterrorism division. When requested to depose the person under oath, Sanborn's declaration said that it involved "any and all records referring to or relating to Jarrah". This was the point where it was accidentally revealed that the "third person" was Mussaed Ahmed al-Jarrah. However, all other background and investigative reports conducted by the FBI remain sealed. This accidental slip-up has, however, revived the questions about Saudi government's involvement in the attacks. "This shows there is a complete government cover-up of the Saudi involvement," Brett Eagleson, a spokesman for the families, told Yahoo news. "This is a giant screw-up." Officials notified the court and withdrew the FBI's declaration from the public docket. Following that, the docket now reads: "The document was incorrectly filed in this case."

FBI accidentally reveals Saudi official link to 9/11 attacks

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll. Despite the rapid increase in number of infections, Americans have not been in favour of lockdown.&nbsp;

Canada, on the other hand, has had a strict lockdown in place but has not been able to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Keeping this in mind, both countries are now deciding to extend the travel ban till June 21.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-zoo-is-sending-two-pandas-back-to-china-because-it-cant-get-enough-bamboo-to-feed-them-298500">Also read:&nbsp;Canada zoo is sending two pandas back to China because it can't get enough bamboo to feed them</a>

"It's too early to lift the restrictions, so we're working toward an extension," said one Canadian government source to a media house.

Earlier, on April 18, Canada and the US had agreed to extend border restrictions until May 21. Considering the rise in number of cases, Canada is now hoping to extend the travel ban&nbsp;for another month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justin-trudeau-starts-canadahomeworkhelp-asks-kids-to-reach-out-to-him-298079">Also read:&nbsp;Justin Trudeau starts #CanadaHomeworkHelp; asks kids to reach out to him</a>

The restriction will be in place only for non-essential travel plans. All trade travels will be allowed across the border as US takes 75% of all Canadian good exports.&nbsp;

The chief Canadian public health officer, on Tuesday, talked to the media about US being a risk for Canadians, if the travel ban is lifted.

The same travel ban will be proposed for US-Mexico border too.&nbsp;

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll.

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll. Despite the rapid increase in number of infections, Americans have not been in favour of lockdown. Canada, on the other hand, has had a strict lockdown in place but has not been able to contain the spread of coronavirus. Keeping this in mind, both countries are now deciding to extend the travel ban till June 21. Also read: Canada zoo is sending two pandas back to China because it can't get enough bamboo to feed them "It's too early to lift the restrictions, so we're working toward an extension," said one Canadian government source to a media house. Earlier, on April 18, Canada and the US had agreed to extend border restrictions until May 21. Considering the rise in number of cases, Canada is now hoping to extend the travel ban for another month. Also read: Justin Trudeau starts #CanadaHomeworkHelp; asks kids to reach out to him The restriction will be in place only for non-essential travel plans. All trade travels will be allowed across the border as US takes 75% of all Canadian good exports. The chief Canadian public health officer, on Tuesday, talked to the media about US being a risk for Canadians, if the travel ban is lifted. The same travel ban will be proposed for US-Mexico border too.

Canada-US to extend travel ban till June 21

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