Nepal's embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that 'misunderstandings' with India have been resolved and that the two countries should move forward looking at the future, asserting that neighbours share both love and problems.

In a recent interview to BBC Hindi Service, Oli accepted the fact that once, there were misunderstandings between the two neighbours. However, he did not elaborate on those issues.

Oli, in a televised address to the nation last month, said that the outstanding issues relating to the border issue with India will be resolved through diplomatic channels on the basis of historical accords, maps and factual documents.

He told BBC: "Yes, there were misunderstandings at one time, but now those misunderstandings are gone. We should not be stuck in past misunderstandings but move forward looking at the future. We have to pursue a positive relationship,"&nbsp;the 69-year-old Nepal Prime Minister, now heading a minority government, said.

Nepal's Opposition alliance has approached the Supreme Court against the 'unconstitutional' move of President Bidya Devi Bhandari to dissolve the House of Representatives and fresh elections on the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli.

Nepal has a unique relationship with India, unlike with any other country, Oli said. "Neighbours share both love and problems. Don't people in Chile or Argentina have a problem," he asked.

Ties between India and Nepal came under severe strain after Nepal last year published the new political map that showed three Indian territories - Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh - as part of Nepal.

After Nepal released the map, India reacted sharply, calling it a 'unilateral act' and cautioning Kathmandu that such 'artificial enlargement' of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it.

India said that Nepal's action violated an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks. The bilateral exchanges that had stalled due to the bitter boundary dispute were reset in the later part of 2020 with a series of high-level visits, as New Delhi emphasised that it sees itself as the Himalayan nation's 'foremost friend' and development partner.

Then Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali visited New Delhi in January this year and held wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar covering the entire expanse of bilateral ties.

Gyawali said both the countries have a common commitment to resolve the issue. "We have the common commitment to resolve it. The sanctity and security of the border is extremely important for expanding the overall developmental cooperation... We both have realised the urgency (to resolve the border issue)," he had said. Gyawali was the senior-most political leader from Nepal to visit India after relations nosedived following the boundary row.

On the issue of COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Oli said that India should help in a different way than other countries in controlling and ending the spread of the contagion.

Nepal and India have open borders, he said, adding that India should pay special attention to help Nepal in some places. Oli said that if the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled in India and not in Nepal, it would have no meaning as the virus would ultimately spread.

He thanked India for providing the vaccine for the first time and other healthcare supplies, but regretted that Nepal did not get as much help as it needed from India. There were high expectations from India, he said, adding that he would like to make a request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"In view of these times and our friendly relations, India should extend full cooperation to Nepal. That doesn't mean I haven't got help from India. At this time, Nepal needs vaccinations, for which Nepal will and is urging both its neighbours and all countries. Whoever provides us vaccines, be it India, China, the US or the UK, it is fine to receive vaccines. It is not necessary to politicise it and we thank both our neighbours very much," Oli said.

"On one hand, China has given us 1.8 million vaccines and on the other India has given 2.1 million vaccines. We have the help of both. We are also getting medical equipment from both. So, thank you both," the Prime Minister added.

Nepal's COVID-19 caseload crossed the 6,00,000 mark on Sunday as 3,479 more people were infected with the virus.

Nepal's embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that 'misunderstandings' with India have been resolved and that the two countries should move forward looking at the future, asserting that neighbours share both love and problems.

Nepal's embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that 'misunderstandings' with India have been resolved and that the two countries should move forward looking at the future, asserting that neighbours share both love and problems. In a recent interview to BBC Hindi Service, Oli accepted the fact that once, there were misunderstandings between the two neighbours. However, he did not elaborate on those issues. Oli, in a televised address to the nation last month, said that the outstanding issues relating to the border issue with India will be resolved through diplomatic channels on the basis of historical accords, maps and factual documents. He told BBC: "Yes, there were misunderstandings at one time, but now those misunderstandings are gone. We should not be stuck in past misunderstandings but move forward looking at the future. We have to pursue a positive relationship," the 69-year-old Nepal Prime Minister, now heading a minority government, said. Nepal's Opposition alliance has approached the Supreme Court against the 'unconstitutional' move of President Bidya Devi Bhandari to dissolve the House of Representatives and fresh elections on the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli. Nepal has a unique relationship with India, unlike with any other country, Oli said. "Neighbours share both love and problems. Don't people in Chile or Argentina have a problem," he asked. Ties between India and Nepal came under severe strain after Nepal last year published the new political map that showed three Indian territories - Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh - as part of Nepal. After Nepal released the map, India reacted sharply, calling it a 'unilateral act' and cautioning Kathmandu that such 'artificial enlargement' of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it. India said that Nepal's action violated an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks. The bilateral exchanges that had stalled due to the bitter boundary dispute were reset in the later part of 2020 with a series of high-level visits, as New Delhi emphasised that it sees itself as the Himalayan nation's 'foremost friend' and development partner. Then Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali visited New Delhi in January this year and held wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar covering the entire expanse of bilateral ties. Gyawali said both the countries have a common commitment to resolve the issue. "We have the common commitment to resolve it. The sanctity and security of the border is extremely important for expanding the overall developmental cooperation... We both have realised the urgency (to resolve the border issue)," he had said. Gyawali was the senior-most political leader from Nepal to visit India after relations nosedived following the boundary row. On the issue of COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Oli said that India should help in a different way than other countries in controlling and ending the spread of the contagion. Nepal and India have open borders, he said, adding that India should pay special attention to help Nepal in some places. Oli said that if the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled in India and not in Nepal, it would have no meaning as the virus would ultimately spread. He thanked India for providing the vaccine for the first time and other healthcare supplies, but regretted that Nepal did not get as much help as it needed from India. There were high expectations from India, he said, adding that he would like to make a request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "In view of these times and our friendly relations, India should extend full cooperation to Nepal. That doesn't mean I haven't got help from India. At this time, Nepal needs vaccinations, for which Nepal will and is urging both its neighbours and all countries. Whoever provides us vaccines, be it India, China, the US or the UK, it is fine to receive vaccines. It is not necessary to politicise it and we thank both our neighbours very much," Oli said. "On one hand, China has given us 1.8 million vaccines and on the other India has given 2.1 million vaccines. We have the help of both. We are also getting medical equipment from both. So, thank you both," the Prime Minister added. Nepal's COVID-19 caseload crossed the 6,00,000 mark on Sunday as 3,479 more people were infected with the virus.

Nepal PM Oli says 'misunderstandings' with India resolved

Majority of the provinces in Pakistan, including Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Monday reopened its educational institutions after the country reported a drop in the number of positive cases of coronavirus.

The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the main body monitoring the country's battle against COVID-19, had initially allowed reopening of educational institutions from May 24 in all districts with less than five per cent positivity rate but delayed it for the rest of the country until June 7.

"Educational institutions reopened in Pakistan from Monday as the country reported low cases recently," an official statement said.

While Punjab has opened all of its educational schools, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have opened its schools for students from standard 9 and above, the Express Tribune reported.

Sindh has decided not to open the school for its primary students and decided to wait for a few more time to let the pandemic settle down, the report said.

Sindh's education minister Saeed Ghani said the decision will be revisited after improvement in the pandemic. The ministry of National Health Services reported 58 deaths in the last 24 hours due to COVID-19, taking the number of fatalities to 21,323.

The country also reported 1,490 new positive cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 933,630. It said the number of active patients was 47,376 as so far 864,931 patients have recovered.

Majority of the provinces in Pakistan, including Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Monday reopened its educational institutions after the country reported a drop in the number of positive cases of coronavirus.

Majority of the provinces in Pakistan, including Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Monday reopened its educational institutions after the country reported a drop in the number of positive cases of coronavirus. The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the main body monitoring the country's battle against COVID-19, had initially allowed reopening of educational institutions from May 24 in all districts with less than five per cent positivity rate but delayed it for the rest of the country until June 7. "Educational institutions reopened in Pakistan from Monday as the country reported low cases recently," an official statement said. While Punjab has opened all of its educational schools, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have opened its schools for students from standard 9 and above, the Express Tribune reported. Sindh has decided not to open the school for its primary students and decided to wait for a few more time to let the pandemic settle down, the report said. Sindh's education minister Saeed Ghani said the decision will be revisited after improvement in the pandemic. The ministry of National Health Services reported 58 deaths in the last 24 hours due to COVID-19, taking the number of fatalities to 21,323. The country also reported 1,490 new positive cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 933,630. It said the number of active patients was 47,376 as so far 864,931 patients have recovered.

Several provinces in Pak reopen schools after drop in COVID-19 cases

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said.

The visit comes nearly three months after the two countries decided to establish a joint ministerial commission to formulate a framework to strengthen ties in sectors like energy, trade, investment, manpower and labour and information technology.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah visited India in March during which both sides decided to set up of the joint commission.

Jaishankar is likely to carry a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on ways to enhance bilateral ties, the sources said.

During his visit to India, Al-Sabah said that the 'catalogue of cooperation' between India and Kuwait is vast and that there were lots of avenues to explore further.

It was announced during Al-Sabah's visit to India that the joint commission at the level of foreign ministers will steer the relationship and will act as an umbrella body for all bilateral institutional engagements.

Kuwait has been supporting India in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic by supplying relief material as well as medical oxygen. Indian Navy ships have brought large quantity of medical oxygen from Kuwait in the last few weeks.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said. The visit comes nearly three months after the two countries decided to establish a joint ministerial commission to formulate a framework to strengthen ties in sectors like energy, trade, investment, manpower and labour and information technology. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah visited India in March during which both sides decided to set up of the joint commission. Jaishankar is likely to carry a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on ways to enhance bilateral ties, the sources said. During his visit to India, Al-Sabah said that the 'catalogue of cooperation' between India and Kuwait is vast and that there were lots of avenues to explore further. It was announced during Al-Sabah's visit to India that the joint commission at the level of foreign ministers will steer the relationship and will act as an umbrella body for all bilateral institutional engagements. Kuwait has been supporting India in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic by supplying relief material as well as medical oxygen. Indian Navy ships have brought large quantity of medical oxygen from Kuwait in the last few weeks.

EAM Jaishankar likely to visit Kuwait on Wednesday

HSBC said on Monday that its Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Wong will retire effective immediately, and is to be replaced by David Liao and Surendra Rosha, who will jointly run the region. 
 
Liao, who was HSBC's head of global banking for Asia Pacific, and Rosha, who was CEO of HSBC India, will continue to run the region as a single entity and be based in Hong Kong. 
 
Wong has been CEO of Asia Pacific since February 2010. Last year, he sparked a backlash from the British and US&nbsp;governments when he signed a petition backing China's imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong, breaking years of neutrality for the UK-based, Asia-focused lender. 
 
Wong is to become non-executive chairman of HSBC Asia Pacific, replacing Laura Cha.

HSBC said on Monday that its Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Wong will retire effective immediately, and is to be replaced by David Liao and Surendra Rosha, who will jointly run the region.

HSBC said on Monday that its Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Wong will retire effective immediately, and is to be replaced by David Liao and Surendra Rosha, who will jointly run the region. Liao, who was HSBC's head of global banking for Asia Pacific, and Rosha, who was CEO of HSBC India, will continue to run the region as a single entity and be based in Hong Kong. Wong has been CEO of Asia Pacific since February 2010. Last year, he sparked a backlash from the British and US governments when he signed a petition backing China's imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong, breaking years of neutrality for the UK-based, Asia-focused lender. Wong is to become non-executive chairman of HSBC Asia Pacific, replacing Laura Cha.

HSBC says Asia Pacific CEO Peter Wong to retire

Oil pulled back after hitting fresh multi-year highs on Monday, as investors awaited the outcome of this week's talks between Iran and world powers over a nuclear deal that is expected to boost crude supplies. 
 
Brent crude futures for August fell 38 cents, or 0.5%, to $71.51 a barrel by 0519 GMT, after earlier hitting $72.27, their highest since May 2019. US. West Texas Intermediate crude for July touched $70 for the first time since October 2018 but reversed course to be at $69.32 a barrel, down 30 cents, or 0.4%. 
 
Investors may have sold off some contracts to take profit when WTI hit $70, said Avtar Sandu, a senior commodities manager at Phillips Futures in Singapore. 
 
"The primary concern is about Iranian barrels coming back into the market but I don't think there will be a deal before the Iranian presidential election," he added. 
 
Data showing a 14.6% year-on-year drop in China's crude oil imports in May also weighed on prices. 
 
Both contracts have risen for the past two weeks as fuel demand is rebounding in the United States and Europe after governments loosened COVID-19 restrictions ahead of summer travel. 
 
Global oil demand is expected to exceed supplies in the second half despite a gradual easing of supply cuts by OPEC+ producers, analysts say. 
 
A slowdown in talks between Iran and global powers in reviving a 2015 nuclear deal and a drop in US&nbsp;rig count also supported oil prices. 
 
Iran and global powers will enter a fifth round of talks on June 10 in Vienna that could include Washington lifting economic sanctions on Iranian oil exports. 
 
While the European Union envoy coordinating the negotiations had said he believed a deal would be struck at this week's talks, other senior diplomats have said the most difficult decisions still lie ahead. 
 
Analysts expect Iran, which is having its presidential election on June 18, to increase its production by 500,000 to 1 million barrels per day once sanctions are lifted. 
 
In the United States, the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating fell for the first time in six weeks as growth in drilling slowed. 
 
This "suggests that US&nbsp;oil drillers are less enthusiastic in adding more US&nbsp;oil production and hence reduces the risk of a supply glut in the global oil market in H2 2021," CMC Markets analyst Kelvin Wong said in emailed comments.

Oil pulled back after hitting fresh multi-year highs on Monday, as investors awaited the outcome of this week's talks between Iran and world powers over a nuclear deal that is expected to boost crude supplies.

Oil pulled back after hitting fresh multi-year highs on Monday, as investors awaited the outcome of this week's talks between Iran and world powers over a nuclear deal that is expected to boost crude supplies. Brent crude futures for August fell 38 cents, or 0.5%, to $71.51 a barrel by 0519 GMT, after earlier hitting $72.27, their highest since May 2019. US. West Texas Intermediate crude for July touched $70 for the first time since October 2018 but reversed course to be at $69.32 a barrel, down 30 cents, or 0.4%. Investors may have sold off some contracts to take profit when WTI hit $70, said Avtar Sandu, a senior commodities manager at Phillips Futures in Singapore. "The primary concern is about Iranian barrels coming back into the market but I don't think there will be a deal before the Iranian presidential election," he added. Data showing a 14.6% year-on-year drop in China's crude oil imports in May also weighed on prices. Both contracts have risen for the past two weeks as fuel demand is rebounding in the United States and Europe after governments loosened COVID-19 restrictions ahead of summer travel. Global oil demand is expected to exceed supplies in the second half despite a gradual easing of supply cuts by OPEC+ producers, analysts say. A slowdown in talks between Iran and global powers in reviving a 2015 nuclear deal and a drop in US rig count also supported oil prices. Iran and global powers will enter a fifth round of talks on June 10 in Vienna that could include Washington lifting economic sanctions on Iranian oil exports. While the European Union envoy coordinating the negotiations had said he believed a deal would be struck at this week's talks, other senior diplomats have said the most difficult decisions still lie ahead. Analysts expect Iran, which is having its presidential election on June 18, to increase its production by 500,000 to 1 million barrels per day once sanctions are lifted. In the United States, the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating fell for the first time in six weeks as growth in drilling slowed. This "suggests that US oil drillers are less enthusiastic in adding more US oil production and hence reduces the risk of a supply glut in the global oil market in H2 2021," CMC Markets analyst Kelvin Wong said in emailed comments.

Oil retreats as investors await Iran nuclear talks this week

Teenager Fatima Noori and her fellow pupils hug and pray as they gather in their Kabul classroom, just weeks after bombs exploded right outside the school gates, killing scores of their classmates. 
 
The Sayed Ul-Shuhada High School in the west of the city has remained closed since the May 8 bombings, but a local NGO and the Ministry of Public Health have been holding psychotherapy classes there for girls to help with any trauma. 
 
"When I first entered the school (after the blast) to attend the psychotherapy class, I was very scared and worried that the same incident might happen again," 15-year-old Fatima said last month. "I even fainted near the school gate." 
 
But Fatima said her resolve had grown since then and she was determined to return to school, even with the potential threat of another explosion. 
 
"I want to come back to school even more strongly than before and continue my studies," she said. "I want to continue the path of those who were martyred." 
 
Girls and boys at the high school study in three shifts. The May 8 attack targeted the second shift, which is for female students, Najiba Arian, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education, said. 
 
Fatima was in the school corridor getting ready to go home when the first bomb exploded outside the school gate. Two more bombs detonated as people rushed to escape. At least 80 people were killed and 160 injured, most of them schoolgirls. 
 
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and the Taliban denied responsibility. But the minority Hazara neighbourhood where the school is located has repeatedly been targeted by militants. 
 
The United States and many other Western nations have touted girls' education as one of the key successes of years of foreign presence in Afghanistan. 
 
More than 3.5 million girls are now enrolled in school in the country, according to USAID, compared to none during the Taliban's rule from 1996 to 2001. But an estimated 3.7 million children remain out of school, 60% of them girls, according to UNICEF. 
 
Security is deteriorating as foreign forces prepare to leave Afghanistan later this year, emboldening some hardline Islamist groups to threaten the progress made in girls' education. 
 
Fatima's father, 36-year-old Taqi Noori, said he thought about, but decided against, leaving the country. 
 
"There is always war in Afghanistan, but what can we do? This is our country ... if we go somewhere else, my children would be deprived of education," he said from their hillside home, about a 10-minute walk from Fatima's school.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Fatima has continued her studies at home as she waits for the school to reopen, the timing of which remains uncertain. 
 
"I am interested in medical science, and I want to become a good doctor in the future to treat our security forces injured while defending our people, land, and our borders." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Teenager Fatima Noori and her fellow pupils hug and pray as they gather in their Kabul classroom, just weeks after bombs exploded right outside the school gates, killing scores of their classmates.

Teenager Fatima Noori and her fellow pupils hug and pray as they gather in their Kabul classroom, just weeks after bombs exploded right outside the school gates, killing scores of their classmates. The Sayed Ul-Shuhada High School in the west of the city has remained closed since the May 8 bombings, but a local NGO and the Ministry of Public Health have been holding psychotherapy classes there for girls to help with any trauma. "When I first entered the school (after the blast) to attend the psychotherapy class, I was very scared and worried that the same incident might happen again," 15-year-old Fatima said last month. "I even fainted near the school gate." But Fatima said her resolve had grown since then and she was determined to return to school, even with the potential threat of another explosion. "I want to come back to school even more strongly than before and continue my studies," she said. "I want to continue the path of those who were martyred." Girls and boys at the high school study in three shifts. The May 8 attack targeted the second shift, which is for female students, Najiba Arian, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education, said. Fatima was in the school corridor getting ready to go home when the first bomb exploded outside the school gate. Two more bombs detonated as people rushed to escape. At least 80 people were killed and 160 injured, most of them schoolgirls. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and the Taliban denied responsibility. But the minority Hazara neighbourhood where the school is located has repeatedly been targeted by militants. The United States and many other Western nations have touted girls' education as one of the key successes of years of foreign presence in Afghanistan. More than 3.5 million girls are now enrolled in school in the country, according to USAID, compared to none during the Taliban's rule from 1996 to 2001. But an estimated 3.7 million children remain out of school, 60% of them girls, according to UNICEF. Security is deteriorating as foreign forces prepare to leave Afghanistan later this year, emboldening some hardline Islamist groups to threaten the progress made in girls' education. Fatima's father, 36-year-old Taqi Noori, said he thought about, but decided against, leaving the country. "There is always war in Afghanistan, but what can we do? This is our country ... if we go somewhere else, my children would be deprived of education," he said from their hillside home, about a 10-minute walk from Fatima's school. Fatima has continued her studies at home as she waits for the school to reopen, the timing of which remains uncertain. "I am interested in medical science, and I want to become a good doctor in the future to treat our security forces injured while defending our people, land, and our borders." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan girl determined to return to school after deadly blast

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February&nbsp;1 coup, the regional bloc said. 
 
Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding April's five-point agreement among the 10 ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy. 
 
The ASEAN envoys met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, on Friday. 
 
The ASEAN statement dated June 5 said the objective of the visit was to discuss how Myanmar would reach 'a peaceful solution in the interests of its people'&nbsp;by implementing the five points. 
 
It said they had also 'called for the release of all political prisoners, including women and children and foreigners' - an appeal that was not on the consensus but is supported by many ASEAN members. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment. 
 
The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said the meeting covered 'implementation of the recommendation of initial survey of ASEAN' and 'terror acts' by junta opponents and the army's plan to hold elections. 
 
The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 849 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure. 
 
Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN. 
 
Myanmar's crisis is also expected to be a topic at a special ASEAN-Chinese foreign ministers meeting in Chongqing this week. The junta's foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, will also attend. 
 
China's ambassador met army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday. 
 
China's state-run Global Times newspaper quoted the junta leader as saying Myanmar was willing to coordinate implementation of the consensus. It reported that the ambassador had said China was ready to support implementing the consensus. 
 
Opponents of the junta have been wary of the role of China, which unlike Western countries has not been vocal in criticising the coup. 
 
The army said it seized power after election authorities rejected its accusations of fraud in a November 2020 ballot swept by Suu Kyi's party. She now faces several charges and is due to appear in court again on Monday.

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February 1 coup, the regional bloc said.

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February 1 coup, the regional bloc said. Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding April's five-point agreement among the 10 ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy. The ASEAN envoys met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, on Friday. The ASEAN statement dated June 5 said the objective of the visit was to discuss how Myanmar would reach 'a peaceful solution in the interests of its people' by implementing the five points. It said they had also 'called for the release of all political prisoners, including women and children and foreigners' - an appeal that was not on the consensus but is supported by many ASEAN members. Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said the meeting covered 'implementation of the recommendation of initial survey of ASEAN' and 'terror acts' by junta opponents and the army's plan to hold elections. The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 849 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure. Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN. Myanmar's crisis is also expected to be a topic at a special ASEAN-Chinese foreign ministers meeting in Chongqing this week. The junta's foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, will also attend. China's ambassador met army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday. China's state-run Global Times newspaper quoted the junta leader as saying Myanmar was willing to coordinate implementation of the consensus. It reported that the ambassador had said China was ready to support implementing the consensus. Opponents of the junta have been wary of the role of China, which unlike Western countries has not been vocal in criticising the coup. The army said it seized power after election authorities rejected its accusations of fraud in a November 2020 ballot swept by Suu Kyi's party. She now faces several charges and is due to appear in court again on Monday.

Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement

President Joe Biden's meeting with leaders of the G7 leading industrial economies in an English seaside village this week will usher in a new focus on rallying US&nbsp;allies against common adversaries - the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia and China. 
 
New COVID-19 variants and rising death tolls in some countries will loom large during the gathering from Friday to Sunday, alongside climate change, strengthening global supply chains and ensuring the West maintains its technological edge over China, the world's second-largest economy. 
 
Biden, a Democrat, vowed to rebuild relations with allies after four rocky years under former President Donald Trump, who pulled Washington out of several multilateral institutions and threatened at one point to quit NATO. 
 
"In this moment of global uncertainty, as the world still grapples with a once-in-a-century pandemic, this trip is about realising America’s renewed commitment to our allies and partners," Biden wrote in an opinion piece published by the Washington Post on Saturday. 
 
The gathering will put Biden's 'America is back' motto to the test, with allies disillusioned during the Trump years looking for tangible, lasting action. 
 
It is a pivotal moment for the United States and the world, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on CNN on Sunday. 
 
"Is international cooperation going to be restored or are we still in this world where nationalism, protectionism and to some extent isolationism are dominating?" Brown asked.

Russia will be at the forefront of attention at the G7 summit in Cornwall, England, and the days afterward when Biden meets with European leaders and NATO allies in Brussels, before heading to Geneva to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
 
The recent ransomware attack on JBS, the world's largest meatpacker, by a criminal group likely based in Russia, and Putin's financial backing for Belarus after it forced a Ryanair flight to land so it could arrest a dissident journalist on board, are pushing US&nbsp;officials to consider sharper action. 
 
On the sidelines of the NATO summit, Biden is also expected to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, a crucial session between the sparring NATO allies after Ankara's purchase of Russian defence systems angered Washington and risked driving a wedge within the alliance. 
 
G7 finance ministers reached a landmark global deal on Saturday to set a minimum global corporate tax rate of at least 15%, potentially hitting giant tech companies like Alphabet Inc's Google, Facebook Inc and Amazon.com Inc. Biden and his counterparts will give the deal their final blessing in Cornwall. 
 
The Biden administration, which on Thursday detailed its plans to donate 80 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines globally by the end of June, is leaning heavily on allies to follow suit as the global pandemic death toll approaches 4 million, US&nbsp;and diplomatic sources say. 
 
Washington reversed course last month and backed negotiations over waivers for intellectual property protections at the World Trade Organization to speed vaccine production in developing countries, much to the chagrin of Germany and Britain. 
 
European diplomats say they see little common ground on the issue, and argue that any WTO compromise would take months to finalise and implement. That may prove a moot point if sufficient vaccine doses are shared with developing countries to slow - and eventually halt - the pandemic. 
 
Biden announced plans in May to require US&nbsp;government contractors and financial institutions to be more transparent about the climate change risks faced by their investments, and administration officials are pushing other countries to adopt similar plans. 
 
The UK also wants governments to require businesses to report such risks as a way to boost investment in green projects. But agreement on a way forward is unlikely to come in June. A deal could emerge at a UN&nbsp;climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, in November. 
 
G7 countries also have different views on carbon pricing, which the International Monetary Fund views as a key way to curb carbon dioxide emissions and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 
 
The Biden administration will urge allies to unite against China over allegations of forced labour in Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, even as it seeks to maintain Beijing as an ally in the climate change fight. 
 
Sources following the discussions say they expect G7 leaders to adopt strong language on the forced labour issue. China denies all accusations of abuse in Xinjiang. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden's meeting with leaders of the G7 leading industrial economies in an English seaside village this week will usher in a new focus on rallying US allies against common adversaries - the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia and China.

President Joe Biden's meeting with leaders of the G7 leading industrial economies in an English seaside village this week will usher in a new focus on rallying US allies against common adversaries - the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia and China. New COVID-19 variants and rising death tolls in some countries will loom large during the gathering from Friday to Sunday, alongside climate change, strengthening global supply chains and ensuring the West maintains its technological edge over China, the world's second-largest economy. Biden, a Democrat, vowed to rebuild relations with allies after four rocky years under former President Donald Trump, who pulled Washington out of several multilateral institutions and threatened at one point to quit NATO. "In this moment of global uncertainty, as the world still grapples with a once-in-a-century pandemic, this trip is about realising America’s renewed commitment to our allies and partners," Biden wrote in an opinion piece published by the Washington Post on Saturday. The gathering will put Biden's 'America is back' motto to the test, with allies disillusioned during the Trump years looking for tangible, lasting action. It is a pivotal moment for the United States and the world, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on CNN on Sunday. "Is international cooperation going to be restored or are we still in this world where nationalism, protectionism and to some extent isolationism are dominating?" Brown asked. Russia will be at the forefront of attention at the G7 summit in Cornwall, England, and the days afterward when Biden meets with European leaders and NATO allies in Brussels, before heading to Geneva to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The recent ransomware attack on JBS, the world's largest meatpacker, by a criminal group likely based in Russia, and Putin's financial backing for Belarus after it forced a Ryanair flight to land so it could arrest a dissident journalist on board, are pushing US officials to consider sharper action. On the sidelines of the NATO summit, Biden is also expected to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, a crucial session between the sparring NATO allies after Ankara's purchase of Russian defence systems angered Washington and risked driving a wedge within the alliance. G7 finance ministers reached a landmark global deal on Saturday to set a minimum global corporate tax rate of at least 15%, potentially hitting giant tech companies like Alphabet Inc's Google, Facebook Inc and Amazon.com Inc. Biden and his counterparts will give the deal their final blessing in Cornwall. The Biden administration, which on Thursday detailed its plans to donate 80 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines globally by the end of June, is leaning heavily on allies to follow suit as the global pandemic death toll approaches 4 million, US and diplomatic sources say. Washington reversed course last month and backed negotiations over waivers for intellectual property protections at the World Trade Organization to speed vaccine production in developing countries, much to the chagrin of Germany and Britain. European diplomats say they see little common ground on the issue, and argue that any WTO compromise would take months to finalise and implement. That may prove a moot point if sufficient vaccine doses are shared with developing countries to slow - and eventually halt - the pandemic. Biden announced plans in May to require US government contractors and financial institutions to be more transparent about the climate change risks faced by their investments, and administration officials are pushing other countries to adopt similar plans. The UK also wants governments to require businesses to report such risks as a way to boost investment in green projects. But agreement on a way forward is unlikely to come in June. A deal could emerge at a UN climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, in November. G7 countries also have different views on carbon pricing, which the International Monetary Fund views as a key way to curb carbon dioxide emissions and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The Biden administration will urge allies to unite against China over allegations of forced labour in Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, even as it seeks to maintain Beijing as an ally in the climate change fight. Sources following the discussions say they expect G7 leaders to adopt strong language on the forced labour issue. China denies all accusations of abuse in Xinjiang. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden G7, NATO to-do list: Unite allies, fight autocracy, attack COVID-19

A gang of cattle thieves killed 66 people in raids on seven villages in northwest&nbsp;Nigeria's Kebbi state, police told AFP Saturday.

Dozens of assailants on motorcycles attacked seven neighbouring villages in Danko-Wasagu district on Thursday, Kebbi state police spokesman Nafiu Abubakar said.

"We have established 66 people were killed in the attacks," which targeted Koro, Kimpi, Gaya, Dimi, Zutu, Rafin Gora and Iguenge villages, Abubakar said.

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"Investigation is still going on to ascertain the extent of destruction wrought by the bandits and search for more bodies is still on," he added.

Policemen were deployed to the area to forestall further attacks while residents of the affected villages fled their homes, said Abubakar.

The assailants were believed to have launched the attacks from neighbouring Zamfara or Niger states where criminals are known to maintain camps.

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In April nine policemen were killed in the area in a shootout with gunmen who invaded a village in nearby Sakaba district&nbsp;to steal livestock, Abubakar told AFP at the time.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-are-school-children-being-kidnapped-in-nigeria-388582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Northwest and central&nbsp;Nigeria&nbsp;are a hub of criminal gangs of cattle&nbsp;thieves who raid villages, killing and abducting residents for ransom after looting and burning homes.

The gangs, called bandits by locals, maintain camps in the Rugu forest which straddles Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states.

Driven by financial motives, the criminals have no ideological leanings, but there is growing concern they are being infiltrated by jihadists from the northeast waging a 12-year-old insurgency to establish an Islamic state.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/northwest-nigeria-witnessed-another-mass-kidnapping-389206/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The gangs have recently stepped up attacks on schools, kidnapping hundreds of students to squeeze ransoms from authorities and parents.

A gang of cattle thieves killed 66 people in raids on seven villages in northwest Nigeria's Kebbi state, police told AFP Saturday. Dozens of assailants on motorcycles attacked seven neighbouring villages in Danko-Wasagu district on Thursday, Kebbi state police spokesman Nafiu Abubakar said.

A gang of cattle thieves killed 66 people in raids on seven villages in northwest Nigeria's Kebbi state, police told AFP Saturday. Dozens of assailants on motorcycles attacked seven neighbouring villages in Danko-Wasagu district on Thursday, Kebbi state police spokesman Nafiu Abubakar said. "We have established 66 people were killed in the attacks," which targeted Koro, Kimpi, Gaya, Dimi, Zutu, Rafin Gora and Iguenge villages, Abubakar said. Also Read | Twitter suspends Nigerian president's account for 12 hours "Investigation is still going on to ascertain the extent of destruction wrought by the bandits and search for more bodies is still on," he added. Policemen were deployed to the area to forestall further attacks while residents of the affected villages fled their homes, said Abubakar. The assailants were believed to have launched the attacks from neighbouring Zamfara or Niger states where criminals are known to maintain camps. Also Read | 150 children kidnapped after Islamic school ambushed by armed bandits in Nigeria In April nine policemen were killed in the area in a shootout with gunmen who invaded a village in nearby Sakaba district to steal livestock, Abubakar told AFP at the time. Northwest and central Nigeria are a hub of criminal gangs of cattle thieves who raid villages, killing and abducting residents for ransom after looting and burning homes. The gangs, called bandits by locals, maintain camps in the Rugu forest which straddles Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states. Driven by financial motives, the criminals have no ideological leanings, but there is growing concern they are being infiltrated by jihadists from the northeast waging a 12-year-old insurgency to establish an Islamic state. The gangs have recently stepped up attacks on schools, kidnapping hundreds of students to squeeze ransoms from authorities and parents.

Gunmen kill 66 people in northwest Nigeria

Candidates in Iran's presidential election this month traded strong barbs in a debate on Saturday, accusing each other of treason or of lacking the education to run an economy devastated by three years of US&nbsp;sanctions.

While the five hardline candidates attacked the eight-year performance of outgoing pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani, the leading moderate candidate, former central bank chief Abdolnaser Hemmati, blamed hardliners for heightened tensions with the West that he said had worsened Iran’s economic woes.

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In the first of three debates ahead of the June 18 vote, former Revolutionary Guards chief Mohsen Rezaee accused Hemmati of "fully complying" with US&nbsp;sanctions and said he should face treason charges.

"If I become president, I will ban Hemmati and a number of other officials of the Rouhani government from leaving the country, and I will prove in court which treacherous&nbsp;roles they played," Rezaee, an economics doctorate holder, said in the televised three-hour debate.

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After Rezaee's remarks, Hemmati half-jokingly asked leading hardline candidate and judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi: "Mr Raisi, can you give me assurances that no legal action will be taken against me after this event?"

With the hardline-led election watchdog, the Guardian Council, barring leading moderate and conservative candidates, the turnout is likely to be record low in a seven-man race between hardline and somewhat less hardline candidates, and two low-profile moderates.

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"I watched the debate and now I am even more certain not to vote. This election is a joke," said retired teacher Fariba Semsari by phone from the northern city of Rasht.

But a Tehran-based journalist, who asked not to be named, said: "Hemmati has drawn support among some who would have otherwise not voted. Among other things, his move to have himself represented in an interview with state TV by his outspoken wife has impressed some women."

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Hemmati accused hardliners of isolating Iran internationally and ruining its economy, large sectors of which are dominated by hardline-run conglomerates.

"You have closed off our economy and our foreign contacts...I ask you and your friends, companies and institutions to please pull out of our economy, and then Iran's economy will surely improve," said Hemmati, an economics professor.

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Mohsen Mehralizadeh, a moderate politician, said the economy could not be run by those with only traditional clerical studies, such as Raisi.

"You have only six years of classic education, and while respecting your seminary studies, I must say that one cannot manage the economy and draw up plans for the country with this much education," said Mehralizadeh, who holds a doctorate in financial management.

Raisi blasted Rouhani's government over galloping inflation and the rapid fall in the value of Iran's currency and rejected comments by Hemmati and other moderates who blame US&nbsp;sanctions for Iran's economic troubles and say without proper management the country would have been worse off.

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"This is like a goalkeeper who lets in 17 goals... and then says without me it would have been 30 goals!" said Raisi, who holds a doctorate in Islamic law.

After the debate, cabinet spokesman Ali Rabiei asked state TV to provide an opportunity for the government to respond to "accusations and slanders" raised against it by some candidates.

The election is likely to reinforce the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is close to hardliners, at a time when Tehran and six world powers are trying to revive their 2015 nuclear deal. Washington exited the accord three years ago and reimposed sanctions.

Candidates in Iran's presidential election this month traded strong barbs in a debate on Saturday, accusing each other of treason or of lacking the education to run an economy devastated by three years of US sanctions.

Candidates in Iran's presidential election this month traded strong barbs in a debate on Saturday, accusing each other of treason or of lacking the education to run an economy devastated by three years of US sanctions. While the five hardline candidates attacked the eight-year performance of outgoing pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani, the leading moderate candidate, former central bank chief Abdolnaser Hemmati, blamed hardliners for heightened tensions with the West that he said had worsened Iran’s economic woes. Also Read | Iran: Ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad submits name for presidential poll In the first of three debates ahead of the June 18 vote, former Revolutionary Guards chief Mohsen Rezaee accused Hemmati of "fully complying" with US sanctions and said he should face treason charges. "If I become president, I will ban Hemmati and a number of other officials of the Rouhani government from leaving the country, and I will prove in court which treacherous roles they played," Rezaee, an economics doctorate holder, said in the televised three-hour debate. Also Read | Iran elections: Judiciary warns presidential candidates against crossing 'red lines' After Rezaee's remarks, Hemmati half-jokingly asked leading hardline candidate and judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi: "Mr Raisi, can you give me assurances that no legal action will be taken against me after this event?" With the hardline-led election watchdog, the Guardian Council, barring leading moderate and conservative candidates, the turnout is likely to be record low in a seven-man race between hardline and somewhat less hardline candidates, and two low-profile moderates. Also Read | Iran calls UN voting rights suspension 'unacceptable' "I watched the debate and now I am even more certain not to vote. This election is a joke," said retired teacher Fariba Semsari by phone from the northern city of Rasht. But a Tehran-based journalist, who asked not to be named, said: "Hemmati has drawn support among some who would have otherwise not voted. Among other things, his move to have himself represented in an interview with state TV by his outspoken wife has impressed some women." Also Read | Iran press voices concern over presidential poll turnout Hemmati accused hardliners of isolating Iran internationally and ruining its economy, large sectors of which are dominated by hardline-run conglomerates. "You have closed off our economy and our foreign contacts...I ask you and your friends, companies and institutions to please pull out of our economy, and then Iran's economy will surely improve," said Hemmati, an economics professor. Also Read | Iranians find their voices on Clubhouse ahead of poll Mohsen Mehralizadeh, a moderate politician, said the economy could not be run by those with only traditional clerical studies, such as Raisi. "You have only six years of classic education, and while respecting your seminary studies, I must say that one cannot manage the economy and draw up plans for the country with this much education," said Mehralizadeh, who holds a doctorate in financial management. Raisi blasted Rouhani's government over galloping inflation and the rapid fall in the value of Iran's currency and rejected comments by Hemmati and other moderates who blame US sanctions for Iran's economic troubles and say without proper management the country would have been worse off. Also Read | Iran set for presidential showdown between heavyweights Larijani, Raisi "This is like a goalkeeper who lets in 17 goals... and then says without me it would have been 30 goals!" said Raisi, who holds a doctorate in Islamic law. After the debate, cabinet spokesman Ali Rabiei asked state TV to provide an opportunity for the government to respond to "accusations and slanders" raised against it by some candidates. The election is likely to reinforce the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is close to hardliners, at a time when Tehran and six world powers are trying to revive their 2015 nuclear deal. Washington exited the accord three years ago and reimposed sanctions.

Iran presidential candidates trade barbs in TV debate

The US government said on Saturday it would stop secretly obtaining reporters' phone and email records during investigations into political leaks, ending a practice that was often criticised as undermining press freedom.

The New York Times this week reported that under Donald Trump's administration and continuing under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department fought a covert legal battle to access email logs of four of its reporters in a hunt for leak sources.

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The Department of Justice said in a statement that "in a change to its longstanding practice,&nbsp;(it) will not seek compulsory legal process in leak investigations to obtain source information from members of the news media."

It added that it had "completed a review to determine all instances in which the Department had pending compulsory requests from reporters in leak investigations.

"All reporters involved have now been notified."

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White House press secretary Jen Psaki said "the issuing of subpoenas for the records of reporters in leak investigations is not consistent with the president's policy direction."

Among other media outlets, CNN&nbsp;reported last month that the Trump administration had secretly sought and obtained phone and email records of one of its correspondents.

The US government said on Saturday it would stop secretly obtaining reporters' phone and email records during investigations into political leaks, ending a practice that was often criticised as undermining press freedom.

The US government said on Saturday it would stop secretly obtaining reporters' phone and email records during investigations into political leaks, ending a practice that was often criticised as undermining press freedom. The New York Times this week reported that under Donald Trump's administration and continuing under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department fought a covert legal battle to access email logs of four of its reporters in a hunt for leak sources. Also Read | Major US tech firms press Congress for internet surveillance reforms The Department of Justice said in a statement that "in a change to its longstanding practice, (it) will not seek compulsory legal process in leak investigations to obtain source information from members of the news media." It added that it had "completed a review to determine all instances in which the Department had pending compulsory requests from reporters in leak investigations. "All reporters involved have now been notified." Also Read | Miles Taylor, a former Homeland security official, reveals he was ‘anonymous’ White House press secretary Jen Psaki said "the issuing of subpoenas for the records of reporters in leak investigations is not consistent with the president's policy direction." Among other media outlets, CNN reported last month that the Trump administration had secretly sought and obtained phone and email records of one of its correspondents.

US says it will no longer seize reporters' records in leak probes

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday. 
 
Of the new patients, 23 were imported, the National Health Commission said, and the seven local cases were all in southern Guangdong province. There were no new deaths. 
 
China also reported 18 new asymptomatic infections, compared with 28 a day earlier. China does not classify symptomless infections as confirmed cases. 
 
As of June 5, China had a total of 91,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Its death toll stood unchanged at 4,636. 
 
Meanwhile, top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

"I would like to see the medical records of the three people, who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?" the report quoted Fauci as saying.

The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first COVID-19 cases were reported.

However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the lab leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit Wuhan and might have even entered China through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading.

Financial Times reported that Fauci continues to believe the virus was first transmitted to humans through animals, pointing out that even if the lab researchers did have COVID-19, they could have contracted the disease from the wider population.

(With inputs from agencies)

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday.

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday. Of the new patients, 23 were imported, the National Health Commission said, and the seven local cases were all in southern Guangdong province. There were no new deaths. China also reported 18 new asymptomatic infections, compared with 28 a day earlier. China does not classify symptomless infections as confirmed cases. As of June 5, China had a total of 91,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Its death toll stood unchanged at 4,636. Meanwhile, top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. "I would like to see the medical records of the three people, who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?" the report quoted Fauci as saying. The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first COVID-19 cases were reported. However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the lab leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit Wuhan and might have even entered China through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading. Financial Times reported that Fauci continues to believe the virus was first transmitted to humans through animals, pointing out that even if the lab researchers did have COVID-19, they could have contracted the disease from the wider population. (With inputs from agencies)

China reports 30 new coronavirus cases on June 5, up from previous day

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