According to Russia's interior ministry, Belarusia's Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ,38, has been placed on the country's "wanted list".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protesters-take-to-the-streets-in-belarus-demanding-alexander-lukashenkos-resignation-332546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya&nbsp;had fled to Lithuania after Alexander Lukashenko's crackdown over the August elections which critics said was fraudulent leading to large scale street protests.

Tsikhanouskaya said, "I'm really impressed by the German support of our Belarusian people who are fighting now for building our own democracy in Belarus," Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said after talks with German foreign affairs expert Norbert Roettgen.

"I have met a lot of politicians who have offered help in solving our political crisis. I have talked to Madam Chancellor and she gave me really great piece of advice, how she sees the situation and how in her opinion that we can get out of this situation,"&nbsp;Tsikhanouskaya asserted.

Pointing towards Russia, Sviatlana said: "We don't want to say that Putin has to decide how to solve our problems. This is our internal problem." However, she added that she was in favour of inviting Putin as a "mediator alongside with other leaders" while adding "and that's it. We want to solve this problem by ourselves."

Tsikhanouskaya insisted that she was not in favour of any kind of bloodshed while highlighting the role of women in the "revolution" who she said are "fighting for the future of their children".

"They(women) don't want their children to be slaves of the system in the future, they show peacefully, they show peace and allow the riot police, they show that we don't want any kind of war and blood," she said.

According to Russia's interior ministry, Belarusia's Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ,38, has been placed on the country's "wanted list". Watch: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had fled to Lithuania after Alexander Lukashenko's crackdown over the August elections which critics said was fraudulent leading to large scale street protests.

According to Russia's interior ministry, Belarusia's Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ,38, has been placed on the country's "wanted list". Watch: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had fled to Lithuania after Alexander Lukashenko's crackdown over the August elections which critics said was fraudulent leading to large scale street protests. Tsikhanouskaya said, "I'm really impressed by the German support of our Belarusian people who are fighting now for building our own democracy in Belarus," Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said after talks with German foreign affairs expert Norbert Roettgen. "I have met a lot of politicians who have offered help in solving our political crisis. I have talked to Madam Chancellor and she gave me really great piece of advice, how she sees the situation and how in her opinion that we can get out of this situation," Tsikhanouskaya asserted. Pointing towards Russia, Sviatlana said: "We don't want to say that Putin has to decide how to solve our problems. This is our internal problem." However, she added that she was in favour of inviting Putin as a "mediator alongside with other leaders" while adding "and that's it. We want to solve this problem by ourselves." Tsikhanouskaya insisted that she was not in favour of any kind of bloodshed while highlighting the role of women in the "revolution" who she said are "fighting for the future of their children". "They(women) don't want their children to be slaves of the system in the future, they show peacefully, they show peace and allow the riot police, they show that we don't want any kind of war and blood," she said.

Russia puts Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on 'wanted list'

American publications are not only reporting on the US election campaigns, they are also becoming cheerleaders for the candidates.

The New York Times has endorsed Joe Biden, so has the Washington Post. American publications have for long been endorsing presidential candidates but should the media tell you who to vote for?

Joe Biden has vowed to "restore the soul of America" it is a painful reminder that the country is weaker, angrier, less hopeful and more divided than it was four years ago. Amid unrelenting chaos, Biden is offering an anxious, exhausted nation something beyond policy or ideology. His campaign is rooted in steadiness, experience, compassion and decency. He would understand that his first duty, always, is to the American people.

It might sound like lines from Joe Biden's election campaign material but it is not from someone from his team who has made these statements.

It is what an editorial in a leading publication in the United States has said about the Democratic the presidential contender. The New York Times editorial board has endorsed Joe Biden for the US presidency.

The editorial piece says Biden knows that there are no easy answers. He has the experience, temperament and character to guide the nation through this valley into a brighter, more hopeful future. He has our endorsement for the presidency.

It introduces itself as a group of opinion journalists whose views are informed by expertise, research, debate and certain longstanding values, it is separate from the newsroom, in other words, a group of journalists openly declaring support for an election candidate but since when do journalists tell you who to vote for?

In the United States, it happens all the time as a tradition.

The New York Times has been endorsing presidential candidates since 1860 and it's not alone. Newspapers across the United States have followed this tradition. Newspaper endorsements are specific statements of support for a political candidate through the endorsements newspapers say they aim to educate the masses.

American media remains divided on the question. Earlier this year, America's NBC news said the practice of presidential endorsement by publications must end. It said, "in an era in which most readers don't trust the news media, endorsements are more likely to hurt an organization's journalism than help its readers".

The practice is not limited to just the United States. In Canada, 23 newspapers followed the liberal free press tradition of endorsing a candidate for prime minister in the 2015 federal elections. In the election in 2011, 22 dailies did the same.

In the UK too, editorials in national newspapers tend to make their loyalties known ahead of the election. According to a 2008 study by PEW research centre, almost seven in 10 Americans said their local newspaper's endorsement had no impact on who they vote for and with the oversaturation of social media and polarised media activity, people are probably placing lesser trust in the mainstream media.

In the 2016 US presidential election, it was noted that Hillary Clinton had more than 200 endorsements from daily and weekly newspapers in the United States. Trump had only six endorsements, and yet he won.

In India, the biases are clear, but formal endorsements are not the practice.

American publications are not only reporting on the US election campaigns, they are also becoming cheerleaders for the candidates. The New York Times has endorsed Joe Biden, so has the Washington Post.

American publications are not only reporting on the US election campaigns, they are also becoming cheerleaders for the candidates. The New York Times has endorsed Joe Biden, so has the Washington Post. American publications have for long been endorsing presidential candidates but should the media tell you who to vote for? Joe Biden has vowed to "restore the soul of America" it is a painful reminder that the country is weaker, angrier, less hopeful and more divided than it was four years ago. Amid unrelenting chaos, Biden is offering an anxious, exhausted nation something beyond policy or ideology. His campaign is rooted in steadiness, experience, compassion and decency. He would understand that his first duty, always, is to the American people. It might sound like lines from Joe Biden's election campaign material but it is not from someone from his team who has made these statements. It is what an editorial in a leading publication in the United States has said about the Democratic the presidential contender. The New York Times editorial board has endorsed Joe Biden for the US presidency. The editorial piece says Biden knows that there are no easy answers. He has the experience, temperament and character to guide the nation through this valley into a brighter, more hopeful future. He has our endorsement for the presidency. It introduces itself as a group of opinion journalists whose views are informed by expertise, research, debate and certain longstanding values, it is separate from the newsroom, in other words, a group of journalists openly declaring support for an election candidate but since when do journalists tell you who to vote for? In the United States, it happens all the time as a tradition. The New York Times has been endorsing presidential candidates since 1860 and it's not alone. Newspapers across the United States have followed this tradition. Newspaper endorsements are specific statements of support for a political candidate through the endorsements newspapers say they aim to educate the masses. American media remains divided on the question. Earlier this year, America's NBC news said the practice of presidential endorsement by publications must end. It said, "in an era in which most readers don't trust the news media, endorsements are more likely to hurt an organization's journalism than help its readers". The practice is not limited to just the United States. In Canada, 23 newspapers followed the liberal free press tradition of endorsing a candidate for prime minister in the 2015 federal elections. In the election in 2011, 22 dailies did the same. In the UK too, editorials in national newspapers tend to make their loyalties known ahead of the election. According to a 2008 study by PEW research centre, almost seven in 10 Americans said their local newspaper's endorsement had no impact on who they vote for and with the oversaturation of social media and polarised media activity, people are probably placing lesser trust in the mainstream media. In the 2016 US presidential election, it was noted that Hillary Clinton had more than 200 endorsements from daily and weekly newspapers in the United States. Trump had only six endorsements, and yet he won. In India, the biases are clear, but formal endorsements are not the practice.

When US publications become cheerleaders for presidential candidates

As heavy fighting continued in the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, France accused the Turkish military of involvement in Karabakh.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-fighting-continues-in-nagorno-karabakh-333225/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian while speaking in Parliament said: "The new aspect is that there is military involvement by Turkey which risks fuelling the internationalisation of the conflict."

French President Macron had said earlier that Turkey had sent Syrian jihadists to fight in the conflict.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-nagorno-karabakh-risks-becoming-islamist-militant-stronghold-333038">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia warns Nagorno-Karabakh risks becoming Islamist militant stronghold</a>

Reports said Stepanakert was heavily bombarded even as both Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of targeting civilian areas.

President Putin said that "people are dying, there are heavy losses" as reports said Stepanakert's 50,000 population has fled the city. Azerbaijan has accused Armenian forces of bombarding civilian targets in Ganja as well with the city experiencing shelling amid large scale destruction.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 1,200 fighters have been sent by Turkey even as the Turkey foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that world should back Azerbaijan as the "side of those who are right" while calling Armenia an "occupier".

As the conflict entered its tenth day on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called for fighting to stop even as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to Iran's foreign minister. Iran which shares it borders Azerbaijan and Armenia is worried over the escalation of conflict as &nbsp;Armenia said Azerbaijan had launched attacks with tanks and artillery on the southern part.

Amid the escalating conflict, authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh said at least 244 personnel have been killed including 19 civilians.&nbsp;

As heavy fighting continued in the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, France accused the Turkish military of involvement in Karabakh.

As heavy fighting continued in the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, France accused the Turkish military of involvement in Karabakh. Watch: French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian while speaking in Parliament said: "The new aspect is that there is military involvement by Turkey which risks fuelling the internationalisation of the conflict." French President Macron had said earlier that Turkey had sent Syrian jihadists to fight in the conflict. Also Read: Russia warns Nagorno-Karabakh risks becoming Islamist militant stronghold Reports said Stepanakert was heavily bombarded even as both Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of targeting civilian areas. President Putin said that "people are dying, there are heavy losses" as reports said Stepanakert's 50,000 population has fled the city. Azerbaijan has accused Armenian forces of bombarding civilian targets in Ganja as well with the city experiencing shelling amid large scale destruction. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 1,200 fighters have been sent by Turkey even as the Turkey foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that world should back Azerbaijan as the "side of those who are right" while calling Armenia an "occupier". As the conflict entered its tenth day on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called for fighting to stop even as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to Iran's foreign minister. Iran which shares it borders Azerbaijan and Armenia is worried over the escalation of conflict as Armenia said Azerbaijan had launched attacks with tanks and artillery on the southern part. Amid the escalating conflict, authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh said at least 244 personnel have been killed including 19 civilians.

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: France accuses Turkey of 'military involvement'

Germany warned Russia today that "targeted" and "proportionate sanctions" will be carried out against it&nbsp;"if necessary information is not provided" in the Navalny poisoning case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-and-allies-call-out-russia-for-answers-on-navalny-poisoning-333074">Also Read:&nbsp;Germany and allies call out Russia for answers on Navalny poisoning</a>

"A serious violation of international law was perpetrated with a chemical warfare agent, and something like that cannot remain without consequences," German foreign minister Heiko Maas said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-navalny-makes-his-1st-video-appearance-after-getting-discharged-from-hospital-332929/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was treated in a German hospital after he fell ill due to alleged poisoning. Navalny was admitted in a Siberian hospital and later evacuated to Germany in late August to Berlin's Charite hospital.

"It is clear that if the events are not cleared up, if the necessary information is not provided, then targeted and proportionate sanctions against those responsible on the Russian side will be unavoidable," the German foreign minister added.

Russia has firmly rejected allegations that its authorities were responsible for Navalny's poisoning.

Maas added that he would be coordinating the joint response with European Union partners including the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) to put its message in place.

The Kremlin had earlier said that Russia was not developing chemical weapons and was complying fully with the arms control treaty that outlaws its production.

OPCW had earlier declared that samples found on Alexei Navalny was in fact nerve agent from the banned Novichok family. OPCW had said that there was "no doubt" that Novichok nerve agent was used to poison Navalny.

Britain and the United States had earlier asked Russia to investigate Navalny's poisoning.

Germany warned Russia today that "targeted" and "proportionate sanctions" will be carried out against it "if necessary information is not provided" in the Navalny poisoning case.

Germany warned Russia today that "targeted" and "proportionate sanctions" will be carried out against it "if necessary information is not provided" in the Navalny poisoning case. Also Read: Germany and allies call out Russia for answers on Navalny poisoning "A serious violation of international law was perpetrated with a chemical warfare agent, and something like that cannot remain without consequences," German foreign minister Heiko Maas said. Watch: Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was treated in a German hospital after he fell ill due to alleged poisoning. Navalny was admitted in a Siberian hospital and later evacuated to Germany in late August to Berlin's Charite hospital. "It is clear that if the events are not cleared up, if the necessary information is not provided, then targeted and proportionate sanctions against those responsible on the Russian side will be unavoidable," the German foreign minister added. Russia has firmly rejected allegations that its authorities were responsible for Navalny's poisoning. Maas added that he would be coordinating the joint response with European Union partners including the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) to put its message in place. The Kremlin had earlier said that Russia was not developing chemical weapons and was complying fully with the arms control treaty that outlaws its production. OPCW had earlier declared that samples found on Alexei Navalny was in fact nerve agent from the banned Novichok family. OPCW had said that there was "no doubt" that Novichok nerve agent was used to poison Navalny. Britain and the United States had earlier asked Russia to investigate Navalny's poisoning.

'Targeted sanctions unavoidable': Germany warns Russia over Navalny poisoning

Islamabad High Court on Wednesday started proceedings to declare former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as an "absconder" in the Avenfield property case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paks-federal-cabinet-divided-over-fir-against-nawaz-sharif-333123">Also Read:&nbsp;Pak's Federal cabinet divided over FIR against Nawaz Sharif</a>

Last year, the Accountability Court had asked prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter, Maryam Nawaz Safdar, to appear before it.

According to reports, initially, advertisements will be placed in newspapers calling for Nawaz Sharif to appear before the court, and after 30 days in case Nawaz Sharif does not turn up, then he will be declared as an "absconder".

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had moved the Accountability Court for trial against former prime minister's daughter Maryam for presenting fabricated trust deed in the reference.

The court had earlier sentenced PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to 10 years in prison and imposed a fine after finding him guilty on different charges in the Avenfield properties case.

Nawaz Sharif had earlier challenged the Accountability Court's verdict in the Islamabad High Court in the Avenfield reference case. Sharif had said he felt "targetted" and cornered" after the verdict from the Accountability Court.

Islamabad High Court on Wednesday started proceedings to declare former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as an "absconder" in the Avenfield property case. Also Read: Pak's Federal cabinet divided over FIR against Nawaz Sharif Last year, the Accountability Court had asked prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter, Maryam Nawaz Safdar, to appear before it.

Islamabad High Court on Wednesday started proceedings to declare former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as an "absconder" in the Avenfield property case. Also Read: Pak's Federal cabinet divided over FIR against Nawaz Sharif Last year, the Accountability Court had asked prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter, Maryam Nawaz Safdar, to appear before it. According to reports, initially, advertisements will be placed in newspapers calling for Nawaz Sharif to appear before the court, and after 30 days in case Nawaz Sharif does not turn up, then he will be declared as an "absconder". The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had moved the Accountability Court for trial against former prime minister's daughter Maryam for presenting fabricated trust deed in the reference. The court had earlier sentenced PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to 10 years in prison and imposed a fine after finding him guilty on different charges in the Avenfield properties case. Nawaz Sharif had earlier challenged the Accountability Court's verdict in the Islamabad High Court in the Avenfield reference case. Sharif had said he felt "targetted" and cornered" after the verdict from the Accountability Court.

Islamabad High Court initiates proceedings to declare Nawaz Sharif an 'absconder' in Avenfield case

The White House that President Donald Trump woke up in Tuesday morning was in full-blown chaos, even by the standards of the havoc of the Trump era.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/americans-now-trust-masks-after-donald-trump-tests-positive-for-covid-19-333171">Also Read:&nbsp;Americans now trust masks after Donald Trump tests positive for COVID-19</a>

Aides said the president’s voice was stronger after his return from the hospital Monday night, but at times he still sounded as if he was trying to catch air. The West Wing was mostly empty, cleared of advisers who were out sick with the coronavirus themselves or told to work from home rather than in the capital’s most famous virus hot spot.

Staff members in the White House residence were in full personal protective equipment, including yellow gowns, surgical masks and disposable protective eye covers.

Four more White House officials tested positive, including Stephen Miller, a top adviser to Trump, bringing to 14 the number of people carrying the virus at the White House or in the president’s close circle. Trump, diagnosed with COVID-19 last week, was still livid at his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, whose effort Saturday to tamp down the rosy portrait of Trump’s condition given to reporters by his chief doctor was caught on camera. Other officials were angry with Meadows for not even trying to control the president.

Some aides tried to project confidence — “We feel comfortable working here, those of us who are still here,” Alyssa Farah, the White House communications director, said in an interview on Fox News — but many saw the situation as spiraling out of control. The pandemic that Trump had treated cavalierly for months seemed to have locked its grip on the White House. West Wing aides, shaken by polls showing the president badly trailing Joe Biden, worried that they were living through the final days of the Trump administration.

The disarray was at the same time spreading across Washington. Almost the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff, including its chairman, Gen. Mark A. Milley, went into quarantine Tuesday after coming in contact with Adm. Charles W. Ray, vice commandant of the Coast Guard, who tested positive for the coronavirus.

Late in the day, the stock market collapsed when Trump abruptly called off talks for a congressional coronavirus relief bill after the Fed chair, Jerome Powell, said such a stimulus was badly needed.

Some White House staff members wondered whether Trump’s behavior was spurred by the cocktail of drugs he has been taking to treat the coronavirus, including dexamethasone, a steroid that can cause mood swings and can give a false level of energy and a sense of euphoria.

Staff members said the president was glad to be back in the White House after spending four days and three nights at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which aides said made him feel as if he was in a cage.

Meadows and Bobby Peede, director of the White House advance team, kept him company there for hours and served as a lifeline to the rest of the administration. He summoned another aide, Max Miller, on Sunday to stay with him.

Aides said that Trump made calls from the White House on Tuesday and roamed the areas of the presidential residence that had been set up for him. Although he was described as itching to get back into the Oval Office and show that he was in charge, a potential live address to the nation was discussed but scrapped in favor of a planned taped one.

Prominent supporters of the administration said Trump should have stayed at the hospital until he was no longer infectious or should remain confined to his residence.

“When a boss comes down with COVID, whether that boss is the president, a CEO, a principal at a school, a union foreman on a shop floor, and the boss shows up for work, it sends a very worrisome message to all of those around the boss,” said Ari Fleischer, a former press secretary to President George W. Bush.

“There is a community of people who work in the White House, not just political appointees. A good boss always takes care of his or her employees.”

Still unknown was the exact status of the president’s health. Dr. Sean Conley, the White House physician, said Tuesday that the president “reports no symptoms” of the virus and that his vital signs were stable, but no one at the White House would say what the “expected findings” were on Trump’s chest X-ray that Conley had mentioned over the weekend.

There were no answers, either, on when Trump last tested negative for the virus — a crucial piece of information that the White House and Conley have refused to answer and would establish the known state of Trump’s health before the presidential debate last Tuesday or before he attended a fundraiser in New Jersey on Thursday. The White House first made public that Trump had tested positive early Friday.

Two officials maintained that Trump had been tested before the presidential debate, but the White House has yet to affirm that.

White House officials conceded Tuesday that there had been an impression created that Trump was getting tested every day and a reliance on testing as if it were a curative measure as opposed to a diagnostic.

Yet the president himself was not tested every day, according to two people familiar with the practices. A senior administration official would only say Tuesday that Trump was tested “regularly.” Trump himself told reporters in the White House briefing room in July that “I do take probably on average a test every two days, three days.”

As the day progressed Tuesday, parts of the White House resembled a hazard zone. Workers dressed in head-to-toe protective suits sanitized common spaces in the West Wing, and staff members were told that the White House residence had hired a “well-being” consultant whom they could speak with anonymously, specifically to focus on mental health concerns.

Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary who tested positive for the virus Monday, appeared on television from her home. Hope Hicks, Trump’s close adviser who has also tested positive, had been trying to help with messaging for the videos the president shot at Walter Reed and the remarks on the virus he wanted to make upon his return.

And the finger-pointing continued.

Hicks had been upset last week that she was being blamed for infecting the president, according to three people who had spoken with her. She had not attended a Rose Garden event announcing Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court and had tested positive for the virus on the same day as Trump and the first lady — making it just as likely that she had contracted the virus from the president.

Among White House advisers, anger grew at McEnany because her statement announcing her diagnosis appeared to blame Hicks. There was also frustration from many corners at Meadows for not doing more to try to protect the staff, a criticism that his defenders said was unfair given the scope of his duties.

On Monday night, some of the staff members still at the White House had gathered to watch Trump’s return. When he defiantly took off his mask on the Truman Balcony for a made-for-television moment, aides said it was of course a statement. But they also wondered if the face covering was making it harder for the president to breathe.

Either way, some of them shrugged off the message it was sending to tens of millions of Americans about taking the coronavirus seriously.

The sentiment, according to one aide to Trump, was that “it’s his house.”

The White House that President Donald Trump woke up in Tuesday morning was in full-blown chaos, even by the standards of the havoc of the Trump era. Also Read: Americans now trust masks after Donald Trump tests positive for COVID-19 Aides said the president’s voice was stronger after his return from the hospital Monday night, but at times he still sounded as if he was trying to catch air.

The White House that President Donald Trump woke up in Tuesday morning was in full-blown chaos, even by the standards of the havoc of the Trump era. Also Read: Americans now trust masks after Donald Trump tests positive for COVID-19 Aides said the president’s voice was stronger after his return from the hospital Monday night, but at times he still sounded as if he was trying to catch air. The West Wing was mostly empty, cleared of advisers who were out sick with the coronavirus themselves or told to work from home rather than in the capital’s most famous virus hot spot. Staff members in the White House residence were in full personal protective equipment, including yellow gowns, surgical masks and disposable protective eye covers. Four more White House officials tested positive, including Stephen Miller, a top adviser to Trump, bringing to 14 the number of people carrying the virus at the White House or in the president’s close circle. Trump, diagnosed with COVID-19 last week, was still livid at his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, whose effort Saturday to tamp down the rosy portrait of Trump’s condition given to reporters by his chief doctor was caught on camera. Other officials were angry with Meadows for not even trying to control the president. Some aides tried to project confidence — “We feel comfortable working here, those of us who are still here,” Alyssa Farah, the White House communications director, said in an interview on Fox News — but many saw the situation as spiraling out of control. The pandemic that Trump had treated cavalierly for months seemed to have locked its grip on the White House. West Wing aides, shaken by polls showing the president badly trailing Joe Biden, worried that they were living through the final days of the Trump administration. The disarray was at the same time spreading across Washington. Almost the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff, including its chairman, Gen. Mark A. Milley, went into quarantine Tuesday after coming in contact with Adm. Charles W. Ray, vice commandant of the Coast Guard, who tested positive for the coronavirus. Late in the day, the stock market collapsed when Trump abruptly called off talks for a congressional coronavirus relief bill after the Fed chair, Jerome Powell, said such a stimulus was badly needed. Some White House staff members wondered whether Trump’s behavior was spurred by the cocktail of drugs he has been taking to treat the coronavirus, including dexamethasone, a steroid that can cause mood swings and can give a false level of energy and a sense of euphoria. Staff members said the president was glad to be back in the White House after spending four days and three nights at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which aides said made him feel as if he was in a cage. Meadows and Bobby Peede, director of the White House advance team, kept him company there for hours and served as a lifeline to the rest of the administration. He summoned another aide, Max Miller, on Sunday to stay with him. Aides said that Trump made calls from the White House on Tuesday and roamed the areas of the presidential residence that had been set up for him. Although he was described as itching to get back into the Oval Office and show that he was in charge, a potential live address to the nation was discussed but scrapped in favor of a planned taped one. Prominent supporters of the administration said Trump should have stayed at the hospital until he was no longer infectious or should remain confined to his residence. “When a boss comes down with COVID, whether that boss is the president, a CEO, a principal at a school, a union foreman on a shop floor, and the boss shows up for work, it sends a very worrisome message to all of those around the boss,” said Ari Fleischer, a former press secretary to President George W. Bush. “There is a community of people who work in the White House, not just political appointees. A good boss always takes care of his or her employees.” Still unknown was the exact status of the president’s health. Dr. Sean Conley, the White House physician, said Tuesday that the president “reports no symptoms” of the virus and that his vital signs were stable, but no one at the White House would say what the “expected findings” were on Trump’s chest X-ray that Conley had mentioned over the weekend. There were no answers, either, on when Trump last tested negative for the virus — a crucial piece of information that the White House and Conley have refused to answer and would establish the known state of Trump’s health before the presidential debate last Tuesday or before he attended a fundraiser in New Jersey on Thursday. The White House first made public that Trump had tested positive early Friday. Two officials maintained that Trump had been tested before the presidential debate, but the White House has yet to affirm that. White House officials conceded Tuesday that there had been an impression created that Trump was getting tested every day and a reliance on testing as if it were a curative measure as opposed to a diagnostic. Yet the president himself was not tested every day, according to two people familiar with the practices. A senior administration official would only say Tuesday that Trump was tested “regularly.” Trump himself told reporters in the White House briefing room in July that “I do take probably on average a test every two days, three days.” As the day progressed Tuesday, parts of the White House resembled a hazard zone. Workers dressed in head-to-toe protective suits sanitized common spaces in the West Wing, and staff members were told that the White House residence had hired a “well-being” consultant whom they could speak with anonymously, specifically to focus on mental health concerns. Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary who tested positive for the virus Monday, appeared on television from her home. Hope Hicks, Trump’s close adviser who has also tested positive, had been trying to help with messaging for the videos the president shot at Walter Reed and the remarks on the virus he wanted to make upon his return. And the finger-pointing continued. Hicks had been upset last week that she was being blamed for infecting the president, according to three people who had spoken with her. She had not attended a Rose Garden event announcing Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court and had tested positive for the virus on the same day as Trump and the first lady — making it just as likely that she had contracted the virus from the president. Among White House advisers, anger grew at McEnany because her statement announcing her diagnosis appeared to blame Hicks. There was also frustration from many corners at Meadows for not doing more to try to protect the staff, a criticism that his defenders said was unfair given the scope of his duties. On Monday night, some of the staff members still at the White House had gathered to watch Trump’s return. When he defiantly took off his mask on the Truman Balcony for a made-for-television moment, aides said it was of course a statement. But they also wondered if the face covering was making it harder for the president to breathe. Either way, some of them shrugged off the message it was sending to tens of millions of Americans about taking the coronavirus seriously. The sentiment, according to one aide to Trump, was that “it’s his house.”

Trump’s return leaves White House in disarray as infections jolt West Wing

India showcases Rafale power on Air Force Day dress rehearsal

Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-british-scientists-win-nobel-prize-in-medicine-for-hepatitis-c-virus-discovery-332626">Also Read:&nbsp;US-British scientists win Nobel Prize in medicine for Hepatitis C virus discovery</a>

The Nobel Committee said they were given the award for discovering "one of gene technology’s sharpest tools - the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors."

The Committee said researchers can "change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision. This technology has had a revolutionary impact on the life sciences, is contributing to new cancer therapies and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases come true."

Charpentier had published her discovery in 2011, the Committee informed while stating that the same year, she initiated a collaboration with Jennifer Doudna, an experienced biochemist with a vast knowledge of RNA.&nbsp;

"Together, they succeeded in recreating the bacteria’s genetic scissors in a test tube and simplifying the scissors’ molecular components so they were easier to use," Nobel Committee said.

"In their natural form, the scissors recognise DNA from viruses, but Charpentier and Doudna proved that they could be controlled so that they can cut any DNA molecule at a predetermined site. Where the DNA is cut it is then easy to rewrite the code of life," the Committee informed.

Claes Gustafsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, said, "There is enormous power in this genetic tool, which affects us all. It has not only revolutionised basic science but also resulted in innovative crops and will lead to ground-breaking new medical treatments."

Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday. Also Read: US-British scientists win Nobel Prize in medicine for Hepatitis C virus discovery The Nobel Committee said they were given the award for discovering "one of gene technology’s sharpest tools - the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors.

Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday. Also Read: US-British scientists win Nobel Prize in medicine for Hepatitis C virus discovery The Nobel Committee said they were given the award for discovering "one of gene technology’s sharpest tools - the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors." The Committee said researchers can "change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision. This technology has had a revolutionary impact on the life sciences, is contributing to new cancer therapies and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases come true." Charpentier had published her discovery in 2011, the Committee informed while stating that the same year, she initiated a collaboration with Jennifer Doudna, an experienced biochemist with a vast knowledge of RNA. "Together, they succeeded in recreating the bacteria’s genetic scissors in a test tube and simplifying the scissors’ molecular components so they were easier to use," Nobel Committee said. "In their natural form, the scissors recognise DNA from viruses, but Charpentier and Doudna proved that they could be controlled so that they can cut any DNA molecule at a predetermined site. Where the DNA is cut it is then easy to rewrite the code of life," the Committee informed. Claes Gustafsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, said, "There is enormous power in this genetic tool, which affects us all. It has not only revolutionised basic science but also resulted in innovative crops and will lead to ground-breaking new medical treatments."

Emmanuelle Charpentier &  Jennifer A. Doudna win Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Just ahead of the US elections on November 3, the Trump administration announced new restrictions on H-1B non-immigrant visa programme aimed at protecting American workers.

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The White House said that Trump is committed to making sure&nbsp;American workers are not disadvantaged by foreign labour.

"President Trump knows that H-1B visas should only be reserved for specialised talent that helps support a strong economy. For too long, this programme has been misused as an inexpensive labour programme, replacing American jobs in the process," it said.

President Trump had earlier signed an executive order to prevent federal money from being used to displace US citizens with foreign workers.

"These critical reforms will improve the quality of the H-1B programme without changing the annual statutory cap for H-1B visas. The Trump administration is closing loopholes that have allowed employers in the United States to replace American workers with low-cost foreign labour," the White House asserted.

The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign workers with specialised technical expertise with several thousand empoloyed by US companies from India.

The White House said it is also "taking action to rein in "shadow" third-party employers who use the H-1B programme to displace American workers and to reduce the validity period for H-1Bs used by these "shadow" employers, which will ensure more frequent vetting for compliance with H-1B programme requirements."

"The Department of Homeland Security is codifying the existing authorities to conduct workforce inspections and clarifying that failure to fully cooperate with inspections may result in the denial or revocation of employer H-1B petitions," it added.

"To aid our nation's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, the President placed a temporary pause on multiple categories of aliens from coming into the country for work. The Trump administration issued regulations that will, once in effect, remove the incentive to apply for asylum for the purpose of obtaining authorisation to work in the United States," the White House stated.

Just ahead of the US elections on November 3, the Trump administration announced new restrictions on H-1B non-immigrant visa programme aimed at protecting American workers.

Just ahead of the US elections on November 3, the Trump administration announced new restrictions on H-1B non-immigrant visa programme aimed at protecting American workers. Also Read: Trump cuts off stimulus relief talks until after election, upending prospects for aid The White House said that Trump is committed to making sure American workers are not disadvantaged by foreign labour. "President Trump knows that H-1B visas should only be reserved for specialised talent that helps support a strong economy. For too long, this programme has been misused as an inexpensive labour programme, replacing American jobs in the process," it said. President Trump had earlier signed an executive order to prevent federal money from being used to displace US citizens with foreign workers. "These critical reforms will improve the quality of the H-1B programme without changing the annual statutory cap for H-1B visas. The Trump administration is closing loopholes that have allowed employers in the United States to replace American workers with low-cost foreign labour," the White House asserted. The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign workers with specialised technical expertise with several thousand empoloyed by US companies from India. The White House said it is also "taking action to rein in "shadow" third-party employers who use the H-1B programme to displace American workers and to reduce the validity period for H-1Bs used by these "shadow" employers, which will ensure more frequent vetting for compliance with H-1B programme requirements." "The Department of Homeland Security is codifying the existing authorities to conduct workforce inspections and clarifying that failure to fully cooperate with inspections may result in the denial or revocation of employer H-1B petitions," it added. "To aid our nation's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, the President placed a temporary pause on multiple categories of aliens from coming into the country for work. The Trump administration issued regulations that will, once in effect, remove the incentive to apply for asylum for the purpose of obtaining authorisation to work in the United States," the White House stated.

Ahead of elections, US imposes new restrictions on H-1B visas

France is the fountainhead of secularism or "laicite" as the French call it. Islam is the second-most widely professed religion in France just behind Christianity.

France has one of the largest number of Muslims in the Western world and it has an uneasy relationship with Islam.

French Opposition leader Marine le Pen has compared Muslims praying in streets to Nazi occupation. Anne-Christine Lang, member of Emmanuel Macron's party walked out of a Parliamentary hearing in September because a student union leader decided to wear a veil for the hearing.

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In France, the old tradition of secularism is clashing with the new reality of the country. Secularism which is the defining principle of the French Republic is now under a severe challenge from Islam by law the church and the state have been separate in France for more than 100 years now which means laws of a religion cannot be above the constitution that principle has been the driving force for several new rules that many Muslims have described as Islamophobic.

In 2010, France banned the burqa. A year later, street prayers on Fridays were banned. Three years back, Muslim organisations sued the state as they wanted meals without pork in schools. Now, the French president wants Islam to be fully compatible with French laws.

According to Macron, most Muslims want this too with these words President Macron launched his mission to rein in political Islam in February for those living in France it was no surprise since France has been a target of multiple terrorist attacks in recent years.

In 2015, there was mass shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo known for its provocative takes against Islam. In the same year, terrorists killed 130 people in another mass shooting. In 2016, a terrorist in Nice rammed his truck into the crowds on Bastille Day killing over 30 people in the attack.

Public sentiment after the attack turned against radical Islam as Muslim dominated areas have been on the radar of lawmakers. Some experts are calling specific areas "the lost territories of the republic" allegedly government control is weak in these regions and crime and Islamism thrive in some quarters. These are obvious red flags for the law enforcement agencies but Muslims fear their communities are under attack.

A spokesperson of the Muslim council said Macron is promoting a divisive culture war. Yasser Louati --- a french Muslim activist tweeted: the repression of Muslims has been a threat, now it is a promise.

Macron says the anti-separatism law is an attempt to erase divisions within the society but if the pushback from the Muslim communities continues the proposed law will only reinforce it.

When Charlie Hebdo republished its cartoons on Prophet Mohammad, Macron said the French have the right to blaspheme. In July this year, Turkey's Erdogan converted Hagia Sophia into a Mosque. Turkey defended the move by citing sovereignty. Last month, Sri Lanka discussed a ban on cow slaughter. The move was seen in favour of the majority Buddhists.

These are all secular countries that's what they call themselves and yet, they have laws that tend to favour one religion and upset another. It is true even in the most secular of states and France is no exception.

The French constitution says: "France shall be a secular republic, it shall ensure the equality of all citizens before law without distinction of origin, race or religion."

France believes in the right to have an opinion on religion. It believes in the right to blaspheme and also believes in separating the state from religion but its application looks almost impossible.

There are two big challenges. First, foreign interference, second, secularism vs Islamic terrorism. France has the highest number of Muslims in Europe. There are 6 million Muslims and they make up at least 8 per cent of the French population.

French Muslims are balkanised but their Mosques, organisations and schools often receive funding from Muslim countries. France saw Muslims as temporary migrants, so it did not really mind interference from Muslim countries but things began to change in the late 1900s. France realised the growing power of Islamic movements. There were some triggers. In 1979, there was a revolution in Iran.&nbsp;

In 1982, Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat was assassinated. In 1989, the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan by the 1990s, France began exerting control over its Muslim population but it wasn't easy there were hurdles like the Muslim world league.&nbsp;

The Saudi-based league promotes Saudi-style Islamic beliefs. It funded a number of mosques in the 1980s and 90s. The same world league also funds the Tablighi Jamaat and the Salafists - all of them used to operate freely in France's Muslim neighbourhoods. Another challenge was Alegria. It was reluctant to give up its role as the caretaker of the great Mosque of Paris.

In 2000, France tried to contain the influence of the Muslim brotherhood. Early in Macron's career, he declared that he will "set down markers for the entire way in which Islam is organised in France".

In 2018, Macron began consulting experts on how to create a framework for financing places of worship and collecting donation. He also wanted to vet and train Imams working in France. The idea was to reform religious organisations and end foreign funds pouring into the Muslim community.

The threat of Islamic terrorism is real in France since 2013, at least 1,700 French nationals have joined the Islamic State. France has seen several attacks orchestrated by the country's Muslim citizens be it the Charlie Hebdo attack in 2015 and or the recent attack on two people with a meat cleaver.

Macron had entered office in 2015, it was on the heels of the November 2015 terror attacks in which 90 people were killed. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility. Macron's task was cut out countering Islamic terrorism in France like former president Francois Hollande, Macron decided to work towards creating a "French Islam" - a brand that was unique to France.

Saudi Arabia has done it - a Saudi version of Islam. Turkey has done it and now China is trying to do it "sinicising" Islam in the concentration camps of Xinjiang but unlike China, France is a civilised society with a government that is held accountable.

So it is introducing new laws to tailor Islam. Macron's new bill is aimed at creating a French Islam.

This is not France trying to separate the state from religion, this is France codifying Islam to create a brand particular to the country.

France is the fountainhead of secularism or "laicite" as the French call it. Islam is the second-most widely professed religion in France just behind Christianity.

France is the fountainhead of secularism or "laicite" as the French call it. Islam is the second-most widely professed religion in France just behind Christianity. France has one of the largest number of Muslims in the Western world and it has an uneasy relationship with Islam. French Opposition leader Marine le Pen has compared Muslims praying in streets to Nazi occupation. Anne-Christine Lang, member of Emmanuel Macron's party walked out of a Parliamentary hearing in September because a student union leader decided to wear a veil for the hearing. In France, the old tradition of secularism is clashing with the new reality of the country. Secularism which is the defining principle of the French Republic is now under a severe challenge from Islam by law the church and the state have been separate in France for more than 100 years now which means laws of a religion cannot be above the constitution that principle has been the driving force for several new rules that many Muslims have described as Islamophobic. In 2010, France banned the burqa. A year later, street prayers on Fridays were banned. Three years back, Muslim organisations sued the state as they wanted meals without pork in schools. Now, the French president wants Islam to be fully compatible with French laws. According to Macron, most Muslims want this too with these words President Macron launched his mission to rein in political Islam in February for those living in France it was no surprise since France has been a target of multiple terrorist attacks in recent years. In 2015, there was mass shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo known for its provocative takes against Islam. In the same year, terrorists killed 130 people in another mass shooting. In 2016, a terrorist in Nice rammed his truck into the crowds on Bastille Day killing over 30 people in the attack. Public sentiment after the attack turned against radical Islam as Muslim dominated areas have been on the radar of lawmakers. Some experts are calling specific areas "the lost territories of the republic" allegedly government control is weak in these regions and crime and Islamism thrive in some quarters. These are obvious red flags for the law enforcement agencies but Muslims fear their communities are under attack. A spokesperson of the Muslim council said Macron is promoting a divisive culture war. Yasser Louati --- a french Muslim activist tweeted: the repression of Muslims has been a threat, now it is a promise. Macron says the anti-separatism law is an attempt to erase divisions within the society but if the pushback from the Muslim communities continues the proposed law will only reinforce it. When Charlie Hebdo republished its cartoons on Prophet Mohammad, Macron said the French have the right to blaspheme. In July this year, Turkey's Erdogan converted Hagia Sophia into a Mosque. Turkey defended the move by citing sovereignty. Last month, Sri Lanka discussed a ban on cow slaughter. The move was seen in favour of the majority Buddhists. These are all secular countries that's what they call themselves and yet, they have laws that tend to favour one religion and upset another. It is true even in the most secular of states and France is no exception. The French constitution says: "France shall be a secular republic, it shall ensure the equality of all citizens before law without distinction of origin, race or religion." France believes in the right to have an opinion on religion. It believes in the right to blaspheme and also believes in separating the state from religion but its application looks almost impossible. There are two big challenges. First, foreign interference, second, secularism vs Islamic terrorism. France has the highest number of Muslims in Europe. There are 6 million Muslims and they make up at least 8 per cent of the French population. French Muslims are balkanised but their Mosques, organisations and schools often receive funding from Muslim countries. France saw Muslims as temporary migrants, so it did not really mind interference from Muslim countries but things began to change in the late 1900s. France realised the growing power of Islamic movements. There were some triggers. In 1979, there was a revolution in Iran. In 1982, Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat was assassinated. In 1989, the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan by the 1990s, France began exerting control over its Muslim population but it wasn't easy there were hurdles like the Muslim world league. The Saudi-based league promotes Saudi-style Islamic beliefs. It funded a number of mosques in the 1980s and 90s. The same world league also funds the Tablighi Jamaat and the Salafists - all of them used to operate freely in France's Muslim neighbourhoods. Another challenge was Alegria. It was reluctant to give up its role as the caretaker of the great Mosque of Paris. In 2000, France tried to contain the influence of the Muslim brotherhood. Early in Macron's career, he declared that he will "set down markers for the entire way in which Islam is organised in France". In 2018, Macron began consulting experts on how to create a framework for financing places of worship and collecting donation. He also wanted to vet and train Imams working in France. The idea was to reform religious organisations and end foreign funds pouring into the Muslim community. The threat of Islamic terrorism is real in France since 2013, at least 1,700 French nationals have joined the Islamic State. France has seen several attacks orchestrated by the country's Muslim citizens be it the Charlie Hebdo attack in 2015 and or the recent attack on two people with a meat cleaver. Macron had entered office in 2015, it was on the heels of the November 2015 terror attacks in which 90 people were killed. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility. Macron's task was cut out countering Islamic terrorism in France like former president Francois Hollande, Macron decided to work towards creating a "French Islam" - a brand that was unique to France. Saudi Arabia has done it - a Saudi version of Islam. Turkey has done it and now China is trying to do it "sinicising" Islam in the concentration camps of Xinjiang but unlike China, France is a civilised society with a government that is held accountable. So it is introducing new laws to tailor Islam. Macron's new bill is aimed at creating a French Islam. This is not France trying to separate the state from religion, this is France codifying Islam to create a brand particular to the country.

Macron new bill aims to address Islam in France

Myanmar is going through a significant phase with elections about a month from now and a crucial geopolitical re-alignment strangled by China, Myanmar is expanding its relationship with India.

It includes both diplomatic ties and the military relationship. An Indian delegation visited Nay-Pi-Daw - the capital of Myanmar. India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla travelled with the Indian Army chief General MM Naravane - it's rare for the Indian army chief to go on a bilateral visit with the foreign secretary especially in the middle of a border standoff with China and it would be safe to say that when India and Myanmar sat down to talk - the elephant in the room was the Dragon.

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The focus was on two subjects: infrastructure and security. The Indian delegation's visit comes against the backdrop of two events - first, the Myanmar government decided to split up the new Yangon city project that would connect the Yunnan province in China to central Myanmar. China was to build it single-handedly. A Chinese company had bagged the contract but now, Myanmar plans to open it up to other international partners.

China lost its exclusivity, then China lost the trust of Myanmar's military. In June, a spokesperson of Myanmar's military accused China of arming rebel groups. Myanmar says China is supplying sophisticated military weapons to rebels and they fear it could create an insurgency.

Myanmar was ruled by the military for 49 years, they still enjoy immense influence over the civilian government and china has lost favour with the generals. It is increasingly becoming clear Myanmar wants to break free from China's grip and India seems willing to help.

The foreign secretary and the Army chief met with Myanmar's top civil and military leadership. They aimed to take the ties forward in areas like security and connectivity. One of the key projects is the operationalisation of Myanmar's Sittwe port. It will boost Myanmar's connectivity with India's northeastern states. Report say both sides want to open up the port by next year.&nbsp;

The defence forces of both sides have been trying to expand their relationship. In 2017, India discussed training of Myanmar's sailors at India's elite defence institutions. In the same year, India and Myanmar held their first bilateral military exercises.

w, the security establishment on both sides need to fight the threat of insurgency together. Groups like the Arakan Army has carried out multiple terrorist attacks in Myanmar these groups allegedly have tried to smuggle these weapons to terrorists on the India-Myanmar border.

It poses a direct security challenge for India in the north-east. The visit is the first time that an Indian foreign secretary is travelling with the army chief to a neighbouring country. In August, India had given Myanmar $5 million. It was an annual contribution which is part of a border area development program that began in 2012, so far around 140 projects have been implemented in two regions of Myanmar with India's assistance.

Today, India handed over a consignment of three thousand vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar. The Indian delegation also called on the commander in chief of the defence forces. The decision to send India's top diplomat with the military chief was reportedly taken at the highest level because India feels there is a need to strengthen the relationship on both the fronts.

Myanmar is going through a significant phase with elections about a month from now and a crucial geopolitical re-alignment strangled by China, Myanmar is expanding its relationship with India.

Myanmar is going through a significant phase with elections about a month from now and a crucial geopolitical re-alignment strangled by China, Myanmar is expanding its relationship with India. It includes both diplomatic ties and the military relationship. An Indian delegation visited Nay-Pi-Daw - the capital of Myanmar. India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla travelled with the Indian Army chief General MM Naravane - it's rare for the Indian army chief to go on a bilateral visit with the foreign secretary especially in the middle of a border standoff with China and it would be safe to say that when India and Myanmar sat down to talk - the elephant in the room was the Dragon. The focus was on two subjects: infrastructure and security. The Indian delegation's visit comes against the backdrop of two events - first, the Myanmar government decided to split up the new Yangon city project that would connect the Yunnan province in China to central Myanmar. China was to build it single-handedly. A Chinese company had bagged the contract but now, Myanmar plans to open it up to other international partners. China lost its exclusivity, then China lost the trust of Myanmar's military. In June, a spokesperson of Myanmar's military accused China of arming rebel groups. Myanmar says China is supplying sophisticated military weapons to rebels and they fear it could create an insurgency. Myanmar was ruled by the military for 49 years, they still enjoy immense influence over the civilian government and china has lost favour with the generals. It is increasingly becoming clear Myanmar wants to break free from China's grip and India seems willing to help. The foreign secretary and the Army chief met with Myanmar's top civil and military leadership. They aimed to take the ties forward in areas like security and connectivity. One of the key projects is the operationalisation of Myanmar's Sittwe port. It will boost Myanmar's connectivity with India's northeastern states. Report say both sides want to open up the port by next year. The defence forces of both sides have been trying to expand their relationship. In 2017, India discussed training of Myanmar's sailors at India's elite defence institutions. In the same year, India and Myanmar held their first bilateral military exercises. w, the security establishment on both sides need to fight the threat of insurgency together. Groups like the Arakan Army has carried out multiple terrorist attacks in Myanmar these groups allegedly have tried to smuggle these weapons to terrorists on the India-Myanmar border. It poses a direct security challenge for India in the north-east. The visit is the first time that an Indian foreign secretary is travelling with the army chief to a neighbouring country. In August, India had given Myanmar $5 million. It was an annual contribution which is part of a border area development program that began in 2012, so far around 140 projects have been implemented in two regions of Myanmar with India's assistance. Today, India handed over a consignment of three thousand vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar. The Indian delegation also called on the commander in chief of the defence forces. The decision to send India's top diplomat with the military chief was reportedly taken at the highest level because India feels there is a need to strengthen the relationship on both the fronts.

India, Myanmar look to cement ties as China loses foothold

As influenza season approaches, some Americans, and especially parents, are worried that if they or their children should become ill, it may not be easy to know which disease they have — the flu or COVID-19.

They are correct. Most symptoms of the two diseases are so similar that short of a test — or two or three tests — it won’t be possible to know for sure. But there are some clues. (And it is possible to have both infections at the same time; some patients in China this year were found to have both.)

But first: Get a flu shot

It is not yet clear whether the United States will have much of a flu season this year. Flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere, which is often predictive of activity in the U.S., was 99% below normal during its winter. Epidemiologists believe that is because Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Chileans and other residents of the southern half of the globe were wearing masks, staying several feet apart and washing their hands to prevent transmission of the coronavirus. Those same precautions also prevent flu transmission.

Because there are very few flights between the Southern Hemisphere and the U.S. right now, there may be no opportunity for the usual four seasonal influenza strains to “reseed” themselves among Americans. If they do, masks and social distancing should limit their spread.

Nonetheless, experts urge all Americans to get flu shots. Before it ended abruptly during lockdown, last year’s flu season was on track to be one of the worst in recent memory. The number of children who died was equal to that in the 2017-18 season, which was the worst since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking flu-season deaths in 1976.

If you catch the flu, experts say, having had the shot makes it much less likely that you will be hospitalized or die.

Because of the fears of a “twindemic,” flu shots were made in large numbers this year and distributed to pharmacies and doctor’s offices beginning in August, which is early. As of late last month, some doctors reported difficulty ordering as many as they want, but pharmacy chains say they are getting steady supplies. To find a flu shot, try vaccinefinder.org or one of the chain pharmacy websites, such as CVS.com/immunizations/flu.

Assessing the difference between a cold and the flu

There are at least 100 viruses that can cause the common cold, but only four that cause seasonal flu. Many people who catch colds assume they have the flu, but experts consistently say the same thing about how to tell the difference: “Flu makes you feel as if you were hit by a truck.” The fever, aches and headaches of a bad case of influenza are generally worse than a case of respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus or other common cold viruses.

Everyone knows the symptoms of the flu: fever, headaches, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, stuffed sinuses, coughing and sneezing — and, for infants, ear infections. Some victims, especially children, get diarrhea or vomiting too.

In severe cases, the most common complication is pneumonia. The typical signs of a flu pneumonia are shortness of breath, especially when you exert yourself, and unusually rapid breathing — doctors typically look for that in children — and sometimes pain in the chest or back.

Identifying COVID-19 by its flulike and ‘wacky’ symptoms.

Knowing whether you have COVID-19 is much more complicated because there are so many different — and sometimes pretty wacky — symptoms, many of which echo those of the flu.

The most common symptoms are high fever, sometimes with chills, a dry cough and fatigue.

The one sign that really distinguishes the two infections is that many COVID-19 victims suddenly lose their sense of smell — not because they have a stuffy nose but because they don’t register even strong odors like onions or coffee. Not all virus victims get anosmia, the formal name for loss of smell, but one study found that 87% did.

Less common symptoms include a sore throat, congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and feeling somewhat out of breath when exerting yourself. Some victims have red or itchy eyes, and some get redness or blisters on their fingers or toes — so-called COVID toes, which resemble chilblains.

More dangerous symptoms — which mean you should get immediate medical attention — include serious breathing difficulty; pain or pressure in the chest; blue lips or blue face; confusion or incoherent answers to simple questions; and collapsing or losing consciousness.

Adding to the disease’s fearsome nature is that it can cause blood clots that lead to heart damage, brain damage and lung damage. And even some cases that appear mild or asymptomatic create signs of what doctors believe may be long-lasting heart damage.

Another unusual aspect of COVID is that people sometimes develop pneumonia without realizing how sick they are. Doctors are unsure why; one theory is that the air sacs in the lungs are damaged in a way that does not cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, which creates that “desperate for air” feeling.

Many doctors recommend buying a pulse oximeter, a fingertip device that measures oxygen levels in the blood. Multiple readings below 92% should trigger a call to a doctor. The earlier pneumonia is caught, the better the outcome.

Understand that COVID-19 symptoms in children are similar to those in adults

Children generally get through COVID-19 with few problems; for the youngest ages, it is thought to be less dangerous than the flu.

Children have the same constellation of symptoms that adults do, although parents may be more likely to notice it when their youngsters have runny noses, red eyes and the exhausted crankiness that comes from just feeling terrible.

Dangerous symptoms include difficulty breathing, bluish lips, confusion or inability to wake up, and intense abdominal pains or inability to keep down any liquids. If there are any signs of these, it is important to get a child to a doctor or hospital quickly.

In very rare cases, children can get multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which is thought to be caused by an overactive immune response and can cause shock and organ failure.

But doctors emphasize that it is rare and that parents should realize it is highly unlikely their sick child has it.

Expect potential difficulties with testing

For COVID-19, symptoms can begin two to 14 days after exposure, but most begin five to seven days after it.

However, as with diseases like measles, you can start spreading the virus two days before you begin to feel sick. So if you think you might have been exposed, it is very important to warn others and isolate yourself from them as soon as you can, especially if they are older or medically fragile.

It is an axiom of general medicine that when one disease is sweeping through an area and a patient has its symptoms, it is usually safe to assume that’s what the patient has and begin treating it, rather than waiting for test results. So unless both the flu and the coronavirus begin circulating heavily at the same time in your city, do not be surprised if your doctor does not recommend a test.

And getting tested for the coronavirus can be tricky, especially with so many test delays. The PCR type is more accurate than 15-minute “rapid antigen tests,” but it can take hours or even days to return results, depending on whether it has to be sent away to a central lab.

One positive test probably means you are infected, but one negative test should not be trusted; too many things can go wrong. Two negative PCR tests taken at least 24 hours apart are a better indication of whether you are infection-free.

If your insurance company will pay for only one test, you might consider paying for the second one yourself for the peace of mind.

As influenza season approaches, some Americans, and especially parents, are worried that if they or their children should become ill, it may not be easy to know which disease they have — the flu or COVID-19.

As influenza season approaches, some Americans, and especially parents, are worried that if they or their children should become ill, it may not be easy to know which disease they have — the flu or COVID-19. They are correct. Most symptoms of the two diseases are so similar that short of a test — or two or three tests — it won’t be possible to know for sure. But there are some clues. (And it is possible to have both infections at the same time; some patients in China this year were found to have both.) But first: Get a flu shot It is not yet clear whether the United States will have much of a flu season this year. Flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere, which is often predictive of activity in the U.S., was 99% below normal during its winter. Epidemiologists believe that is because Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Chileans and other residents of the southern half of the globe were wearing masks, staying several feet apart and washing their hands to prevent transmission of the coronavirus. Those same precautions also prevent flu transmission. Because there are very few flights between the Southern Hemisphere and the U.S. right now, there may be no opportunity for the usual four seasonal influenza strains to “reseed” themselves among Americans. If they do, masks and social distancing should limit their spread. Nonetheless, experts urge all Americans to get flu shots. Before it ended abruptly during lockdown, last year’s flu season was on track to be one of the worst in recent memory. The number of children who died was equal to that in the 2017-18 season, which was the worst since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking flu-season deaths in 1976. If you catch the flu, experts say, having had the shot makes it much less likely that you will be hospitalized or die. Because of the fears of a “twindemic,” flu shots were made in large numbers this year and distributed to pharmacies and doctor’s offices beginning in August, which is early. As of late last month, some doctors reported difficulty ordering as many as they want, but pharmacy chains say they are getting steady supplies. To find a flu shot, try vaccinefinder.org or one of the chain pharmacy websites, such as CVS.com/immunizations/flu. Assessing the difference between a cold and the flu There are at least 100 viruses that can cause the common cold, but only four that cause seasonal flu. Many people who catch colds assume they have the flu, but experts consistently say the same thing about how to tell the difference: “Flu makes you feel as if you were hit by a truck.” The fever, aches and headaches of a bad case of influenza are generally worse than a case of respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus or other common cold viruses. Everyone knows the symptoms of the flu: fever, headaches, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, stuffed sinuses, coughing and sneezing — and, for infants, ear infections. Some victims, especially children, get diarrhea or vomiting too. In severe cases, the most common complication is pneumonia. The typical signs of a flu pneumonia are shortness of breath, especially when you exert yourself, and unusually rapid breathing — doctors typically look for that in children — and sometimes pain in the chest or back. Identifying COVID-19 by its flulike and ‘wacky’ symptoms. Knowing whether you have COVID-19 is much more complicated because there are so many different — and sometimes pretty wacky — symptoms, many of which echo those of the flu. The most common symptoms are high fever, sometimes with chills, a dry cough and fatigue. The one sign that really distinguishes the two infections is that many COVID-19 victims suddenly lose their sense of smell — not because they have a stuffy nose but because they don’t register even strong odors like onions or coffee. Not all virus victims get anosmia, the formal name for loss of smell, but one study found that 87% did. Less common symptoms include a sore throat, congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and feeling somewhat out of breath when exerting yourself. Some victims have red or itchy eyes, and some get redness or blisters on their fingers or toes — so-called COVID toes, which resemble chilblains. More dangerous symptoms — which mean you should get immediate medical attention — include serious breathing difficulty; pain or pressure in the chest; blue lips or blue face; confusion or incoherent answers to simple questions; and collapsing or losing consciousness. Adding to the disease’s fearsome nature is that it can cause blood clots that lead to heart damage, brain damage and lung damage. And even some cases that appear mild or asymptomatic create signs of what doctors believe may be long-lasting heart damage. Another unusual aspect of COVID is that people sometimes develop pneumonia without realizing how sick they are. Doctors are unsure why; one theory is that the air sacs in the lungs are damaged in a way that does not cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, which creates that “desperate for air” feeling. Many doctors recommend buying a pulse oximeter, a fingertip device that measures oxygen levels in the blood. Multiple readings below 92% should trigger a call to a doctor. The earlier pneumonia is caught, the better the outcome. Understand that COVID-19 symptoms in children are similar to those in adults Children generally get through COVID-19 with few problems; for the youngest ages, it is thought to be less dangerous than the flu. Children have the same constellation of symptoms that adults do, although parents may be more likely to notice it when their youngsters have runny noses, red eyes and the exhausted crankiness that comes from just feeling terrible. Dangerous symptoms include difficulty breathing, bluish lips, confusion or inability to wake up, and intense abdominal pains or inability to keep down any liquids. If there are any signs of these, it is important to get a child to a doctor or hospital quickly. In very rare cases, children can get multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which is thought to be caused by an overactive immune response and can cause shock and organ failure. But doctors emphasize that it is rare and that parents should realize it is highly unlikely their sick child has it. Expect potential difficulties with testing For COVID-19, symptoms can begin two to 14 days after exposure, but most begin five to seven days after it. However, as with diseases like measles, you can start spreading the virus two days before you begin to feel sick. So if you think you might have been exposed, it is very important to warn others and isolate yourself from them as soon as you can, especially if they are older or medically fragile. It is an axiom of general medicine that when one disease is sweeping through an area and a patient has its symptoms, it is usually safe to assume that’s what the patient has and begin treating it, rather than waiting for test results. So unless both the flu and the coronavirus begin circulating heavily at the same time in your city, do not be surprised if your doctor does not recommend a test. And getting tested for the coronavirus can be tricky, especially with so many test delays. The PCR type is more accurate than 15-minute “rapid antigen tests,” but it can take hours or even days to return results, depending on whether it has to be sent away to a central lab. One positive test probably means you are infected, but one negative test should not be trusted; too many things can go wrong. Two negative PCR tests taken at least 24 hours apart are a better indication of whether you are infection-free. If your insurance company will pay for only one test, you might consider paying for the second one yourself for the peace of mind.

How to identify different symptoms of flu and COVID-19

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

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