Top Chinese and US negotiators spoke on the phone Tuesday and agreed to "push forward" their phase one economic deal, amid soaring tensions between the two sides on several fronts.

The US and China signed the accord in January, bringing a partial truce in their lingering trade war and obliging Beijing to import an additional $200 billion in American products over two years, ranging from cars and machinery to oil and farm products.

But the COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on the agreement and China's purchases of those goods have been lagging.

The two countries confirmed the talks in separate statements.

Washington said the parties "addressed steps that China has taken to effectuate structural changes called for by the agreement".&nbsp;

Those changes, it said, would "ensure greater protection for intellectual property rights, remove impediments to American companies in the areas of financial services and agriculture, and eliminate forced technology transfer".

It added that both sides "see progress and are committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure the success of the agreement".

Beijing's statement said a "constructive dialogue" between the two sides had "agreed to create conditions and atmosphere to continue to push forward the implementation of phase one of the China-US economic and trade agreement".

The phase one deal called for officials to hold a "check-in" every six months.

But US President Donald Trump in recent weeks has stepped up his rhetoric against China ahead of what is expected to be a tough re-election fight, raising questions about the deal's fate as well as the possibility of a phase two agreement.

Tensions between the two countries have risen over a host of issues including blame for the coronavirus pandemic and China's policies in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

And confirmation of the call came as TikTok -- owned by Chinese parent company Bytedance -- filed a lawsuit challenging the US government's crackdown on the popular video app, which Washington accuses of being a national security threat.

The Trump administration has given ByteDance a deadline to divest TikTok before the app is banned in the United States, arguing TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on people for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The company says it has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, and Beijing has blasted Trump's crackdown as political.

The optimistic note sounded from the trade call comes ahead of a five-day trip to Europe by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, a visit likely to include discussions on China's role in 5G network construction and Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

Wang Yi criticised the US Monday in thinly-veiled comments about "political manipulation" at a meeting in Beijing with the Hungarian foreign minister -- the first European minister to visit China since the coronavirus outbreak began.

Earlier this month US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo undertook a five-day visit to central Europe with a campaign urging nations to shun Huawei.&nbsp;

The Chinese tech firm is considered a threat by Washington and has become a pivotal issue in the geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington.

Top Chinese and US negotiators spoke on the phone Tuesday and agreed to "push forward" their phase one economic deal, amid soaring tensions between the two sides on several fronts.

Top Chinese and US negotiators spoke on the phone Tuesday and agreed to "push forward" their phase one economic deal, amid soaring tensions between the two sides on several fronts. The US and China signed the accord in January, bringing a partial truce in their lingering trade war and obliging Beijing to import an additional $200 billion in American products over two years, ranging from cars and machinery to oil and farm products. But the COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on the agreement and China's purchases of those goods have been lagging. The two countries confirmed the talks in separate statements. Washington said the parties "addressed steps that China has taken to effectuate structural changes called for by the agreement". Those changes, it said, would "ensure greater protection for intellectual property rights, remove impediments to American companies in the areas of financial services and agriculture, and eliminate forced technology transfer". It added that both sides "see progress and are committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure the success of the agreement". Beijing's statement said a "constructive dialogue" between the two sides had "agreed to create conditions and atmosphere to continue to push forward the implementation of phase one of the China-US economic and trade agreement". The phase one deal called for officials to hold a "check-in" every six months. But US President Donald Trump in recent weeks has stepped up his rhetoric against China ahead of what is expected to be a tough re-election fight, raising questions about the deal's fate as well as the possibility of a phase two agreement. Tensions between the two countries have risen over a host of issues including blame for the coronavirus pandemic and China's policies in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. And confirmation of the call came as TikTok -- owned by Chinese parent company Bytedance -- filed a lawsuit challenging the US government's crackdown on the popular video app, which Washington accuses of being a national security threat. The Trump administration has given ByteDance a deadline to divest TikTok before the app is banned in the United States, arguing TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on people for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage. The company says it has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, and Beijing has blasted Trump's crackdown as political. The optimistic note sounded from the trade call comes ahead of a five-day trip to Europe by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, a visit likely to include discussions on China's role in 5G network construction and Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Wang Yi criticised the US Monday in thinly-veiled comments about "political manipulation" at a meeting in Beijing with the Hungarian foreign minister -- the first European minister to visit China since the coronavirus outbreak began. Earlier this month US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo undertook a five-day visit to central Europe with a campaign urging nations to shun Huawei. The Chinese tech firm is considered a threat by Washington and has become a pivotal issue in the geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington.

Amid pandemic, US, China agree to 'push forward' phase one trade deal

Russian Opposition leader Alexei&nbsp;Navalny who was admitted in a German hospital after he slipped into a coma in Russia indicated "poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors", the hospital said on Monday.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Navalny was suspected to have been poisoned in Russia. He was airlifted to Berlin's Charite hospital from a Siberian hospital on Saturday. The Russian Opposition leader had reportedly had a cup of tea before boarding his flight which his supporters alleged was mixed with poison.

"The outcome of the disease remains uncertain and late effects, especially in the area of the nervous system, cannot be excluded at this time," the hospital said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saved-his-life-but-didnt-find-traces-of-poison-siberian-doctors-on-navalny-322720">Also Read:&nbsp;Saved his life but didn't find traces of poison: Siberian doctors on Navalny</a>

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that those "responsible must be identified and held accountable."

"In view of Navalny's prominent role in the political opposition in Russia, the authorities there are now urgently called upon to investigate this act thoroughly -- and to do so with full transparency," German foreign minister Heiko Maas said.

However, Russian doctors maintained that Navalny that they did not detect any toxin on Navalny when he was being treated at the hospital in Omsk.

"When he was admitted to hospital, Alexei Navalny was subject to tests across a broad range of narcotics, synthetic, psychodetic and medicinal substances including cholinesterase inhibitors," Alexandre Sabayev, chief toxicologist at Omsk hospital said.

After the revelation by the Berlin hospital, the European Union(EU) told Russian authorities that there should be "independent and transparent" probe into Navalny's case.&nbsp;

Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was admitted in a German hospital after he slipped into a coma in Russia indicated "poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors", the hospital said on Monday.

Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was admitted in a German hospital after he slipped into a coma in Russia indicated "poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors", the hospital said on Monday. Watch: Navalny was suspected to have been poisoned in Russia. He was airlifted to Berlin's Charite hospital from a Siberian hospital on Saturday. The Russian Opposition leader had reportedly had a cup of tea before boarding his flight which his supporters alleged was mixed with poison. "The outcome of the disease remains uncertain and late effects, especially in the area of the nervous system, cannot be excluded at this time," the hospital said. Also Read: Saved his life but didn't find traces of poison: Siberian doctors on Navalny Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that those "responsible must be identified and held accountable." "In view of Navalny's prominent role in the political opposition in Russia, the authorities there are now urgently called upon to investigate this act thoroughly -- and to do so with full transparency," German foreign minister Heiko Maas said. However, Russian doctors maintained that Navalny that they did not detect any toxin on Navalny when he was being treated at the hospital in Omsk. "When he was admitted to hospital, Alexei Navalny was subject to tests across a broad range of narcotics, synthetic, psychodetic and medicinal substances including cholinesterase inhibitors," Alexandre Sabayev, chief toxicologist at Omsk hospital said. After the revelation by the Berlin hospital, the European Union(EU) told Russian authorities that there should be "independent and transparent" probe into Navalny's case.

Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital

South Korea reported 280 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday as authorities moved to shut all schools in Seoul as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-on-the-threshold-of-dying-were-saved-dr-dheeraj-kaul-on-c-plasma-treatment-322782">Also Read:&nbsp;People on the threshold of dying were saved: Dr Dheeraj Kaul on C- Plasma treatment</a>

South Korea had reported 397 cases on Saturday as the number of infections surged to over 17,390 infections. There have been 19 deaths due to the virus in the country. It recorded twelfth consecutive day of triple-digit increase in virus cases which were earlier under control but has shown a marked increase in the past few weeks.

Authorities said schools in Incheon, Seoul and Gyeonggi province will remain closed and will switch to online classes till next month amid the virus outbreak.

"The alarming emergence of mass infections since August is turning up as infections of our students and staff members," education minister Yoo Eun-hae said.

The government had earlier banned church meetings, and closed night clubs, karaoke bars and imposed new restrictions with second-tier social-distancing rules as the virus spread to new areas.

On Sunday, South Korea had reported the highest one-day increase in coronavirus infection since March as chief of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, "The situation is very grave and serious as we are on the brink of a nationwide pandemic."

Jung urged residents to stay home even as the Seoul Metropolitan government said that face masks would be mandatory for indoor and crowded outdoor areas in the capital. The country had allowed limited number of spectators to attend sports events last month which has since been reversed.&nbsp;

South Korea reported 280 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday as authorities moved to shut all schools in Seoul as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

South Korea reported 280 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday as authorities moved to shut all schools in Seoul as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read: People on the threshold of dying were saved: Dr Dheeraj Kaul on C- Plasma treatment South Korea had reported 397 cases on Saturday as the number of infections surged to over 17,390 infections. There have been 19 deaths due to the virus in the country. It recorded twelfth consecutive day of triple-digit increase in virus cases which were earlier under control but has shown a marked increase in the past few weeks. Authorities said schools in Incheon, Seoul and Gyeonggi province will remain closed and will switch to online classes till next month amid the virus outbreak. "The alarming emergence of mass infections since August is turning up as infections of our students and staff members," education minister Yoo Eun-hae said. The government had earlier banned church meetings, and closed night clubs, karaoke bars and imposed new restrictions with second-tier social-distancing rules as the virus spread to new areas. On Sunday, South Korea had reported the highest one-day increase in coronavirus infection since March as chief of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, "The situation is very grave and serious as we are on the brink of a nationwide pandemic." Jung urged residents to stay home even as the Seoul Metropolitan government said that face masks would be mandatory for indoor and crowded outdoor areas in the capital. The country had allowed limited number of spectators to attend sports events last month which has since been reversed.

South Korea orders schools to be shut in Seoul amid surge in virus cases

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-leader-navalny-poisoned-with-cholinesterase-inhibitors-says-german-hospital-322864">Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital</a>

<img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d003ec6-1335-490c-9f21-7735051d3a09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Alexi1.jpg" />

The Russian Opposition leader reportedly had a cup of tea before boarding his flight which his supporters alleged was mixed with poison. 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-marco-makes-landfall-in-louisiana-as-tropical-storm-laura-heads-to-us-322866">Tropical Storm Marco makes landfall in Louisiana as Tropical Storm Laura heads to US</a>

<img alt="Storm Laura" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fd614bc-4a7d-4095-8eeb-afb37adb9a0f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Storm1_0.jpg" />

The US Gulf coast is predicted to get torrential rain this week due to storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sprint-legend-usain-bolt-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-goes-for-self-quarantine-322868">Sprint legend Usain Bolt tests positive for coronavirus, goes for self-quarantine</a>

<img alt="Bolt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb758e6f-2f85-4812-adde-5367d815be1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bolt.jpg" />

Jamaica's health ministry confirmed that Bolt had tested positive after he posted a video on social media around midday on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-greece-announce-rival-military-exercises-in-tense-east-mediterranean-322869">Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean</a>

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The discovery of major deposits in waters surrounding Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old regional rivalries.

Watch:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-imran-khan-named-man-of-the-year-322861">Gravitas: Imran Khan named 'Man of the Year'?</a>

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Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital The Russian Opposition leader reportedly had a cup of tea before boarding his flight which his supporters alleged was mixed with poison.

Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital The Russian Opposition leader reportedly had a cup of tea before boarding his flight which his supporters alleged was mixed with poison. Tropical Storm Marco makes landfall in Louisiana as Tropical Storm Laura heads to US The US Gulf coast is predicted to get torrential rain this week due to storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura. Sprint legend Usain Bolt tests positive for coronavirus, goes for self-quarantine Jamaica's health ministry confirmed that Bolt had tested positive after he posted a video on social media around midday on Monday. Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean The discovery of major deposits in waters surrounding Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old regional rivalries. Watch: Gravitas: Imran Khan named 'Man of the Year'?

Morning news brief: Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned, Usain Bolt tests positive for coronavirus & more

Sprint sensation Usain Bolt, 34, tested&nbsp;positive for coronavirus as he went into self-quarantine on Monday.

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Stay Safe my ppl 🙏🏿 <a href="https://t.co/ebwJFF5Ka9">pic.twitter.com/ebwJFF5Ka9</a>
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt/status/1297929980874194945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a video message earlier, Bolt said:&nbsp;"This weekend, like everybody else, I checked social media and saw social media say that I'm confirmed of COVID-19," the sprint legend said, adding,"I did a test on Saturday to leave (Jamaica) because I have work, I am trying to be responsible so I am going to stay in and be safe."

Jamaica's health ministry confirmed&nbsp;that&nbsp;Bolt&nbsp;had tested positive after he posted a video on social media around midday on Monday.

"Also, I am having no symptoms, I will quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol and to see how I go about quarantining myself from the Ministry of Health," Bolt had said earlier.

"Until then, I will call my friends and tell them once they came in contact with me to be safe, quarantine and take it easy," Bolt stated.

Bolt confirmed that he had taken&nbsp;the test on Saturday after he celebrated his birthday bash where partygoers danced to the hit number "Lockdown" by Jamaican reggae singer Koffee.

Sprint sensation Usain Bolt, 34, tested positive for coronavirus as he went into self-quarantine on Monday. Stay Safe my ppl 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/ebwJFF5Ka9 — Usain St.

Sprint sensation Usain Bolt, 34, tested positive for coronavirus as he went into self-quarantine on Monday. Stay Safe my ppl 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/ebwJFF5Ka9 — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) August 24, 2020 × In a video message earlier, Bolt said: "This weekend, like everybody else, I checked social media and saw social media say that I'm confirmed of COVID-19," the sprint legend said, adding,"I did a test on Saturday to leave (Jamaica) because I have work, I am trying to be responsible so I am going to stay in and be safe." Jamaica's health ministry confirmed that Bolt had tested positive after he posted a video on social media around midday on Monday. "Also, I am having no symptoms, I will quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol and to see how I go about quarantining myself from the Ministry of Health," Bolt had said earlier. "Until then, I will call my friends and tell them once they came in contact with me to be safe, quarantine and take it easy," Bolt stated. Bolt confirmed that he had taken the test on Saturday after he celebrated his birthday bash where partygoers danced to the hit number "Lockdown" by Jamaican reggae singer Koffee.

Sprint legend Usain Bolt tests positive for coronavirus, goes for self-quarantine

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) said that they had confirmed the world's "first case" of coronavirus reinfection after a 33-year-old man got the infection once again after over four months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-orders-schools-to-be-shut-in-seoul-amid-surge-in-virus-cases-322891">Also Read:&nbsp;South Korea orders schools to be shut in Seoul amid surge in virus cases</a>

The man's two viral signatures were "completely different", and belonged to different coronavirus lineages, according to researchers after he suffered a relapse. The researchers found that first strain resembled those that were collected in March and April, however, the second strain matched the virus found in Europe after the person visited the continent in July and August.&nbsp;

The man had travalled to Spain and had returned to Hong Kong via London after he was detected with the virus during screening at the airport. The man's PCR swab test was positive.

"Our study proves that immunity for COVID infection is not lifelong, in fact, reinfection can occur quite quickly," Kelvin Kai-Wang To, microbiologist and lead author of the study, said.

Although there have been cases reported of reinfections, however, this is the first time it has been proven after tests. “This is the world’s first documentation of a patient who recovered from COVID-19 but got another episode of COVID-19 afterwards,” the researchers said in a statement.

However, the World Health Organization(WHO) said it needs to look at the case at the "at a population level” as there have been "24 million cases reported to date".

"The finding does not mean taking vaccines will be useless," Dr. Kai-Wang To said, adding,"immunity induced by vaccination can be different from those induced by natural infection," To said. "[We] will need to wait for the results of the vaccine trials to see if how effective vaccines are."

Worrying news emerged from Belgium and Netherlands on Tuesday as Dutch media reported re-infections of coronavirus. A patient in the Netherlands and another in Belgium got infected after making recovery from Covid-19 infection the first time around. The development on Tuesday follows reports of the first known re-infection of coronavirus in Hong Kong. This has been confirmed by scientists.

Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that the re-infected patient in the Netherlands was an old person with a weakened immune system.

Virologist Marion Koopmans, cited by the NOS, said that it was common for people to remain infected with the virus for a long time with mild symptoms. The infection flares up in some cases. Marion Koopmans said that genetic testing was required in both instances of infection to check whether there were any differences in the virus present.

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) said that they had confirmed the world's "first case" of coronavirus reinfection after a 33-year-old man got the infection once again after over four months.

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) said that they had confirmed the world's "first case" of coronavirus reinfection after a 33-year-old man got the infection once again after over four months. Also Read: South Korea orders schools to be shut in Seoul amid surge in virus cases The man's two viral signatures were "completely different", and belonged to different coronavirus lineages, according to researchers after he suffered a relapse. The researchers found that first strain resembled those that were collected in March and April, however, the second strain matched the virus found in Europe after the person visited the continent in July and August. The man had travalled to Spain and had returned to Hong Kong via London after he was detected with the virus during screening at the airport. The man's PCR swab test was positive. "Our study proves that immunity for COVID infection is not lifelong, in fact, reinfection can occur quite quickly," Kelvin Kai-Wang To, microbiologist and lead author of the study, said. Although there have been cases reported of reinfections, however, this is the first time it has been proven after tests. “This is the world’s first documentation of a patient who recovered from COVID-19 but got another episode of COVID-19 afterwards,” the researchers said in a statement. However, the World Health Organization(WHO) said it needs to look at the case at the "at a population level” as there have been "24 million cases reported to date". "The finding does not mean taking vaccines will be useless," Dr. Kai-Wang To said, adding,"immunity induced by vaccination can be different from those induced by natural infection," To said. "[We] will need to wait for the results of the vaccine trials to see if how effective vaccines are." Worrying news emerged from Belgium and Netherlands on Tuesday as Dutch media reported re-infections of coronavirus. A patient in the Netherlands and another in Belgium got infected after making recovery from Covid-19 infection the first time around. The development on Tuesday follows reports of the first known re-infection of coronavirus in Hong Kong. This has been confirmed by scientists. Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that the re-infected patient in the Netherlands was an old person with a weakened immune system. Virologist Marion Koopmans, cited by the NOS, said that it was common for people to remain infected with the virus for a long time with mild symptoms. The infection flares up in some cases. Marion Koopmans said that genetic testing was required in both instances of infection to check whether there were any differences in the virus present.

World’s 'first' coronavirus reinfection case confirmed in Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Laura lashed Cuba as it made its way to the United States even as the US National Hurricane Center said it would make landfall in Louisiana later in the week.

Watch:

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Tropical Storm Marco made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River on Monday. The storm is likely to bring heavy rainfall in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida, weather forecasters said. It is currently centred at the southeastern tip of Louisiana.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8-dead-as-storm-laura-hits-haiti-storm-marco-set-to-hit-louisiana-322623">Also Read:&nbsp;8 dead as Storm Laura hits Haiti; Storm Marco set to hit Louisiana</a>

The US Gulf coast is predicted to get torrential rain this week due to storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura. The US National Weather Service said that Tropical Storm Laura could become a Category 3 storm.

Storm Marco was downgraded from a hurricane overnight. Tropical Storm Laura left 13 people dead as it made its way from the Caribbean with winds gusting to 146 kilometres an hour accompanied with waves of more than 10 feet battering Maisi area of Guantanamo province even as heavy flooding was reported in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Cuban authorities had earlier evacuated at least 160,000 people from Camaguey, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and &nbsp;Guantanamo. At least nine people were killed in Haiti as the storm tore through the region.

Energy companies have already suspended oil and natural gas production in the Gulf Coast in the wake of the storms.

Tropical Storm Laura lashed Cuba as it made its way to the United States even as the US National Hurricane Center said it would make landfall in Louisiana later in the week.

Tropical Storm Laura lashed Cuba as it made its way to the United States even as the US National Hurricane Center said it would make landfall in Louisiana later in the week. Watch: Tropical Storm Marco made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River on Monday. The storm is likely to bring heavy rainfall in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida, weather forecasters said. It is currently centred at the southeastern tip of Louisiana. Also Read: 8 dead as Storm Laura hits Haiti; Storm Marco set to hit Louisiana The US Gulf coast is predicted to get torrential rain this week due to storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura. The US National Weather Service said that Tropical Storm Laura could become a Category 3 storm. Storm Marco was downgraded from a hurricane overnight. Tropical Storm Laura left 13 people dead as it made its way from the Caribbean with winds gusting to 146 kilometres an hour accompanied with waves of more than 10 feet battering Maisi area of Guantanamo province even as heavy flooding was reported in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Cuban authorities had earlier evacuated at least 160,000 people from Camaguey, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo. At least nine people were killed in Haiti as the storm tore through the region. Energy companies have already suspended oil and natural gas production in the Gulf Coast in the wake of the storms.

Tropical Storm Marco makes landfall in Louisiana as Tropical Storm Laura heads to US

Scientists in the United States have developed a coronavirus vaccine which can be given in one dose and is effective in preventing infection in mice susceptible to COVID-19, a study revealed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-bars-chinese-workers-in-vaccine-trial-over-coronavirus-risk-322161">Also Read:&nbsp;Papua New Guinea bars Chinese workers in vaccine trial over coronavirus risk</a>

The researchers will now try to test the vaccine in non-human primates and then eventually on humans to gauge the effectiveness of the vaccine to combat the virus, according to Washington University School of Medicine which published its findings in medical journal Cell.

The new vaccine is administered through the nose, which is widely believed to be the initial site of the infection. According to researchers, the naval route created an immune response throughout the body, especially in the nose and respiratory tract.&nbsp;

All other vaccines so far have been using injection into the arm or thigh muscle. The scientists called the initial results "surprising" and "promising" while adding that vaccines that require two doses for full protection may not be as effective as people may not be administered another shot due to various reasons.

The scientists working on the nasal solution said it was important to note that a single dose produced a "robust immune response". The race for finding a vaccine has gathered strength in the past few months as the death toll worldwide continues to rise.

The global death toll from the new coronavirus has surpassed 800,000 with several European countries which were initially hit the virus experiencing new infection levels. South Korea has announced new measures as the virus continued to spread in the country after it was controlled earlier.

Latin America has become the hardest hit region with the virus even as the United States has reported over 176,000 cases and over 5 million infection cases.&nbsp;

Scientists in the United States have developed a coronavirus vaccine which can be given in one dose and is effective in preventing infection in mice susceptible to COVID-19, a study revealed.

Scientists in the United States have developed a coronavirus vaccine which can be given in one dose and is effective in preventing infection in mice susceptible to COVID-19, a study revealed. Also Read: Papua New Guinea bars Chinese workers in vaccine trial over coronavirus risk The researchers will now try to test the vaccine in non-human primates and then eventually on humans to gauge the effectiveness of the vaccine to combat the virus, according to Washington University School of Medicine which published its findings in medical journal Cell. The new vaccine is administered through the nose, which is widely believed to be the initial site of the infection. According to researchers, the naval route created an immune response throughout the body, especially in the nose and respiratory tract. All other vaccines so far have been using injection into the arm or thigh muscle. The scientists called the initial results "surprising" and "promising" while adding that vaccines that require two doses for full protection may not be as effective as people may not be administered another shot due to various reasons. The scientists working on the nasal solution said it was important to note that a single dose produced a "robust immune response". The race for finding a vaccine has gathered strength in the past few months as the death toll worldwide continues to rise. The global death toll from the new coronavirus has surpassed 800,000 with several European countries which were initially hit the virus experiencing new infection levels. South Korea has announced new measures as the virus continued to spread in the country after it was controlled earlier. Latin America has become the hardest hit region with the virus even as the United States has reported over 176,000 cases and over 5 million infection cases.

Nasal vaccine prevents coronavirus in mice: Study

India's Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Bipin Rawat said that the country's "military option to deal with transgression by the Chinese Army are on, but only if talks fail" along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-rafale-fighter-jets-will-be-stationed-just-200-km-from-pakistan-china-border-at-ambala-air-base-316311">In Pics:&nbsp;Why Rafale fighter jets will be stationed just 200 km from Pakistan, China border</a>

"The military option to deal with the transgressions by the Chinese in Ladakh are on but it will be exercised only if talks at the military and diplomatic level fail," the CDS chief said, adding,"transgressions along the LAC occur due to differing perceptions about its alignment."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-must-restore-status-quo-ante-in-eastern-ladakh-to-resolve-border-standoff-sources-322262">Also Read:&nbsp;China must restore status quo ante in eastern Ladakh to resolve border standoff: Sources</a>

Rawat informed that Defence minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other officials corcerned with national security are reviewing the situation along with those concerned about national security.

The CDS chief asserted that India has vast frontline along the northern and western border along the Indian Ocean Region while dismissing concerns that there was a lack of coordination between intelligence agencies.

On Saturday, Defence minister Rajnath Singh had met the NSA and the three service chiefs to review the situation along the LAC.

Tensions between India and China reached boiling point on June 15 after the clash at Galwan Valley between the Indian Army and PLA troops leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although there were casualties on the Chinese side as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge details.

After the clash, both sides have engaged in de-escalation talks aimed at disengagement of troops with talks between military officials, however, reports say the Chinese troops have been slow to move out of strategic areas in the upper Himalayan region.

 
&nbsp;

India's Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Bipin Rawat said that the country's "military option to deal with transgression by the Chinese Army are on, but only if talks fail" along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

India's Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Bipin Rawat said that the country's "military option to deal with transgression by the Chinese Army are on, but only if talks fail" along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). In Pics: Why Rafale fighter jets will be stationed just 200 km from Pakistan, China border "The military option to deal with the transgressions by the Chinese in Ladakh are on but it will be exercised only if talks at the military and diplomatic level fail," the CDS chief said, adding,"transgressions along the LAC occur due to differing perceptions about its alignment." Also Read: China must restore status quo ante in eastern Ladakh to resolve border standoff: Sources Rawat informed that Defence minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other officials corcerned with national security are reviewing the situation along with those concerned about national security. The CDS chief asserted that India has vast frontline along the northern and western border along the Indian Ocean Region while dismissing concerns that there was a lack of coordination between intelligence agencies. On Saturday, Defence minister Rajnath Singh had met the NSA and the three service chiefs to review the situation along the LAC. Tensions between India and China reached boiling point on June 15 after the clash at Galwan Valley between the Indian Army and PLA troops leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although there were casualties on the Chinese side as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge details. After the clash, both sides have engaged in de-escalation talks aimed at disengagement of troops with talks between military officials, however, reports say the Chinese troops have been slow to move out of strategic areas in the upper Himalayan region.

India-China standoff: Military option open to deal with China in Ladakh if talks fail: Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat

With a single-day spike of 61,408 infections, India's COVID-19 tally breached the 31-lakh mark, a day after it crossed 30 lakh, while recoveries surged to 23,38,035, pushing the recovery rate to over 75 per cent, according to the health ministry data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtras-covid-19-case-count-grows-by-10441-death-count-by-258-322613">Also Read:&nbsp;Maharashtra's COVID-19 case count grows by 10,441; death count by 258</a>&nbsp;

India's COVID-19 caseload mounted to 31,06,348, while the death toll climbed to 57,542 with 836 fatalities being reported in a span of 24-hours.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has declined to 1.85 per cent while the recovery rate has risen to 75.27 per cent.

There are 7,10,771 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 22.88 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 3,59,02,137 samples have been tested up to August 23 with 6,09,917 samples being tested on Sunday.

With a single-day spike of 61,408 infections, India's COVID-19 tally breached the 31-lakh mark, a day after it crossed 30 lakh, while recoveries surged to 23,38,035, pushing the recovery rate to over 75 per cent, according to the health ministry data.

With a single-day spike of 61,408 infections, India's COVID-19 tally breached the 31-lakh mark, a day after it crossed 30 lakh, while recoveries surged to 23,38,035, pushing the recovery rate to over 75 per cent, according to the health ministry data. Also Read: Maharashtra's COVID-19 case count grows by 10,441; death count by 258 India's COVID-19 caseload mounted to 31,06,348, while the death toll climbed to 57,542 with 836 fatalities being reported in a span of 24-hours. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has declined to 1.85 per cent while the recovery rate has risen to 75.27 per cent. There are 7,10,771 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 22.88 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7. According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 3,59,02,137 samples have been tested up to August 23 with 6,09,917 samples being tested on Sunday.

COVID-19: India records over 61,000 cases; death toll rises to 57,542

Syrian government said today that an explosion occurred in the Arab gas pipeline which caused a nationwide blackout overnight.

The government added that&nbsp;power stations were later connected with electricity returning in several areas.&nbsp;

Syria's oil minister Ali Ghanem said that it "may have been caused by a terrorist act" but did not give details.

Ghanem added that a team has been sent to the area to investigate the blast.

The blast reportedly occurred between the Syrian towns of Ad Dumayr and Adra.

Syria was hit with a similar power cut after rebels hit a gas pipeline in 2013. The Arab gas pipeline extends from Egypt into Jordan and Syria.

Syrian government said today that an explosion occurred in the Arab gas pipeline which caused a nationwide blackout overnight. The government added that power stations were later connected with electricity returning in several areas.

Syrian government said today that an explosion occurred in the Arab gas pipeline which caused a nationwide blackout overnight. The government added that power stations were later connected with electricity returning in several areas. Syria's oil minister Ali Ghanem said that it "may have been caused by a terrorist act" but did not give details. Ghanem added that a team has been sent to the area to investigate the blast. The blast reportedly occurred between the Syrian towns of Ad Dumayr and Adra. Syria was hit with a similar power cut after rebels hit a gas pipeline in 2013. The Arab gas pipeline extends from Egypt into Jordan and Syria.

'May have been a terrorist act': Explosion hits Syria's Arab gas pipeline

The hearing of Christchurch mosque attacker Brenton Tarrant began in New Zealand as the court heard that the 29-year-old Australian national wanted to burn down the two mosques.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shooter-arrives-in-christchurch-for-multi-day-sentencing-322579">Also Read:&nbsp;New Zealand mosque shooter arrives in Christchurch for multi-day sentencing</a>

Tarrant had carried out shootings and live-streamed the incident on March 15 last year in which &nbsp;51 people were killed. Tarrant has pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one of terrorism. After the shooting, Tarrant was arrested as he tried to attack a third mosque in Ashburton.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gun-megastore-plan-in-new-zealands-christchurch-sparks-backlash-236655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The court was told that Tarrant who arrived in New Zeland in 2017 had started buying high-powered firearms in 2019 after he had got a firearms licence three years ago in the country.

Tarrant had collected at least 7000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres for the guns. Prosecutor Barnaby Hawes told the court that, "Tarrant admitted to police going into both mosques intending to kill as many people as he could."

"He further stated the attacks were motivated by his ideological beliefs and he intended to instil fear into those he described as 'invaders' including the Muslim population or more generally non-European immigrants," &nbsp;Hawes told the court.

"From this time, the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre became his primary targets to attack," the court was informed. In a &nbsp;26-page summary, Crown prosecutor Barnaby Hawes said that Tarrant had planned the time for entry when the maximum number of worshippers would be present.

Tarrant had Mossberg 930 semiautomatic 12 gauge shotgun along with Windham Weaponry .223 calibre MSSA rifle including other weapons.

The sentencing hearing will continue for four days.

The hearing of Christchurch mosque attacker Brenton Tarrant began in New Zealand as the court heard that the 29-year-old Australian national wanted to burn down the two mosques.

The hearing of Christchurch mosque attacker Brenton Tarrant began in New Zealand as the court heard that the 29-year-old Australian national wanted to burn down the two mosques. Also Read: New Zealand mosque shooter arrives in Christchurch for multi-day sentencing Tarrant had carried out shootings and live-streamed the incident on March 15 last year in which 51 people were killed. Tarrant has pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one of terrorism. After the shooting, Tarrant was arrested as he tried to attack a third mosque in Ashburton. Watch: The court was told that Tarrant who arrived in New Zeland in 2017 had started buying high-powered firearms in 2019 after he had got a firearms licence three years ago in the country. Tarrant had collected at least 7000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres for the guns. Prosecutor Barnaby Hawes told the court that, "Tarrant admitted to police going into both mosques intending to kill as many people as he could." "He further stated the attacks were motivated by his ideological beliefs and he intended to instil fear into those he described as 'invaders' including the Muslim population or more generally non-European immigrants," Hawes told the court. "From this time, the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre became his primary targets to attack," the court was informed. In a 26-page summary, Crown prosecutor Barnaby Hawes said that Tarrant had planned the time for entry when the maximum number of worshippers would be present. Tarrant had Mossberg 930 semiautomatic 12 gauge shotgun along with Windham Weaponry .223 calibre MSSA rifle including other weapons. The sentencing hearing will continue for four days.

Christchurch attack: Gunman wanted to burn down the two mosques, court told

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