China said today that it has put chips for mobile devices that receive signals from the Beidou navigation system has been put in&nbsp;mass production.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-chinas-beidou-geo-tracker-satellite-will-take-on-us-owned-gps-307986">Also Read:&nbsp;How China's Beidou geo-tracker satellite will take on US-owned GPS</a>

China had successfully launched the Beidou satellite two months ago which several experts view as a direct challenge to the US-owned Global Positioning System (GPS) including Russia's GLONASS and the European Union's Galileo.

Beidou known as "Big Dipper" in Mandarin had gone into operation in 2012 with its second-generation navigation satellite coving Asia-Pacific. The Beidou satellite has secure communication network of the Chinese military.

According to some experts, Beidou has better bandwidth and accuracy compared to the GPS system as it has allowed the Chinese scientists to work on the weaknesses of the GPS system since the Chinese satellite network came much later.

Beidou's network is already being accessed by at least 120 nations with several linked to China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative(BRI). Pakistan which is has a major stakeholder in the BRI project had signed the Beidou deal in 2013.

Last year, Beidou reportedly accounted for 70 per cent of mobile phones including Huawei with increasing civilian application in taxis and buses and metrological prediction.

China's BDStar Navigation Co has been tasked with making the chips that receive Beidou signals.

&nbsp;

China said today that it has put chips for mobile devices that receive signals from the Beidou navigation system has been put in mass production. Also Read: How China's Beidou geo-tracker satellite will take on US-owned GPS China had successfully launched the Beidou satellite two months ago which several experts view as a direct challenge to the US-owned Global Positioning System (GPS) including Russia's GLONASS and the European Union's Galileo.

China said today that it has put chips for mobile devices that receive signals from the Beidou navigation system has been put in mass production. Also Read: How China's Beidou geo-tracker satellite will take on US-owned GPS China had successfully launched the Beidou satellite two months ago which several experts view as a direct challenge to the US-owned Global Positioning System (GPS) including Russia's GLONASS and the European Union's Galileo. Beidou known as "Big Dipper" in Mandarin had gone into operation in 2012 with its second-generation navigation satellite coving Asia-Pacific. The Beidou satellite has secure communication network of the Chinese military. According to some experts, Beidou has better bandwidth and accuracy compared to the GPS system as it has allowed the Chinese scientists to work on the weaknesses of the GPS system since the Chinese satellite network came much later. Beidou's network is already being accessed by at least 120 nations with several linked to China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative(BRI). Pakistan which is has a major stakeholder in the BRI project had signed the Beidou deal in 2013. Last year, Beidou reportedly accounted for 70 per cent of mobile phones including Huawei with increasing civilian application in taxis and buses and metrological prediction. China's BDStar Navigation Co has been tasked with making the chips that receive Beidou signals.

Chips for devices using Beidou navigation system put in mass production in China

India's national capital on Monday reported 805 coronavirus cases and 17 deaths taking the total number of cases in the city to 1,38,482.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masks-face-covers-mandatory-in-yoga-institutes-and-gyms-health-ministry-317865">Also Read:&nbsp;Masks, face covers 'mandatory' in yoga institutes and gyms: Health ministry</a>

The death toll due to the virus in the city has crossed 4021.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh reported 4,473 new coronavirus cases and 50 death in the last 24 hours taking the total death toll in the state to 1,778. The number of active cases in the state has risen to 40,191, according to the state health department.

Tamil Nadu which is one of the worst-hit state with the virus reported 5,609 new coronavirus cases and 109 deaths taking the total number of cases to 2,63,222. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 4,241.

Meanwhile, ICMR said it was difficult to predict if India will witness a second wave of coronavirus.

Amid the rising coronavirus cases, the Puducherry government informed that 178 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the total number of cases to &nbsp;3,982 in the union territory

In Rajasthan, 565 new coronavirus cases were reported along with 9 deaths with the total number of cases rising to 44,975 including 12,802 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 715.

The rise in cases comes as the country reported 52,972 cases &amp; 771 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 18,03,696 including 5,79,357 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the country has risen to 38,135.

India's national capital on Monday reported 805 coronavirus cases and 17 deaths taking the total number of cases in the city to 1,38,482. Also Read: Masks, face covers 'mandatory' in yoga institutes and gyms: Health ministry The death toll due to the virus in the city has crossed 4021.

India's national capital on Monday reported 805 coronavirus cases and 17 deaths taking the total number of cases in the city to 1,38,482. Also Read: Masks, face covers 'mandatory' in yoga institutes and gyms: Health ministry The death toll due to the virus in the city has crossed 4021. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh reported 4,473 new coronavirus cases and 50 death in the last 24 hours taking the total death toll in the state to 1,778. The number of active cases in the state has risen to 40,191, according to the state health department. Tamil Nadu which is one of the worst-hit state with the virus reported 5,609 new coronavirus cases and 109 deaths taking the total number of cases to 2,63,222. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 4,241. Meanwhile, ICMR said it was difficult to predict if India will witness a second wave of coronavirus. Amid the rising coronavirus cases, the Puducherry government informed that 178 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the total number of cases to 3,982 in the union territory In Rajasthan, 565 new coronavirus cases were reported along with 9 deaths with the total number of cases rising to 44,975 including 12,802 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 715. The rise in cases comes as the country reported 52,972 cases & 771 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 18,03,696 including 5,79,357 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the country has risen to 38,135.

COVID-19: Death in Delhi toll rises to over 4,000; Tamil Nadu reports over 5,600 cases

Amid protests in Hong Kong on allowing Chinese mainland officials to conduct COVID-19 testing in the city, the Hong Kong government dismissed reports that it was using it as an opportunity to collect DNA samples from residents.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-delays-its-parliamentary-polls-over-pandemic-opposition-protests-317428/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday, the Hong Kong government had allowed Chinese government experts to set up laboratories in the city in order to track the new virus outbreak in the country. Hong Kong had reported 115 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday with the total number of cases rising to 3,511.&nbsp;

Last week, the daily coronavirus cases had exceeded 100 for ten consecutive days in the city.&nbsp;

Sophia Chan Siu-chee, secretary for food and health while welcoming the experts had said: "At a time when Hong Kong sees a resurgence of the virus and many other places across the world experience major outbreaks, I think more testing is crucial and expanding our testing capacity will significantly help contain the epidemic."

The team landed even as Hong Kong's health services have been stretched to the limit. The two support teams from the mainland have been added to address shortcomings in Hong Kong's health care system.

However, &nbsp;reports claimed the mainland team was collecting DNA samples, however, the Hong Kong government said “certain individuals” were floating the theory online and spreading untrue "claims intentionally".

Hong Kong residents have been at loggerheads ever since China imposed the national security law in the city&nbsp;leading to large scale protests and international condemnation.&nbsp;

Last week the Hong Kong government had barred local legislative elections planned for September 6 and disallowed a dozen pro-democracy candidates from campaigning for office.

Amid protests in Hong Kong on allowing Chinese mainland officials to conduct COVID-19 testing in the city, the Hong Kong government dismissed reports that it was using it as an opportunity to collect DNA samples from residents.

Amid protests in Hong Kong on allowing Chinese mainland officials to conduct COVID-19 testing in the city, the Hong Kong government dismissed reports that it was using it as an opportunity to collect DNA samples from residents. Watch: On Sunday, the Hong Kong government had allowed Chinese government experts to set up laboratories in the city in order to track the new virus outbreak in the country. Hong Kong had reported 115 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday with the total number of cases rising to 3,511. Last week, the daily coronavirus cases had exceeded 100 for ten consecutive days in the city. Sophia Chan Siu-chee, secretary for food and health while welcoming the experts had said: "At a time when Hong Kong sees a resurgence of the virus and many other places across the world experience major outbreaks, I think more testing is crucial and expanding our testing capacity will significantly help contain the epidemic." The team landed even as Hong Kong's health services have been stretched to the limit. The two support teams from the mainland have been added to address shortcomings in Hong Kong's health care system. However, reports claimed the mainland team was collecting DNA samples, however, the Hong Kong government said “certain individuals” were floating the theory online and spreading untrue "claims intentionally". Hong Kong residents have been at loggerheads ever since China imposed the national security law in the city leading to large scale protests and international condemnation. Last week the Hong Kong government had barred local legislative elections planned for September 6 and disallowed a dozen pro-democracy candidates from campaigning for office.

Hong Kong government denies China's COVID-19 team collecting DNA samples of residents

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that there is "no silver bullet at the moment to fight the virus and there might never be".

Watch:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-covid-19-cases-surpass-18-million-mark-pandemic-widespread-in-us-317808/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"A number of vaccines are now in phase three clinical trials and we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection. However, there’s no silver bullet at the moment - and there might never be," Tedros said.

The WHO chief informed that the emergency committee on COVID-19 had met and reviewed the current pandemic. Tedros said that the committee had noted the health impact of the virus had disrupted services on a range of other diseases including reduced immunisation coverage, cancer screening and mental health services.

"More than half of countries reported disruption in antenatal care services and more than a third of countries reported disruption in childbirth services," Tedros said.

Tedros noted that some countries which had experienced the worst of spikes and appeared to have recovered were now witnessing fresh spikes. Tedros informed that emergency committee acknowledged that member states have "tough choices" to make to turn the epidemic around.

The WHO chief also said that epidemiological studies will begin in Wuhan in China to identify the "potential source of infection" of early COVID-19 cases with evidence and hypotheses generated through the work which will lay the ground for further, longer-term studies.

WHO's advance team that travelled to China has now concluded their mission to lay the groundwork for further joint efforts to identify the virus origins.&nbsp;

Tedros said that WHO and&nbsp;Chinese experts have drafted the terms of reference for the studies and programme of work for an international team led by WHO. The international team will include leading scientists and researchers from China and around the world, he informed.

Meamwhile, WHO emergencies head Mike Ryan said that several countries including Brazil and India were braced for a long battle with "sustained commitment".

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that there is "no silver bullet at the moment to fight the virus and there might never be". Watch: "A number of vaccines are now in phase three clinical trials and we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that there is "no silver bullet at the moment to fight the virus and there might never be". Watch: "A number of vaccines are now in phase three clinical trials and we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection. However, there’s no silver bullet at the moment - and there might never be," Tedros said. The WHO chief informed that the emergency committee on COVID-19 had met and reviewed the current pandemic. Tedros said that the committee had noted the health impact of the virus had disrupted services on a range of other diseases including reduced immunisation coverage, cancer screening and mental health services. "More than half of countries reported disruption in antenatal care services and more than a third of countries reported disruption in childbirth services," Tedros said. Tedros noted that some countries which had experienced the worst of spikes and appeared to have recovered were now witnessing fresh spikes. Tedros informed that emergency committee acknowledged that member states have "tough choices" to make to turn the epidemic around. The WHO chief also said that epidemiological studies will begin in Wuhan in China to identify the "potential source of infection" of early COVID-19 cases with evidence and hypotheses generated through the work which will lay the ground for further, longer-term studies. WHO's advance team that travelled to China has now concluded their mission to lay the groundwork for further joint efforts to identify the virus origins. Tedros said that WHO and Chinese experts have drafted the terms of reference for the studies and programme of work for an international team led by WHO. The international team will include leading scientists and researchers from China and around the world, he informed. Meamwhile, WHO emergencies head Mike Ryan said that several countries including Brazil and India were braced for a long battle with "sustained commitment".

No silver bullet to fight the virus and there might never be: WHO chief Tedros

As the government allowed gyms and yoga institutes to reopen in Unlock 3.0 from August 5, India's health and family welfare ministry today issued guidelines which included social distancing measures and use of masks.

The ministry said that the use of masks and face covers is "mandatory" at all times. However, during yoga exercise and exercising in gyms as far as possible only a viser is to be used as use of masks during exercise may cause difficulty in breathing.

As a preventive measure, yoga institutes and gyms in containment areas have been ordered to remain shut. The guidelines have been aimed to minimize "all possible physical contact between staff members and members".

The ministry urged people above the age of 65, co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 not to use gyms in closed spaces.

Meanwhile, Telangana reported 983 coronavirus cases and 11 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases in the state rising to 67,660, including 18,500 active cases. There have been 551 deaths so far due to the virus in the state.&nbsp;

As the number of coronavirus crisis continues to rise, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) today gave approval to Serum Institute of India, Pune to conduct Phase II+III clinical trials of Oxford University's Astra Zeneca vaccine in India.

In Odisha, 1,384 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases in the state to 36,297 including 14,095 active cases.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that the number of coronavirus tests crossed 2 crore mark in India till August 2. &nbsp;

As the government allowed gyms and yoga institutes to reopen in Unlock 3.0 from August 5, India's health and family welfare ministry today issued guidelines which included social distancing measures and use of masks.

As the government allowed gyms and yoga institutes to reopen in Unlock 3.0 from August 5, India's health and family welfare ministry today issued guidelines which included social distancing measures and use of masks. The ministry said that the use of masks and face covers is "mandatory" at all times. However, during yoga exercise and exercising in gyms as far as possible only a viser is to be used as use of masks during exercise may cause difficulty in breathing. As a preventive measure, yoga institutes and gyms in containment areas have been ordered to remain shut. The guidelines have been aimed to minimize "all possible physical contact between staff members and members". The ministry urged people above the age of 65, co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 not to use gyms in closed spaces. Meanwhile, Telangana reported 983 coronavirus cases and 11 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases in the state rising to 67,660, including 18,500 active cases. There have been 551 deaths so far due to the virus in the state. As the number of coronavirus crisis continues to rise, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) today gave approval to Serum Institute of India, Pune to conduct Phase II+III clinical trials of Oxford University's Astra Zeneca vaccine in India. In Odisha, 1,384 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases in the state to 36,297 including 14,095 active cases. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that the number of coronavirus tests crossed 2 crore mark in India till August 2.

Masks, face covers 'mandatory' in yoga institutes and gyms: Health ministry

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) today adjourned the Kulbhushan Jadhav&nbsp;case till September 3.

The court said that Jadhav and India should be given time to appoint a counsel on the matter. The court had earlier constituted a two-member bench to hear a review petition filed by the Pakistan government.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court three years ago on charges of terrorism and espionage.

India had moved the International Court of Justice(ICJ) against the Pakistan court's decision as the world court stayed the order and ordered Pakistan to undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction.

Pakistan had earlier filed a petition in the Islamabad court seeking appointment of a "legal representative" for Jadhav, however, the Indian government wasn't informed about the move as India's foreign ministry said Pakistan has once again exposed its "farcical" approach by denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence.

"The whole exercise of not providing documents related to the case even after repeated requests, not providing unimpeded consular access and some reported unilateral action of approaching the High Court on part of Pakistan again exposes the farcical nature of Pakistan's approach," India's external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui had, however, said the country had taken "necessary steps" to implement the verdict of the ICJ.

The Pakistan government had earlier moved an ordinance in the National Assembly. According to Pakistan's International Court of Justice Review and Reconsideration Ordinance which was enacted in May a petition for the review of a military court's decision can be made to Islamabad High Court through an application within 60 days of its promulgation amid protests by Pakistan's Opposition parties.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) today adjourned the Kulbhushan Jadhav case till September 3. The court said that Jadhav and India should be given time to appoint a counsel on the matter.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) today adjourned the Kulbhushan Jadhav case till September 3. The court said that Jadhav and India should be given time to appoint a counsel on the matter. The court had earlier constituted a two-member bench to hear a review petition filed by the Pakistan government. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court three years ago on charges of terrorism and espionage. India had moved the International Court of Justice(ICJ) against the Pakistan court's decision as the world court stayed the order and ordered Pakistan to undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction. Pakistan had earlier filed a petition in the Islamabad court seeking appointment of a "legal representative" for Jadhav, however, the Indian government wasn't informed about the move as India's foreign ministry said Pakistan has once again exposed its "farcical" approach by denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence. "The whole exercise of not providing documents related to the case even after repeated requests, not providing unimpeded consular access and some reported unilateral action of approaching the High Court on part of Pakistan again exposes the farcical nature of Pakistan's approach," India's external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui had, however, said the country had taken "necessary steps" to implement the verdict of the ICJ. The Pakistan government had earlier moved an ordinance in the National Assembly. According to Pakistan's International Court of Justice Review and Reconsideration Ordinance which was enacted in May a petition for the review of a military court's decision can be made to Islamabad High Court through an application within 60 days of its promulgation amid protests by Pakistan's Opposition parties.

Islamabad High Court adjourns Kulbhushan Jadhav case till September 3

In a tit-for-tat move on Monday, China's foreign ministry said it will suspend its extradition agreement with New Zealand after the Jacinda Ardern government last week had suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-delays-its-parliamentary-polls-over-pandemic-opposition-protests-317428/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

New Zealand moved after China imposed the national security law amid worldwide criticism. New Zealand's foreign minister Winston Peters had said that his country "no longer trusts that Hong Kong's criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China."

"China's passage of its new national security legislation has eroded rule-of-law principles, undermined the 'one country, two systems' framework that underpins Hong Kong’s unique status, and gone against commitments China made to the international community," Winston Peters said.

New Zealand's neighbour Australia including Britan and Canada have already suspended their extradition agreements with Hong Kong amid the security law controversy. Germany has also suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong last week.

German foreign minister Heiko Maas said that decision was due to Hong Kong's government's "decision to disqualify a dozen opposition candidates for the election and to postpone the elections."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Switzerland's foreign minister Ignazio Cassis said that China was "straying away" from the path of openness. "If China abandons the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle in the case of Hong Kong, it also affects many Swiss companies that have invested there," Cassis told a local newspaper.

Amid the large scale protests and resulting criticism, Hong Kong had last week postponed local elections for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak as China's state media reported that Hong Kong police have ordered the arrest of six pro-democracy activists living in exile on suspicion of violating the national security law.

The list included Nathan Law who has fled to the UK after China imposed the harsh new security law.

In a tit-for-tat move on Monday, China's foreign ministry said it will suspend its extradition agreement with New Zealand after the Jacinda Ardern government last week had suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

In a tit-for-tat move on Monday, China's foreign ministry said it will suspend its extradition agreement with New Zealand after the Jacinda Ardern government last week had suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong. Watch: New Zealand moved after China imposed the national security law amid worldwide criticism. New Zealand's foreign minister Winston Peters had said that his country "no longer trusts that Hong Kong's criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China." "China's passage of its new national security legislation has eroded rule-of-law principles, undermined the 'one country, two systems' framework that underpins Hong Kong’s unique status, and gone against commitments China made to the international community," Winston Peters said. New Zealand's neighbour Australia including Britan and Canada have already suspended their extradition agreements with Hong Kong amid the security law controversy. Germany has also suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong last week. German foreign minister Heiko Maas said that decision was due to Hong Kong's government's "decision to disqualify a dozen opposition candidates for the election and to postpone the elections." Meanwhile, Switzerland's foreign minister Ignazio Cassis said that China was "straying away" from the path of openness. "If China abandons the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle in the case of Hong Kong, it also affects many Swiss companies that have invested there," Cassis told a local newspaper. Amid the large scale protests and resulting criticism, Hong Kong had last week postponed local elections for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak as China's state media reported that Hong Kong police have ordered the arrest of six pro-democracy activists living in exile on suspicion of violating the national security law. The list included Nathan Law who has fled to the UK after China imposed the harsh new security law.

Now, China suspends extradition agreement with New Zealand

After a state of disaster was declared in Victoria on Sunday, night&nbsp;curfew was imposed in Melbourne for the next six weeks as the country braced from renewed coronavirus restrictions.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-imposes-curfew-in-victoria-state-317689/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Australia on Monday reported 444 new coronavirus cases and along with 7159 new cases as the death toll due to the virus rose to 221. Victoria announced 429 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours rasing the total number of coronavirus cases to 6,500 as New South Wales recorded 13 new COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, Australian PM Scott Morrison announced "disaster payment" asserting that it was meant for "people who have to isolate for a period of 14 days through no fault of their own".&nbsp;

The payment is meant for people with no sick leave available and who need to self-isolate for 14 days.

“The payment will be made in the same way that Disaster Recovery Payments are made. People would only need to ring the number from Wednesday, and they’ll be able to make their application over the phone,” the Australian Prime minister said.

Amid the rising number of cases, Melbourne has been put under night curfew from 8 pm to 5 am as retail activity will be closed with some manufacturing allowed. Construction activity is also set to be scaled back the country grapples with the virus.

Melbourne's mayor Sally Capp said: "For Melbourne we've never had a curfew before, not in the history of our city. So I think it really reflects the fact that we need to lift up our efforts to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus."

Melbourne has closed all non-essential business activity from Monday for six weeks until at least September 13.&nbsp;

New South Wales, Victoria and south Australia have emerged as the new epicentres of the virus. Victoria has shut businesses as part of six-week lockdown.&nbsp;

Australia currently has 18,361 coronavirus cases as authorities struggle with new cases. 
&nbsp;

After a state of disaster was declared in Victoria on Sunday, night curfew was imposed in Melbourne for the next six weeks as the country braced from renewed coronavirus restrictions.

After a state of disaster was declared in Victoria on Sunday, night curfew was imposed in Melbourne for the next six weeks as the country braced from renewed coronavirus restrictions. Watch: Australia on Monday reported 444 new coronavirus cases and along with 7159 new cases as the death toll due to the virus rose to 221. Victoria announced 429 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours rasing the total number of coronavirus cases to 6,500 as New South Wales recorded 13 new COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, Australian PM Scott Morrison announced "disaster payment" asserting that it was meant for "people who have to isolate for a period of 14 days through no fault of their own". The payment is meant for people with no sick leave available and who need to self-isolate for 14 days. “The payment will be made in the same way that Disaster Recovery Payments are made. People would only need to ring the number from Wednesday, and they’ll be able to make their application over the phone,” the Australian Prime minister said. Amid the rising number of cases, Melbourne has been put under night curfew from 8 pm to 5 am as retail activity will be closed with some manufacturing allowed. Construction activity is also set to be scaled back the country grapples with the virus. Melbourne's mayor Sally Capp said: "For Melbourne we've never had a curfew before, not in the history of our city. So I think it really reflects the fact that we need to lift up our efforts to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus." Melbourne has closed all non-essential business activity from Monday for six weeks until at least September 13. New South Wales, Victoria and south Australia have emerged as the new epicentres of the virus. Victoria has shut businesses as part of six-week lockdown. Australia currently has 18,361 coronavirus cases as authorities struggle with new cases.

COVID: 19: Melbourne put under night curfew; Australian PM Morrison announces 'disaster payment'

The Punjab government on Friday allowed gymnasiums and yoga centres to operate while continuing with the night curfew for the next phase of the coronavirus lockdown from August 1 to 31.

Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31 while online or distance learning will continue.

Cinema halls, swimming polls, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will not be permitted to open.

The revised guidelines have been issued by the state government two days after the Union Home Ministry allowed more relaxations in a bid to further open up the economy.

Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to function from August 5 for which standard operating procedures will be issued by the Union Health Ministry.

Social, political, sports, entertainment, cultural events and other large congregations will not be permitted.

The night curfew will remain in force from 11 pm to 5 am. During the period, the movement of individuals for all non-essential activities shall remain prohibited throughout the state.

Essential activities, including operation of multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on national highways, unloading of cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and aeroplanes will be permitted.

All kind of examinations, admission/entrance tests conducted by universities, boards, public service commission and other institutions are allowed with social distancing in place.

The number of guests at a marriage function can't be more than 30 while number of people at funerals can't go beyond 20. 
Spitting at public places is completely prohibited and a punishable offence. Consumption of liquor, pan, gutka and tobacco in public places is also prohibited, though there will be no restriction on their sale.

Places of worship will remain open only between 5 am and 8 pm and the number of persons at any given time shall will not exceed 20 with due distancing.

Langar and prasad are allowed and SOPs for religious places shall be followed.

Restaurants are allowed to open till 10 pm with 50 per cent occupancy or 50 guests, whichever is less. Liquor can be served provided the restaurant has a valid permission from the Excise Department. However, bars shall remain closed.

Restaurants will be open to persons other than hotel guests but the timings, for both the hotel guests as well as persons from outside, will be till 10 pm. Liquor can be served in rooms and restaurants, as permitted under the excise policy of the state.

Marriages, other social functions and 'open air' parties in banquet halls, marriage palaces, hotels and open venues can be organised, say the guidelines, adding that the number of guests, exclusive of the catering staff, will not exceed 30 persons.

The size of a banquet hall and venue will at least be 3,000 sq feet to ensure social distancing.

All shopping malls and shops, including those in main bazars of urban and rural areas, will be allowed to open between 7 am and 8 pm. However, restaurants/ hotels situated within shopping malls are to be treated separately and can remain open till 10 pm.

Liquor vends shall, however, remain open from 8 am to 10 pm.

For shops situated in the main bazaars, market complexes, 'rehri' markets and other crowded places, district authorities can exercise their discretion and in order to avoid crowding shall stagger the opening of shops.

Barber shops, saloons, beauty parlours and spas will be allowed from 7 am to 8 pm, subject to the compliance of the SOPs to be issued by the state Health Department.

Shops dealing with essential commodities will be allowed to open till 8 pm on all days. Restaurants and liquor vends will continue to remain open till 10 pm on all days.

On Sundays, shops other than those dealing in essential commodities and shopping malls shall remain closed.

However, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan which falls on August 2, all shops and malls will remain open from 7 am to 8 pm. 
Sports complexes, stadia and public parks will be allowed to open from 5 am to 8 pm without spectators as per the SOP of the Health Department.

As per the state's guidelines, industrial units and construction activities are allowed. No separate permission will be required by the industries and other establishments for their operations and all employees will be allowed without any pass requirement during the permitted hours.

Inter-state and intra-state movement of buses will be allowed without any restriction. There shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods and no separate permission or approval or permit will be required for such movement.

The Punjab government on Friday allowed gymnasiums and yoga centres to operate while continuing with the night curfew for the next phase of the coronavirus lockdown from August 1 to 31.

The Punjab government on Friday allowed gymnasiums and yoga centres to operate while continuing with the night curfew for the next phase of the coronavirus lockdown from August 1 to 31. Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31 while online or distance learning will continue. Cinema halls, swimming polls, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will not be permitted to open. The revised guidelines have been issued by the state government two days after the Union Home Ministry allowed more relaxations in a bid to further open up the economy. Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to function from August 5 for which standard operating procedures will be issued by the Union Health Ministry. Social, political, sports, entertainment, cultural events and other large congregations will not be permitted. The night curfew will remain in force from 11 pm to 5 am. During the period, the movement of individuals for all non-essential activities shall remain prohibited throughout the state. Essential activities, including operation of multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on national highways, unloading of cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and aeroplanes will be permitted. All kind of examinations, admission/entrance tests conducted by universities, boards, public service commission and other institutions are allowed with social distancing in place. The number of guests at a marriage function can't be more than 30 while number of people at funerals can't go beyond 20. Spitting at public places is completely prohibited and a punishable offence. Consumption of liquor, pan, gutka and tobacco in public places is also prohibited, though there will be no restriction on their sale. Places of worship will remain open only between 5 am and 8 pm and the number of persons at any given time shall will not exceed 20 with due distancing. Langar and prasad are allowed and SOPs for religious places shall be followed. Restaurants are allowed to open till 10 pm with 50 per cent occupancy or 50 guests, whichever is less. Liquor can be served provided the restaurant has a valid permission from the Excise Department. However, bars shall remain closed. Restaurants will be open to persons other than hotel guests but the timings, for both the hotel guests as well as persons from outside, will be till 10 pm. Liquor can be served in rooms and restaurants, as permitted under the excise policy of the state. Marriages, other social functions and 'open air' parties in banquet halls, marriage palaces, hotels and open venues can be organised, say the guidelines, adding that the number of guests, exclusive of the catering staff, will not exceed 30 persons. The size of a banquet hall and venue will at least be 3,000 sq feet to ensure social distancing. All shopping malls and shops, including those in main bazars of urban and rural areas, will be allowed to open between 7 am and 8 pm. However, restaurants/ hotels situated within shopping malls are to be treated separately and can remain open till 10 pm. Liquor vends shall, however, remain open from 8 am to 10 pm. For shops situated in the main bazaars, market complexes, 'rehri' markets and other crowded places, district authorities can exercise their discretion and in order to avoid crowding shall stagger the opening of shops. Barber shops, saloons, beauty parlours and spas will be allowed from 7 am to 8 pm, subject to the compliance of the SOPs to be issued by the state Health Department. Shops dealing with essential commodities will be allowed to open till 8 pm on all days. Restaurants and liquor vends will continue to remain open till 10 pm on all days. On Sundays, shops other than those dealing in essential commodities and shopping malls shall remain closed. However, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan which falls on August 2, all shops and malls will remain open from 7 am to 8 pm. Sports complexes, stadia and public parks will be allowed to open from 5 am to 8 pm without spectators as per the SOP of the Health Department. As per the state's guidelines, industrial units and construction activities are allowed. No separate permission will be required by the industries and other establishments for their operations and all employees will be allowed without any pass requirement during the permitted hours. Inter-state and intra-state movement of buses will be allowed without any restriction. There shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods and no separate permission or approval or permit will be required for such movement.

Unlock 3.0: Punjab government allows gyms, yoga centres to reopen; night curfew to continue

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the emergency committee meeting said that the pandemic "is a once-in-a-century health crisis, the effects of which will be felt for decades to come."

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/11-million-newly-poor-to-lose-access-to-food-latin-american-economies-to-contract-by-53-317296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Many countries that believed they were past the worst are now grappling with new outbreaks. Some that were less affected in the earliest weeks are now seeing escalating numbers of cases and deaths," the WHO chief said.

The UN health body is meeting for the fourth time over the coronaivirus crisis exactly six months since declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

"Although vaccine development is happening at record speed, we must learn to live with this virus, and we must fight it with the tools we have," Tedros said.

The international health body is likely ito maintain the pandemic's status as a PHEIC - its highest level of alarm which was first declared on January 30.

"Many scientific questions have been resolved; many remain to be answered. Early results from serology studies are painting a consistent picture: most of the world's people remain susceptible to this virus, even in areas that have experienced severe outbreaks," Tedros warned.

The pandemic has not only claimed millions of lives, it has hit economies of several big and small nations amid lockdowns and cufews. Europe which is one of the hardest hit due to the virus saw its GDP fall 12.1 per cent and 11.9 per cent across the Union bloc.

The virus has hit over 17 million people, with global daily cases now approaching the 300,000 mark. There have been at least 675,000 fatalities due to the virus.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the emergency committee meeting said that the pandemic "is a once-in-a-century health crisis, the effects of which will be felt for decades to come.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the emergency committee meeting said that the pandemic "is a once-in-a-century health crisis, the effects of which will be felt for decades to come." Watch: "Many countries that believed they were past the worst are now grappling with new outbreaks. Some that were less affected in the earliest weeks are now seeing escalating numbers of cases and deaths," the WHO chief said. The UN health body is meeting for the fourth time over the coronaivirus crisis exactly six months since declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). "Although vaccine development is happening at record speed, we must learn to live with this virus, and we must fight it with the tools we have," Tedros said. The international health body is likely ito maintain the pandemic's status as a PHEIC - its highest level of alarm which was first declared on January 30. "Many scientific questions have been resolved; many remain to be answered. Early results from serology studies are painting a consistent picture: most of the world's people remain susceptible to this virus, even in areas that have experienced severe outbreaks," Tedros warned. The pandemic has not only claimed millions of lives, it has hit economies of several big and small nations amid lockdowns and cufews. Europe which is one of the hardest hit due to the virus saw its GDP fall 12.1 per cent and 11.9 per cent across the Union bloc. The virus has hit over 17 million people, with global daily cases now approaching the 300,000 mark. There have been at least 675,000 fatalities due to the virus.

Coronavirus effect will be felt for decades to come: WHO chief Tedros

Armed agents in riot gear used tear gas to rein in protesters in the United States but the anger of the people in Portland hasn’t diminished from the rich and famous to the common man.

It began on social media after the death of an unarmed man - George Floyd in police custody. Now, the "Black Lives Matter" movement has snowballed into a major political issue in America.

It has reached the doorstep of US President Donald Trump - quite literally. Civil rights activists gathered outside the Trump tower in New York and they painted a mural of their rallying cry.&nbsp;President Trump has been facing the wrath of the protesters.

Race tensions in America have taken a political colour. During the funeral of lawmaker and civil rights icon John Lewis, former US President Barack Obama took on his successor.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"There are those in power who are doing their darndest to discourage people from voting by closing polling locations and targeting minorities and students with restrictive ID laws and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision, even undermining the postal service in the run-up to an election that's going to be dependent on mail-in ballots so people don't get sick," Obama said.

With less than 100 days to go for the presidential election, leaders on both sides are sharpening their rhetoric. President Trump backs the aggressive actions of security forces calling the protester's anarchists.

"So our people have done, homeland security have done a fantastic job. They went to Oregon a little more than a week ago. The place was a mess. The city, Portland, was just a disaster. You see it and a lot of people weren't reporting it. They tried to pretend it was a protest as opposed to anarchists and agitators,&nbsp;you understand what I'm saying, it's a mess," the US president said.

The America of today looks quite similar to what it was in 1968 which was one of the most turbulent years in American history. In April 1968, Dr Martin Luther King, the leader of the civil rights movement in America was assassinated, four months later presidential candidate Robert Kennedy was killed as violent clashes erupted across the United States mostly led by young African-Americans.

Fifty-two years later it's happening again. On June 6, nearly half a million people took to the streets in close to 550 locations across the country making the "Black Lives Matter" movement, perhaps the largest movement in American history.

More than a month later, the protests have not stopped neither have the political attacks. The United States is going to the polls as a deeply divided nation.

Armed agents in riot gear used tear gas to rein in protesters in the United States but the anger of the people in Portland hasn’t diminished from the rich and famous to the common man.

Armed agents in riot gear used tear gas to rein in protesters in the United States but the anger of the people in Portland hasn’t diminished from the rich and famous to the common man. It began on social media after the death of an unarmed man - George Floyd in police custody. Now, the "Black Lives Matter" movement has snowballed into a major political issue in America. It has reached the doorstep of US President Donald Trump - quite literally. Civil rights activists gathered outside the Trump tower in New York and they painted a mural of their rallying cry. President Trump has been facing the wrath of the protesters. Race tensions in America have taken a political colour. During the funeral of lawmaker and civil rights icon John Lewis, former US President Barack Obama took on his successor. × "There are those in power who are doing their darndest to discourage people from voting by closing polling locations and targeting minorities and students with restrictive ID laws and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision, even undermining the postal service in the run-up to an election that's going to be dependent on mail-in ballots so people don't get sick," Obama said. With less than 100 days to go for the presidential election, leaders on both sides are sharpening their rhetoric. President Trump backs the aggressive actions of security forces calling the protester's anarchists. "So our people have done, homeland security have done a fantastic job. They went to Oregon a little more than a week ago. The place was a mess. The city, Portland, was just a disaster. You see it and a lot of people weren't reporting it. They tried to pretend it was a protest as opposed to anarchists and agitators, you understand what I'm saying, it's a mess," the US president said. The America of today looks quite similar to what it was in 1968 which was one of the most turbulent years in American history. In April 1968, Dr Martin Luther King, the leader of the civil rights movement in America was assassinated, four months later presidential candidate Robert Kennedy was killed as violent clashes erupted across the United States mostly led by young African-Americans. Fifty-two years later it's happening again. On June 6, nearly half a million people took to the streets in close to 550 locations across the country making the "Black Lives Matter" movement, perhaps the largest movement in American history. More than a month later, the protests have not stopped neither have the political attacks. The United States is going to the polls as a deeply divided nation.

Black Lives Matter movement takes political colour as US elections near

Trump tried to profit from the protests. The US president had grabbed it as an opportunity to project himself as the law and order president sending in federal troops to the states.

Earlier, he had Washington's Lafayette Square cleared so that he could stage a photo-op in June. Trump had also called the protesters' terrorists, criminals, arsonists, looters even Antifa!

However, Trump's response to the protests has been a political disaster but it won't be fair to blame Trump alone for hate crimes for what happened to George Floyd. Racism has been a part and parcel of American society since time immemorial.

And the big question is who gains from these protests? Protests of this scale or rather sustained protests is not unusual in the United States. There are faultlines in the American system like racism, inequality, gender-based discrimination but they mostly remain dormant. There are decades when nothing happens, and weeks when decades happen. There have been times when the faultlines have exposed themselves and have erupted into a volcano of protests.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%2FaXU9LzExNDQwNDY1L1dpb25ld3NfVmlkZW8vV2lvbmV3c19QcmVyb2xsJmRlc2NyaXB0aW9uX3VybD1bcGxhY2Vob2xkZXJdJmVudj12cCZpbXBsPXMmY29ycmVsYXRvcj0mdGZjZD0wJm5wYT0wJmdkZnBfcmVxPTEmb3V0cHV0PXZhc3Qmc3o9NjQweDQ4MCZ1bnZpZXdlZF9wb3NpdGlvbl9zdGFydD0xIn19LCJoZWFsdGhBbmFseXRpY3MiOnsicGxheWVyVmVyc2lvbiI6IjMuNS4wIiwicGxheWVyQnVpbHQiOiI1IiwicGxheWVyUmV2aXNpb24iOiJlMGRhMjIzIn19LCJodG1sNSI6dHJ1ZX0%3D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It has happened under several other presidents, Trump happens to be among the unlucky ones. The red summer of 1919 makes for a particularly interesting case study. It was the first time that the faultlines erupted fatally. President Woodrow Wilson was in the White House and there were racial clashes across America including in big cities like Chicago and Washington.

The division between the whites and African-Americans was&nbsp;out in the open and so was the bitter truth that the American constitution and the civil war had failed to resolve the conflict of slavery. There is something that connects the clashes of 1919 to the current protests.

Also, the protests were at the heels of the Spanish flu pandemic. The 1960s was another decade when the faultlines erupted. There were protests between 1963 and 1968. They were fuelled by years of racial segregation, discrimination in employment, housing and transportation. The protests were under two presidents - John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B Johnson.

The Kennedy administration also faced protests against inequality. There was the famous march on Washington for jobs and freedom in 1963 which led to the passage of the civil rights bills, so neither racism nor discrimination is Trump's brainchild. These are fundamental problems with the American society that numerous administrations have failed to fix for example the police department.

There are not enough black officers.&nbsp;In 2017, just 17 per cent of the new hires were African-American. In Los Angeles, black officers make up for just 9 per cent of the police force.

In America, a black adult is five times more likely to be stopped by the police compared to a white man. Nearly two-thirds of black adults in America say they have been in situations where people acted as if there were suspicious of them. There is the problem of gender pay-gap. An American woman earns 82 cents for every 1 dollar earned by a man.

Trump tried to profit from the protests. The US president had grabbed it as an opportunity to project himself as the law and order president sending in federal troops to the states.

Trump tried to profit from the protests. The US president had grabbed it as an opportunity to project himself as the law and order president sending in federal troops to the states. Earlier, he had Washington's Lafayette Square cleared so that he could stage a photo-op in June. Trump had also called the protesters' terrorists, criminals, arsonists, looters even Antifa! However, Trump's response to the protests has been a political disaster but it won't be fair to blame Trump alone for hate crimes for what happened to George Floyd. Racism has been a part and parcel of American society since time immemorial. And the big question is who gains from these protests? Protests of this scale or rather sustained protests is not unusual in the United States. There are faultlines in the American system like racism, inequality, gender-based discrimination but they mostly remain dormant. There are decades when nothing happens, and weeks when decades happen. There have been times when the faultlines have exposed themselves and have erupted into a volcano of protests. × It has happened under several other presidents, Trump happens to be among the unlucky ones. The red summer of 1919 makes for a particularly interesting case study. It was the first time that the faultlines erupted fatally. President Woodrow Wilson was in the White House and there were racial clashes across America including in big cities like Chicago and Washington. The division between the whites and African-Americans was out in the open and so was the bitter truth that the American constitution and the civil war had failed to resolve the conflict of slavery. There is something that connects the clashes of 1919 to the current protests. Also, the protests were at the heels of the Spanish flu pandemic. The 1960s was another decade when the faultlines erupted. There were protests between 1963 and 1968. They were fuelled by years of racial segregation, discrimination in employment, housing and transportation. The protests were under two presidents - John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B Johnson. The Kennedy administration also faced protests against inequality. There was the famous march on Washington for jobs and freedom in 1963 which led to the passage of the civil rights bills, so neither racism nor discrimination is Trump's brainchild. These are fundamental problems with the American society that numerous administrations have failed to fix for example the police department. There are not enough black officers. In 2017, just 17 per cent of the new hires were African-American. In Los Angeles, black officers make up for just 9 per cent of the police force. In America, a black adult is five times more likely to be stopped by the police compared to a white man. Nearly two-thirds of black adults in America say they have been in situations where people acted as if there were suspicious of them. There is the problem of gender pay-gap. An American woman earns 82 cents for every 1 dollar earned by a man.

Is Trump alone to blame for America's problems?

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.