Bhutan said today that its boundary with China is "under negotiation" and hasn't been demarcated.&nbsp;

"Twenty-four rounds of ministerial-level boundary talks have been held, the 25th round was delayed due to COVID-19," the Royal Bhutan embassy in India said in a statement.

"All disputed areas to be discussed in next round, to be held as soon as mutually convenient," it added.&nbsp;"The boundary between&nbsp;Bhutan-China is under negotiation&nbsp;and hasn't been demarcated," the statement said.&nbsp;

The development comes amid reports of China claiming the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary which falls in the Trashi-gang district. China had objected to the sanctuary&nbsp;asserting that it was on its land and not part of Bhutan.

China said it was "disputed" and asserted its claim. "The Sakteng wildlife sanctuary is located in the China-Bhutan disputed areas which is on the agenda of China-Bhutan boundary talk" and "China opposes and does not join the council decision on this project," it said.

"The boundary between China and Bhutan has never been delimited," the Chinese foreign ministry had said earlier. Bhutan, on the other hand, had said that the sanctuary is an "integral and sovereign territory of Bhutan".

The two countries will now seek to resolve the issue over the next round of talks. The dates of the talks have not been communicated yet by the two countries.

Bhutan said today that its boundary with China is "under negotiation" and hasn't been demarcated. "Twenty-four rounds of ministerial-level boundary talks have been held, the 25th round was delayed due to COVID-19," the Royal Bhutan embassy in India said in a statement.

Bhutan said today that its boundary with China is "under negotiation" and hasn't been demarcated. "Twenty-four rounds of ministerial-level boundary talks have been held, the 25th round was delayed due to COVID-19," the Royal Bhutan embassy in India said in a statement. "All disputed areas to be discussed in next round, to be held as soon as mutually convenient," it added. "The boundary between Bhutan-China is under negotiation and hasn't been demarcated," the statement said. The development comes amid reports of China claiming the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary which falls in the Trashi-gang district. China had objected to the sanctuary asserting that it was on its land and not part of Bhutan. China said it was "disputed" and asserted its claim. "The Sakteng wildlife sanctuary is located in the China-Bhutan disputed areas which is on the agenda of China-Bhutan boundary talk" and "China opposes and does not join the council decision on this project," it said. "The boundary between China and Bhutan has never been delimited," the Chinese foreign ministry had said earlier. Bhutan, on the other hand, had said that the sanctuary is an "integral and sovereign territory of Bhutan". The two countries will now seek to resolve the issue over the next round of talks. The dates of the talks have not been communicated yet by the two countries.

Boundary with China under negotiation, it hasn't been demarcated: Bhutan

The World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that the coronavirus pandemic has been accelerating and has "clearly not reached the peak".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-second-wave-us-still-knee-deep-in-first-wave-of-coronavirus-says-anthony-fauci-311405">Also Read:&nbsp;No second wave? US still 'knee deep' in first wave of coronavirus, says Anthony Fauci</a>

"While the number of deaths appears to have levelled off globally, in reality, some countries have made significant progress in reducing the number of deaths, while in other countries deaths are on the rise," Tedros said.

The UN health body said that WHO experts will be travelling to China shortly to prepare scientific plans with the Chinese counterparts to identify the source of the COVID-19. WHO said the mission would be to advance the understanding of animal hosts for COVID-19 and ascertain how the virus jumped from animals to humans.

During the press conference, the WHO said that there was "emerging evidence" on the airborne transmission of the new coronavirus.

"We acknowledge that there is emerging evidence in this field... therefore we believe that we have to be open to this evidence and understand its implications," WHO's professor Benedetta Allegranzi said.

WHO said so far there have been 11.4 million coronavirus cases and over 535, 000 lives lost.

The World Health Organization also sent best wishes to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who was detected with the virus.

"No-one is special in that regard: we are all potentially exposed," WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said, adding, "We wish Mr Bolsonaro and his family the best."

The World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that the coronavirus pandemic has been accelerating and has "clearly not reached the peak".

The World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that the coronavirus pandemic has been accelerating and has "clearly not reached the peak". Also Read: No second wave? US still 'knee deep' in first wave of coronavirus, says Anthony Fauci "While the number of deaths appears to have levelled off globally, in reality, some countries have made significant progress in reducing the number of deaths, while in other countries deaths are on the rise," Tedros said. The UN health body said that WHO experts will be travelling to China shortly to prepare scientific plans with the Chinese counterparts to identify the source of the COVID-19. WHO said the mission would be to advance the understanding of animal hosts for COVID-19 and ascertain how the virus jumped from animals to humans. During the press conference, the WHO said that there was "emerging evidence" on the airborne transmission of the new coronavirus. "We acknowledge that there is emerging evidence in this field... therefore we believe that we have to be open to this evidence and understand its implications," WHO's professor Benedetta Allegranzi said. WHO said so far there have been 11.4 million coronavirus cases and over 535, 000 lives lost. The World Health Organization also sent best wishes to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who was detected with the virus. "No-one is special in that regard: we are all potentially exposed," WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said, adding, "We wish Mr Bolsonaro and his family the best."

WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission

Bajaj auto’s Waluj plant employees in Aurangabad will have their salaries reduced by around 50 per cent during the nine-day lockdown duet to coronavirus starting later this week.&nbsp;

Reports said the local authorities have decided to lockdown the city and the industrial area from July 10 to July 18 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The unit, which employs close to 8,000 workers including contract and permanent employees accounts for half the company’s total production in India.&nbsp;

Reports say workers at Bajaj auto's Aurangabad plant are refusing to report to&nbsp;duty as the coronavirus cases have been steadily rising with close to 250 workers having been infected with five dying of the virus.&nbsp;

The district which has several auto and pharma units has been reporting a large number of of cases daily. &nbsp;Earlier reports had said that the management of Bajaj auto and workers had failed to reach any deal on the suspension of operations to control the coronavirus infections as cases continued to rise at the plant. &nbsp;

The company rolls out motorcycles and three-wheelers at its Waluj plant for domestic as well as export markets. However, two hundred coronavirus cases have been identified till June and two workers have died due to the virus.&nbsp;

In April and May, employees at other leading automakers such as Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai Motor, Toyota Kirloskar Motor had reported coronavirus cases, following which the companies had announced temporary shutdown of the plant.&nbsp;

Bajaj auto is the largest two-wheeler exporter out of India and sells bikes and scooters domestically and to several other countries in the world.

Bajaj auto’s Waluj plant employees in Aurangabad will have their salaries reduced by around 50 per cent during the nine-day lockdown duet to coronavirus starting later this week.

Bajaj auto’s Waluj plant employees in Aurangabad will have their salaries reduced by around 50 per cent during the nine-day lockdown duet to coronavirus starting later this week. Reports said the local authorities have decided to lockdown the city and the industrial area from July 10 to July 18 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The unit, which employs close to 8,000 workers including contract and permanent employees accounts for half the company’s total production in India. Reports say workers at Bajaj auto's Aurangabad plant are refusing to report to duty as the coronavirus cases have been steadily rising with close to 250 workers having been infected with five dying of the virus. The district which has several auto and pharma units has been reporting a large number of of cases daily. Earlier reports had said that the management of Bajaj auto and workers had failed to reach any deal on the suspension of operations to control the coronavirus infections as cases continued to rise at the plant. The company rolls out motorcycles and three-wheelers at its Waluj plant for domestic as well as export markets. However, two hundred coronavirus cases have been identified till June and two workers have died due to the virus. In April and May, employees at other leading automakers such as Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai Motor, Toyota Kirloskar Motor had reported coronavirus cases, following which the companies had announced temporary shutdown of the plant. Bajaj auto is the largest two-wheeler exporter out of India and sells bikes and scooters domestically and to several other countries in the world.

Bajaj auto’s Waluj plant employees face salary cut amid lockdown

Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, he headed the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India.

The Tibetan leader has lived in India for over 60 years now but China calls him "a wolf in monk's clothes".

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-conflict-with-china-to-nobel-peace-prize-journey-of-the-dalai-lama-311124" hreflang="en">From conflict with China to Nobel Peace Prize: Journey of the Dalai Lama</a>

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama is a catch for India-China relations. India's approach towards him has always been a marker for its changing relations with Beijing.

When India and China are close, Delhi limits its engagement with the Dalai Lama but when there are tensions, Delhi toasts him.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-taking-a-new-approach-towards-tibet-311229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Today is one such day. It is the 85th birthday of the Dalai Lama with several prominent people&nbsp;wishing&nbsp;him on his birthday.&nbsp;

RK Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, tweeted praying for his good health.&nbsp;Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh also wished him happiness and a long life.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This day marks the 85th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalaiLama</a>. 
 
I pray for his good health and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/longevity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#longevity</a>. 
 
In these difficult times, his spiritual leadership gives strength: Lt. Governor <a href="https://twitter.com/R_K_Mathur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@R_K_Mathur</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DalaiLama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DalaiLama</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ladakh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ladakh</a> <a href="https://t.co/B68g0aBn0c">pic.twitter.com/B68g0aBn0c</a>
— Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) <a href="https://twitter.com/lg_ladakh/status/1279992282783969281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Cabinet minister Kiren Rijiju offered his reverence and prayers. Rijiju's tweet was also a reflection of the Indian prime minister's message in Ladakh.

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On the auspicious occasion of the 85th birthday of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, I offer my deepest reverence, prayers, and wishes for his long and healthy life. His values and ideals are the guiding light towards love, peace and compassion for entire humanity. <a href="https://t.co/eu9Jw1jgLt">pic.twitter.com/eu9Jw1jgLt</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1279995957325660160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Peace and compassion, contrasting the :age of expansionism".

China is watching all of this closely.

In 2014, when prime minister Modi first took office, he invited the head of Tibetan government&nbsp;in exile, Lobsang Sangay to his swearing-in ceremony.

In 2019, no such invitation was extended. In 2016, then President Pranab Mukherjee felicitated the Dalai Lama. In 2018, Delhi denied permission for "thank you India"&nbsp;events-- these were to mark 60 years of the Dalai Lama's arrival in India.

Delhi did not allow them, top government officials were told to distance themselves from the occasion.

The reason given was this that it was a very sensitive time for India's relations with China.

It was just after the Doklam standoff and the Wuhan summit with ties with the Dragon on the mend which were&nbsp;strained two years later in the wake of the Galwan Valley clash.&nbsp;

Now in probably the most sensitive time for India-China relations and what better way to send China a message than through engagements with the Dalai Lama.

Some in India want this message to be stronger. Like giving the Dalai Lama India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, while others suggest he should feature on the Chinese embassy's address and others say Delhi's&nbsp;Shanti Path should be renamed Dalai Lama Marg.

The government has not ventured beyond Birthday greetings. The message has reached both Dharamsala and Bejing. 
&nbsp;

Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, he headed the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India. The Tibetan leader has lived in India for over 60 years now but China calls him "a wolf in monk's clothes".

Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, he headed the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India. The Tibetan leader has lived in India for over 60 years now but China calls him "a wolf in monk's clothes". Also see: From conflict with China to Nobel Peace Prize: Journey of the Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama is a catch for India-China relations. India's approach towards him has always been a marker for its changing relations with Beijing. When India and China are close, Delhi limits its engagement with the Dalai Lama but when there are tensions, Delhi toasts him. Today is one such day. It is the 85th birthday of the Dalai Lama with several prominent people wishing him on his birthday. RK Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, tweeted praying for his good health. Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh also wished him happiness and a long life. This day marks the 85th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama @DalaiLama. I pray for his good health and #longevity. In these difficult times, his spiritual leadership gives strength: Lt. Governor @R_K_Mathur.#DalaiLama #Ladakh pic.twitter.com/B68g0aBn0c — Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) July 6, 2020 × Cabinet minister Kiren Rijiju offered his reverence and prayers. Rijiju's tweet was also a reflection of the Indian prime minister's message in Ladakh. On the auspicious occasion of the 85th birthday of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, I offer my deepest reverence, prayers, and wishes for his long and healthy life. His values and ideals are the guiding light towards love, peace and compassion for entire humanity. pic.twitter.com/eu9Jw1jgLt — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 6, 2020 × Peace and compassion, contrasting the :age of expansionism". China is watching all of this closely. In 2014, when prime minister Modi first took office, he invited the head of Tibetan government in exile, Lobsang Sangay to his swearing-in ceremony. In 2019, no such invitation was extended. In 2016, then President Pranab Mukherjee felicitated the Dalai Lama. In 2018, Delhi denied permission for "thank you India" events-- these were to mark 60 years of the Dalai Lama's arrival in India. Delhi did not allow them, top government officials were told to distance themselves from the occasion. The reason given was this that it was a very sensitive time for India's relations with China. It was just after the Doklam standoff and the Wuhan summit with ties with the Dragon on the mend which were strained two years later in the wake of the Galwan Valley clash. Now in probably the most sensitive time for India-China relations and what better way to send China a message than through engagements with the Dalai Lama. Some in India want this message to be stronger. Like giving the Dalai Lama India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, while others suggest he should feature on the Chinese embassy's address and others say Delhi's Shanti Path should be renamed Dalai Lama Marg. The government has not ventured beyond Birthday greetings. The message has reached both Dharamsala and Bejing.

Despite tense India-China relations, New Delhi warms up to Dalai Lama on his 85th birthday

Kuwait may soon ask foreign workers to leave and in the process&nbsp;nearly 800,000 Indians could be forced out.

Kuwait's national assembly committee has approved a draft expat quota bill. It&nbsp;is not only a major blow to Indians and their families living in Kuwait but&nbsp;also to their dependents back home. The anti-expat rhetoric in Kuwait has spiked since the beginning of the pandemic.

Government officials have repeatedly called for reduction in the number of foreign workers,&nbsp;&nbsp;so that more jobs are available to the local population.

The first inklings of the bill came to light last month after&nbsp;Prime minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah proposed reducing the number of expats from 70 per cent to 30 per cent, ou of the 4.8 million people living in Kuwait, expats account for 3.3 million.

It has not come as a surprise that the bill's first target were Indians.&nbsp;There are around 1.4 million Indians in Kuwait and that is a huge number with&nbsp;one in two expats living in Kuwait an Indian.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nearly-800000-indians-could-be-forced-to-leave-kuwait-311230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the new bill, Indians will not be allowed to exceed 15 per cent of the population&nbsp;which means an immediate exodus of close to 800,000 Indians from manual labourers to doctors, Indians work in all capacities in Kuwait will have to leave the country.

Nearly 28,000 Indians work for the Kuwaiti government. They work in government hospitals, national oil companies and even in universities.

In an extreme step, they could all be replaced by locals. However, most of the Indians are employed in the private sector. There are bout 523,000 workers in this sector. They have about 160,000 dependents living in Kuwait and close to 60,000 Indian kids are studying in 23 Indian schools across the country.

If the new bill is passed&nbsp; - it will have a devastating effect on their lives&nbsp;but, the low-skilled Indian workers will be the worst hit with&nbsp;Kuwait likely to target them intensely in the first phase of its demographic purge.&nbsp;

Assembly speaker Marzouq al-Ghanem said: "The state will focus on skilled migrants rather than labourers." So, the 1.3 million foreigners, who are either illiterate or can merely read and write will be sent back.

Indian labourers in Kuwait send money to their poor families in India.&nbsp;In 2018 alone&nbsp;India received close to $4.8 billion&nbsp;as remittances. As a consequence of this new expat bill poor families in India will suffer.

Their source of income will be gone. During the pandemic, many of these Indian labourers in Kuwait were laid-off and&nbsp;as foreigners&nbsp;they were not eligible for economic relief, so thousands registered for repatriation to India.

For those still in Kuwait, the future is now even more uncertain.

The problem is Kuwait and other Gulf countries want to put their citizens to work. Gone are the days of lucrative subsidies to locals. The excessive reliance on oil has undone the Gulf economies.

Oil contributes 90 per cent to Kuwait government's revenue which&nbsp;has collapsed as the oil prices remain at historic lows.

There is no money left to give as hand-outs to its citizens. They must now work, but the jobs are held by foreigners. So the government is pushing foreigners out in a fight to keep its local population alive.

Kuwait may soon ask foreign workers to leave and in the process nearly 800,000 Indians could be forced out. Kuwait's national assembly committee has approved a draft expat quota bill.

Kuwait may soon ask foreign workers to leave and in the process nearly 800,000 Indians could be forced out. Kuwait's national assembly committee has approved a draft expat quota bill. It is not only a major blow to Indians and their families living in Kuwait but also to their dependents back home. The anti-expat rhetoric in Kuwait has spiked since the beginning of the pandemic. Government officials have repeatedly called for reduction in the number of foreign workers, so that more jobs are available to the local population. The first inklings of the bill came to light last month after Prime minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah proposed reducing the number of expats from 70 per cent to 30 per cent, ou of the 4.8 million people living in Kuwait, expats account for 3.3 million. It has not come as a surprise that the bill's first target were Indians. There are around 1.4 million Indians in Kuwait and that is a huge number with one in two expats living in Kuwait an Indian. According to the new bill, Indians will not be allowed to exceed 15 per cent of the population which means an immediate exodus of close to 800,000 Indians from manual labourers to doctors, Indians work in all capacities in Kuwait will have to leave the country. Nearly 28,000 Indians work for the Kuwaiti government. They work in government hospitals, national oil companies and even in universities. In an extreme step, they could all be replaced by locals. However, most of the Indians are employed in the private sector. There are bout 523,000 workers in this sector. They have about 160,000 dependents living in Kuwait and close to 60,000 Indian kids are studying in 23 Indian schools across the country. If the new bill is passed - it will have a devastating effect on their lives but, the low-skilled Indian workers will be the worst hit with Kuwait likely to target them intensely in the first phase of its demographic purge. Assembly speaker Marzouq al-Ghanem said: "The state will focus on skilled migrants rather than labourers." So, the 1.3 million foreigners, who are either illiterate or can merely read and write will be sent back. Indian labourers in Kuwait send money to their poor families in India. In 2018 alone India received close to $4.8 billion as remittances. As a consequence of this new expat bill poor families in India will suffer. Their source of income will be gone. During the pandemic, many of these Indian labourers in Kuwait were laid-off and as foreigners they were not eligible for economic relief, so thousands registered for repatriation to India. For those still in Kuwait, the future is now even more uncertain. The problem is Kuwait and other Gulf countries want to put their citizens to work. Gone are the days of lucrative subsidies to locals. The excessive reliance on oil has undone the Gulf economies. Oil contributes 90 per cent to Kuwait government's revenue which has collapsed as the oil prices remain at historic lows. There is no money left to give as hand-outs to its citizens. They must now work, but the jobs are held by foreigners. So the government is pushing foreigners out in a fight to keep its local population alive.

New expat quota bill in Kuwait could force out nearly 800,000 Indians

The Wuhan virus has infected the Pakistani leadership with Prime Minister Imran Khan leaving everything to chance.

The Pakistan prime minister did not impose a strict lockdown, nor did he shut places of worship and allowed citizens to violate all guidelines. Now karma has hit him hard with his own ministers being forced to work from home.&nbsp;

The list of high-profile coronavirus afflicted patients keeps growing. The latest leader to have caught the virus is the point-person for the disease itself - Dr&nbsp;Zafar Mirza - the man responsible for Pakistan's pandemic response. Mirza tested positive for the virus and he made the announcement earlier today on Twitter.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-top-pak-leaders-infected-with-wuhan-virus-311228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Dr Mirza has mild symptoms, he has isolated himself and is said to be taking all precautions. Mirza was earlier facing criminal investigation for smuggling 20 million masks but was acquitted.

Not just Mirza, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also tested positive last week and has been moved to a military hospital in Rawalpindi. He is carrying out his duties from home, so is the federal minister for information and telecommunications.

Syed Aminul Haq also tested positive two weeks back, next on the list was federal minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed who tested positive the virus on June 8 and spent most of the month at a military hospital in Rawalpindi.

Imran Ismail, PTI leader and governor of the Sindh province, had also tested for the virus two months back. However, PM Imran Khan didn't take the pandemic seriously. Last month, he was served another reminder. The former prime minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also caught the virus. The former Pakistan PM had tested positive last month and had to quarantine himself at home.

Abbasi joins a long list of Pakistani leaders who have tested positive for the Wuhan virus. There are more leaders who caught the virus - Sharjeel Memon from the Pakistan Peoples Party, Chaudhary Ali Akhtar, PTI provincial lawmaker, Asad Qaiser, Speaker of the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the opposition in the Pakistan National Assembly - all of them were hit by the virus.

There are more names - Saeed Ghani, Pakistan Peoples Party leader, Syed Fazal Agha, ex-governor of Balochistan, Shaheen Raza, PTI lawmaker in Punjab province, Ghulam Murtaza Baloch, minister for human settlements in Sindh province. They all caught the virus in the last 6 months.

The Wuhan virus has infected the Pakistani leadership with Prime Minister Imran Khan leaving everything to chance. The Pakistan prime minister did not impose a strict lockdown, nor did he shut places of worship and allowed citizens to violate all guidelines.

The Wuhan virus has infected the Pakistani leadership with Prime Minister Imran Khan leaving everything to chance. The Pakistan prime minister did not impose a strict lockdown, nor did he shut places of worship and allowed citizens to violate all guidelines. Now karma has hit him hard with his own ministers being forced to work from home. The list of high-profile coronavirus afflicted patients keeps growing. The latest leader to have caught the virus is the point-person for the disease itself - Dr Zafar Mirza - the man responsible for Pakistan's pandemic response. Mirza tested positive for the virus and he made the announcement earlier today on Twitter. Dr Mirza has mild symptoms, he has isolated himself and is said to be taking all precautions. Mirza was earlier facing criminal investigation for smuggling 20 million masks but was acquitted. Not just Mirza, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also tested positive last week and has been moved to a military hospital in Rawalpindi. He is carrying out his duties from home, so is the federal minister for information and telecommunications. Syed Aminul Haq also tested positive two weeks back, next on the list was federal minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed who tested positive the virus on June 8 and spent most of the month at a military hospital in Rawalpindi. Imran Ismail, PTI leader and governor of the Sindh province, had also tested for the virus two months back. However, PM Imran Khan didn't take the pandemic seriously. Last month, he was served another reminder. The former prime minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also caught the virus. The former Pakistan PM had tested positive last month and had to quarantine himself at home. Abbasi joins a long list of Pakistani leaders who have tested positive for the Wuhan virus. There are more leaders who caught the virus - Sharjeel Memon from the Pakistan Peoples Party, Chaudhary Ali Akhtar, PTI provincial lawmaker, Asad Qaiser, Speaker of the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the opposition in the Pakistan National Assembly - all of them were hit by the virus. There are more names - Saeed Ghani, Pakistan Peoples Party leader, Syed Fazal Agha, ex-governor of Balochistan, Shaheen Raza, PTI lawmaker in Punjab province, Ghulam Murtaza Baloch, minister for human settlements in Sindh province. They all caught the virus in the last 6 months.

Pakistan ministers hit with virus as PM Imran refuses to impose strict lockdown

Melbourne authorities imposed six weeks restrictions amid growing coronavirus cases starting&nbsp;Wednesday as Australia continues to grapple with the virus.

Metropolitan Melbourne is set to return to stage three restrictions as the total death toll due to the virus in Australia reached 106 on Tuesday.

Watch:

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Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews while announcing the new rules said that "no-one wanted to be in this position. I know there will be enormous amounts of damage that will be done because of this. It will be very challenging" even as residents braced to stay at home.

Andrews added that "we can't pretend the virus crisis is over."

Restaurants have been asked to stick to takeaways and students have been told to return to remote learning.

As the lockdown announcement was made, shoppers could be seen queueing for supplies to prepare for the stay-at-home order which is set to last for over a month even as authorities said there was no need for panic buying.

Victoria is set to close its borders starting midnight with the military called in to secure border crossings.

A travel ban has also been put in place for Melbourne residents with returning New South Wales residents have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

Australia had recorded 199 new COVID-19 cases on Monday with 191 in Victoria. Australia has reported nearly 9,000 coronavirus cases with 839 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the country stands at 106.

Melbourne authorities imposed six weeks restrictions amid growing coronavirus cases starting Wednesday as Australia continues to grapple with the virus. Metropolitan Melbourne is set to return to stage three restrictions as the total death toll due to the virus in Australia reached 106 on Tuesday.

Melbourne authorities imposed six weeks restrictions amid growing coronavirus cases starting Wednesday as Australia continues to grapple with the virus. Metropolitan Melbourne is set to return to stage three restrictions as the total death toll due to the virus in Australia reached 106 on Tuesday. Watch: Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews while announcing the new rules said that "no-one wanted to be in this position. I know there will be enormous amounts of damage that will be done because of this. It will be very challenging" even as residents braced to stay at home. Andrews added that "we can't pretend the virus crisis is over." Restaurants have been asked to stick to takeaways and students have been told to return to remote learning. As the lockdown announcement was made, shoppers could be seen queueing for supplies to prepare for the stay-at-home order which is set to last for over a month even as authorities said there was no need for panic buying. Victoria is set to close its borders starting midnight with the military called in to secure border crossings. A travel ban has also been put in place for Melbourne residents with returning New South Wales residents have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Australia had recorded 199 new COVID-19 cases on Monday with 191 in Victoria. Australia has reported nearly 9,000 coronavirus cases with 839 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the country stands at 106.

COVID-19 in Australia: Lockdown ordered in Melbourne; New South Wales to close border

The Goa government has sought the permission of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for using convalescent plasma therapy to treat COVID-19 patients, health minister Vishwajit Rane said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-surges-past-7-lakh-death-toll-at-20160-311264">Also Read:&nbsp;India’s COVID-19 tally surges past 7 lakh, death toll at 20160</a>

He said the state has all the required facilities to store blood plasma.

Goa has so far recorded 1,813 COVID-19 cases, of which 745 are active while seven have succumbed to the infection.

"The state government has already written to the ICMR seeking their nod to treat COVID-19 patients using the plasma therapy. We will procure the latest equipment to derive plasma from recovered patients," Rane told reporters in Pernem.

The therapy involves taking antibodies from the blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 and transfusing those antibodies into an active coronavirus patient to help kickstart the immune system to fight the infection.

He said the government will recruit more doctors to expand the current testing capacity, and will also procure additional ambulances under the existing 108 initiative in view of the growing number of COVID-19 patients. 
Rane referred to an incident wherein a COVID-19 patient from Taleigao village near Panaji was forced to wait for hours for an ambulance. PTI&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Goa government has sought the permission of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for using convalescent plasma therapy to treat COVID-19 patients, health minister Vishwajit Rane said on Tuesday.

The Goa government has sought the permission of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for using convalescent plasma therapy to treat COVID-19 patients, health minister Vishwajit Rane said on Tuesday. Also Read: India’s COVID-19 tally surges past 7 lakh, death toll at 20160 He said the state has all the required facilities to store blood plasma. Goa has so far recorded 1,813 COVID-19 cases, of which 745 are active while seven have succumbed to the infection. "The state government has already written to the ICMR seeking their nod to treat COVID-19 patients using the plasma therapy. We will procure the latest equipment to derive plasma from recovered patients," Rane told reporters in Pernem. The therapy involves taking antibodies from the blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 and transfusing those antibodies into an active coronavirus patient to help kickstart the immune system to fight the infection. He said the government will recruit more doctors to expand the current testing capacity, and will also procure additional ambulances under the existing 108 initiative in view of the growing number of COVID-19 patients. Rane referred to an incident wherein a COVID-19 patient from Taleigao village near Panaji was forced to wait for hours for an ambulance. PTI

Amid rising COVID-19 cases, Goa seeks ICMR nod for convalescent plasma therapy

Pakistan has signed a hydropower deal with a Chinese company as part of the country's China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anti-china-protests-held-in-pok-against-illegal-construction-of-dams-311261">Also Read:&nbsp;Anti-China protests held in PoK against illegal construction of dams</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan hailed the new project and asserted that "CPEC was confined to road connectivity, but now other aspects of the corridor are being unfolded."

The hydropower project will be carried out on river Jhelum in Sadhanoti district in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) and is set to be completed by 2026.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran</a> said the “It (CPEC) is a project that will take Pakistan to new heights," while adding, "CPEC project will take Pakistan to the very top."

The Pakistan prime minister had earlier vowed that his government will complete the CPEC project "at any cost". Imran had&nbsp;earlier called the CPEC project a "game-changer".

The US has consistently been against the CPEC project asserting that the multi-billion dollar project will, in the end, take a toll on Pakistan's economy due to rising debt.

CPEC is a multi-billion project spanning road, rail and waterways which seeks to connect major trading ports from Asia and Africa linking it all the way to Europe. China has also linked Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.

The project reportedly costs over $60 billion, however, India has been against the project since several roadways cuts across PoK.

Last month China had said that 20 per cent of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was "seriously affected" due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

China has given large loans to companies belonging to other countries however their inability to pay the debts has reportedly slowed several projects under the BRI. However, Chinese officials have said there have been no reports of projects being cancelled amid the pandemic.

China had said about "40 per cent of projects have seen little adverse impact, and another 30-40 per cent have been somewhat affected".

Pakistan has signed a hydropower deal with a Chinese company as part of the country's China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Also Read: Anti-China protests held in PoK against illegal construction of dams Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan hailed the new project and asserted that "CPEC was confined to road connectivity, but now other aspects of the corridor are being unfolded.

Pakistan has signed a hydropower deal with a Chinese company as part of the country's China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Also Read: Anti-China protests held in PoK against illegal construction of dams Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan hailed the new project and asserted that "CPEC was confined to road connectivity, but now other aspects of the corridor are being unfolded." The hydropower project will be carried out on river Jhelum in Sadhanoti district in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) and is set to be completed by 2026. Imran said the “It (CPEC) is a project that will take Pakistan to new heights," while adding, "CPEC project will take Pakistan to the very top." The Pakistan prime minister had earlier vowed that his government will complete the CPEC project "at any cost". Imran had earlier called the CPEC project a "game-changer". The US has consistently been against the CPEC project asserting that the multi-billion dollar project will, in the end, take a toll on Pakistan's economy due to rising debt. CPEC is a multi-billion project spanning road, rail and waterways which seeks to connect major trading ports from Asia and Africa linking it all the way to Europe. China has also linked Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. The project reportedly costs over $60 billion, however, India has been against the project since several roadways cuts across PoK. Last month China had said that 20 per cent of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was "seriously affected" due to the coronavirus pandemic. China has given large loans to companies belonging to other countries however their inability to pay the debts has reportedly slowed several projects under the BRI. However, Chinese officials have said there have been no reports of projects being cancelled amid the pandemic. China had said about "40 per cent of projects have seen little adverse impact, and another 30-40 per cent have been somewhat affected".

Amid coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan signs hydropower project with China to be built in PoK

More than 15 lakh people have been quarantined in Mumbai after contact-tracing so far since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city civic body said.

Out of these, 5.34 lakh people were identified as high-risk contacts, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-surges-past-7-lakh-death-toll-at-20160-311264">Also Read:&nbsp;India’s COVID-19 tally surges past 7 lakh, death toll at 20160</a>

So far, 13.28 lakh people have completed their 14-day quarantine. As of now, 2.46 lakh people are under home quarantine and 14,288 under institutional quarantine, the BMC said on its website.

Out of 14,288 people under institutional quarantine, 11,409 are lodged at 328 CCC-1 (COVID care centre) facilities, which have a collective capacity of over 50,000 beds, while 2,879 are kept at 57 CCC-2 facilities, having more than 6,100 beds, the BMC said.

The CCC-1 facilities are set up mostly in hotels and halls and do not have 24-hour monitoring facility, while CCC-2 are government facilities where doctors and nurses are available round-the-clock.

The BMC said it has acquired several hotels, guest houses, gymkhanas, halls and other places for institutional quarantine and isolation purposes.

It has sealed 6,552 buildings and declared 750 slums and chawls (small tenements) as containment zones, after one or more persons there tested positive for coronavirus.

Till Monday, Mumbai reported 85,326 COVID-19 cases and 4,935 deaths due to the disease, the BMC said. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;

More than 15 lakh people have been quarantined in Mumbai after contact-tracing so far since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city civic body said. Out of these, 5.

More than 15 lakh people have been quarantined in Mumbai after contact-tracing so far since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city civic body said. Out of these, 5.34 lakh people were identified as high-risk contacts, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. Also Read: India’s COVID-19 tally surges past 7 lakh, death toll at 20160 So far, 13.28 lakh people have completed their 14-day quarantine. As of now, 2.46 lakh people are under home quarantine and 14,288 under institutional quarantine, the BMC said on its website. Out of 14,288 people under institutional quarantine, 11,409 are lodged at 328 CCC-1 (COVID care centre) facilities, which have a collective capacity of over 50,000 beds, while 2,879 are kept at 57 CCC-2 facilities, having more than 6,100 beds, the BMC said. The CCC-1 facilities are set up mostly in hotels and halls and do not have 24-hour monitoring facility, while CCC-2 are government facilities where doctors and nurses are available round-the-clock. The BMC said it has acquired several hotels, guest houses, gymkhanas, halls and other places for institutional quarantine and isolation purposes. It has sealed 6,552 buildings and declared 750 slums and chawls (small tenements) as containment zones, after one or more persons there tested positive for coronavirus. Till Monday, Mumbai reported 85,326 COVID-19 cases and 4,935 deaths due to the disease, the BMC said.

Over 15 lakh people quarantined in Mumbai after coronavirus contact-tracing: BMC

The Trump administration has injected&nbsp;$1.6 billion in&nbsp;Biotechnology company Novavax to ensure manufacturing of potential coronavirus vaccine in the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-firm-says-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-shows-promise-in-human-test-309159">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese firm says COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows promise in human test</a>

The US government has given the company a&nbsp;target of 100 million doses by January next year as part of “Operation Warp Speed” meant to accelerate&nbsp;vaccine programmes.

The cost includes the crucial Phase III trial involving humans which is set to begin in October.

The US government has already spent millions of dollars to support vaccine initiatives by Moderna, AstraZeneca, &nbsp;Johnson &amp; Johnson and Emergent Biosolutions in a bid to find a solution to the coronavirus pandemic.

Novavax shares surged 38 per cent in pre-market trading as the US government announced cash inflow into the company.

AstraZeneca has already started human trials in Brazil administering it to high-risk individuals who are likely to come into contact with COVID-19 patients namely doctors and nurses.&nbsp;

AstraZeneca had earlier claimed that a trial on pigs had resulted in the production of antibody with two doses producing greater antibodies than a single dose.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical firm Regeneron said that it had entered the final stages of human trials to find out whether a drug can treat and prevent COVID-19.

The Trump administration has injected $1.6 billion in Biotechnology company Novavax to ensure manufacturing of potential coronavirus vaccine in the United States.

The Trump administration has injected $1.6 billion in Biotechnology company Novavax to ensure manufacturing of potential coronavirus vaccine in the United States. Also Read: Chinese firm says COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows promise in human test The US government has given the company a target of 100 million doses by January next year as part of “Operation Warp Speed” meant to accelerate vaccine programmes. The cost includes the crucial Phase III trial involving humans which is set to begin in October. The US government has already spent millions of dollars to support vaccine initiatives by Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Emergent Biosolutions in a bid to find a solution to the coronavirus pandemic. Novavax shares surged 38 per cent in pre-market trading as the US government announced cash inflow into the company. AstraZeneca has already started human trials in Brazil administering it to high-risk individuals who are likely to come into contact with COVID-19 patients namely doctors and nurses. AstraZeneca had earlier claimed that a trial on pigs had resulted in the production of antibody with two doses producing greater antibodies than a single dose. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical firm Regeneron said that it had entered the final stages of human trials to find out whether a drug can treat and prevent COVID-19.

Operation Warp Speed: US injects $1.6 billion in Novavax for coronavirus vaccine

The US military "will continue to stand strong"&nbsp;in relation to a conflict between India and China or anywhere else, a top White House official said on Monday, after the US Navy deployed two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea to boost its presence in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-disengagement-begins-at-three-flashpoints-311179">Also Read:&nbsp;India-China standoff: Disengagement begins at three flashpoints</a>

"The message is clear. We're not going to stand by and let China or anyone else take the reins in terms of being the most powerful, dominant force, whether it's in that region or over here,"&nbsp;White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told Fox News.

"And the message is clear. Our military might stands strong and will continue to stand strong, whether it's in relationship to a conflict between India and China or anywhere else,"&nbsp;Meadows said in response to a question.

The troops of India and China were&nbsp;locked in an eight-week standoff in several areas in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring.

The situation deteriorated last month following the Galwan Valley clashes that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead as the two sides significantly bolstered their deployments in most areas along the LAC.

The Chinese military on Monday began withdrawing troops from the Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held lengthy talks on Sunday. Doval and Wang are also the special representatives on the India-China boundary talks.

The United States has sent two of its aircraft carriers to the South China Sea. "Our mission is to make sure that the world knows that we still have the preeminent fighting force on the face of the globe," Meadows said.

President Donald Trump has invested more in the US military, more in not only the hardware but the men and women who serve so sacrificially each and every day, he said. "He (Trump) continues to do so,"&nbsp;he added.

China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are vital to global trade.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area.

Appearing on the same Fox News on Monday talk show with host Brian Kilmeade, influential Republican Senator Tom Cotton said that the US aircraft carriers are headed to the South China Sea to thwart off any Chinese misadventure against Taiwan or other countries in the region. 
 
"That's one of the reasons why we have those aircraft carrier groups in the South China Sea. I mean, look what China did in the southwest. It's essentially invaded India over the last few weeks and killed Indian soldiers,"&nbsp;Cotton said.

"No country on China's periphery, right now, is safe from Chinese aggression. All those countries want a close relationship with the United States. We ought to have one," Cotton added.

The US military "will continue to stand strong" in relation to a conflict between India and China or anywhere else, a top White House official said on Monday, after the US Navy deployed two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea to boost its presence in the region.

The US military "will continue to stand strong" in relation to a conflict between India and China or anywhere else, a top White House official said on Monday, after the US Navy deployed two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea to boost its presence in the region. Also Read: India-China standoff: Disengagement begins at three flashpoints "The message is clear. We're not going to stand by and let China or anyone else take the reins in terms of being the most powerful, dominant force, whether it's in that region or over here," White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told Fox News. "And the message is clear. Our military might stands strong and will continue to stand strong, whether it's in relationship to a conflict between India and China or anywhere else," Meadows said in response to a question. The troops of India and China were locked in an eight-week standoff in several areas in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring. The situation deteriorated last month following the Galwan Valley clashes that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead as the two sides significantly bolstered their deployments in most areas along the LAC. The Chinese military on Monday began withdrawing troops from the Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held lengthy talks on Sunday. Doval and Wang are also the special representatives on the India-China boundary talks. The United States has sent two of its aircraft carriers to the South China Sea. "Our mission is to make sure that the world knows that we still have the preeminent fighting force on the face of the globe," Meadows said. President Donald Trump has invested more in the US military, more in not only the hardware but the men and women who serve so sacrificially each and every day, he said. "He (Trump) continues to do so," he added. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are vital to global trade. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area. Appearing on the same Fox News on Monday talk show with host Brian Kilmeade, influential Republican Senator Tom Cotton said that the US aircraft carriers are headed to the South China Sea to thwart off any Chinese misadventure against Taiwan or other countries in the region. "That's one of the reasons why we have those aircraft carrier groups in the South China Sea. I mean, look what China did in the southwest. It's essentially invaded India over the last few weeks and killed Indian soldiers," Cotton said. "No country on China's periphery, right now, is safe from Chinese aggression. All those countries want a close relationship with the United States. We ought to have one," Cotton added.

US military to stand with India in conflict with China, says White House official

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