After criticism over "soft" approach towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rejects-report-that-it-delayed-sharing-coronavirus-information-with-who-302900">coronavirus</a>, Sweden's top epidemiologist Anders Tegnell acknowledged that the country could have handled the crisis better.

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"If we were to encounter the same disease with everything we know about it today, I think we would end up doing something in between what Sweden and the rest of the world has done," Tegnell said, adding,"it would be good to know more precisely what you should shut down to better prevent a spread of the infection."

The country's opposition parties had earlier demanded independent commission to probe the response to the virus. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, however, asserted that he would appoint a commission but after the pandemic was over

There have been over 38,000 cases in the country with over 4,400 deaths even as the toll in other European countries namely Italy and Spain has been far higher, however, Swedish authorities were blamed initially for not imposing a strict lockdown even as schools for under-16s remained open including restaurants and bars.

Tegnell stated that the casualty rate of other European countries was "absolutely too high"&nbsp;

Sweden did however impose a ban on public gathering and visits to nursing homes amid the rising number of cases in the country.

After criticism over "soft" approach towards coronavirus, Sweden's top epidemiologist Anders Tegnell acknowledged that the country could have handled the crisis better.

After criticism over "soft" approach towards coronavirus, Sweden's top epidemiologist Anders Tegnell acknowledged that the country could have handled the crisis better. Watch Video: "If we were to encounter the same disease with everything we know about it today, I think we would end up doing something in between what Sweden and the rest of the world has done," Tegnell said, adding,"it would be good to know more precisely what you should shut down to better prevent a spread of the infection." The country's opposition parties had earlier demanded independent commission to probe the response to the virus. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, however, asserted that he would appoint a commission but after the pandemic was over There have been over 38,000 cases in the country with over 4,400 deaths even as the toll in other European countries namely Italy and Spain has been far higher, however, Swedish authorities were blamed initially for not imposing a strict lockdown even as schools for under-16s remained open including restaurants and bars. Tegnell stated that the casualty rate of other European countries was "absolutely too high" Sweden did however impose a ban on public gathering and visits to nursing homes amid the rising number of cases in the country.

Sweden's top epidemiologist admits 'in between' approach on COVID-19 could have worked better

Saudi Arabia's crown prince has been busy crushing dissent ever since his ascent to power in 2017. Just like the rest of the world, Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a pandemic but even as the kingdom has started to ease lockdown restrictions the de facto ruler of the kingdom, crown prince Mohammad bin Salman has been mired in another crisis.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince has been busy crushing dissent ever since his ascent to power in 2017. Just like the rest of the world, Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a pandemic but even as the kingdom has started to ease lockdown restrictions the de facto ruler of the kingdom, crown prince Mohammad bin Salman has been mired in another crisis. The pressure is building on him to release imprisoned Saudi royals. They've been in five-star custody since January 2018. Now Saudi Arabia's royals are turning to the American president. They are hiring lobbyists with connections to Donald Trump and are also are planning legal lobbying, and public relations campaigns to secure their release. Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz was among eleven princes arrested two years back. A multilingual 37-year-old educated at Paris's Sorbonne University, he was known to have not had any kind of political ambitions. And in fact, had a reputation for being a "walking blank check" for funding projects in poor countries. Saudi Arabia justified the arrests as a consequence of an unlawful protest but the details of the arrest and prince Salman's whereabouts remain murky. He's been in jail for two years without charges. A delegation from the European parliament came to Riyadh in February to campaign for his release and now he has roped in top American lobbyist Robert Stryk signing a $2 million contract to help secure his release. This is just one royal. There's a whole lot of them. The crown prince of Saudi Arabia has been ruthlessly eliminating potential rivals. He began a royal crackdown in 2017 in the name of fighting corruption. It was a power grab. which still continues. In March this year, authorities arrested the Saudi king's brother prince Ahmed and nephew prince Mohammed bin Nayef. Prince Nayef was edged out as heir to the throne by MBS. Two adult children and the brother of a senior aide to prince Nayef were also detained. Princess Basmah bint Saud, another royal perceived to be close to Prince Nayef has been jailed for a year without charge along with her daughter. She has gone public with pleas to be released from detention. She too has roped in lawyers in Washington and London. This is a tricky time for MBS-- first the pandemic. Then the crashing oil prices and economic slump and now this international effort by jailed royals. Even the deadly virus from Wuhan has failed to put under lockdown, the Saudi game of thrones.

Saudi Arabia's Game of Thrones continues amid COVID-19 pandemic

Mumbai today reported 1,109 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-left-lockdown-behind-will-get-our-growth-back-says-pm-modi-302546">coronavirus</a> cases with 49 deaths in the last 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbais-dharavi-slum-area-reports-25-covid-19-cases-markets-open-in-delhi-302647">Also Read:&nbsp;Mumbai's Dharavi slum area reports 25 COVID-19 cases; markets open in Delhi</a>

The number of coronavirus cases in India's financial capital has surged to 41,986 with the death toll climbing to 1,368.

Maharashtra recorded 2,287 new COVID-19 cases with 103 deaths today, taking the total number of cases in the state to 72,300.

India's national capital recorded 1,298 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with the total death toll climbing to 556.

Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, 137 people tested positive for coronavirus with the total number of cases in the state climbing to 8,420.

Jharkhand on Tuesday reported 37 new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases rising to 712. The state health department said that there are 387 active cases.

In Rajasthan 273 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 9373, the health department said.

Mumbai today reported 1,109 coronavirus cases with 49 deaths in the last 24 hours. Also Read: Mumbai's Dharavi slum area reports 25 COVID-19 cases; markets open in Delhi The number of coronavirus cases in India's financial capital has surged to 41,986 with the death toll climbing to 1,368.

Mumbai today reported 1,109 coronavirus cases with 49 deaths in the last 24 hours. Also Read: Mumbai's Dharavi slum area reports 25 COVID-19 cases; markets open in Delhi The number of coronavirus cases in India's financial capital has surged to 41,986 with the death toll climbing to 1,368. Maharashtra recorded 2,287 new COVID-19 cases with 103 deaths today, taking the total number of cases in the state to 72,300. India's national capital recorded 1,298 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with the total death toll climbing to 556. Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, 137 people tested positive for coronavirus with the total number of cases in the state climbing to 8,420. Jharkhand on Tuesday reported 37 new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases rising to 712. The state health department said that there are 387 active cases. In Rajasthan 273 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 9373, the health department said.

COVID-19: Maharashtra records 103 deaths, Mumbai reports 1,109 new cases

New mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that he was extending the night-tine curfew amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-protests-highlight-inequalities-and-endemic-racial-discrimination-un-rights-chief-michelle-bachelet-302667">violence </a>in the city which has gripped the country.

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Blasio said the curfew would be in force from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am starting Tuesday till Sunday as looting was reported across Manhattan.

Officials had earlier said that New York was under a curfew until Tuesday morning after riots hit the city.

The curfew was imposed after reports of high end stores being targeted by looters including Michael Kors, Nike, and Lego. Reports said &nbsp;Macy's department store was also targeted by looters.

Mayor Bill de Blasio had said earlier that "situation was really not acceptable", although he asserted that the city was "fully under control, and overwhelmingly calm and peaceful".

"We support peaceful protest in this city. But right now it's time to go home," de Blasio had said, adding, "some people are out tonight not to protest but to destroy property and hurt others -— and those people are being arrested. Their actions are unacceptable and we won't allow them in our city."

Amid reports of looting, US President Trump had said that he was "dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property."

New mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that he was extending the night-tine curfew amid violence in the city which has gripped the country. Watch Video: Blasio said the curfew would be in force from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am starting Tuesday till Sunday as looting was reported across Manhattan.

New mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that he was extending the night-tine curfew amid violence in the city which has gripped the country. Watch Video: Blasio said the curfew would be in force from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am starting Tuesday till Sunday as looting was reported across Manhattan. Officials had earlier said that New York was under a curfew until Tuesday morning after riots hit the city. The curfew was imposed after reports of high end stores being targeted by looters including Michael Kors, Nike, and Lego. Reports said Macy's department store was also targeted by looters. Mayor Bill de Blasio had said earlier that "situation was really not acceptable", although he asserted that the city was "fully under control, and overwhelmingly calm and peaceful". "We support peaceful protest in this city. But right now it's time to go home," de Blasio had said, adding, "some people are out tonight not to protest but to destroy property and hurt others -— and those people are being arrested. Their actions are unacceptable and we won't allow them in our city." Amid reports of looting, US President Trump had said that he was "dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property."

New York night curfew to be extended amid violence

Donald Trump may be the self-proclaimed "law &amp; order president" of the US, however, the protesters with a cause have reached his doorstep and they are refusing to cease ground.

The president instead of trying to heal their wounds has been making it more painful. Donald Trump's residence the White House now resembles a war zone with policemen on horseback marching towards demonstrators chanting "you are the threat".

The protesters were unarmed&nbsp;and demonstrating peacefully. They were not there to loot stores but they were tear-gassed and assaulted for no apparent reason but within moments the reason became clear - it was done to clear the path for the US president who wanted to step out for a photo-op.

Just minutes after the protesters were driven back, Donald Trump walked out of the White House surrounded by dozens of TV cameras and hundreds of security personnel. The US president headed for a photo-op at a church which was damaged during the protests with the smell of tear gas still fresh in the air.

Donald Trump stopped at the St John's church and held up a bible for the cameras and what followed next were sermons on how he was&nbsp;going to make America even greater.

"It'll be greater than ever before," the US president said with a bible in his hand. He then walked back to the White House Rose Garden to divulge more information about his great plan.

Trump's decision to deploy thousands of heavily armed soldiers to stop the protests was because he wants to "quickly solve the problem" just like he quickly dispersed protesters for a photo-op.&nbsp;

In an audio clip, it was quite apparent how Trump really plans on quickly solving the problem. The leaked audio clip was from a conversation with US governors with Trump telling them that if they are not dominating the protesters, they are only wasting time.

Donald Trump may be the self-proclaimed "law & order president" of the US, however, the protesters with a cause have reached his doorstep and they are refusing to cease ground.

Donald Trump may be the self-proclaimed "law & order president" of the US, however, the protesters with a cause have reached his doorstep and they are refusing to cease ground. The president instead of trying to heal their wounds has been making it more painful. Donald Trump's residence the White House now resembles a war zone with policemen on horseback marching towards demonstrators chanting "you are the threat". The protesters were unarmed and demonstrating peacefully. They were not there to loot stores but they were tear-gassed and assaulted for no apparent reason but within moments the reason became clear - it was done to clear the path for the US president who wanted to step out for a photo-op. Just minutes after the protesters were driven back, Donald Trump walked out of the White House surrounded by dozens of TV cameras and hundreds of security personnel. The US president headed for a photo-op at a church which was damaged during the protests with the smell of tear gas still fresh in the air. Donald Trump stopped at the St John's church and held up a bible for the cameras and what followed next were sermons on how he was going to make America even greater. "It'll be greater than ever before," the US president said with a bible in his hand. He then walked back to the White House Rose Garden to divulge more information about his great plan. Trump's decision to deploy thousands of heavily armed soldiers to stop the protests was because he wants to "quickly solve the problem" just like he quickly dispersed protesters for a photo-op. In an audio clip, it was quite apparent how Trump really plans on quickly solving the problem. The leaked audio clip was from a conversation with US governors with Trump telling them that if they are not dominating the protesters, they are only wasting time.

US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots

India has been locked in a standoff at the border with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/border-situation-with-india-stable-and-controllable-china-302437">China</a> for over 25 days with the situation still precarious.

However, there are no signs of de-escalation yet but, a new report claims that both sides are stepping up their guard.&nbsp;

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According to a PTI report, both India and China are now moving in heavy equipment and weaponry. It includes artillery and combat vehicles which allegedly is being moved to the rear bases that are close to the disputed areas in eastern Ladakh.

It comes at a time when both sides are engaging both militarily and diplomatically to resolve the stand-off. So far, India hasn't said much on the crisis but, over the weekend defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke out.

Rajnath Singh said face-offs have happened before, but this time it's different. India's defence minister said the Chinese troops have "come in a little farther that usual this time" but beyond that India hasn't said much.

Beijing is not talking either but, the same cannot be said about its press. The Global Times has been engaging in sabre rattling. The Global Times has been putting out more reports that New Delhi won't be too happy to see with the state-run media saying yet again that the Galwan Valley falls in Chinese territory.

It says China has amassed high altitude weapons. The piece claims that the PLA expanded its firepower after the Doklam stand-off. It has a list of weaponry with tanks, helicopters, drones and howitzers. Some of the equipment was showcased at China's National Day military parade on October 1 last year.

China's state mouthpiece has been boasting about PLA's firepower at a time when its forces have invaded Indian territory&nbsp; 
while the piece doesn't say the advanced defence equipment has been deployed at the border.

It does indicate that it can be operationalised swiftly, such reports send a message that China won't back down from its territorial claims.

Beijing has acted forcefully to defend its territorial claims as recent events prove. The world has been consumed by the coronavirus. &nbsp;

The PLA in recent weeks was behind the sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat in the South China Sea, it harrassed a Malaysian offshore oli rig and moved around Taiwan's waters. On the ground, China has asserted itself on Hong Kong. It cleared the national security bill last week that would allow Beijing greater control over the region.

China is also working with Pakistan to leverage the crisis. Recently, it agreed to help Pakistan build a dam in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) and now its border provocations in Ladakh are only needling India further.

India has been locked in a standoff at the border with China for over 25 days with the situation still precarious. However, there are no signs of de-escalation yet but, a new report claims that both sides are stepping up their guard.

India has been locked in a standoff at the border with China for over 25 days with the situation still precarious. However, there are no signs of de-escalation yet but, a new report claims that both sides are stepping up their guard. According to a PTI report, both India and China are now moving in heavy equipment and weaponry. It includes artillery and combat vehicles which allegedly is being moved to the rear bases that are close to the disputed areas in eastern Ladakh. It comes at a time when both sides are engaging both militarily and diplomatically to resolve the stand-off. So far, India hasn't said much on the crisis but, over the weekend defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke out. Rajnath Singh said face-offs have happened before, but this time it's different. India's defence minister said the Chinese troops have "come in a little farther that usual this time" but beyond that India hasn't said much. Beijing is not talking either but, the same cannot be said about its press. The Global Times has been engaging in sabre rattling. The Global Times has been putting out more reports that New Delhi won't be too happy to see with the state-run media saying yet again that the Galwan Valley falls in Chinese territory. It says China has amassed high altitude weapons. The piece claims that the PLA expanded its firepower after the Doklam stand-off. It has a list of weaponry with tanks, helicopters, drones and howitzers. Some of the equipment was showcased at China's National Day military parade on October 1 last year. China's state mouthpiece has been boasting about PLA's firepower at a time when its forces have invaded Indian territory while the piece doesn't say the advanced defence equipment has been deployed at the border. It does indicate that it can be operationalised swiftly, such reports send a message that China won't back down from its territorial claims. Beijing has acted forcefully to defend its territorial claims as recent events prove. The world has been consumed by the coronavirus. The PLA in recent weeks was behind the sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat in the South China Sea, it harrassed a Malaysian offshore oli rig and moved around Taiwan's waters. On the ground, China has asserted itself on Hong Kong. It cleared the national security bill last week that would allow Beijing greater control over the region. China is also working with Pakistan to leverage the crisis. Recently, it agreed to help Pakistan build a dam in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) and now its border provocations in Ladakh are only needling India further.

China's Global Times boasts about PLA's firepower amid standoff at India border

Space X has made history with its arrival at the international space station. There are many firsts, it's the first commercially developed spacecraft to put Americans into the Earth's orbit, also, it's the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts in nearly a decade. Naturally, SpaceX founder Elon Musk is beaming with happiness.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk must have been a nervous man. He was at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

US President Donald Trump was there too. The privately-built SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stood upright. Ready for launch after two delays due to bad weather.

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Come the time of reckoning, 3:22 eastern daylight time on May 30. The first commercially designed and built spacecraft took off in triumph and&nbsp;Elon Musk was overjoyed.&nbsp;

After a 19-hour journey, and a tense automatic docking sequence. The capsule attached itself to the international space station as&nbsp;the portal opened.

The two NASA astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were welcomed by the station's crew. This crewed mission has created history.

It's the first time a commercially developed spacecraft has put Americans in space. For all these years space was a hegemony of NASA in the US.

Now, Earth's orbit has welcomed a private player in SpaceX. Also, it's the first spaceflight with NASA astronauts that took-off from US soil in nine years.

Since 2011, NASA astronauts have had to hitch rides into orbit on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft.&nbsp;

Naturally, the US President was all praise&nbsp;for the successful all-American mission, he said: "We have created the envy of the world, and will soon be landing on mars and will soon have the greatest weapons ever imagined in history -- I've already seen designs, and even I can't believe it. The United States has regained our place of prestige as the world leader. As has often been stated, you can't be number one on earth if you are number two in space."

The last time NASA launched astronauts into space aboard a brand new vehicle was 40 years ago. That was at the start of the space shuttle program.

For Musk -- the launch represents another milestone. It is the first time a reusable rocket has been deployed for a space mission. This makes spaceflight less costly and more frequent.

This could pave the way for civilians -- to hop on a ride to space. &nbsp;For now, the two NASA astronauts have begun their month long stay in the orbital laboratory.

Space X has made history with its arrival at the international space station. There are many firsts, it's the first commercially developed spacecraft to put Americans into the Earth's orbit, also, it's the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts in nearly a decade.

Space X has made history with its arrival at the international space station. There are many firsts, it's the first commercially developed spacecraft to put Americans into the Earth's orbit, also, it's the first spaceflight of NASA astronauts in nearly a decade. Naturally, SpaceX founder Elon Musk is beaming with happiness. SpaceX founder Elon Musk must have been a nervous man. He was at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. US President Donald Trump was there too. The privately-built SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stood upright. Ready for launch after two delays due to bad weather. Come the time of reckoning, 3:22 eastern daylight time on May 30. The first commercially designed and built spacecraft took off in triumph and Elon Musk was overjoyed. After a 19-hour journey, and a tense automatic docking sequence. The capsule attached itself to the international space station as the portal opened. The two NASA astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were welcomed by the station's crew. This crewed mission has created history. It's the first time a commercially developed spacecraft has put Americans in space. For all these years space was a hegemony of NASA in the US. Now, Earth's orbit has welcomed a private player in SpaceX. Also, it's the first spaceflight with NASA astronauts that took-off from US soil in nine years. Since 2011, NASA astronauts have had to hitch rides into orbit on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft. Naturally, the US President was all praise for the successful all-American mission, he said: "We have created the envy of the world, and will soon be landing on mars and will soon have the greatest weapons ever imagined in history -- I've already seen designs, and even I can't believe it. The United States has regained our place of prestige as the world leader. As has often been stated, you can't be number one on earth if you are number two in space." The last time NASA launched astronauts into space aboard a brand new vehicle was 40 years ago. That was at the start of the space shuttle program. For Musk -- the launch represents another milestone. It is the first time a reusable rocket has been deployed for a space mission. This makes spaceflight less costly and more frequent. This could pave the way for civilians -- to hop on a ride to space. For now, the two NASA astronauts have begun their month long stay in the orbital laboratory.

SpaceX becomes first commercial company to launch NASA astronauts

It is high time the United States of America is pulled up for racial discrimination because prejudice, racial attacks, criminalisation of the black population has been a reality in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-visit-community-leaders-in-delaware-amid-us-protests-302431">US</a> for centuries.

Many African-Americans do not enjoy the right to life. Racism goes back to the roots of America. The first African slaves arrived on the shores of America in 1619. The division was clear - the blacks were slaves and the whites were slave owners.

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Over 400 years have passed and 152 years since the African-Americans were given American citizenship. In July 1868, black Americans were finally declared citizens but not much has changed. Slavery has been abolished but racism remains codified in American society.

African-Americans are still treated as takers and over-policing has replaced the black codes and black inferiority is the modern and more acceptable version of slavery.

The sentiment has been unapologetically projected on the silver screen. In 1915, the movie "Birth of the Nation" celebrated white supremacy. It criminalised black Americans and upheld the sense of us vs them.

The prejudice haunted black soldiers when they returned from their World War-I postings. In 1919, black soldiers were attacked. There were riots in 34 American cities. White supremecists apparently wanted to show black soldiers "their place". In 1957, nine black students were harassed and spat on by then racism had become an accepted wrong.

The law mandated separate public spaces. Blacks and whites could not sit together in a classroom, let alone eat together at restaurants. When blacks broke these laws, they were brutalised by the police.

When they were lynched, the police turned the other way though African-Americans were granted equality on paper, the reality was very different. It was against this reality that activists like Martin Luther King jr raised their voice.

Martin Luther King Jr's speech shook the world but America refused to change. In 1965, an African-American was pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. The cops roughed up Marquette Frye as unprecedented riots followed.

History repeated itself nearly three decades later. At least 50 people were killed in Los Angeles riots and some 10,000 others were arrested for rioting, looting and arson. The trigger was the acquittal was four police officers who were caught on camera beating a black construction worker - Rodney King.

The jury was predominantly white, however, the turn of century came with a fresh ray of hope as America got its first black president but outside the gates of the Obama's White House, the world was still unsafe for African-Americans.

In 2014, an officer shot an unarmed black teenager. Michael Brown's culprit was not indicted and there was widespread anger and protests and it channeled into the black lives matter movement.

It is high time the United States of America is pulled up for racial discrimination because prejudice, racial attacks, criminalisation of the black population has been a reality in the US for centuries.

It is high time the United States of America is pulled up for racial discrimination because prejudice, racial attacks, criminalisation of the black population has been a reality in the US for centuries. Many African-Americans do not enjoy the right to life. Racism goes back to the roots of America. The first African slaves arrived on the shores of America in 1619. The division was clear - the blacks were slaves and the whites were slave owners. Over 400 years have passed and 152 years since the African-Americans were given American citizenship. In July 1868, black Americans were finally declared citizens but not much has changed. Slavery has been abolished but racism remains codified in American society. African-Americans are still treated as takers and over-policing has replaced the black codes and black inferiority is the modern and more acceptable version of slavery. The sentiment has been unapologetically projected on the silver screen. In 1915, the movie "Birth of the Nation" celebrated white supremacy. It criminalised black Americans and upheld the sense of us vs them. The prejudice haunted black soldiers when they returned from their World War-I postings. In 1919, black soldiers were attacked. There were riots in 34 American cities. White supremecists apparently wanted to show black soldiers "their place". In 1957, nine black students were harassed and spat on by then racism had become an accepted wrong. The law mandated separate public spaces. Blacks and whites could not sit together in a classroom, let alone eat together at restaurants. When blacks broke these laws, they were brutalised by the police. When they were lynched, the police turned the other way though African-Americans were granted equality on paper, the reality was very different. It was against this reality that activists like Martin Luther King jr raised their voice. Martin Luther King Jr's speech shook the world but America refused to change. In 1965, an African-American was pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. The cops roughed up Marquette Frye as unprecedented riots followed. History repeated itself nearly three decades later. At least 50 people were killed in Los Angeles riots and some 10,000 others were arrested for rioting, looting and arson. The trigger was the acquittal was four police officers who were caught on camera beating a black construction worker - Rodney King. The jury was predominantly white, however, the turn of century came with a fresh ray of hope as America got its first black president but outside the gates of the Obama's White House, the world was still unsafe for African-Americans. In 2014, an officer shot an unarmed black teenager. Michael Brown's culprit was not indicted and there was widespread anger and protests and it channeled into the black lives matter movement.

Racism haunts America as African-Americans struggle for equality

Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal has approved the premature release of Jessica Lal murder case&nbsp;convict Manu Sharma, who is serving a life sentence.

The Delhi Sentence Review Board (SRB) which comes under the Delhi government had recommended Sharma's premature release last month.

The sources said the recommendation was made at a meeting of the SRB chaired by Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain on May 11.

Sharma, son of former Union minister Venod Sharma, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Delhi High Court in December 2006 for the killing of Jessica Lal in 1999.

A trial court had acquitted him, but the high court reversed the order and the Supreme Court later upheld his life sentence in April 2010.

Lal was shot dead by Sharma after she had refused to serve him liquor at the Tamarind Court restaurant owned by socialite Bina Ramani at Qutub Colonnade in south Delhi's Mehrauli area on the night of April 30, 1999.

Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal has approved the premature release of Jessica Lal murder case convict Manu Sharma, who is serving a life sentence. The Delhi Sentence Review Board (SRB) which comes under the Delhi government had recommended Sharma's premature release last month.

Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal has approved the premature release of Jessica Lal murder case convict Manu Sharma, who is serving a life sentence. The Delhi Sentence Review Board (SRB) which comes under the Delhi government had recommended Sharma's premature release last month. The sources said the recommendation was made at a meeting of the SRB chaired by Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain on May 11. Sharma, son of former Union minister Venod Sharma, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Delhi High Court in December 2006 for the killing of Jessica Lal in 1999. A trial court had acquitted him, but the high court reversed the order and the Supreme Court later upheld his life sentence in April 2010. Lal was shot dead by Sharma after she had refused to serve him liquor at the Tamarind Court restaurant owned by socialite Bina Ramani at Qutub Colonnade in south Delhi's Mehrauli area on the night of April 30, 1999.

Delhi LG Anil Baijal approves release of Manu Sharma in Jessica Lal murder case

The India-Australia virtual summit is three-days away. The two countries will be discussing defence, maritime cooperation and WHO.

However, food is everywhere with samosas or SCO-mosas as christened by PM Scott Morrison being the hot topic of discussion in Canberra.&nbsp;

The Australian prime minister made them from scratch and served the triangular beauties with desi mango chutney. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thought they looked delicious.

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Sunday ScoMosas with mango chutney, all made from scratch - including the chutney! A pity my meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> this week is by videolink. They’re vegetarian, I would have liked to share them with him. <a href="https://t.co/Sj7y4Migu9">pic.twitter.com/Sj7y4Migu9</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1266952463464071171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is food diplomacy and the recipe is simple - break bread together for a better tomorrow and use food to win over your counterpart!

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Butter thy counterpart, chop out the differences and sweeten the ties between the two countries. Food diplomacy has been tried and tasted over the years. It's a dish best served warm. Desserts are an exception.&nbsp;

In August 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were seen getting ice-cream. Erdogan was in Russia for the inauguration of an international air show. He and Putin decided to cool the summer heat with frozen dessert,

In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Vladivostok for an economic forum. He and Putin took time off to show off their cooking skills. The duo donned blue aprons, on the menu were pancakes topped with caviar, vodka and diplomacy.

In June that year, the two were seen picking Chinese recipes in Shanghai. In 2016, Xi shared a beer with then British PM David Cameron. The two also bonded over fish and chips at a British pub.&nbsp;

Food diplomacy is like lasagne, there are layers to it. The beer order may look hasty, but there is a story behind it. 
When it comes to food diplomacy, the menu is carefully curated. It needs to be unifying and suit the taste of both countries.&nbsp;

Sample this: The menu for the White House state dinner in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron. It was&nbsp;marble cake diplomacy - the best of both worlds.

When South Korean President Moon Jae-in hosted North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in 2018, the latter was served Swiss rosti&nbsp;because Kim spent his school years in Switzerland.

In food diplomacy, personal stories are often whipped in for additional flavour but hand-picked dishes do not always go down too well. In 1992, US President George HW Bush made history. He was the first sitting president to vomit on the prime minister of Japan. The menu at the state dinner in Tokyo may have been too fishy!

Bush was served raw salmon with caviar! They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. There's no proof but world leaders have been betting on this for decades now.

The India-Australia virtual summit is three-days away. The two countries will be discussing defence, maritime cooperation and WHO. However, food is everywhere with samosas or SCO-mosas as christened by PM Scott Morrison being the hot topic of discussion in Canberra.

The India-Australia virtual summit is three-days away. The two countries will be discussing defence, maritime cooperation and WHO. However, food is everywhere with samosas or SCO-mosas as christened by PM Scott Morrison being the hot topic of discussion in Canberra. The Australian prime minister made them from scratch and served the triangular beauties with desi mango chutney. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thought they looked delicious. Sunday ScoMosas with mango chutney, all made from scratch - including the chutney! A pity my meeting with @narendramodi this week is by videolink. They’re vegetarian, I would have liked to share them with him. pic.twitter.com/Sj7y4Migu9 — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) May 31, 2020 × This is food diplomacy and the recipe is simple - break bread together for a better tomorrow and use food to win over your counterpart! Butter thy counterpart, chop out the differences and sweeten the ties between the two countries. Food diplomacy has been tried and tasted over the years. It's a dish best served warm. Desserts are an exception. In August 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were seen getting ice-cream. Erdogan was in Russia for the inauguration of an international air show. He and Putin decided to cool the summer heat with frozen dessert, In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Vladivostok for an economic forum. He and Putin took time off to show off their cooking skills. The duo donned blue aprons, on the menu were pancakes topped with caviar, vodka and diplomacy. In June that year, the two were seen picking Chinese recipes in Shanghai. In 2016, Xi shared a beer with then British PM David Cameron. The two also bonded over fish and chips at a British pub. Food diplomacy is like lasagne, there are layers to it. The beer order may look hasty, but there is a story behind it. When it comes to food diplomacy, the menu is carefully curated. It needs to be unifying and suit the taste of both countries. Sample this: The menu for the White House state dinner in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron. It was marble cake diplomacy - the best of both worlds. When South Korean President Moon Jae-in hosted North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in 2018, the latter was served Swiss rosti because Kim spent his school years in Switzerland. In food diplomacy, personal stories are often whipped in for additional flavour but hand-picked dishes do not always go down too well. In 1992, US President George HW Bush made history. He was the first sitting president to vomit on the prime minister of Japan. The menu at the state dinner in Tokyo may have been too fishy! Bush was served raw salmon with caviar! They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. There's no proof but world leaders have been betting on this for decades now.

ScoMosas: Australian PM Scott Morrison engages in food diplomacy with PM Modi

America and its President leave no opportunity in commenting on the affairs of others. In offering mediation where none was sought. Now their own house is a mess.

America and its President leave no opportunity in commenting on the affairs of others. In offering mediation where none was sought. Now their own house is a mess. What is the world saying? Some are highlighting how just and equitable their own society is, others are using this turmoil to score propaganda points. Canada Prime minister Justin Trudeau, the epitome of political correctness says that many Canadians from diverse backgrounds are watching. He says anti-black racism is real and that the world must oppose it "unconscious bias," as the Canadian Prime minister said. He seems to have achieved some self-realisation during this lockdown. Trudeau himself was embroiled in allegations of racism last year. The controversy was front page news as Justin Trudeau performed wearing blackface makeup several times in his youth. Once in a turban and robes and at other times in an Afro wig, he had to apologise for this unconscious bias in his re-election bid. Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan put out a series of posts condemning George Floyd's death and on the racist and fascist approach of the US government. The President said Turkey always stands against all attacks on humanity and about how he will fight to protect the rights of all humanity. For Erdogan, charity seems to begin miles away and ends by the time it reaches home. Turkey has led a targeted campaign against the Kurds for years. Thousands of Kurds have been displaced by ongoing violence. Their human rights situation was the worst in 2019. Somebody who is targeting societies of perceived enemies should avoid giving sermons on human rights. Iran Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif decided to be a little creative about it. He put out an edited version of a US State Department press release. Every mention of Iran's suppression was swapped with the United States. The caption had a hashtag attached world against racism. It indeed is the world against the treatment of blacks in America and it is against the treatment of women, homosexuals and Jews in Iran as rightly pointed out by Mike Pompeo. Russia The Russian foreign ministry said: "This incident is far from the first in a series of lawless conduct and unjustified violence by US law enforcement." It is the same country that tried to stifle pro-democracy protests last year. China China had a busy weekend and a lot to say. Hua Chun Ying is a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson. She shared a tweet by the US State Department about Hong Kong protests. The caption read: "I can't breathe." The last words of George Floyd. Hu Xijin --- the editor of the state-run Global Times also compared the unrest in the US to that in Hong Kong. He urged the US President to go talk to the demonstrators. Just like he urged Beijing to talk to Hong Kong rioters. In the end, neither Beijing nor Washington took his advice. In any case, anything coming out of China on human rights is preposterous. Their record is an unmitigated disaster. America deserves much criticism for what's happening. America's leaders who sit in judgment of others have failed miserably to walk the talk on equality, justice, and human rights but those living in glass houses like China and Iran shouldn't throw stones at others.

Countries around the world condemn racist attack in US

The United States of America is deeply divided and the superpower is burning. First, the pandemic killed more than one lakh people, then the economy began bleeding with the lockdown and now riots are spreading across the country.

The United States of America is deeply divided and the superpower is burning. First, the pandemic killed more than one lakh people, then the economy began bleeding with the lockdown and now riots are spreading across the country. The death of an unarmed black man in police custody has triggered violent mass protests. Public anger has exploded, much like a volcano. People are pouring out on the streets protesting. Many are marching peacefully. Many more, are indulging in violence and looting. They are clashing with the police. Social distancing is distant history. Large crowds are coming together. They are fighting the police with sticks and stones. New York is America's biggest coronavirus hotspot. It accounts for the highest number of deaths. On Saturday, a police car was set on fire. Protesters threw bricks and rocks at the police. In response, the police hit back with full force and brutality. They rammed a car into a group of protesters in Brooklyn. These scenes are not unique to New York. Similar stories are playing out across America. The black community, which is in minority says it has had enough. They are out on the streets. In the middle of a deadly pandemic and, they are demanding serious reforms, especially for the police force. This is not a war zone. This a high seat of power now overrun by angry Americans. It is near the White House with protesters burning fires and clashing with the police. As the violent protest erupted outside his home, America's commander in chief took refuge in an underground bunker in the White House. A facility that has been used to protect the president during terrorist attacks. Now he is hiding there from his own people as his country turns into a battleground. Make America great again, he said. Evidently, it hasn't gone as per plan. There were clashes in Portland. Stores were looted in Chicago. Thieves broke through the store entrance and grabbed whatever they could get their hands on from furniture to television sets. This is a political wildfire and the president is adding fuel through his tweets. Minneapolis-- where it began-- continues to burn. A tanker almost rammed into a group of protesters on a highway on Sunday. No protester was hurt but they overpowered the driver of the tanker. They beat him up and he suffered injuries. There are protestors of all descriptions. Some, as the president says, are thugs. Others are genuinely out for a cause. Whatever the motive, the issue is real and serious. Americans clashing with the police. Streets and cars are on fire. Stores are being looted. Journalists are being attacked. There's a complete breakdown of law and order. This is Trump's America for you, a superpower. With all its faultlines exposed. Its moral authority and credibility fast eroding.

Trump's America burns as protests spread

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