Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-spain-records-lower-death-toll-as-lockdown-measures-set-to-ease-295815"> coronavirus </a>pandemic is under control while asserting that the sudden risen in the number of cases will be dwelt with by authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-no-significant-clinical-benefits-of-remdesivir-claims-a-new-lancet-study-295754">Also Read:&nbsp;No significant clinical benefits of remdesivir, claims a new Lancet study</a>

Last week sailors were infected with COVID-19 in a naval base near Colombo with the number of virus cases suddenly&nbsp;increasing to 477 reported cases. At least 68 sailors were infected with the virus at the Welisara naval base, with another 27 who had reportedly gone on leave also testing positive.

Reports said at least 400 sailors were infected but results were not out yet. The naval base which included thousands of sailors and their families was placed under quartine.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has called a meeting of members of the previous Parliament for meeting next week as the country stares at a financial crisis due to the virus.

Meanwhile, authorities said the curfew regulations will be relaxed to open state and private enterprises from May in Colombo. Relaxation in curfew across districts has already been undertaken by local authorities to allow people to move around even as the president's office declared that curfew would be imposed throughout the island from April 30 to May 4.

Despite the gradual relaxation, schools and universities contiue to remain shut with people asked to stay at home with trip s and functions banned for the present moment.

Sri Lanka's doctors' trade union had earlier appealed to the governnent to increase testing to contain the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today that coronavirus pandemic is under control while asserting that the sudden risen in the number of cases will be dwelt with by authorities.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today that coronavirus pandemic is under control while asserting that the sudden risen in the number of cases will be dwelt with by authorities. Also Read: No significant clinical benefits of remdesivir, claims a new Lancet study Last week sailors were infected with COVID-19 in a naval base near Colombo with the number of virus cases suddenly increasing to 477 reported cases. At least 68 sailors were infected with the virus at the Welisara naval base, with another 27 who had reportedly gone on leave also testing positive. Reports said at least 400 sailors were infected but results were not out yet. The naval base which included thousands of sailors and their families was placed under quartine. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has called a meeting of members of the previous Parliament for meeting next week as the country stares at a financial crisis due to the virus. Meanwhile, authorities said the curfew regulations will be relaxed to open state and private enterprises from May in Colombo. Relaxation in curfew across districts has already been undertaken by local authorities to allow people to move around even as the president's office declared that curfew would be imposed throughout the island from April 30 to May 4. Despite the gradual relaxation, schools and universities contiue to remain shut with people asked to stay at home with trip s and functions banned for the present moment. Sri Lanka's doctors' trade union had earlier appealed to the governnent to increase testing to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus under control, says Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as sailors test positive

India's health ministry said today that 1,718 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/east-india-may-witness-surge-in-cases-experts-295799">coronavirus</a> cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 33,050 in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-relaxation-for-many-districts-on-may-4-ministry-of-home-affairs-295693">Also Read:&nbsp;Lockdown relaxation for many districts on May 4: Ministry of Home Affairs</a>

"The recovery rate is now 25.19 per cent. A progressive recovery rate has been observed," India's health ministry official &nbsp;Lav Agrawal said.

The health ministry asserted that the recovery rate was 13.06 per cent 14 days ago while it added that the fatality rate was at 3.2 per cent.

"Comorbidities was found in coronavirus patients in 78 per cent of the deaths," the health official said, adding," doubling rate of the cases has now increased to eleven days."

On the question on tests, the health official said: "As far as testing and treatment protocol is concerned we have to use RT-PCR test only."

During the press conference, the home ministry official said that it is considering a proposal by many state governments to run "special trains" to transport students and migrant labourers.

In fact, a UP government official said that Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to migrant workers not to travel back on foot with the government making arrangements to get them back.

"People will have to undergo necessary medical screening before boarding the buses for Uttar Pradesh. A hundred buses have left Madhya Pradesh to bring back people to Uttar Pradesh and we are sending people to Madhya Pradesh in 40 buses," UP chief secretary Awanish Awasthi said.

India's health ministry said today that 1,718 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 33,050 in the country.

India's health ministry said today that 1,718 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 33,050 in the country. Also Read: Lockdown relaxation for many districts on May 4: Ministry of Home Affairs "The recovery rate is now 25.19 per cent. A progressive recovery rate has been observed," India's health ministry official Lav Agrawal said. The health ministry asserted that the recovery rate was 13.06 per cent 14 days ago while it added that the fatality rate was at 3.2 per cent. "Comorbidities was found in coronavirus patients in 78 per cent of the deaths," the health official said, adding," doubling rate of the cases has now increased to eleven days." On the question on tests, the health official said: "As far as testing and treatment protocol is concerned we have to use RT-PCR test only." During the press conference, the home ministry official said that it is considering a proposal by many state governments to run "special trains" to transport students and migrant labourers. In fact, a UP government official said that Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to migrant workers not to travel back on foot with the government making arrangements to get them back. "People will have to undergo necessary medical screening before boarding the buses for Uttar Pradesh. A hundred buses have left Madhya Pradesh to bring back people to Uttar Pradesh and we are sending people to Madhya Pradesh in 40 buses," UP chief secretary Awanish Awasthi said.

Progressive recovery rate observed; 33,050 COVID-19 cases in India: Government

Iran government on Thursday said the death toll due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-outbreak-soon-to-be-deadlier-than-any-flu-since-1967-295698">coronavirus</a> "effectively crossed 6,000 today" while reporting 71 fatalities due the virus in the past 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-surge-to-32-million-death-toll-at-227368-295685">Also Read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.2 million, death toll at 227,368</a>

The total death toll due COVID-19 has reached 6,028, according to Iran's health ministry. There are over 93,657 people affected due to the virus ever since the country reported its first case on February 19. Iran is the hardest hit country in the Middle East since the pandemic hit the region.

On Wednesday, the country had reopened businesses even as 80 people died with the virus showing little signs of abating.

President Hassan Rouhani said: "Due to uncertainty about when this virus will end, we are preparing for work, activity and science."

"We have to follow all the medical instructions, but work and production are as essential as these precautions," the Iran president told the cabinet.

“Excessive fear, excessive anxiety, excessive worrying is worse than this corona itself and this virus and can really break up people’s lives and take away people’s comfort,” Rouhani asserted.

“But at the same time we shouldn’t be careless, meaning there must not be excessive anxiety and worrying and there must be necessary caution.”

The daily toll since April 14 has been below hundred prompting authorities to oopen shops and parks in order to allow people to go about their business, however, the threat of the virus hasn't passed.

Iran president had earlier said that regions will be marked with white, yellow and red based on the number of infections and deaths.&nbsp;

Iran government on Thursday said the death toll due to coronavirus "effectively crossed 6,000 today" while reporting 71 fatalities due the virus in the past 24 hours.

Iran government on Thursday said the death toll due to coronavirus "effectively crossed 6,000 today" while reporting 71 fatalities due the virus in the past 24 hours. Also Read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.2 million, death toll at 227,368 The total death toll due COVID-19 has reached 6,028, according to Iran's health ministry. There are over 93,657 people affected due to the virus ever since the country reported its first case on February 19. Iran is the hardest hit country in the Middle East since the pandemic hit the region. On Wednesday, the country had reopened businesses even as 80 people died with the virus showing little signs of abating. President Hassan Rouhani said: "Due to uncertainty about when this virus will end, we are preparing for work, activity and science." "We have to follow all the medical instructions, but work and production are as essential as these precautions," the Iran president told the cabinet. “Excessive fear, excessive anxiety, excessive worrying is worse than this corona itself and this virus and can really break up people’s lives and take away people’s comfort,” Rouhani asserted. “But at the same time we shouldn’t be careless, meaning there must not be excessive anxiety and worrying and there must be necessary caution.” The daily toll since April 14 has been below hundred prompting authorities to oopen shops and parks in order to allow people to go about their business, however, the threat of the virus hasn't passed. Iran president had earlier said that regions will be marked with white, yellow and red based on the number of infections and deaths.

Death toll in Iran due to coronavirus surges past 6,000

Haryana on Thursday reported 18 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours with 329 cases in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-teacher-dies-of-covid-19-in-uae-295813">Also Read:&nbsp;Indian teacher dies of COVID-19 in UAE</a>

Karnataka reported 22 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 557. Twenty-one people have died due to the virus in the state.

In Andhra Pradesh, 71 new cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 1,403 in the state. There are 1051 active cases in the state. There are 31 people who have died due to the virus in the state with no deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

In Pune, 127 new coronavirus have been reported in the last 24 hours with total number cases in the district at 1722.

Rajasthan reported 86 new cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 2,524. There have been 57 deaths due to the virus.

Haryana on Thursday reported 18 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours with 329 cases in the state. Also Read: Indian teacher dies of COVID-19 in UAE Karnataka reported 22 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 557.

Haryana on Thursday reported 18 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours with 329 cases in the state. Also Read: Indian teacher dies of COVID-19 in UAE Karnataka reported 22 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 557. Twenty-one people have died due to the virus in the state. In Andhra Pradesh, 71 new cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 1,403 in the state. There are 1051 active cases in the state. There are 31 people who have died due to the virus in the state with no deaths reported in the last 24 hours. In Pune, 127 new coronavirus have been reported in the last 24 hours with total number cases in the district at 1722. Rajasthan reported 86 new cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 2,524. There have been 57 deaths due to the virus.

Karnataka reports 22 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; Pune records 127 new cases

Spain on Thursday reported 268 deaths due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-outbreak-soon-to-be-deadlier-than-any-flu-since-1967-295698">coronavirus </a>which is the lowest death toll since March 20 as the country sought to gradually open the lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-surge-to-32-million-death-toll-at-227368-295685">Also Read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.2 million, death toll at 227,368</a>

The death toll due to COVID-19 has reached 24,543 with the number of infected cases at 236,899 which is the second highest in the world after the United States which has over a million infections.

Spain is the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy which has currently 27, 682 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre's live tracker.

On Wednesday, 325 people died of COVID-19 in Spain, still&nbsp;less than 400 giving some hope to health workers and authorities who have been fighting a virtual war in hospitals and care centres for the past three months.

The country has decided to ease the lockdown with the government unveiling a four-phase plan to exit the lockdown by the end of June.&nbsp;

On May 2, adults will be allowed to go for a walk after children were allowed by the government last week to go out and play for one hour. Government offices will also be allowed to open with people allowed in with appointments and restaurants will be able to give out takeaway orders, but sitting in restaurants won't be allowed.

On May 11, Spain intends to open bars and restaurants however entry will be restricted with small shops allowed to open but big shopping areas won't be allowed to open.

Spain on Thursday reported 268 deaths due to coronavirus which is the lowest death toll since March 20 as the country sought to gradually open the lockdown. Also Read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.

Spain on Thursday reported 268 deaths due to coronavirus which is the lowest death toll since March 20 as the country sought to gradually open the lockdown. Also Read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.2 million, death toll at 227,368 The death toll due to COVID-19 has reached 24,543 with the number of infected cases at 236,899 which is the second highest in the world after the United States which has over a million infections. Spain is the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy which has currently 27, 682 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre's live tracker. On Wednesday, 325 people died of COVID-19 in Spain, still less than 400 giving some hope to health workers and authorities who have been fighting a virtual war in hospitals and care centres for the past three months. The country has decided to ease the lockdown with the government unveiling a four-phase plan to exit the lockdown by the end of June. On May 2, adults will be allowed to go for a walk after children were allowed by the government last week to go out and play for one hour. Government offices will also be allowed to open with people allowed in with appointments and restaurants will be able to give out takeaway orders, but sitting in restaurants won't be allowed. On May 11, Spain intends to open bars and restaurants however entry will be restricted with small shops allowed to open but big shopping areas won't be allowed to open.

COVID-19: Spain records lower death toll as lockdown measures set to ease

Paying back in the same coin, New Delhi on Tuesday evening termed USCIRF&nbsp;- United States Commission on International Religious Freedom as "organization of particular concern" after the Washington headquartered body listed India as a "countries of particular concern" due to "sharp downward turn" on Religious Freedom.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, “We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report." Explaining, "Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels."

The statement said, "It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour. We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly.”

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its 2020 Annual Report listed India alongside 14 countries like Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia and North Korea in the "countries of particular concern" list. Countries are listed in the "countries of particular concern” (CPCs) because their "governments engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, egregious violations" religious freedom.

The 95-page annual report said, "In 2019, religious freedom conditions in India experienced a drastic turn downward, with religious minorities under increasing assault."

Three members of the commission dissented from the majority view of listing India as a country of particular concern---Gary L Bauer, Johnnie Moore, Tenzin Dorjee.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Commissioner Gary Bauer said I must dissent from the decision of my fellow Commissioners to recommend India, the world’s largest democracy, for designation as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, placing India in a gallery of rogue nations in which it does not belong. The trend line on religious freedom in India is not reassuring.

But India is not the equivalent of communist China, which wages war on all faiths; nor of North Korea, a prison masquerading as a country; nor of Iran, whose Islamic extremist leaders regularly threaten to unleash a second Holocaust."

Paying back in the same coin, New Delhi on Tuesday evening termed USCIRF - United States Commission on International Religious Freedom as "organization of particular concern" after the Washington headquartered body listed India as a "countries of particular concern" due to "sharp downward turn" on Religious Freedom.

Paying back in the same coin, New Delhi on Tuesday evening termed USCIRF - United States Commission on International Religious Freedom as "organization of particular concern" after the Washington headquartered body listed India as a "countries of particular concern" due to "sharp downward turn" on Religious Freedom. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, “We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report." Explaining, "Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels." The statement said, "It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour. We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly.” The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its 2020 Annual Report listed India alongside 14 countries like Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia and North Korea in the "countries of particular concern" list. Countries are listed in the "countries of particular concern” (CPCs) because their "governments engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, egregious violations" religious freedom. The 95-page annual report said, "In 2019, religious freedom conditions in India experienced a drastic turn downward, with religious minorities under increasing assault." Three members of the commission dissented from the majority view of listing India as a country of particular concern---Gary L Bauer, Johnnie Moore, Tenzin Dorjee. Commissioner Gary Bauer said I must dissent from the decision of my fellow Commissioners to recommend India, the world’s largest democracy, for designation as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, placing India in a gallery of rogue nations in which it does not belong. The trend line on religious freedom in India is not reassuring. But India is not the equivalent of communist China, which wages war on all faiths; nor of North Korea, a prison masquerading as a country; nor of Iran, whose Islamic extremist leaders regularly threaten to unleash a second Holocaust."

New Delhi terms USCIRF as organization of particular concern after it designates India as country of concern

In battle against COVID-19, India, China and US lose cops as 'frontline soldiers'

India's national capital reported two deaths and 125 new<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbais-slum-area-dharavi-reports-14-new-covid-19-cases-295617"> coronavirus</a> cases in the last 24 hours&nbsp;taking the number of COVID-19 cases to 3,439, the state health department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1813-new-coronavirus-cases-71-deaths-in-24-hours-in-india-government-295597">Also Read:&nbsp;1,813 new coronavirus cases, 71 deaths in 24 hours in India</a>

There has been no addition to the list of containment zones in Delhi today, the Kejriwal government said after hundred locations were identified as coronavirus "containment zones.

In Rajashthan, 74 new cases coronavirus cases were reported with three new deaths. The total number of COVID-19 cases has now risen to 2,438 in the state which includes 55 deaths.

Meanwhile, doctors said a 28-year-old woman who was tested positive for coronavirus in Nagpur gave birth to a baby girl today. The baby will be tested for the virus after three days, hospital doctors said.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continued to rise, the Srinagar administration declared it mandatory to wear face masks at all public places from May 1.

In a relief to Telangana authorities, no deaths were reported in the last 24 hours in the state. However, seven new coronavirus cases were reported in the state today, taking the total number of active cases to 582.

The Himachal Pradesh government said no coronavirus cases were reported in the last seven days with the total number of tests now at ten, with one person died due to the virus.

India's national capital reported two deaths and 125 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of COVID-19 cases to 3,439, the state health department said.

India's national capital reported two deaths and 125 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of COVID-19 cases to 3,439, the state health department said. Also Read: 1,813 new coronavirus cases, 71 deaths in 24 hours in India There has been no addition to the list of containment zones in Delhi today, the Kejriwal government said after hundred locations were identified as coronavirus "containment zones. In Rajashthan, 74 new cases coronavirus cases were reported with three new deaths. The total number of COVID-19 cases has now risen to 2,438 in the state which includes 55 deaths. Meanwhile, doctors said a 28-year-old woman who was tested positive for coronavirus in Nagpur gave birth to a baby girl today. The baby will be tested for the virus after three days, hospital doctors said. As the number of COVID-19 cases continued to rise, the Srinagar administration declared it mandatory to wear face masks at all public places from May 1. In a relief to Telangana authorities, no deaths were reported in the last 24 hours in the state. However, seven new coronavirus cases were reported in the state today, taking the total number of active cases to 582. The Himachal Pradesh government said no coronavirus cases were reported in the last seven days with the total number of tests now at ten, with one person died due to the virus.

Delhi reports 125 new coronavirus cases, 2 deaths in last 24 hours

India is set to take a firm stance against a proposal led by China for an investment facilitation pact and advocate strongly for its key interests at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting commencing on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

Led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the Indian delegation aims to address critical issues concerning food security, fisheries subsidies, agricultural reforms, and e-commerce moratorium on import duties during the four-day 13th ministerial conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.<o:p></o:p>

Piyush Goyal stressed India's commitment to finding a permanent solution to the public stock holding (PSH) issue for food security, highlighting the significance of food procurement, stockholding, and distribution in India's food security strategy. <o:p></o:p>

The Indian government's procurement of crops at minimum support prices (MSP) plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions of vulnerable citizens, despite limitations imposed by the WTO's Agreement on Agriculture.<o:p></o:p>

India is vehemently opposed to the Joint Support Initiatives (JSIs) or plurilateral agreements advocated by certain nations, particularly China. <o:p></o:p>

These efforts to push for investment facilitation for development agreement at the WTO are seen as falling outside the WTO's mandate, raising systemic concerns and potentially hindering developing nations' interests in the future.<o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, India stands firm on protecting farmer livelihoods and ensuring equitable market access amid calls for agricultural reforms. <o:p></o:p>

Developed nations' push to reduce domestic support and increase market openness disregards the heavy subsidies they provide to their own farmers, posing challenges for India and other developing nations.<o:p></o:p>

In addition to advocating for inclusive WTO reforms, India emphasises the need to revamp the Appellate Body to ensure fairness in dispute resolution. <o:p></o:p>

This stance pits India against the USA's reluctance and the EU's proposal for alternate mechanisms.<o:p></o:p>

Fisheries subsidies also feature prominently in India's agenda, with a focus on promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting the interests of poor fishermen. <o:p></o:p>

India advocates for a balanced approach based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, urging advanced fishing nations to bear greater responsibility for overfishing and overcapacity.<o:p></o:p>

The ongoing moratorium on customs duties on e-commerce trade is another contentious issue for India, which seeks its termination alongside several other developing nations. <o:p></o:p>

Developed nations, however, advocate for the permanent adoption of duty-free digital transmission, setting the stage for heated debates at MC13.<o:p></o:p>

India reiterates its position that non-trade issues like labour and environment should not be discussed at the WTO.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from PTI)<o:p></o:p>

India is set to take a firm stance against a proposal led by China for an investment facilitation pact and advocate strongly for its key interests at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting commencing on Tuesday.

India is set to take a firm stance against a proposal led by China for an investment facilitation pact and advocate strongly for its key interests at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting commencing on Tuesday. Led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the Indian delegation aims to address critical issues concerning food security, fisheries subsidies, agricultural reforms, and e-commerce moratorium on import duties during the four-day 13th ministerial conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Piyush Goyal stressed India's commitment to finding a permanent solution to the public stock holding (PSH) issue for food security, highlighting the significance of food procurement, stockholding, and distribution in India's food security strategy. The Indian government's procurement of crops at minimum support prices (MSP) plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions of vulnerable citizens, despite limitations imposed by the WTO's Agreement on Agriculture. India is vehemently opposed to the Joint Support Initiatives (JSIs) or plurilateral agreements advocated by certain nations, particularly China. These efforts to push for investment facilitation for development agreement at the WTO are seen as falling outside the WTO's mandate, raising systemic concerns and potentially hindering developing nations' interests in the future. Furthermore, India stands firm on protecting farmer livelihoods and ensuring equitable market access amid calls for agricultural reforms. Developed nations' push to reduce domestic support and increase market openness disregards the heavy subsidies they provide to their own farmers, posing challenges for India and other developing nations. In addition to advocating for inclusive WTO reforms, India emphasises the need to revamp the Appellate Body to ensure fairness in dispute resolution. This stance pits India against the USA's reluctance and the EU's proposal for alternate mechanisms. Fisheries subsidies also feature prominently in India's agenda, with a focus on promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting the interests of poor fishermen. India advocates for a balanced approach based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, urging advanced fishing nations to bear greater responsibility for overfishing and overcapacity. The ongoing moratorium on customs duties on e-commerce trade is another contentious issue for India, which seeks its termination alongside several other developing nations. Developed nations, however, advocate for the permanent adoption of duty-free digital transmission, setting the stage for heated debates at MC13. India reiterates its position that non-trade issues like labour and environment should not be discussed at the WTO. (With inputs from PTI)

Now, coronavirus spreads to Russia's 'secret' nuclear cities

Healthcare workers around the world are ill-equipped in their battle against the coronavirus. In fact, nurses in the United States and the UK were wearing bin bags.

In India, doctors are wearing raincoats in the absence of personal protective equipment. However, doctors and nurses are protesting nude in Germany for PPEs.

The world was once cheering Germany. It was being seen as the perfect fit for breaking the coronavirus infection chain in Europe courtesy Germany's rapid testing and low mortality rate.

But now the tide has turned and now it turns out, that buried beneath the sound of the applause were cries from the frontline. The world had ignored the plight of German healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses have been battling the pandemic unarmed and ill-equipped. For months they stitched their own masks, managed their own protective gear and now they have lost all hope.

So, they are protesting in the nude. Their nakedness is a symbol of their vulnerability and their inspiration is one French doctor - Alan Colombie.

They want protective equipment. The healthcare professionals say they do not have gloves, masks or protective suits. They are even out of basic supplies like disinfectants. One study claims that Germany needs at least 100 million single-use masks for its doctors.

The country has banned the export of&nbsp;personal protection gear. It was back in March but the ban was clearly not enough. The government of Chancellor Angela Merkel is now ramping up its orders for PPEs.

On Monday, a German military plane brought 10 million medical masks from China which means, the country is still short of &nbsp;90 million masks and the 10 million it has are Chinese masks which means they are good for nothing!

As doctors resort to nude protests, the total number of cases in Germany has crossed the 160,000-mark and over 6,300 people have died so far and there are nearly 140 new infections.

Germany cannot win this battle without its warriors.

Healthcare workers around the world are ill-equipped in their battle against the coronavirus. In fact, nurses in the United States and the UK were wearing bin bags.

Healthcare workers around the world are ill-equipped in their battle against the coronavirus. In fact, nurses in the United States and the UK were wearing bin bags. In India, doctors are wearing raincoats in the absence of personal protective equipment. However, doctors and nurses are protesting nude in Germany for PPEs. The world was once cheering Germany. It was being seen as the perfect fit for breaking the coronavirus infection chain in Europe courtesy Germany's rapid testing and low mortality rate. But now the tide has turned and now it turns out, that buried beneath the sound of the applause were cries from the frontline. The world had ignored the plight of German healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses have been battling the pandemic unarmed and ill-equipped. For months they stitched their own masks, managed their own protective gear and now they have lost all hope. So, they are protesting in the nude. Their nakedness is a symbol of their vulnerability and their inspiration is one French doctor - Alan Colombie. They want protective equipment. The healthcare professionals say they do not have gloves, masks or protective suits. They are even out of basic supplies like disinfectants. One study claims that Germany needs at least 100 million single-use masks for its doctors. The country has banned the export of personal protection gear. It was back in March but the ban was clearly not enough. The government of Chancellor Angela Merkel is now ramping up its orders for PPEs. On Monday, a German military plane brought 10 million medical masks from China which means, the country is still short of 90 million masks and the 10 million it has are Chinese masks which means they are good for nothing! As doctors resort to nude protests, the total number of cases in Germany has crossed the 160,000-mark and over 6,300 people have died so far and there are nearly 140 new infections. Germany cannot win this battle without its warriors.

German healthcare workers protest nude over lack of protective gear in COVID-19 fight

Anger is mounting against China across the world over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remdesivir-tested-against-coronavirus-showed-positive-results-us-company-gilead-sciences-295643">coronavirus </a>outbreak. The United States is no different. It wants to go after the villain in the story and the plot is thickening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-us-top-1-million-death-toll-greater-than-that-of-vietnam-war-295419">Also Read:&nbsp;Also Read: Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll greater than that of Vietnam War</a>

Now American Senator Ted Cruz wants to go after China's favourite weapon - its censors. He wants to introduce a bill, it is called the "stopping censorship, restoring integrity, protecting talkies" Act.

In short, the script act and it seeks to change the script that Hollywood has followed all along. In other words, the bill aims to reduce China's influence on the American film industry that is if the film studios toe Beijing's line they will have to pay the price bowing down to China's censors and editing movies would mean the film studios will be blocked from receiving help from the Pentagon.

American movies have often been edited to please China's censors. The films are tweaked before Chinese audiences view them. Bohemian Rhapsody is a case in point. In the biopic on Freddie Mercury - the lead singer of the rock band Queen, a scene about the singer's sexuality was removed before Chinese viewers watched the film.

China's censors did not want homosexuality to be featured not just homosexuality. Reports say films linked to politics and military themes are subjected to extra scrutiny and that's where the Texas Republican wants to step in.

"For too long, Hollywood has been complicit in China’s censorship and propaganda in the name of bigger profits. The Script Act will serve as a wake-up call by forcing Hollywood studios to choose between the assistance they need from the American government and the dollars they want from China," US Senator Ted Cruz said. &nbsp;

The Senator plans to introduce the bill when the Senate is next in session but what's the Pentagon got to do with Hollywood?

A lot more than you think. A report by the Independent tells you how deep the ties run between the two. Between 1911 and 2017, over 800 feature films got support from the Department of Defence including franchises like Iron Man and The Terminator. So, if film studios want support, they will not be allowed to give in to Chinese pressure meaning, China's censors will not apply to Hollywood.

Anger is mounting against China across the world over the coronavirus outbreak. The United States is no different. It wants to go after the villain in the story and the plot is thickening.

Anger is mounting against China across the world over the coronavirus outbreak. The United States is no different. It wants to go after the villain in the story and the plot is thickening. Also Read: Also Read: Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll greater than that of Vietnam War Now American Senator Ted Cruz wants to go after China's favourite weapon - its censors. He wants to introduce a bill, it is called the "stopping censorship, restoring integrity, protecting talkies" Act. In short, the script act and it seeks to change the script that Hollywood has followed all along. In other words, the bill aims to reduce China's influence on the American film industry that is if the film studios toe Beijing's line they will have to pay the price bowing down to China's censors and editing movies would mean the film studios will be blocked from receiving help from the Pentagon. American movies have often been edited to please China's censors. The films are tweaked before Chinese audiences view them. Bohemian Rhapsody is a case in point. In the biopic on Freddie Mercury - the lead singer of the rock band Queen, a scene about the singer's sexuality was removed before Chinese viewers watched the film. China's censors did not want homosexuality to be featured not just homosexuality. Reports say films linked to politics and military themes are subjected to extra scrutiny and that's where the Texas Republican wants to step in. "For too long, Hollywood has been complicit in China’s censorship and propaganda in the name of bigger profits. The Script Act will serve as a wake-up call by forcing Hollywood studios to choose between the assistance they need from the American government and the dollars they want from China," US Senator Ted Cruz said. The Senator plans to introduce the bill when the Senate is next in session but what's the Pentagon got to do with Hollywood? A lot more than you think. A report by the Independent tells you how deep the ties run between the two. Between 1911 and 2017, over 800 feature films got support from the Department of Defence including franchises like Iron Man and The Terminator. So, if film studios want support, they will not be allowed to give in to Chinese pressure meaning, China's censors will not apply to Hollywood.

US Senator Ted Cruz introduces bill aimed at reducing China's influence on Hollywood

American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences reported today that its experimental<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-5000-295546"> coronavirus</a> therapy remdesivir helped improve symptoms in COVID-19 patients when it was administered early than those who were treated late.

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Gilead is aware of positive data emerging from the NIAID study of our investigational treatment for COVID-19. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/Aq9J6nS43Y">https://t.co/Aq9J6nS43Y</a>.
— Gilead Sciences (@GileadSciences) <a href="https://twitter.com/GileadSciences/status/1255475987405512706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to the company, 62 per cent of patients treated early were discharged from the hospital, than 49 per cent patients who were treated late after conducting trails on 397 patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-records-325-covid-19-deaths-in-the-last-24-hours-death-toll-crosses-over-24000-295575">Also Read:&nbsp;Spain records 325 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hour</a>

"We understand that the trial has met its primary endpoint and that NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) will provide detailed information at an upcoming briefing," the company said, adding,"remdesivir, one of the most highly anticipated drugs being tested against the new coronavirus, showed positive results in a large-scale US government trial.

Shares of Gilead GILD, gained 5.7 per cent in trading after it announced the first results.

The company said Phase 3 trial testing the therapy in 6,000 severely ill patients found that those taking a five-day or ten-day course of treatment led to similar results.

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Gilead announces results from Phase 3 trial of investigational antiviral in patients with severe COVID-19: <a href="https://t.co/lZFC5Yee8T">https://t.co/lZFC5Yee8T</a>. <a href="https://t.co/oDyYCI7JDX">pic.twitter.com/oDyYCI7JDX</a>
— Gilead Sciences (@GileadSciences) <a href="https://twitter.com/GileadSciences/status/1255478001627791361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"In this study, the time to clinical improvement for 50 per cent of patients was 10 days in the 5-day treatment group and 11 days in the 10-day treatment group," it said.

Merdad Parsey, chief medical officer, Gilead Sciences, said: "The study demonstrates the potential for some patients to be treated with a 5-day regimen, which could significantly expand the number of patients who could be treated with our current supply of remdesivir."

"This is particularly important in the setting of a pandemic, to help hospitals and healthcare workers treat more patients in urgent need of care,” Parsey said.

“These study results complement data from the placebo-controlled study of remdesivir conducted by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and help to determine the optimal duration of treatment with remdesivir," Parsey added.

The coronavirus pandemic which was first reported by China on December 31 last year has already claimed over 2 million lives worldwide and infected three million people, with the US suffering the most with over 55,000 fatalities and over a million infected cases.

American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences reported today that its experimental coronavirus therapy remdesivir helped improve symptoms in COVID-19 patients when it was administered early than those who were treated late.

American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences reported today that its experimental coronavirus therapy remdesivir helped improve symptoms in COVID-19 patients when it was administered early than those who were treated late. Gilead is aware of positive data emerging from the NIAID study of our investigational treatment for COVID-19. Read more: https://t.co/Aq9J6nS43Y. — Gilead Sciences (@GileadSciences) April 29, 2020 × According to the company, 62 per cent of patients treated early were discharged from the hospital, than 49 per cent patients who were treated late after conducting trails on 397 patients. Also Read: Spain records 325 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hour "We understand that the trial has met its primary endpoint and that NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) will provide detailed information at an upcoming briefing," the company said, adding,"remdesivir, one of the most highly anticipated drugs being tested against the new coronavirus, showed positive results in a large-scale US government trial. Shares of Gilead GILD, gained 5.7 per cent in trading after it announced the first results. The company said Phase 3 trial testing the therapy in 6,000 severely ill patients found that those taking a five-day or ten-day course of treatment led to similar results. Gilead announces results from Phase 3 trial of investigational antiviral in patients with severe COVID-19: https://t.co/lZFC5Yee8T. pic.twitter.com/oDyYCI7JDX — Gilead Sciences (@GileadSciences) April 29, 2020 × "In this study, the time to clinical improvement for 50 per cent of patients was 10 days in the 5-day treatment group and 11 days in the 10-day treatment group," it said. Merdad Parsey, chief medical officer, Gilead Sciences, said: "The study demonstrates the potential for some patients to be treated with a 5-day regimen, which could significantly expand the number of patients who could be treated with our current supply of remdesivir." "This is particularly important in the setting of a pandemic, to help hospitals and healthcare workers treat more patients in urgent need of care,” Parsey said. “These study results complement data from the placebo-controlled study of remdesivir conducted by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and help to determine the optimal duration of treatment with remdesivir," Parsey added. The coronavirus pandemic which was first reported by China on December 31 last year has already claimed over 2 million lives worldwide and infected three million people, with the US suffering the most with over 55,000 fatalities and over a million infected cases.

Remdesivir, tested against coronavirus showed positive results: US company Gilead Sciences

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