China on Wednesday accused the United States of sending out ''wrong signals'' to the&nbsp;Taiwan military forces on the potential drone sale deal.

Wang Wenbin,&nbsp;spokesman of the ministry told a regular briefing in Beijing said ''China will take legitimate and necessary responses in light of the changing circumstances.''

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-taiwan-defence-deal-taiwan-buys-jets-from-lockheed-martin-320755/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US&nbsp;State Department cleared the potential sale of four sophisticated US-made aerial drones to Taiwan in a formal notification sent to Congress, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, the last step before finalising a weapons sale.

The $600 million deal would be the first such sale since US&nbsp;policy on the export of sophisticated and closely guarded&nbsp;drone&nbsp;technology was loosened by the Trump administration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-china-us-announces-24-billion-sale-of-coastal-defense-systems-to-taiwan-338183">Defying China, US announces $2.4 billion sale of coastal defense systems to Taiwan</a>

Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province that it has vowed to bring under control, by force if necessary. Washington considers it an important democratic outpost and is required by law to provide it with the means to defend itself.

In Taipei, Taiwan's foreign ministry thanked the US&nbsp;government for its "security assurance" and said the arms sales will further boost Taiwan's defence capacity.

The U.S. State Department's formal notification gives Congress 30 days to object to any sales, which is unlikely given broad bipartisan support for the defense of Taiwan.

The four MQ-9 SeaGuardian&nbsp;drones, made by General Atomics Aeronautical System, Inc of San Diego, California, would come with associated ground stations, spares, and training. While the&nbsp;drones are armable, they will be outfitted with surveillance equipment.

On October&nbsp;21, the State Department sent notifications to Congress for the first tranche of arms sales to Taiwan. They included truck-based rocket launchers made by Lockheed Martin Corp, Rocket System (HIMARS) Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) missiles and related equipment made by Boeing Co, and external sensor pods for F-16 jets.

On October&nbsp;26 the United States moved ahead with the proposed sale of 100 cruise missile stations and 400 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missiles made by Boeing Co.

China on Wednesday accused the United States of sending out ''wrong signals'' to the Taiwan military forces on the potential drone sale deal. Wang Wenbin, spokesman of the ministry told a regular briefing in Beijing said ''China will take legitimate and necessary responses in light of the changing circumstances.

China on Wednesday accused the United States of sending out ''wrong signals'' to the Taiwan military forces on the potential drone sale deal. Wang Wenbin, spokesman of the ministry told a regular briefing in Beijing said ''China will take legitimate and necessary responses in light of the changing circumstances.'' The US State Department cleared the potential sale of four sophisticated US-made aerial drones to Taiwan in a formal notification sent to Congress, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, the last step before finalising a weapons sale. The $600 million deal would be the first such sale since US policy on the export of sophisticated and closely guarded drone technology was loosened by the Trump administration. Also read: Defying China, US announces $2.4 billion sale of coastal defense systems to Taiwan Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province that it has vowed to bring under control, by force if necessary. Washington considers it an important democratic outpost and is required by law to provide it with the means to defend itself. In Taipei, Taiwan's foreign ministry thanked the US government for its "security assurance" and said the arms sales will further boost Taiwan's defence capacity. The U.S. State Department's formal notification gives Congress 30 days to object to any sales, which is unlikely given broad bipartisan support for the defense of Taiwan. The four MQ-9 SeaGuardian drones, made by General Atomics Aeronautical System, Inc of San Diego, California, would come with associated ground stations, spares, and training. While the drones are armable, they will be outfitted with surveillance equipment. On October 21, the State Department sent notifications to Congress for the first tranche of arms sales to Taiwan. They included truck-based rocket launchers made by Lockheed Martin Corp, Rocket System (HIMARS) Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) missiles and related equipment made by Boeing Co, and external sensor pods for F-16 jets. On October 26 the United States moved ahead with the proposed sale of 100 cruise missile stations and 400 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missiles made by Boeing Co.

China accuses US of sending 'wrong signals' to Taiwan with drone deal

US election 2020: Historical firsts in the presidential election

Attacks across central&nbsp;Vienna, in which gunmen killed three people and injured several others, has been captured in CCTV footage.

The&nbsp;footage shows a bearded man dressed in white, which is being perceived as a ''terrorist suspect'' and using an AK-style assault rifle to shoot at civilians and police.

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WATCH: On Monday night, terror struck <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vienna?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vienna</a>, Austria. Six different locations were targeted by terrorists. One person was murdered &amp; multiple injured. This is still an ongoing event. 
 
Our thoughts &amp; prayers are with all those affected. We stand with the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Austria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Austria</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Q1AV0fSxWF">pic.twitter.com/Q1AV0fSxWF</a>
— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/StandWithUs/status/1323411123538960384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Vienna police said in a Twitter post there had been "six different shooting locations" with "three&nbsp;deceased person" and "several injured", as well as "one&nbsp;suspect&nbsp;shot and killed by police officers".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-shooting-at-least-3-dead-15-injured-after-terrorists-open-fire-339973" hreflang="en">Vienna shooting: At least 3 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire</a>

"Several suspects armed with rifles" had been involved in the attack around 8 pm local time (2100 GMT), police said.

The yet-unidentified man can be seen in security footage, walking down the cobblestone-lined street before pulling up a rifle and shooting a man in cold blood outside the Stadttempel, a synagogue dating back to the 1820s on Vienna’s Seitenstettengasse on Monday evening.

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In picture: Several gunmen holding people as&nbsp;hostages in Austrian capital, Vienna

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In picture:&nbsp;Local residents also captured the white-clad gunman from their windows above

The rampage came on the final evening before Austria went into lockdown amid rising coronavirus rates, with bars and restaurants in the country closed from midnight and people flocking to enjoy one last night of freedom.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In picture:&nbsp;Austrian police men search civilians&nbsp;as part of the manhunt following the shootings

Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said the attack was&nbsp;carried out by at least one "Islamist terrorist."&nbsp;

Speaking to ORF, Austrian leader Kurz had said that the attackers were 'were very well equipped with automatic weapons' and had 'prepared professionally'.

Police sealed off much of the historic centre of&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;overnight, urging the public to shelter in place. Many sought refuge in bars and hotels, while public transport throughout the old town was shut down and police scoured the city.

Austria's capital had so far been spared the kind of deadly militant attacks that have struck Paris, London, Berlin and Brussels, among others, in recent years.

Attacks across central Vienna, in which gunmen killed three people and injured several others, has been captured in CCTV footage. The footage shows a bearded man dressed in white, which is being perceived as a ''terrorist suspect'' and using an AK-style assault rifle to shoot at civilians and police.

Attacks across central Vienna, in which gunmen killed three people and injured several others, has been captured in CCTV footage. The footage shows a bearded man dressed in white, which is being perceived as a ''terrorist suspect'' and using an AK-style assault rifle to shoot at civilians and police. WATCH: On Monday night, terror struck #Vienna, Austria. Six different locations were targeted by terrorists. One person was murdered & multiple injured. This is still an ongoing event. Our thoughts & prayers are with all those affected. We stand with the people of #Austria. pic.twitter.com/Q1AV0fSxWF — StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) November 2, 2020 × Vienna police said in a Twitter post there had been "six different shooting locations" with "three deceased person" and "several injured", as well as "one suspect shot and killed by police officers". Also read| Vienna shooting: At least 3 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire "Several suspects armed with rifles" had been involved in the attack around 8 pm local time (2100 GMT), police said. The yet-unidentified man can be seen in security footage, walking down the cobblestone-lined street before pulling up a rifle and shooting a man in cold blood outside the Stadttempel, a synagogue dating back to the 1820s on Vienna’s Seitenstettengasse on Monday evening. In picture: Several gunmen holding people as hostages in Austrian capital, Vienna In picture: Local residents also captured the white-clad gunman from their windows above The rampage came on the final evening before Austria went into lockdown amid rising coronavirus rates, with bars and restaurants in the country closed from midnight and people flocking to enjoy one last night of freedom. In picture: Austrian police men search civilians as part of the manhunt following the shootings Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said the attack was carried out by at least one "Islamist terrorist." Speaking to ORF, Austrian leader Kurz had said that the attackers were 'were very well equipped with automatic weapons' and had 'prepared professionally'. Police sealed off much of the historic centre of Vienna overnight, urging the public to shelter in place. Many sought refuge in bars and hotels, while public transport throughout the old town was shut down and police scoured the city. Austria's capital had so far been spared the kind of deadly militant attacks that have struck Paris, London, Berlin and Brussels, among others, in recent years.

Watch: CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's navy and volunteers rescued 120 pilot whales stranded in the country's biggest mass beaching, but at least two injured animals were found dead, officials said.

Sailors from the navy and the coastguard along with local volunteers pushed back at least 120 whales by dawn Tuesday after a gruelling overnight rescue, navy spokesman Indika de Silva said.

The school of short-finned pilot whales washed ashore at Panadura, 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Colombo, since Monday afternoon in the biggest-ever mass stranding of whales on the island.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/final-whale-saved-from-grim-australia-mass-stranding-330674">Final whale saved from grim Australia mass stranding</a>

"We used our small inshore patrol craft to pull the whales one by one back into deeper waters," de Silva told AFP. "Sadly, two whales have died of the injuries sustained when they beached."

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) confirmed that Panadura saw the largest single pod of whales stranded in the South Asian country.

"It is very unusual for such a large number to reach our shores," MEPA chief Dharshani Lahandapura told AFP, adding that the cause of the stranding was not known.

"We think this is similar to the mass stranding in Tasmania in September."

Pilot whales, which can grow up to six metres (20 feet) long and weigh a tonne, are highly social.

The phenomenon of whales getting stranded in shallow water remains largely a mystery to scientists.

In September, several hundred whales died in shallows off the coast of Australia in its biggest stranding on record and one of the largest in the world.

Sri Lanka's navy and volunteers rescued 120 pilot whales stranded in the country's biggest mass beaching, but at least two injured animals were found dead, officials said.

Sri Lanka's navy and volunteers rescued 120 pilot whales stranded in the country's biggest mass beaching, but at least two injured animals were found dead, officials said. Sailors from the navy and the coastguard along with local volunteers pushed back at least 120 whales by dawn Tuesday after a gruelling overnight rescue, navy spokesman Indika de Silva said. The school of short-finned pilot whales washed ashore at Panadura, 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Colombo, since Monday afternoon in the biggest-ever mass stranding of whales on the island. Also read: Final whale saved from grim Australia mass stranding "We used our small inshore patrol craft to pull the whales one by one back into deeper waters," de Silva told AFP. "Sadly, two whales have died of the injuries sustained when they beached." Sri Lanka's Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) confirmed that Panadura saw the largest single pod of whales stranded in the South Asian country. "It is very unusual for such a large number to reach our shores," MEPA chief Dharshani Lahandapura told AFP, adding that the cause of the stranding was not known. "We think this is similar to the mass stranding in Tasmania in September." Pilot whales, which can grow up to six metres (20 feet) long and weigh a tonne, are highly social. The phenomenon of whales getting stranded in shallow water remains largely a mystery to scientists. In September, several hundred whales died in shallows off the coast of Australia in its biggest stranding on record and one of the largest in the world.

Sri Lanka rescues 120 whales after mass stranding

France announced on Monday that it is mulling to ban&nbsp;a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves.

The move is set to further strain&nbsp;already tense relations with Ankara as&nbsp;the Grey Wolves is&nbsp;seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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Turkish members of the&nbsp;Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) condemned it.

The dissolution was announced after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced with graffiti including the name of the Grey Wolves at the weekend.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-calls-for-boycott-of-french-goods-over-macrons-stance-against-radical-islam-338069">Erdogan calls for boycott of French goods over Macron's stance against radical Islam</a>

It will be put to the French cabinet on Wednesday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told a parliamentary committee.

"To put it mildly, we are talking about a particularly aggressive group," Darmanin said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-macrons-message-to-anti-france-protesters-339953/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It deserves to be dissolved," he added, saying the move meant that actions or meetings by the group can be punished by fines or imprisonment.&nbsp;

His announcement came after a memorial centre outside Lyon to the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, regarded as genocide by Armenia, was defaced with pro-Turkish slogans including "Grey Wolves" and "RTE" in reference to Erdogan.

The incident in the town of Decines-Charpieu came against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Turkey has strongly backed its ally Azerbaijan in the conflict over the region that is part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war as the Soviet Union broke up.

Four people were wounded outside Lyon last Wednesday in clashes between suspected Turkish nationalists and Armenians protesting against Azerbaijan's military offensive.

Armenians have long campaigned for the mass killings of their ancestors in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to be recognised as genocide.

'No place in our country'&nbsp;

The move by Darmanin risks further stoking tensions with Ankara.&nbsp;

In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli which has a political alliance with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Analysts see the MHP as critical to Erdogan's continued domination of Turkey, with the support of Bahceli a key factor behind his victory in 2018's presidential election.

The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

Those affiliated to the Grey Wolves, known as Bozkurtlar in Turkish, and MHP traditionally show their loyalty with a hand gesture in which the little and index fingers are raised.

Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish nationalist who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981, has also been linked to the movement.

"It is excellent news," said French MP Yael Braun-Pivet who chairs the laws committee where Darmanin made the announcement. "These violent groups have no place in our country," she wrote on Twitter.

There have been weeks of tensions between France and Turkey, which reached a peak last month after the beheading of a French schoolteacher who showed his pupils cartoons mocking Islam's Prophet Mohammed.

In the wake of the killing, President Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate defence of free speech, including the right to mock religion, prompting Erdogan to question his mental health.

France responded by recalling its ambassador to Ankara for consultations.

In an interview with Al-Jazeera on Saturday, Macron accused Turkey of adopting a "bellicose" stance towards its NATO allies, saying tensions could ease if Erdogan showed respect and did not tell lies.

Following a spate of Islamist attacks in recent weeks, France has also been taking steps to ban radical Islamist groups and to cut off foreign funds to them.

In Compiegne, a town in northern France, two wild boar heads were found Monday on the building site of new offices for a French-Turkish cultural exchange association, which said it had filed charges for trespassing and "an Islamophobic act".

France announced on Monday that it is mulling to ban a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves. The move is set to further strain already tense relations with Ankara as the Grey Wolves is seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

France announced on Monday that it is mulling to ban a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves. The move is set to further strain already tense relations with Ankara as the Grey Wolves is seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish members of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) condemned it. The dissolution was announced after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced with graffiti including the name of the Grey Wolves at the weekend. Also read: Erdogan calls for boycott of French goods over Macron's stance against radical Islam It will be put to the French cabinet on Wednesday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told a parliamentary committee. "To put it mildly, we are talking about a particularly aggressive group," Darmanin said. "It deserves to be dissolved," he added, saying the move meant that actions or meetings by the group can be punished by fines or imprisonment. His announcement came after a memorial centre outside Lyon to the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, regarded as genocide by Armenia, was defaced with pro-Turkish slogans including "Grey Wolves" and "RTE" in reference to Erdogan. The incident in the town of Decines-Charpieu came against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey has strongly backed its ally Azerbaijan in the conflict over the region that is part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war as the Soviet Union broke up. Four people were wounded outside Lyon last Wednesday in clashes between suspected Turkish nationalists and Armenians protesting against Azerbaijan's military offensive. Armenians have long campaigned for the mass killings of their ancestors in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to be recognised as genocide. 'No place in our country' The move by Darmanin risks further stoking tensions with Ankara. In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli which has a political alliance with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). Analysts see the MHP as critical to Erdogan's continued domination of Turkey, with the support of Bahceli a key factor behind his victory in 2018's presidential election. The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists. Those affiliated to the Grey Wolves, known as Bozkurtlar in Turkish, and MHP traditionally show their loyalty with a hand gesture in which the little and index fingers are raised. Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish nationalist who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981, has also been linked to the movement. "It is excellent news," said French MP Yael Braun-Pivet who chairs the laws committee where Darmanin made the announcement. "These violent groups have no place in our country," she wrote on Twitter. There have been weeks of tensions between France and Turkey, which reached a peak last month after the beheading of a French schoolteacher who showed his pupils cartoons mocking Islam's Prophet Mohammed. In the wake of the killing, President Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate defence of free speech, including the right to mock religion, prompting Erdogan to question his mental health. France responded by recalling its ambassador to Ankara for consultations. In an interview with Al-Jazeera on Saturday, Macron accused Turkey of adopting a "bellicose" stance towards its NATO allies, saying tensions could ease if Erdogan showed respect and did not tell lies. Following a spate of Islamist attacks in recent weeks, France has also been taking steps to ban radical Islamist groups and to cut off foreign funds to them. In Compiegne, a town in northern France, two wild boar heads were found Monday on the building site of new offices for a French-Turkish cultural exchange association, which said it had filed charges for trespassing and "an Islamophobic act".

France sparks Turkish fury with plans to ban ‘Grey Wolves’ nationalist group

Eta rapidly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane on Monday as it bore down on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua and Honduras, threatening the Central American countries with catastrophic winds and floods.

The hurricane was packing winds of 150 miles (240 kilometers) an hour as it barrelled across the Caribbean towards landfall northeast of the Nicaraguan coastal city of Bilwi, the US National Hurricane Center said.&nbsp;

"Life threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds, flash flooding and landslides are expected across portions of Central America," the NHC warned.

Traveling at nine miles an hour, Eta was expected to make landfall by 10 pm (0400 GMT) Monday and early Tuesday just north of Bilwi, the main town in Nicaragua's Caribbean region.

Tropical storm-force winds at Eta's leading edge were already slamming the outlying Miskito Cays late Monday, with the winds set to increase as the hurricane rumbled closer.&nbsp;

"It's raining hard, with lots of wind. The sea is rough. We are afraid," Miskito teacher Kevin Lackwood, 22, told AFP.

Only the community's men remained to protect the houses, he said. The women and children have already been evacuated from the village of some 800 people.&nbsp;

"If the situation becomes more dangerous," Lackwood said, the men would leave too.

Other regions across the Caribbean and Central America were also facing a mauling from Eta, as the NHC said that "flash flooding and river flooding would be possible across Jamaica, southeast Mexico, El Salvador, southern Haiti, and the Cayman Islands."

"We have managed to evacuate more than 3,000 families with the active participation of our army from Caribbean communities," such as Prinzapolka and the Miskito Cays, Nicaragua's Vice President and first lady Rosario Murillo said.

Those families have been moved to shelters in high, safe areas, said Murillo.

Both Nicaragua, with more than six million people, and neighboring Honduras, with more than nine million, issued red alerts over Eta's imminent arrival.

Fortunately, their Caribbean coasts are not full of big cities, but rather small towns; Honduras has a famous resort island that includes Roatan, popular with divers.

Some 100,000 people live in Bilwi and adjacent communities along the coast, mostly in indigenous communities likely to be hit hard by the hurricane.

Dangerous storm surges are expected to raise water levels by up to 18 feet (five meters) above normal tide levels in areas along the northeastern coast of Nicaragua, and up to five feet above normal along the coast of Honduras, where a tropical storm warning was in force. &nbsp;

"The eye of the hurricane is coming directly over Bilwi and we have it close by," local resident Limbort Bucardo told AFP.

"There is some concern from the population, there are many flood areas, people are packing their goods and looking for ways to get out to shelters."

Residents stocked up with food, lamps, radios and plastic bags to protect their belongings, Bucardo said.

"The houses are totally vulnerable, they are old wooden houses lined with plastic," unable to withstand strong winds, said emergency services volunteer Kevin Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said 1,600 indigenous people were evacuated from the outlying Miskitos Cays archipelago, in the path of the hurricane, on Sunday.

The government sent 88 tons of food to the region on Sunday, as well as emergency crews to help repair communications and infrastructure once the hurricane has passed.

The NHC warned Monday, however, that "much of Nicaragua and Honduras would get 15 to 25 inches (380 to 635 mm) (of rain), isolated amounts of 35 inches (890 mm)."

And in mountainous Central America, flooded rivers can sweep over local residents in rural areas, in addition to triggering landslides.

Eta dumped heavy rains in Costa Rica on Sunday, where authorities evacuated people from the country's southern Pacific coast.

Eta rapidly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane on Monday as it bore down on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua and Honduras, threatening the Central American countries with catastrophic winds and floods.

Eta rapidly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane on Monday as it bore down on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua and Honduras, threatening the Central American countries with catastrophic winds and floods. The hurricane was packing winds of 150 miles (240 kilometers) an hour as it barrelled across the Caribbean towards landfall northeast of the Nicaraguan coastal city of Bilwi, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Life threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds, flash flooding and landslides are expected across portions of Central America," the NHC warned. Traveling at nine miles an hour, Eta was expected to make landfall by 10 pm (0400 GMT) Monday and early Tuesday just north of Bilwi, the main town in Nicaragua's Caribbean region. Tropical storm-force winds at Eta's leading edge were already slamming the outlying Miskito Cays late Monday, with the winds set to increase as the hurricane rumbled closer. "It's raining hard, with lots of wind. The sea is rough. We are afraid," Miskito teacher Kevin Lackwood, 22, told AFP. Only the community's men remained to protect the houses, he said. The women and children have already been evacuated from the village of some 800 people. "If the situation becomes more dangerous," Lackwood said, the men would leave too. Other regions across the Caribbean and Central America were also facing a mauling from Eta, as the NHC said that "flash flooding and river flooding would be possible across Jamaica, southeast Mexico, El Salvador, southern Haiti, and the Cayman Islands." "We have managed to evacuate more than 3,000 families with the active participation of our army from Caribbean communities," such as Prinzapolka and the Miskito Cays, Nicaragua's Vice President and first lady Rosario Murillo said. Those families have been moved to shelters in high, safe areas, said Murillo. Both Nicaragua, with more than six million people, and neighboring Honduras, with more than nine million, issued red alerts over Eta's imminent arrival. Fortunately, their Caribbean coasts are not full of big cities, but rather small towns; Honduras has a famous resort island that includes Roatan, popular with divers. Some 100,000 people live in Bilwi and adjacent communities along the coast, mostly in indigenous communities likely to be hit hard by the hurricane. Dangerous storm surges are expected to raise water levels by up to 18 feet (five meters) above normal tide levels in areas along the northeastern coast of Nicaragua, and up to five feet above normal along the coast of Honduras, where a tropical storm warning was in force. "The eye of the hurricane is coming directly over Bilwi and we have it close by," local resident Limbort Bucardo told AFP. "There is some concern from the population, there are many flood areas, people are packing their goods and looking for ways to get out to shelters." Residents stocked up with food, lamps, radios and plastic bags to protect their belongings, Bucardo said. "The houses are totally vulnerable, they are old wooden houses lined with plastic," unable to withstand strong winds, said emergency services volunteer Kevin Gonzalez. Gonzalez said 1,600 indigenous people were evacuated from the outlying Miskitos Cays archipelago, in the path of the hurricane, on Sunday. The government sent 88 tons of food to the region on Sunday, as well as emergency crews to help repair communications and infrastructure once the hurricane has passed. The NHC warned Monday, however, that "much of Nicaragua and Honduras would get 15 to 25 inches (380 to 635 mm) (of rain), isolated amounts of 35 inches (890 mm)." And in mountainous Central America, flooded rivers can sweep over local residents in rural areas, in addition to triggering landslides. Eta dumped heavy rains in Costa Rica on Sunday, where authorities evacuated people from the country's southern Pacific coast.

Central America braces as Hurricane Eta builds to Category 4

US election 2020: Key moments of Donald Trump's presidential tenure

Every presidential race has its own lingo, used in the days leading up to the November&nbsp;3&nbsp;election&nbsp;pitting Republican candidate&nbsp;Donald Trump against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

From naked ballots to a red&nbsp;mirage, it is essential for the American voters to be acquainted with technical jargon being used for the US election 2020.

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Here are the key political terms and their meanings:

NAKED BALLOTS

Sixteen states, including Pennsylvania, require voters to return mail ballots in a special "secrecy" envelope. Ballots that don't arrive in the envelope will be considered "naked" and might be disqualified. Celebrities including Naomi Campbell, Chris Rock, and Sarah Silverman disrobed in a video to promote proper voting procedures, "the least sexy thing a completely naked person can say," according to actor Josh Gad, who also stripped for the video by activist group Represent.Us. The group, which has promoted anti-corruption resolutions in US&nbsp;cities, says it does not endorse either candidate.

RED MIRAGE/BLUE SHIFT

Fearing crowded polling places amid the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic, a record number of Americans, particularly Democrats, cast mail-in ballots this year, and counting them could take days. As a result, initial results on&nbsp;Election&nbsp;Day may show Republicans, indicated by red on&nbsp;election&nbsp;maps, holding large leads in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, which counts mail-in ballots received three days after November&nbsp;3. As ballots are tallied in the ensuing days, that "red mirage" could fade, giving way to a "blue shift." Experts see a possible "blue mirage" and "redshift" in Florida and North Carolina, which process mailed-in ballots before&nbsp;Election&nbsp;Day.

SPOILED BALLOTS

Ballots that are improperly marked can be rejected as spoiled. Trump said in an Oct. 27 Twitter post that the phrase "can I change my vote" was trending on Google and urged Americans to submit a new ballot for him. Some states allow voters to request a new absentee ballot but first, they have to request their original ballot be marked as spoiled. Following Trump's tweet, Google data showed a spike in searches for "spoiled ballots."

DUELING ELECTORS

A candidate becomes president by securing the most "electoral" votes rather than a majority of the national popular vote. The Electoral College system allows electors to the 50 states largely based on their population, and the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state generally gets its electors. But legal experts say Trump could try to convince Republican lawmakers in closely contested states to approve the Republican slate of electors based on early vote tallies. As more ballots are counted, Biden might eventually be certified as the winner of the same state. The result: Dueling electors and an outcome that could be determined by Congress.

COURT PACKING

Republicans confirmed Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court justice on Oct. 26 to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a hero to many for her advocacy for women's issues. Democrats had argued Ginsburg's seat should be filled after the&nbsp;election&nbsp;and in response to Barrett's confirmation, some have suggested that a Biden Administration could expand the court beyond its traditional nine justices. The idea surfaced briefly in the late 1930s and was criticized as "court-packing." Biden has said he will establish a bipartisan commission to consider changes to the court system, which he said is "getting out of whack."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-the-history-and-rules-of-poll-watching-338496" hreflang="en">US election 2020: The history and rules of poll watching</a>

POLL WATCHERS

The Republican National Committee is mobilizing thousands of supporters to monitor early voting sites and ballot drop boxes, looking for irregularities such as people dropping off multiple ballots in states where that generally is not allowed. This marks the first presidential&nbsp;election&nbsp;in nearly four decades in which the Republicans can engage in "ballot security" activities without prior review and approval from the Department of Justice. Some voting rights advocates worry that gun-toting groups might show up outside polling places and intimidate voters.

CANCEL CULTURE

It’s the idea of canceling or basically running a person, idea, or belief out of public discourse by people who hold opposing views. It’s a kind of shaming in the public square — or on social media — that has made some afraid to speak up.

Some believe that the practice of what amounts to shouting down in public certain people or beliefs has restricted free speech in America. Others say the discourse, especially on social media, has expanded free expression — and that it’s not about free speech but about the right to take issue with offensive or outdated ideas.

QANON

It’s a right-wing, pro-Trump conspiracy theory born in a dark corner of the internet that has crept into mainstream politics. The theory, promoted by extremists, is based on cryptic postings by the anonymous “Q,” who purported to be a government insider with access to classified information. The first Q posting appeared in October 2017.

In May 2019, an FBI bulletin mentioning QAnon warned that conspiracy theory-driven extremists had become a domestic terrorism threat and were likely to commit violent crimes inspired by their fringe beliefs. Yet, Trump praised QAnon supporters during a White House press briefing in August.

“I heard that these are people that love our country,” he said in his first public comments on the subject. Trump insisted that he hadn’t heard much about the movement, “other than I understand they like me very much” and “it is gaining in popularity.”

Every presidential race has its own lingo, used in the days leading up to the November 3 election pitting Republican candidate Donald Trump against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

Every presidential race has its own lingo, used in the days leading up to the November 3 election pitting Republican candidate Donald Trump against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden. From naked ballots to a red mirage, it is essential for the American voters to be acquainted with technical jargon being used for the US election 2020. Here are the key political terms and their meanings: NAKED BALLOTS Sixteen states, including Pennsylvania, require voters to return mail ballots in a special "secrecy" envelope. Ballots that don't arrive in the envelope will be considered "naked" and might be disqualified. Celebrities including Naomi Campbell, Chris Rock, and Sarah Silverman disrobed in a video to promote proper voting procedures, "the least sexy thing a completely naked person can say," according to actor Josh Gad, who also stripped for the video by activist group Represent.Us. The group, which has promoted anti-corruption resolutions in US cities, says it does not endorse either candidate. RED MIRAGE/BLUE SHIFT Fearing crowded polling places amid the coronavirus pandemic, a record number of Americans, particularly Democrats, cast mail-in ballots this year, and counting them could take days. As a result, initial results on Election Day may show Republicans, indicated by red on election maps, holding large leads in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, which counts mail-in ballots received three days after November 3. As ballots are tallied in the ensuing days, that "red mirage" could fade, giving way to a "blue shift." Experts see a possible "blue mirage" and "redshift" in Florida and North Carolina, which process mailed-in ballots before Election Day. SPOILED BALLOTS Ballots that are improperly marked can be rejected as spoiled. Trump said in an Oct. 27 Twitter post that the phrase "can I change my vote" was trending on Google and urged Americans to submit a new ballot for him. Some states allow voters to request a new absentee ballot but first, they have to request their original ballot be marked as spoiled. Following Trump's tweet, Google data showed a spike in searches for "spoiled ballots." DUELING ELECTORS A candidate becomes president by securing the most "electoral" votes rather than a majority of the national popular vote. The Electoral College system allows electors to the 50 states largely based on their population, and the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state generally gets its electors. But legal experts say Trump could try to convince Republican lawmakers in closely contested states to approve the Republican slate of electors based on early vote tallies. As more ballots are counted, Biden might eventually be certified as the winner of the same state. The result: Dueling electors and an outcome that could be determined by Congress. COURT PACKING Republicans confirmed Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court justice on Oct. 26 to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a hero to many for her advocacy for women's issues. Democrats had argued Ginsburg's seat should be filled after the election and in response to Barrett's confirmation, some have suggested that a Biden Administration could expand the court beyond its traditional nine justices. The idea surfaced briefly in the late 1930s and was criticized as "court-packing." Biden has said he will establish a bipartisan commission to consider changes to the court system, which he said is "getting out of whack." Also read| US election 2020: The history and rules of poll watching POLL WATCHERS The Republican National Committee is mobilizing thousands of supporters to monitor early voting sites and ballot drop boxes, looking for irregularities such as people dropping off multiple ballots in states where that generally is not allowed. This marks the first presidential election in nearly four decades in which the Republicans can engage in "ballot security" activities without prior review and approval from the Department of Justice. Some voting rights advocates worry that gun-toting groups might show up outside polling places and intimidate voters. CANCEL CULTURE It’s the idea of canceling or basically running a person, idea, or belief out of public discourse by people who hold opposing views. It’s a kind of shaming in the public square — or on social media — that has made some afraid to speak up. Some believe that the practice of what amounts to shouting down in public certain people or beliefs has restricted free speech in America. Others say the discourse, especially on social media, has expanded free expression — and that it’s not about free speech but about the right to take issue with offensive or outdated ideas. QANON It’s a right-wing, pro-Trump conspiracy theory born in a dark corner of the internet that has crept into mainstream politics. The theory, promoted by extremists, is based on cryptic postings by the anonymous “Q,” who purported to be a government insider with access to classified information. The first Q posting appeared in October 2017. In May 2019, an FBI bulletin mentioning QAnon warned that conspiracy theory-driven extremists had become a domestic terrorism threat and were likely to commit violent crimes inspired by their fringe beliefs. Yet, Trump praised QAnon supporters during a White House press briefing in August. “I heard that these are people that love our country,” he said in his first public comments on the subject. Trump insisted that he hadn’t heard much about the movement, “other than I understand they like me very much” and “it is gaining in popularity.”

US election 2020: Key political terms in the lingo of the presidential race

On the final day of the campaign of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election</a> 2020, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> on Monday dismissed&nbsp;polls that show him headed for defeat.

Meanwhile, his&nbsp;Democratic challenger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;urged Americans to draw a line under four years of "chaos."

While campaigning in the most fiercely contested battleground, Pennsylvania, The president threatened legal action to stop counting beyond Election Day. If Pennsylvania&nbsp;ballot-counting takes several days, as is allowed, Trump charged that “cheating can happen as you have never seen. ”

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-republicans-take-poll-fight-to-courts-339961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Both campaigns insist they have a pathway to victory, though Biden’s options for winning the required 270 Electoral College votes are more plentiful. Trump is banking on a surge of enthusiasm from his most loyal supporters in addition to potential legal maneuvers.

Trump won the state in a stunner in 2016, but Biden has maintained a steady if narrowing lead there, and will make an 11th-hour Election Day trip to his gritty childhood hometown of Scranton.

Trump jetted into the city for a raucous event on Biden's home turf, but not before rallying supporters in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

"I watch these fake polls," Trump said there. "We're going to win anyway."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-casts-doubt-on-integrity-of-prolonged-vote-count-339934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Republican's gripe at pollsters, combined with swipes at journalists, social media CEOs and his 2016 opponent Hillary Clinton, reflected the bitter mood as he faces the possibility of being removed from the White House.

As he pivoted back to his months-long attempts to paint Biden as either "sleepy" or "corrupt," the crowd chanted: "Lock him up!"

And Trump sought to recapture the spirit of his shock win four years ago, telling the crowd: "You elected an outsider as president who is finally putting America first."

But Biden, who has built his campaign on casting Trump as a reckless failure during the coronavirus pandemic, senses victory.

Opinion polls give him small but steady advantages in all the swing states that tip close elections and even threatening Republican strongholds like Georgia and Texas.

"It's time for Donald Trump to pack his bags and go home," Biden, 77, told supporters at a socially-distanced event in Cleveland, Ohio.

"We're done with the chaos! We're done with the tweets, the anger, the hate, the failure, the irresponsibility."

While, Trump spent the final full campaign day sprinting through five rallies, from North Carolina to Pennsylvania to Wisconsin. Biden on the other hand, devoted most of his time to Pennsylvania, where a win would leave Trump with an exceedingly narrow path. He also dipped into Ohio, a show of confidence in a state that Trump won by 8 percentage points four years ago.

On the final day of the campaign of the US election 2020, President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed polls that show him headed for defeat. Meanwhile, his Democratic challenger Joe Biden urged Americans to draw a line under four years of "chaos.

On the final day of the campaign of the US election 2020, President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed polls that show him headed for defeat. Meanwhile, his Democratic challenger Joe Biden urged Americans to draw a line under four years of "chaos." While campaigning in the most fiercely contested battleground, Pennsylvania, The president threatened legal action to stop counting beyond Election Day. If Pennsylvania ballot-counting takes several days, as is allowed, Trump charged that “cheating can happen as you have never seen. ” Both campaigns insist they have a pathway to victory, though Biden’s options for winning the required 270 Electoral College votes are more plentiful. Trump is banking on a surge of enthusiasm from his most loyal supporters in addition to potential legal maneuvers. Trump won the state in a stunner in 2016, but Biden has maintained a steady if narrowing lead there, and will make an 11th-hour Election Day trip to his gritty childhood hometown of Scranton. Trump jetted into the city for a raucous event on Biden's home turf, but not before rallying supporters in Fayetteville, North Carolina. "I watch these fake polls," Trump said there. "We're going to win anyway." The Republican's gripe at pollsters, combined with swipes at journalists, social media CEOs and his 2016 opponent Hillary Clinton, reflected the bitter mood as he faces the possibility of being removed from the White House. As he pivoted back to his months-long attempts to paint Biden as either "sleepy" or "corrupt," the crowd chanted: "Lock him up!" And Trump sought to recapture the spirit of his shock win four years ago, telling the crowd: "You elected an outsider as president who is finally putting America first." But Biden, who has built his campaign on casting Trump as a reckless failure during the coronavirus pandemic, senses victory. Opinion polls give him small but steady advantages in all the swing states that tip close elections and even threatening Republican strongholds like Georgia and Texas. "It's time for Donald Trump to pack his bags and go home," Biden, 77, told supporters at a socially-distanced event in Cleveland, Ohio. "We're done with the chaos! We're done with the tweets, the anger, the hate, the failure, the irresponsibility." While, Trump spent the final full campaign day sprinting through five rallies, from North Carolina to Pennsylvania to Wisconsin. Biden on the other hand, devoted most of his time to Pennsylvania, where a win would leave Trump with an exceedingly narrow path. He also dipped into Ohio, a show of confidence in a state that Trump won by 8 percentage points four years ago.

US election 2020: Donald Trump dismisses 'fake' polls, Joe Biden urges Americans to end 'chaos'

In the final day of a campaign unlike any other, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> and his Democratic challenger <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;spent Monday swarming the swing states that will decide the result of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election</a> 2020.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-battleground-states-and-electoral-colleges-338271" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Battleground states and electoral colleges</a>

Meanwhile, over 95 million Americans had cast their votes in the 2020 presidential election by&nbsp;Monday, according to a tally by the US&nbsp;Elections Project at the University of Florida, a harbinger of what is expected to be the highest turnout of modern times.

The record-breaking number is about 69&nbsp;per cent of the 2016 total turnout in which Donald Trump contested against Hillary Clinton.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-are-votes-counted-in-the-presidential-election-335422" hreflang="en">US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election?</a>

The new turnout shows the new interest of the Americans in the leadership of the country. it is also being understood as a cry for help by the Americans who are rushing to elect their choice of candidate to make sure their demands and ideologies are met.

Experts are predicting that the total voter count can surpass 138 million with the&nbsp;2016 elections as a comparison model,&nbsp;a total of 47 million voters had cast their ballot four days before the elections in 2016.

A sharp increase in mail-in and early in-person voting was largely prompted by the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic, which has killed more than 230,000 people in the United States and continues unabated in many US&nbsp;states.

President Donald Trump, his administration criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, trails Democratic challenger Joe Biden in national opinion polls. A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken on October 27-29 shows Biden ahead, 51&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 43 per cent.

But the race is still a toss-up in battleground states that decide the&nbsp;election&nbsp;through the Electoral College, including Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina.

A large number of Trump's Republican supporters are expected to turn up in person to vote on&nbsp;Election&nbsp;Day after Trump sowed distrust, without evidence, of mail-in voting by asserting it was riddled with fraud.

Democrats have largely embraced early voting, not only because of the pandemic but also because of steps the Trump administration has taken to slow down the processing of US&nbsp;mail.

Experts predict turnout will easily surpass the 138 million who voted in 2016. Only 47 million votes were submitted before&nbsp;Election&nbsp;Day four years ago.

In the final day of a campaign unlike any other, President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden spent Monday swarming the swing states that will decide the result of the US election 2020.

In the final day of a campaign unlike any other, President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden spent Monday swarming the swing states that will decide the result of the US election 2020. Also read| US election 2020: Battleground states and electoral colleges Meanwhile, over 95 million Americans had cast their votes in the 2020 presidential election by Monday, according to a tally by the US Elections Project at the University of Florida, a harbinger of what is expected to be the highest turnout of modern times. The record-breaking number is about 69 per cent of the 2016 total turnout in which Donald Trump contested against Hillary Clinton. Also read| US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election? The new turnout shows the new interest of the Americans in the leadership of the country. it is also being understood as a cry for help by the Americans who are rushing to elect their choice of candidate to make sure their demands and ideologies are met. Experts are predicting that the total voter count can surpass 138 million with the 2016 elections as a comparison model, a total of 47 million voters had cast their ballot four days before the elections in 2016. A sharp increase in mail-in and early in-person voting was largely prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 230,000 people in the United States and continues unabated in many US states. President Donald Trump, his administration criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, trails Democratic challenger Joe Biden in national opinion polls. A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken on October 27-29 shows Biden ahead, 51 per cent to 43 per cent. But the race is still a toss-up in battleground states that decide the election through the Electoral College, including Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina. A large number of Trump's Republican supporters are expected to turn up in person to vote on Election Day after Trump sowed distrust, without evidence, of mail-in voting by asserting it was riddled with fraud. Democrats have largely embraced early voting, not only because of the pandemic but also because of steps the Trump administration has taken to slow down the processing of US mail. Experts predict turnout will easily surpass the 138 million who voted in 2016. Only 47 million votes were submitted before Election Day four years ago.

More than 95 million voters cast early ballots on eve of US election 2020

India reported&nbsp;38,310 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking its tally to 8.26&nbsp;million, health ministry data showed on Tuesday.

It was the ninth straight day that infections numbered fewer than 50,000, as cases have dipped from a September peak.

A total of 76,03,121 people have recuperated from the infection so far, pushing the national recovery rate to 91.96 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.49 per cent.

There are 5,41,405 active cases in the country as of the date which comprises 6.55 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh&nbsp;on August 23, and 40 lakh on September 5.

It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, and crossed 80 lakh on October 29.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 11,17,89,350 samples have been tested up so far with 10,46,247 samples being tested on Monday.

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COVID-19 Testing Update. For more details visit: <a href="https://t.co/dI1pqvXAsZ">https://t.co/dI1pqvXAsZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptHealthRes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptHealthRes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICMRFIGHTSCOVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICMRFIGHTSCOVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCOVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCOVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaUpdatesInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaUpdatesInIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/CLgfwib0on">pic.twitter.com/CLgfwib0on</a>
— ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICMRDELHI/status/1323472917510811649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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India reported 38,310 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking its tally to 8.26 million, health ministry data showed on Tuesday. It was the ninth straight day that infections numbered fewer than 50,000, as cases have dipped from a September peak.

India reported 38,310 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking its tally to 8.26 million, health ministry data showed on Tuesday. It was the ninth straight day that infections numbered fewer than 50,000, as cases have dipped from a September peak. A total of 76,03,121 people have recuperated from the infection so far, pushing the national recovery rate to 91.96 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.49 per cent. There are 5,41,405 active cases in the country as of the date which comprises 6.55 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, and crossed 80 lakh on October 29. According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 11,17,89,350 samples have been tested up so far with 10,46,247 samples being tested on Monday. COVID-19 Testing Update. For more details visit: https://t.co/dI1pqvXAsZ @MoHFW_INDIA @DeptHealthRes #ICMRFIGHTSCOVID19 #IndiaFightsCOVID19 #CoronaUpdatesInIndia #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/CLgfwib0on — ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) November 3, 2020 ×

India reports 38,310 new COVID-19 cases; total tally surges to 8.26 million

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner.

After persisting for weeks with local and regional restrictions,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;announced at the weekend that a new nationwide lockdown would come into force from Thursday and end on December 2, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK and Europe.

Scientific models show that, without immediate action, the number of deaths over the winter months could double those in the first wave earlier this year, and hospitals would soon be overwhelmed,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told the House of Commons.

"I am truly sorry for the anguish these measures will impose, particularly for businesses that had just got back on their feet," he said.

"But it's now clear that we must do more together."

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of a "catastrophic failure of leadership", but&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;vowed "no apologies" for resisting an earlier national lockdown, given the impact on lives, mental health and livelihoods.

"I believe it was right to try every possible option to get this virus under control at a local level," he said.

The ramped-up response came as Britain surpassed one million cases, while its number of coronavirus-related deaths is nearing 47,000, the worst toll in Europe.

Last orders

The government is extending a UK-wide furlough scheme to support staff wages in shut-down businesses that was due to expire on October 31.

Lisa Wright, who runs the King's Arms pub in the Yorkshire village of Askrigg, welcomed the furlough move and said another national lockdown was "inevitable".

"But it's still very sad," she told AFP.

"You know, we're here to offer a service. We're here to give people some relaxation time, and that's got to stop again. And that's quite hard to take as a business."

From Thursday, non-essential retailers in England will close, including hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, except for takeaways.&nbsp;

Restive members of&nbsp;Johnson's Conservative party, warning of more damage to the reeling economy, threatened to defy the prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Tory backbencher Charles Walker said he would be voting against a "drift further into an authoritarian, coercive state", but the restrictions will still pass with support from opposition parties.

'Catalogue of mistakes'&nbsp;

Labour's Starmer pointed out that government scientists had, in late September, urged a two-week "circuit-break" during October's half-term school holidays.

Johnson&nbsp;rejected that proposal at the time, and just a fortnight ago he said calls for another national lockdown were the "height of absurdity".

"I can't forgive the catalogue of mistakes that have cost lives and livelihoods," Starmer told a virtual annual meeting of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

"The central lesson of the first wave was ignored: that if you are to control this virus you have to act early and decisively, and that if you don't, the cost to people's health and the health of the economy is much, much worse."

CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said the measures will be "truly devastating for businesses".

But professor Andrew Hayward, one of the scientists advising the government on its coronavirus planning, said the September proposal would have caused much less harm.

"I think if we had chosen a two-week circuit-break at that time, we would definitely have saved thousands of lives," he told BBC radio.

"And we would clearly have inflicted substantially less damage on our economy than the proposed four-week lockdown will do."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner. After persisting for weeks with local and regional restrictions, Johnson announced at the weekend that a new nationwide lockdown would come into force from Thursday and end on December 2, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK and Europe. Scientific models show that, without immediate action, the number of deaths over the winter months could double those in the first wave earlier this year, and hospitals would soon be overwhelmed, Johnson told the House of Commons. "I am truly sorry for the anguish these measures will impose, particularly for businesses that had just got back on their feet," he said. "But it's now clear that we must do more together." Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of a "catastrophic failure of leadership", but Johnson vowed "no apologies" for resisting an earlier national lockdown, given the impact on lives, mental health and livelihoods. "I believe it was right to try every possible option to get this virus under control at a local level," he said. The ramped-up response came as Britain surpassed one million cases, while its number of coronavirus-related deaths is nearing 47,000, the worst toll in Europe. Last orders The government is extending a UK-wide furlough scheme to support staff wages in shut-down businesses that was due to expire on October 31. Lisa Wright, who runs the King's Arms pub in the Yorkshire village of Askrigg, welcomed the furlough move and said another national lockdown was "inevitable". "But it's still very sad," she told AFP. "You know, we're here to offer a service. We're here to give people some relaxation time, and that's got to stop again. And that's quite hard to take as a business." From Thursday, non-essential retailers in England will close, including hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, except for takeaways. Restive members of Johnson's Conservative party, warning of more damage to the reeling economy, threatened to defy the prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday. Tory backbencher Charles Walker said he would be voting against a "drift further into an authoritarian, coercive state", but the restrictions will still pass with support from opposition parties. 'Catalogue of mistakes' Labour's Starmer pointed out that government scientists had, in late September, urged a two-week "circuit-break" during October's half-term school holidays. Johnson rejected that proposal at the time, and just a fortnight ago he said calls for another national lockdown were the "height of absurdity". "I can't forgive the catalogue of mistakes that have cost lives and livelihoods," Starmer told a virtual annual meeting of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). "The central lesson of the first wave was ignored: that if you are to control this virus you have to act early and decisively, and that if you don't, the cost to people's health and the health of the economy is much, much worse." CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said the measures will be "truly devastating for businesses". But professor Andrew Hayward, one of the scientists advising the government on its coronavirus planning, said the September proposal would have caused much less harm. "I think if we had chosen a two-week circuit-break at that time, we would definitely have saved thousands of lives," he told BBC radio. "And we would clearly have inflicted substantially less damage on our economy than the proposed four-week lockdown will do."

UK's Johnson under fire as new lockdown looms for England

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