China,&nbsp;Pakistan,&nbsp;Nepal and Afghanistan&nbsp;seem to be forging a new alliance against India.

The four countries&nbsp;held a first of its kind cooperation video conference on Monday. It was attended by big names such as&nbsp;Wang Yi, the foreign affairs minister of China, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, the economic affairs minister of Pakistan,&nbsp;Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Nepal's&nbsp;foreign minister and Mohammed Haneef Atmar, the acting minister of foreign affairs of Afghanistan.

China, the compulsive bully, Pakistan, the perpetual nuisance, Nepal, an ally gone astray, and Afghanistan, a lost cause. Each one of them has had their own differences with India from time to time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-and-indian-troops-have-completed-disengagement-says-chinas-foreign-ministry-316473" hreflang="en">Chinese and Indian troops have 'completed disengagement', says China</a>

India was the lone absentee as it&nbsp;wasn't extended an invitation. Beijing's&nbsp;purpose of organising the&nbsp;meeting was to corner India.

In the conference, China told Afghanistan and Nepal to be 'more like Pakistan' and&nbsp;follow the example of Sino-Pakistan cooperation by supporting China's Belt and Road initiative(BRI).

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Chinese foreign minister urged his counterparts from Nepal and Afghanistan to ''actively promote the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor''.

He also took subtle jibes at India and America while promoting four-way ties. Yi said that the four nations should share consensus in fighting the pandemic as&nbsp;''good neighbours''.

He hit out at countries that had ''politicised'' the pandemic and ''undermined cooperation for their own political needs''. Wang said&nbsp;that such countries will be ''nailed to history's pillar of shame forever''.&nbsp;

It is ironic because the most shameless country of them all is talking about shame.

China flaunted its financial superiority while speaking on pandemic cooperation. Wang made an offer to&nbsp;entice countries.

He said that when a coronavirus vaccine is developed, China will ''improve the accessibility of vaccines to the three countries and help them strengthen their public health systems''

There's a term for such an offer by the Chinese which in English language is called a ''bribe''.

China, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan seem to be forging a new alliance against India. The four countries held a first of its kind cooperation video conference on Monday.

China, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan seem to be forging a new alliance against India. The four countries held a first of its kind cooperation video conference on Monday. It was attended by big names such as Wang Yi, the foreign affairs minister of China, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, the economic affairs minister of Pakistan, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Nepal's foreign minister and Mohammed Haneef Atmar, the acting minister of foreign affairs of Afghanistan. China, the compulsive bully, Pakistan, the perpetual nuisance, Nepal, an ally gone astray, and Afghanistan, a lost cause. Each one of them has had their own differences with India from time to time. Also read: Chinese and Indian troops have 'completed disengagement', says China India was the lone absentee as it wasn't extended an invitation. Beijing's purpose of organising the meeting was to corner India. In the conference, China told Afghanistan and Nepal to be 'more like Pakistan' and follow the example of Sino-Pakistan cooperation by supporting China's Belt and Road initiative(BRI). × Chinese foreign minister urged his counterparts from Nepal and Afghanistan to ''actively promote the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor''. He also took subtle jibes at India and America while promoting four-way ties. Yi said that the four nations should share consensus in fighting the pandemic as ''good neighbours''. He hit out at countries that had ''politicised'' the pandemic and ''undermined cooperation for their own political needs''. Wang said that such countries will be ''nailed to history's pillar of shame forever''. It is ironic because the most shameless country of them all is talking about shame. China flaunted its financial superiority while speaking on pandemic cooperation. Wang made an offer to entice countries. He said that when a coronavirus vaccine is developed, China will ''improve the accessibility of vaccines to the three countries and help them strengthen their public health systems'' There's a term for such an offer by the Chinese which in English language is called a ''bribe''.

Now, China meets India's neighbours; urges them to be 'more like Pakistan'

The race is on in labs across the world to win the race to produce a vaccine to deal with the world health crisis.

More than 200 candidate vaccines are being developed with 23 having progressed to clinical trials with human volunteers.

Pharmaceuticals, conglomerates and even several governments across the world are&nbsp;exploiting the pandemic to earn hefty profits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-pharmaceuticals-and-conglomerates-making-hefty-profit-from-coronavirus-pandemic-298747">American pharmaceuticals and conglomerates making hefty profit from coronavirus pandemic</a>

Leading Western powers are stockpiling on vaccines for the Wuhan virus even before they are produced or proved that they work.

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At least three blocs, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union are placing advance orders to private companies.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-for-covid-19-vaccine-china-wants-to-act-god-in-a-world-deep-in-pain-304359">Race for Covid-19 vaccine: China wants to act god in a world deep in pain</a>

Despite having a population of 300 million people, US locked up 600 million doses of a vaccine for almost two billion dollars.

The same is the case with the United Kingdom. The British government has signed deals with three vaccine programs for 190 million doses. The population of the country is around 63 million as per the 2011 census.

The European Union also wants first dibs on a vaccine that works.&nbsp;France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands&nbsp;have created Europe's inclusive vaccines alliance. They are procuring the vaccine for EU member states.

The group has locked up to 400 million doses of vaccine. The contract has gone to a British drugmaker.

The developing countries may not be able to get a vaccine when they need it the most. The developed world might lock up supplies of the vaccines.

It happened in 2009 as well when the world was fighting the H1N1&nbsp;vaccine, supplies went to the developed world first because they were able to pay for it and locked up the supplies by signing contracts in advance.&nbsp;It created a shortage in the developing world. As a result, developing countries struggled. 
&nbsp;

The race is on in labs across the world to win the race to produce a vaccine to deal with the world health crisis. More than 200 candidate vaccines are being developed with 23 having progressed to clinical trials with human volunteers.

The race is on in labs across the world to win the race to produce a vaccine to deal with the world health crisis. More than 200 candidate vaccines are being developed with 23 having progressed to clinical trials with human volunteers. Pharmaceuticals, conglomerates and even several governments across the world are exploiting the pandemic to earn hefty profits. Also read: American pharmaceuticals and conglomerates making hefty profit from coronavirus pandemic Leading Western powers are stockpiling on vaccines for the Wuhan virus even before they are produced or proved that they work. × At least three blocs, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union are placing advance orders to private companies. Also read: Race for Covid-19 vaccine: China wants to act god in a world deep in pain Despite having a population of 300 million people, US locked up 600 million doses of a vaccine for almost two billion dollars. The same is the case with the United Kingdom. The British government has signed deals with three vaccine programs for 190 million doses. The population of the country is around 63 million as per the 2011 census. The European Union also wants first dibs on a vaccine that works. France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands have created Europe's inclusive vaccines alliance. They are procuring the vaccine for EU member states. The group has locked up to 400 million doses of vaccine. The contract has gone to a British drugmaker. The developing countries may not be able to get a vaccine when they need it the most. The developed world might lock up supplies of the vaccines. It happened in 2009 as well when the world was fighting the H1N1 vaccine, supplies went to the developed world first because they were able to pay for it and locked up the supplies by signing contracts in advance. It created a shortage in the developing world. As a result, developing countries struggled.

Profit above human lives? US, UK and Europe lock vaccines in advance

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

Moments being he was convicted, Razak&nbsp;posted a message on Facebook ''Every human being created by God will be given a disaster, a test, or a trial of life in the world''. He&nbsp;tried to blame god for his wrongdoing.

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"In conclusion, after considering all the evidence in this trial, I find the prosecution has successfully proven the case," Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-najib-failed-to-raise-reasonable-doubt-on-abuse-of-power-charge-judge-316404">Malaysia's Najib failed to 'raise reasonable doubt' on abuse of power charge: Judge</a>

Najib was facing seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty.

A scion of one of Malaysia's most prominent political families, he faces 42 charges in five separate trials and could face years in prison.

The current trial involved a charge of abuse of power, three charges of criminal breach of trust and three money laundering charges.

The judge said Najib failed to raise reasonable doubt and that prosecutors had established beyond reasonable doubt that Najib misappropriated money for his own use.

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High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power.

The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB.

Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts. The funds were used to buy luxury properties, pay&nbsp;off gambling expenses at Las Vegas casinos, acquire&nbsp;paintings by the likes of Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet worth 200 million dollars.

And, the most shocking of all, produced the hollywood blockbuster, the The&nbsp;Wolf&nbsp;of&nbsp;Wall Street, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

When Razak got arrested the police seized 1,400 necklaces, 567 handbags, 423 watches and many other items worth over 250 million dollars.

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal. Moments being he was convicted, Razak posted a message on Facebook ''Every human being created by God will be given a disaster, a test, or a trial of life in the world''.

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal. Moments being he was convicted, Razak posted a message on Facebook ''Every human being created by God will be given a disaster, a test, or a trial of life in the world''. He tried to blame god for his wrongdoing. "In conclusion, after considering all the evidence in this trial, I find the prosecution has successfully proven the case," Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court. Also read: Malaysia's Najib failed to 'raise reasonable doubt' on abuse of power charge: Judge Najib was facing seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty. A scion of one of Malaysia's most prominent political families, he faces 42 charges in five separate trials and could face years in prison. The current trial involved a charge of abuse of power, three charges of criminal breach of trust and three money laundering charges. The judge said Najib failed to raise reasonable doubt and that prosecutors had established beyond reasonable doubt that Najib misappropriated money for his own use. × High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power. The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB. Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts. The funds were used to buy luxury properties, pay off gambling expenses at Las Vegas casinos, acquire paintings by the likes of Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet worth 200 million dollars. And, the most shocking of all, produced the hollywood blockbuster, the The Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. When Razak got arrested the police seized 1,400 necklaces, 567 handbags, 423 watches and many other items worth over 250 million dollars.

Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak blames God for abuse of power

With COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate (CFR) declining to 2.25 per cent, India now is among countries with the lowest fatality rates, a Health Ministry official said on Tuesday.

The CFR reduced from around 3.33 per cent in mid-June to 2.25 per cent on Tuesday. While the total count of COVID-19 cases is 15,83,156, the country has reported 33,425 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spike-of-47704-cases-654-fatalities-push-indias-tally-to-1483156-316438" hreflang="en">Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156</a>

"Under the guidance of the central government, state/UT governments have focused on reducing the fatalities by effectively managing the severe cases and prioritising care of the high-risk population using field health care workers leading to decrease in the CFR across the country," the official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-launches-state-of-the-art-coronavirus-facility-316270" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi launches 'state of the art' coronavirus facility</a>

He added that focused efforts of the government on early detection and isolation, work done by expert teams of AIIMS for efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases and periodic visits of central teams have resulted in improving the recovery rate in the country.

According to Health Ministry data, India has seen more than 30,000 recoveries per day for the fifth day in a row.

"The recovery rate has seen a sharp increase from around 53 per cent in mid-June to more than 64 per cent as on July 28. With 35,176 patients discharged in the last 24 hours, about 9,52,743 patients have recovered so far," the official added.

The gap between the recovered cases and the active cases is also increasing continuously and is 4,55,755 at present. It means the actual active caseload is 4,96,988 and all are under medical supervision, the official said.&nbsp;

With COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate (CFR) declining to 2.25 per cent, India now is among countries with the lowest fatality rates, a Health Ministry official said on Tuesday.

With COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate (CFR) declining to 2.25 per cent, India now is among countries with the lowest fatality rates, a Health Ministry official said on Tuesday. The CFR reduced from around 3.33 per cent in mid-June to 2.25 per cent on Tuesday. While the total count of COVID-19 cases is 15,83,156, the country has reported 33,425 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Also read: Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156 "Under the guidance of the central government, state/UT governments have focused on reducing the fatalities by effectively managing the severe cases and prioritising care of the high-risk population using field health care workers leading to decrease in the CFR across the country," the official said. Also read: PM Narendra Modi launches 'state of the art' coronavirus facility He added that focused efforts of the government on early detection and isolation, work done by expert teams of AIIMS for efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases and periodic visits of central teams have resulted in improving the recovery rate in the country. According to Health Ministry data, India has seen more than 30,000 recoveries per day for the fifth day in a row. "The recovery rate has seen a sharp increase from around 53 per cent in mid-June to more than 64 per cent as on July 28. With 35,176 patients discharged in the last 24 hours, about 9,52,743 patients have recovered so far," the official added. The gap between the recovered cases and the active cases is also increasing continuously and is 4,55,755 at present. It means the actual active caseload is 4,96,988 and all are under medical supervision, the official said.

India's coronavirus fatality rate declines to 2.25 per cent

Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday praised the efforts of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for fast-tracking financial assistance of about USD 10 billion to its member countries including India to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Attending the fifth annual meeting of the Board of Governors of AIIB through video conference in the national capital, Sitharaman mentioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of creating a COVID-19 emergency fund for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations and India's efforts in supplying critical medical health kits to tackle COVID-19, and now supporting global efforts of coronavirus vaccine trials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-launches-state-of-the-art-coronavirus-facility-316270" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi launches 'state of the art' coronavirus facility</a>

Besides, the Finance Minister highlighted India's participation in the "G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative". She also outlined various measures taken by the Centre to respond to the COVID-19, including the USD 23 Billion Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKP) and USD 295 Billion Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package (ANBP), which aim at protecting all sectors and sections of the economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spike-of-47704-cases-654-fatalities-push-indias-tally-to-1483156-316438" hreflang="en">Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156</a>

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) eased the monetary policy especially reduced reserve requirements and introduced liquidity in the economy to the extent of almost 3.9 per cent of GDP, she added.

Mentioning the steps taken to give a boost to the infrastructure development, she said: "India has launched the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) 2020-2025 with an estimated expenditure of USD 1.4 trillion that has created a plethora of fresh investment opportunities for AIIB`s partnerships."

Furthermore, she stressed on some of the expectations from the bank, including the introduction of new financing instruments, mobilising private sector finance, providing financing for social infrastructure to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and integrating the development of climate-resilient and sustainable energy access infrastructure into the recovery response to the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday praised the efforts of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for fast-tracking financial assistance of about USD 10 billion to its member countries including India to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday praised the efforts of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for fast-tracking financial assistance of about USD 10 billion to its member countries including India to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Attending the fifth annual meeting of the Board of Governors of AIIB through video conference in the national capital, Sitharaman mentioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of creating a COVID-19 emergency fund for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations and India's efforts in supplying critical medical health kits to tackle COVID-19, and now supporting global efforts of coronavirus vaccine trials. Also read: PM Narendra Modi launches 'state of the art' coronavirus facility Besides, the Finance Minister highlighted India's participation in the "G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative". She also outlined various measures taken by the Centre to respond to the COVID-19, including the USD 23 Billion Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKP) and USD 295 Billion Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package (ANBP), which aim at protecting all sectors and sections of the economy. Also read: Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) eased the monetary policy especially reduced reserve requirements and introduced liquidity in the economy to the extent of almost 3.9 per cent of GDP, she added. Mentioning the steps taken to give a boost to the infrastructure development, she said: "India has launched the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) 2020-2025 with an estimated expenditure of USD 1.4 trillion that has created a plethora of fresh investment opportunities for AIIB`s partnerships." Furthermore, she stressed on some of the expectations from the bank, including the introduction of new financing instruments, mobilising private sector finance, providing financing for social infrastructure to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and integrating the development of climate-resilient and sustainable energy access infrastructure into the recovery response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Sitharaman praises AIIB for fast-tracking financial aid to combat COVID-19

The spread of the novel coronavirus does not appear to be impacted by seasonality, the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization&nbsp;said Tuesday, warning against false beliefs that summer is safer.&nbsp;

"Season does not seem to be affecting the transmission of this virus," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters in a virtual briefing.

She pointed out that some of the hardest-hit countries are currently in the midst of different season.&nbsp;Pointing to high case numbers at the height of the US&nbsp;summer, she urged vigilance in applying measures and warned against mass gatherings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-lives-above-profits-pandemic-being-exploited-to-earn-hefty-profit-316543" hreflang="en">Human lives above profits? Pandemic being exploited to earn hefty profit</a>

While it is summer in the United States, which with nearly 148,000 deaths and close to 4.3 million cases is the hardest-hit country, the second most affected country Brazil, which counts more than 87,000 deaths, is in winter.

Instead of expecting the virus to behave like other viruses that are more familiar, she said people should look at what is actually known about how to stop transmission of COVID-19.

What works, she said, is physical distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask where appropriate, always covering up sneezes and coughs, staying home when experiencing symptoms, the isolation of cases and quarantining of contacts.

"But at the moment, we aren't doing that, because people seem to have it fixed in their heads that there is this seasonal thing and there seems to... be this persistent belief that summer is not a problem," Harris said.

"Summer is a problem. This virus likes all weathers, but what it particularly likes is jumping from one person to another when we come in close contact," Harris said.&nbsp;

The spread of the novel coronavirus does not appear to be impacted by seasonality, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, warning against false beliefs that summer is safer.

The spread of the novel coronavirus does not appear to be impacted by seasonality, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, warning against false beliefs that summer is safer. "Season does not seem to be affecting the transmission of this virus," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters in a virtual briefing. She pointed out that some of the hardest-hit countries are currently in the midst of different season. Pointing to high case numbers at the height of the US summer, she urged vigilance in applying measures and warned against mass gatherings. Also read: Human lives above profits? Pandemic being exploited to earn hefty profit While it is summer in the United States, which with nearly 148,000 deaths and close to 4.3 million cases is the hardest-hit country, the second most affected country Brazil, which counts more than 87,000 deaths, is in winter. Instead of expecting the virus to behave like other viruses that are more familiar, she said people should look at what is actually known about how to stop transmission of COVID-19. What works, she said, is physical distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask where appropriate, always covering up sneezes and coughs, staying home when experiencing symptoms, the isolation of cases and quarantining of contacts. "But at the moment, we aren't doing that, because people seem to have it fixed in their heads that there is this seasonal thing and there seems to... be this persistent belief that summer is not a problem," Harris said. "Summer is a problem. This virus likes all weathers, but what it particularly likes is jumping from one person to another when we come in close contact," Harris said.

COVID-19 pandemic is one big wave, not seasonal: World Health Organization

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the&nbsp;price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change.

''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I was banned from school in China for my climate activism. 
China must take its responsibility to act on cc and ensure children have the right to live without fear.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetChinaStrikeForClimate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetChinaStrikeForClimate</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FaceTheClimateEmergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FaceTheClimateEmergency</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FridaysForFutureChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FridaysForFutureChina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HoweyOu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HoweyOu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aiww?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aiww</a> <a href="https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9">https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9</a> <a href="https://t.co/1mtjdhbVFo">pic.twitter.com/1mtjdhbVFo</a>
— Howey Ou (@howey_ou) <a href="https://twitter.com/howey_ou/status/1285193984537575424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Howey Ou has&nbsp;been barred from returning to Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin after she missed a few classes to protest against a local government's office for the cause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/educational-authorities-in-china-attempting-to-stifle-first-young-climate-activists-voice-314606">Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice</a>

She told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media.

She further claimed&nbsp;that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242" hreflang="en">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”.

Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism.

As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”.

Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin.

The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. ''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said.

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. ''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said. I was banned from school in China for my climate activism. China must take its responsibility to act on cc and ensure children have the right to live without fear.#LetChinaStrikeForClimate #FaceTheClimateEmergency #FridaysForFutureChina #HoweyOu @aiww https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9 pic.twitter.com/1mtjdhbVFo — Howey Ou (@howey_ou) July 20, 2020 × Howey Ou has been barred from returning to Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin after she missed a few classes to protest against a local government's office for the cause. Also read: Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice She told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media. She further claimed that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May. Also read: Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”. Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism. As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement. Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”. Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin. The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

Howey Ou, China's Greta Thunberg, pays price for climate activism

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is gearing up to carry a cutting-edge 8.4-foot telescope high into the stratosphere aboard a balloon of the size of a football stadium.

Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths (ASTHROS) is tentatively planned to launch in December 2023 from Antarctica. It is a part of the space agency's Scientific Balloon Program.

ASTHROS will be stationed at an altitude of about 130,000 feet,&nbsp;roughly four times higher than commercial airliners fly'' to observe&nbsp;far-infrared light, or light with wavelengths much longer than what is visible to the human eye.

The balloon will spend about three weeks above the icy southern continent and&nbsp;will study four main targets, including two star-forming regions in the Milky Way galaxy.

According to an article published in NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7712https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7712">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL), the telescope will be placed in the outer atmosphere, that is&nbsp;stratosphere&nbsp;to observe light wavelengths that are "blocked" by Earth's atmosphere.

JPL engineer and ASTHROS manager Jose Siles said&nbsp;"Balloon missions like ASTHROS are higher-risk than space missions but yield high-rewards at modest cost".

"The mission will pave the way for future space missions by testing new technologies and providing training for the next generation of engineers and scientists," he&nbsp;added.

The finishing touches on the design for the observatory's payload, which includes its telescope,&nbsp;its science instrument, and such subsystems as the cooling and electronic systems, were put together by the mission team recently.

The mission will make the first detailed 3 dimensional&nbsp;maps of the speed, density, and motion of gas in these regions to see how the newborn giants influence their placental material.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is gearing up to carry a cutting-edge 8.4-foot telescope high into the stratosphere aboard a balloon of the size of a football stadium.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is gearing up to carry a cutting-edge 8.4-foot telescope high into the stratosphere aboard a balloon of the size of a football stadium. Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths (ASTHROS) is tentatively planned to launch in December 2023 from Antarctica. It is a part of the space agency's Scientific Balloon Program. ASTHROS will be stationed at an altitude of about 130,000 feet, roughly four times higher than commercial airliners fly'' to observe far-infrared light, or light with wavelengths much longer than what is visible to the human eye. The balloon will spend about three weeks above the icy southern continent and will study four main targets, including two star-forming regions in the Milky Way galaxy. According to an article published in NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the telescope will be placed in the outer atmosphere, that is stratosphere to observe light wavelengths that are "blocked" by Earth's atmosphere. JPL engineer and ASTHROS manager Jose Siles said "Balloon missions like ASTHROS are higher-risk than space missions but yield high-rewards at modest cost". "The mission will pave the way for future space missions by testing new technologies and providing training for the next generation of engineers and scientists," he added. The finishing touches on the design for the observatory's payload, which includes its telescope, its science instrument, and such subsystems as the cooling and electronic systems, were put together by the mission team recently. The mission will make the first detailed 3 dimensional maps of the speed, density, and motion of gas in these regions to see how the newborn giants influence their placental material.

NASA to send stadium-size balloon to study formation of stars

Japan on Tuesday warned South Korea against a statue erected in the country showing&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bowing to a "comfort woman"&nbsp;on display.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said on Tuesday&nbsp;if reports of the statue on display were true, it would be an "unforgivable" breach of international protocol.

South Korea's private botanic garden in the rural Pyeongchang county displayed statues that appears to depict&nbsp;Japan's PM&nbsp;Abe, kneeling and bowing to a seated "comfort woman," a euphemism for women forced to work in&nbsp;Japan's wartime brothels.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-denies-possibility-of-another-war-in-north-korea-thanks-reliable-effective-nuclear-arms-316451" hreflang="en">Kim Jong Un denies possibility of another war; thanks country's nuclear arms</a>

The head of a privately run botanic garden, Kim Chang-ryul, who commissioned the statue called "Eternal Atonement" said the kneeling figure was meant to depict anyone who could be in the position to apologise formally for the historic wrong, and not Abe in particular.

South Korea's foreign ministry said there may be international protocol to consider, but declined further comment, saying it was an act by a private citizen.

The issue of comfort women, mostly Koreans forced to work in&nbsp;Japan's brothels before and during World War Two, and the question of whether victims were adequately compensated have long been a thorn in ties between the two countries.

Japan&nbsp;regards the matter as "finally and irreversibly resolved" by a 2015 agreement reached by Abe and then South Korean President Park Geun-hye under which Abe apologised and pledged a fund to support the survivors.

But South Korean President Moon Jae-in's government has declared the deal flawed, in effect voiding it.

Similar statues of girls alone have been set up in front of the&nbsp;Japanese Embassy in Seoul and elsewhere to honour the women.

Ties were strained last year when&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;imposed export curbs on high-tech materials to South Korea following a South Korean court ruling ordering&nbsp;Japanese firms to pay compensation to Koreans forced to work for them during the war.

Japan on Tuesday warned South Korea against a statue erected in the country showing Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bowing to a "comfort woman" on display. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said on Tuesday if reports of the statue on display were true, it would be an "unforgivable" breach of international protocol.

Japan on Tuesday warned South Korea against a statue erected in the country showing Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bowing to a "comfort woman" on display. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said on Tuesday if reports of the statue on display were true, it would be an "unforgivable" breach of international protocol. South Korea's private botanic garden in the rural Pyeongchang county displayed statues that appears to depict Japan's PM Abe, kneeling and bowing to a seated "comfort woman," a euphemism for women forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels. Also read: Kim Jong Un denies possibility of another war; thanks country's nuclear arms The head of a privately run botanic garden, Kim Chang-ryul, who commissioned the statue called "Eternal Atonement" said the kneeling figure was meant to depict anyone who could be in the position to apologise formally for the historic wrong, and not Abe in particular. South Korea's foreign ministry said there may be international protocol to consider, but declined further comment, saying it was an act by a private citizen. The issue of comfort women, mostly Koreans forced to work in Japan's brothels before and during World War Two, and the question of whether victims were adequately compensated have long been a thorn in ties between the two countries. Japan regards the matter as "finally and irreversibly resolved" by a 2015 agreement reached by Abe and then South Korean President Park Geun-hye under which Abe apologised and pledged a fund to support the survivors. But South Korean President Moon Jae-in's government has declared the deal flawed, in effect voiding it. Similar statues of girls alone have been set up in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul and elsewhere to honour the women. Ties were strained last year when Japan imposed export curbs on high-tech materials to South Korea following a South Korean court ruling ordering Japanese firms to pay compensation to Koreans forced to work for them during the war.

'Comfort woman' row: Japan warns South Korea against Abe's statue

Facebook&nbsp;has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling.

The US&nbsp;social media group is being investigated by the European Commission for its trove of data and online marketplace, which may lead to hefty fines and orders to change its business practices.

On July 15, Facebook&nbsp;sued the EU competition enforcer at the Luxembourg-based General Court, saying that the Commission was seeking information beyond what is necessary, including highly personal details.

It also asked for interim measures to stop a May 4 information request. Failure to comply could expose it to a daily penalty payment of $9.4 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/trump-campaign-runs-facebook-advertisements-asking-if-he-should-ban-tiktok-314800">Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok</a>

The Court in a judgment dated July 24 suspended the EU request while waiting for the Commission's comment and its ruling on&nbsp;Facebook's application for interim relief.

It said such a move would "prevent a situation whereby the contested material is disclosed in violation of the fundamental right to privacy of the applicant’s management and employees, depriving of any effect any order for interim measures that may eventually be granted".

EU regulators are trawling documents looking for about 2,500 search phrases which include "big question", "shut down" and "not good for us", and which could be found in employees' health information or even job applications, said a person familiar with the matter.

Facebook has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling.

Facebook has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling. The US social media group is being investigated by the European Commission for its trove of data and online marketplace, which may lead to hefty fines and orders to change its business practices. On July 15, Facebook sued the EU competition enforcer at the Luxembourg-based General Court, saying that the Commission was seeking information beyond what is necessary, including highly personal details. It also asked for interim measures to stop a May 4 information request. Failure to comply could expose it to a daily penalty payment of $9.4 million. Also read: Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok The Court in a judgment dated July 24 suspended the EU request while waiting for the Commission's comment and its ruling on Facebook's application for interim relief. It said such a move would "prevent a situation whereby the contested material is disclosed in violation of the fundamental right to privacy of the applicant’s management and employees, depriving of any effect any order for interim measures that may eventually be granted". EU regulators are trawling documents looking for about 2,500 search phrases which include "big question", "shut down" and "not good for us", and which could be found in employees' health information or even job applications, said a person familiar with the matter.

Facebook gains temporary court reprieve on EU antitrust data demand

Lawyers for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on Monday demanded the release of unredacted Canadian spy service documents they say would reveal a plot between the FBI and Canada to "trick" their client.

Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer&nbsp;Meng&nbsp;Wanzhou&nbsp;was arrested on a US warrant in December 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver. She is charged with violating US sanctions against Iran, and has been fighting extradition ever since.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-rejects-prisoner-swap-of-top-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-308720">Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap' of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou</a>

During a videoconference hearing before a federal court in Ottawa, Meng's lawyers demanded full publication of several documents that had been redacted before and after arrest. A redacted version of the documents has already been released.

They said the documents would provide proof of a plot between the US and Canadian authorities.

The arrest set off an unprecedented diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and Beijing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-loses-court-fight-against-extradition-to-united-states-301652">Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou loses court fight against extradition to United States</a>

Scott Fenton, one of Meng's lawyers, said Monday his client had been questioned for three hours by Canadian customs agents at Vancouver airport without knowing what she was accused of, before being formally arrested. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He said that constituted a violation of her rights and justified halting the extradition process.

"She was never told the reasons she was detained," Fenton said. "She was misled; she was tricked, in fact."

The Canadian Attorney General's lawyer, Robert Frater, opposed the unredacted publication of the documents and denied any plot with the FBI.

He dismissed the allegations as "fanciful inferences from anodyne statements" in the court filings.&nbsp;

In a sworn statement delivered to a Vancouver court in July, a Canadian foreign ministry official said the full disclosure of the documents could "renew tensions" between the two countries and put Canadians in danger.

A few days after Meng's arrest in Vancouver, China jailed former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and his fellow countryman Michael Spavor, who were later charged with spying.

Their detention is largely seen in the West as a reprisal for Meng's arrest.

The hearing at the federal court in Ottawa was later adjourned and will resume behind closed door on Thursday.

Lawyers for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on Monday demanded the release of unredacted Canadian spy service documents they say would reveal a plot between the FBI and Canada to "trick" their client.

Lawyers for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on Monday demanded the release of unredacted Canadian spy service documents they say would reveal a plot between the FBI and Canada to "trick" their client. Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested on a US warrant in December 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver. She is charged with violating US sanctions against Iran, and has been fighting extradition ever since. Also read: Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap' of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou During a videoconference hearing before a federal court in Ottawa, Meng's lawyers demanded full publication of several documents that had been redacted before and after arrest. A redacted version of the documents has already been released. They said the documents would provide proof of a plot between the US and Canadian authorities. The arrest set off an unprecedented diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and Beijing. Also read: Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou loses court fight against extradition to United States Scott Fenton, one of Meng's lawyers, said Monday his client had been questioned for three hours by Canadian customs agents at Vancouver airport without knowing what she was accused of, before being formally arrested. He said that constituted a violation of her rights and justified halting the extradition process. "She was never told the reasons she was detained," Fenton said. "She was misled; she was tricked, in fact." The Canadian Attorney General's lawyer, Robert Frater, opposed the unredacted publication of the documents and denied any plot with the FBI. He dismissed the allegations as "fanciful inferences from anodyne statements" in the court filings. In a sworn statement delivered to a Vancouver court in July, a Canadian foreign ministry official said the full disclosure of the documents could "renew tensions" between the two countries and put Canadians in danger. A few days after Meng's arrest in Vancouver, China jailed former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and his fellow countryman Michael Spavor, who were later charged with spying. Their detention is largely seen in the West as a reprisal for Meng's arrest. The hearing at the federal court in Ottawa was later adjourned and will resume behind closed door on Thursday.

Documents will prove Canada plotted with FBI: Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's lawyer

Nearly 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other native&nbsp;Australian animals were killed or displaced by bushfires in 2019 and 2020, a study by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said on Tuesday, triple the group's earlier estimates.

Some 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds and 51 million frogs were impacted by the country's worst bushfires in decades, the WWF said.

When the fires were still blazing, the WWF estimated the number of affected animals at 1.25 billion. The fires destroyed more than 11 million hectares (37 million acres) across the&nbsp;Australian southeast, equal to about half the area of the United Kingdom.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-reveal-the-extent-of-australian-bushfire-damage-272645">Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage</a>

"This ranks as one of the worst wildlife disasters in modern history," said WWF-Australia&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer Dermot O'Gorman in a statement.

The project leader Lily Van Eeden, from the University of Sydney, said the research was the first continent-wide analysis of animals impacted by the bushfires, and "other nations can build upon this research to improve understanding of bushfire impacts everywhere".

The total number included animals which were displaced because of destroyed habitats and now faced lack of food and shelter or the prospect of moving to habitat that was already occupied.

The main reason for raising the number of animal casualties was that researchers had now assessed the total affected area, rather than focusing on the most affected states, they said.

After years of drought made the&nbsp;Australian bush unusually dry, the country battled one of its worst bushfire seasons ever from September 2019 to March 2020, resulting in 34 human deaths and nearly 3,000 homes lost.

Nearly 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian animals were killed or displaced by bushfires in 2019 and 2020, a study by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said on Tuesday, triple the group's earlier estimates.

Nearly 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian animals were killed or displaced by bushfires in 2019 and 2020, a study by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said on Tuesday, triple the group's earlier estimates. Some 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds and 51 million frogs were impacted by the country's worst bushfires in decades, the WWF said. When the fires were still blazing, the WWF estimated the number of affected animals at 1.25 billion. The fires destroyed more than 11 million hectares (37 million acres) across the Australian southeast, equal to about half the area of the United Kingdom. Also see: Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage "This ranks as one of the worst wildlife disasters in modern history," said WWF-Australia Chief Executive Officer Dermot O'Gorman in a statement. The project leader Lily Van Eeden, from the University of Sydney, said the research was the first continent-wide analysis of animals impacted by the bushfires, and "other nations can build upon this research to improve understanding of bushfire impacts everywhere". The total number included animals which were displaced because of destroyed habitats and now faced lack of food and shelter or the prospect of moving to habitat that was already occupied. The main reason for raising the number of animal casualties was that researchers had now assessed the total affected area, rather than focusing on the most affected states, they said. After years of drought made the Australian bush unusually dry, the country battled one of its worst bushfire seasons ever from September 2019 to March 2020, resulting in 34 human deaths and nearly 3,000 homes lost.

About 3 billion animals harmed in Australian bushfires, says WWF

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