Google's new transatlantic data cable will connect three countries including the Unites States, United Kingdom and Spain.

The tech giant has announced that it is planning to make an undersea network cable to connect these countries.

Google claims&nbsp;that is incorporating a new&nbsp;technology for the project which it believes will be a significant&nbsp;upgrade of the existing technology. It&nbsp;is expected to be completed by 2022.

According to Google's estimate, underwater data cables are vital to global communications infrastructure as they carry out approximately 98 per cent of the world's data.

The cable used in the project, are named "Grace Hopper", after an American computer scientist and naval rear admiral, will hit the UK at Bude, in Cornwall. It is tech firm's fourth privately owned undersea cable.

<img alt="Google" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55495455-7cb6-492a-8353-6b3bb3f5a5e7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_113662133_uk_usa_spain_cable_640-nc.png" />

The first ever transatlantic telecommunications cable connected Ireland and the US by telegraph was and was built in 1858.

To support the demand for communication and entertainment, around 750,000 miles of cable already run between continents at the moment. It is enough to run around the world almost 17 times.

Internet usage across the globe has skyrocketed around the world since coronavirus&nbsp;restrictions were introduced.&nbsp;

Companies are continuing to look for ways to reach more consumers as demand for high-speed internet increases around the world.

Facebook and Microsoft collectively own&nbsp;telecom&nbsp;company Telxius of the Marea cable, which runs from the US to Spain.

Google's new transatlantic data cable will connect three countries including the Unites States, United Kingdom and Spain. The tech giant has announced that it is planning to make an undersea network cable to connect these countries.

Google's new transatlantic data cable will connect three countries including the Unites States, United Kingdom and Spain. The tech giant has announced that it is planning to make an undersea network cable to connect these countries. Google claims that is incorporating a new technology for the project which it believes will be a significant upgrade of the existing technology. It is expected to be completed by 2022. According to Google's estimate, underwater data cables are vital to global communications infrastructure as they carry out approximately 98 per cent of the world's data. The cable used in the project, are named "Grace Hopper", after an American computer scientist and naval rear admiral, will hit the UK at Bude, in Cornwall. It is tech firm's fourth privately owned undersea cable. The first ever transatlantic telecommunications cable connected Ireland and the US by telegraph was and was built in 1858. To support the demand for communication and entertainment, around 750,000 miles of cable already run between continents at the moment. It is enough to run around the world almost 17 times. Internet usage across the globe has skyrocketed around the world since coronavirus restrictions were introduced. Companies are continuing to look for ways to reach more consumers as demand for high-speed internet increases around the world. Facebook and Microsoft collectively own telecom company Telxius of the Marea cable, which runs from the US to Spain.

Google's new data cable to link US, UK and Spain

China has accused New Zealand&nbsp;"gross interference in China's internal affairs" and ''serious violation of international law'' after it suspended&nbsp;its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

According to statement by a spokesperson of the&nbsp;Chinese embassy in Wellington,&nbsp;"The New Zealand government's decision is a serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations. It is a gross interference in China's internal affairs. The Chinese side has lodged its grave concern and strong opposition," the embassy said in a statement.

"Hong Kong affairs are entirely China's internal affairs, and allow no foreign interference.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-suspends-its-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong-316380">New Zealand suspends its extradition treaty with Hong Kong</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters had&nbsp;announced the suspension saying "New Zealand can no longer trust that Hong Kong's criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China".

The country took this step despite risking the ire of Wellington's largest trading partner.&nbsp;

Canada, Britain and Australia, who are New Zealand's partners in the so-called "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance have taken similar action. The United States has given a hint of doing the same in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

Critics view this new security law as an erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the financial hub, which has been semi-autonomous from China since its handover from Britain in 1997.

China has accused New Zealand "gross interference in China's internal affairs" and ''serious violation of international law'' after it suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

China has accused New Zealand "gross interference in China's internal affairs" and ''serious violation of international law'' after it suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong. According to statement by a spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Wellington, "The New Zealand government's decision is a serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations. It is a gross interference in China's internal affairs. The Chinese side has lodged its grave concern and strong opposition," the embassy said in a statement. "Hong Kong affairs are entirely China's internal affairs, and allow no foreign interference.'' Also read: New Zealand suspends its extradition treaty with Hong Kong Earlier, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters had announced the suspension saying "New Zealand can no longer trust that Hong Kong's criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China". The country took this step despite risking the ire of Wellington's largest trading partner. Canada, Britain and Australia, who are New Zealand's partners in the so-called "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance have taken similar action. The United States has given a hint of doing the same in the coming weeks. Critics view this new security law as an erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the financial hub, which has been semi-autonomous from China since its handover from Britain in 1997.

China accuses New Zealand of violating international law over Hong Kong move

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has apologised to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive".

On Sunday, the 29-year-old Yair, who is very active on social media and often defends his father's policies, posted a picture of the Hindu goddess Durga, with the face of Liat Ben Ari, the prosecutor in his father's corruption cases, superimposed over the goddess' face. Her many arms were also raised giving the middle finger.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
הצייצן הבטלן עשה עכשיו שריפה גם עם ההודים, ומתנצל. <a href="https://t.co/tUeuMv5sCc">pic.twitter.com/tUeuMv5sCc</a>
— Ben Caspit בן כספית (@BenCaspit) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenCaspit/status/1287764290699755522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I've tweeted a meme from a satirical page, criticising political figures in Israel. I didn't realise the meme also portrayed an image connected to the majestic Hindu faith. As soon as I realised it from comments of our Indian friends, I have removed the tweet. I apologise," Yair said in a tweet.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelbit's face was superimposed over that of a tiger accompanying the goddess under a caption that said, "know your place you despicable people".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-israel-to-jointly-develop-rapid-covid-19-testing-kits-315481">India, Israel to jointly develop rapid COVID-19 testing kits</a>

The Twitter users were split in their reaction over the post with some Indians harshly criticising him for the offensive tweet while others giving him the benefit of doubt and attributing it to general ignorance about the Hindu faith in the West.

Yair, who has been at the centre of several controversies, was appreciated by some Israelis for "showing courage in apologising for his mistake", but was also condemned in equal measure by others for "being irresponsible".

Earlier this month, Yair issued an apology to journalist Dana Weiss for appearing to suggest the top news anchor had attained her position through sexual favours, according to a local media report.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's trial on charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes opened in May in a Jerusalem court. 
He has said that the allegations are baseless and that he is a victim of a wide-ranging conspiracy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has apologised to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has apologised to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive". On Sunday, the 29-year-old Yair, who is very active on social media and often defends his father's policies, posted a picture of the Hindu goddess Durga, with the face of Liat Ben Ari, the prosecutor in his father's corruption cases, superimposed over the goddess' face. Her many arms were also raised giving the middle finger. הצייצן הבטלן עשה עכשיו שריפה גם עם ההודים, ומתנצל. pic.twitter.com/tUeuMv5sCc — Ben Caspit בן כספית (@BenCaspit) July 27, 2020 × "I've tweeted a meme from a satirical page, criticising political figures in Israel. I didn't realise the meme also portrayed an image connected to the majestic Hindu faith. As soon as I realised it from comments of our Indian friends, I have removed the tweet. I apologise," Yair said in a tweet. Attorney General Avichai Mandelbit's face was superimposed over that of a tiger accompanying the goddess under a caption that said, "know your place you despicable people". Also read: India, Israel to jointly develop rapid COVID-19 testing kits The Twitter users were split in their reaction over the post with some Indians harshly criticising him for the offensive tweet while others giving him the benefit of doubt and attributing it to general ignorance about the Hindu faith in the West. Yair, who has been at the centre of several controversies, was appreciated by some Israelis for "showing courage in apologising for his mistake", but was also condemned in equal measure by others for "being irresponsible". Earlier this month, Yair issued an apology to journalist Dana Weiss for appearing to suggest the top news anchor had attained her position through sexual favours, according to a local media report. Prime Minister Netanyahu's trial on charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes opened in May in a Jerusalem court. He has said that the allegations are baseless and that he is a victim of a wide-ranging conspiracy.

Netanyahu's son apologises after his tweet offends Indians

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with&nbsp;an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres&nbsp;of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday.

The leak at the Lavera refinery spilled 200 gallons or more of iron chloride into the sea, American-owned chemical company Kem One, which runs the plant, said. Contact with iron chloride can harm eyes and mucous membranes, and ingesting it can be fatal.

Refinery officials said the problem at the processing plant in Martigues, near Marseille, was reported at 1:50 a.m. Thursday. They said the iron chloride spilled from a tank onto a faulty safety system, which flooded into the nearby sewage systems and into the sea.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-arctic-turned-red-after-russia-caused-worst-fuel-spill-303713">How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill</a>

The area of the Mediterranean where the chemical ended up is listed on a French inventory as an ecosystem of outstanding natural fauna and flora for its coral and sea life. Authorities at the scene said they observed fish that were killed by the spill.

The French Maritime Prefecture banned leisure boat cruising, swimming, fishing, and diving in about four miles of the along the coast surrounding the contaminated area until at least midnight Friday.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-syrian-refineries-raise-severe-health-concerns-315512/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

About 40 firefighters dispatched to the site where unable to stop the chemical spill, the Marseille fire service said. The polluted area receded to 2.5 acres by 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and by Friday morning, the brown color had all but disappeared from the sea's surface.

French environmental association Robin des Bois said it planned to file a legal complaint against plant officials for polluting the sea and other issues based on its damage assessment. The association said it suspects that coral and other sea creatures were burned or poisoned by the spilled iron chloride.

The group's spokesperson, Charlotte Nithart, said&nbsp;the plant ''has been on our radar for a few years” and needs a “profound inspection''&nbsp;of its storage capacity.

French Environment Minister Barbara Pompili said on Twitter on Thursday ''the damage that will be determined will be repaired by those responsible for it.''

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Les services du ministère <a href="https://twitter.com/Ecologie_Gouv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ecologie_Gouv</a> sont sur place pour établir les circonstances de cette fuite et analyser ses conséquences sur les milieux naturels. Les dégâts qui seront constatés seront réparés par les responsables. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Martigues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Martigues</a> <a href="https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS">https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS</a>
— Barbara Pompili (@barbarapompili) <a href="https://twitter.com/barbarapompili/status/1286354437808820225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday.

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday. The leak at the Lavera refinery spilled 200 gallons or more of iron chloride into the sea, American-owned chemical company Kem One, which runs the plant, said. Contact with iron chloride can harm eyes and mucous membranes, and ingesting it can be fatal. Refinery officials said the problem at the processing plant in Martigues, near Marseille, was reported at 1:50 a.m. Thursday. They said the iron chloride spilled from a tank onto a faulty safety system, which flooded into the nearby sewage systems and into the sea. Also see: How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill The area of the Mediterranean where the chemical ended up is listed on a French inventory as an ecosystem of outstanding natural fauna and flora for its coral and sea life. Authorities at the scene said they observed fish that were killed by the spill. The French Maritime Prefecture banned leisure boat cruising, swimming, fishing, and diving in about four miles of the along the coast surrounding the contaminated area until at least midnight Friday. About 40 firefighters dispatched to the site where unable to stop the chemical spill, the Marseille fire service said. The polluted area receded to 2.5 acres by 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and by Friday morning, the brown color had all but disappeared from the sea's surface. French environmental association Robin des Bois said it planned to file a legal complaint against plant officials for polluting the sea and other issues based on its damage assessment. The association said it suspects that coral and other sea creatures were burned or poisoned by the spilled iron chloride. The group's spokesperson, Charlotte Nithart, said the plant ''has been on our radar for a few years” and needs a “profound inspection'' of its storage capacity. French Environment Minister Barbara Pompili said on Twitter on Thursday ''the damage that will be determined will be repaired by those responsible for it.'' Les services du ministère @Ecologie_Gouv sont sur place pour établir les circonstances de cette fuite et analyser ses conséquences sur les milieux naturels. Les dégâts qui seront constatés seront réparés par les responsables. #Martigues https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS — Barbara Pompili (@barbarapompili) July 23, 2020 ×

Toxic chemical paints French Mediterranean region orange-brown

India's COVID-19 tally zoomed past 13 lakhs on Saturday, just two days after it crossed the 12 lakh mark, while the recoveries mounted to 8,49,431, according to the Union Health Ministry.

With 48,916 fresh cases, the country's coronavirus infection tally surged to 13,36,861, while the death toll rose to 31,358 with 757 more people succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, data updated by the ministry at 8 am showed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cipla-gets-india-approval-to-sell-covid-19-drug-favipiravir-315807" hreflang="en">Cipla gets India approval to sell COVID-19 drug Favipiravir</a>

There are currently 4,56,071 active cases of COVID-19 in the country. Thus, around 63.54 per cent people have recovered so far. The total number of confirmed cases includes foreigners.

This is the third consecutive day when COVID-19 cases haqve increased by more than 45,000 in India.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/icmr-norwegian-researchers-trying-to-identify-coronavirus-cases-from-cough-sounds-using-ai-315762" hreflang="en">ICMR, Norwegian researchers trying to identify coronavirus from cough sounds</a>

Of the 757 deaths reported, 278 were from Maharashtra, 108 from Karnataka, 88 from Tamil Nadu, 59 from Uttar Pradesh, 49 from Andhra Pradesh, 35 from West Bengal, 32 from Delhi, 26 from Gujarat, 14 from Jammu and Kashmir, 11 from Madhya Pradesh and eight each from Rajasthan and Telangana.

Assam, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have reported six fatalities each, followed by Punjab five deaths, Kerala and Haryana four each, Bihar and Jharkhand three each, and Puducherry, Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland one fatality each.

India's COVID-19 tally zoomed past 13 lakhs on Saturday, just two days after it crossed the 12 lakh mark, while the recoveries mounted to 8,49,431, according to the Union Health Ministry.

India's COVID-19 tally zoomed past 13 lakhs on Saturday, just two days after it crossed the 12 lakh mark, while the recoveries mounted to 8,49,431, according to the Union Health Ministry. With 48,916 fresh cases, the country's coronavirus infection tally surged to 13,36,861, while the death toll rose to 31,358 with 757 more people succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, data updated by the ministry at 8 am showed. Also read: Cipla gets India approval to sell COVID-19 drug Favipiravir There are currently 4,56,071 active cases of COVID-19 in the country. Thus, around 63.54 per cent people have recovered so far. The total number of confirmed cases includes foreigners. This is the third consecutive day when COVID-19 cases haqve increased by more than 45,000 in India. Also read: ICMR, Norwegian researchers trying to identify coronavirus from cough sounds Of the 757 deaths reported, 278 were from Maharashtra, 108 from Karnataka, 88 from Tamil Nadu, 59 from Uttar Pradesh, 49 from Andhra Pradesh, 35 from West Bengal, 32 from Delhi, 26 from Gujarat, 14 from Jammu and Kashmir, 11 from Madhya Pradesh and eight each from Rajasthan and Telangana. Assam, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have reported six fatalities each, followed by Punjab five deaths, Kerala and Haryana four each, Bihar and Jharkhand three each, and Puducherry, Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland one fatality each.

India's coronavirus tally soars to 13,36,861 with 48,916 fresh cases

Church bells across&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;tolled mourning on Friday as the first Islamic prayers in nine decades were held at Hagia Sophia in Turkey, marking the monument's conversion into a mosque.

At midday, churches around the country flew their flags at half-mast in protest against what the head of the Church of&nbsp;Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, called an "unholy act of defiling" the former cathedral.

Religious and nationalist groups also staged protests in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Later on Friday, the archbishop held a special service at the Athens Metropolis, during which he chanted the Akathist Hymn in honour of the Virgin Mary. According to Greek tradition, the same service was held in Hagia Sophia on the eve of the Byzantine Empire capital's fall to the Ottomans.

Hagia Sophia is "a symbol of our faith and a universal monument of culture," Ieronymos said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-turks-mark-hagia-sophias-first-friday-prayers-post-reconversion-315781" hreflang="en">How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion</a>

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan joined huge crowds in Istanbul for prayers at Hagia Sophia, sealing his ambition to restore Muslim worship at the ancient site which most Greeks consider as central to their Orthodox Christian religion.

Greek criticism of the conversion has been scathing, underscoring often tense relations between&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;and Turkey.

In a message marking&nbsp;Greece's 46th anniversary of the restoration of democracy on Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Turkey a 'troublemaker', and the Hagia Sophia conversion an 'affront to civilisation of the 21st century'.

"What is unfolding in Constantinople today is not a demonstration of strength, but proof of weakness," Mitsotakis said, referring to Istanbul by the old name of the city used by Greeks.

Nevertheless, the move would not "diminish the radiance of a global heritage monument", he said.

"Especially to us Orthodox Christians, Hagia Sophia today is in our hearts more than ever. It is where our heart beats," Mitsotakis said.&nbsp;

Greece&nbsp;and Turkey disagree on a range of issues from airspace to maritime zones and ethnically split Cyprus. Tensions upped a notch this week with verbal jousting over the delimitation of their continental shelves in the eastern Mediterranean, an area thought to be rich in natural resources.

From Crete to small Greek islands lying just off the Turkish coast, church bells tolled and in some areas flags flew at half mast.

"We thought someone had died but we were told it was for Hagia Sophia. It’s very sad, very sad," said Katerina, 40, a shop owner on the island of Astypalea.

Church bells across Greece tolled mourning on Friday as the first Islamic prayers in nine decades were held at Hagia Sophia in Turkey, marking the monument's conversion into a mosque.

Church bells across Greece tolled mourning on Friday as the first Islamic prayers in nine decades were held at Hagia Sophia in Turkey, marking the monument's conversion into a mosque. At midday, churches around the country flew their flags at half-mast in protest against what the head of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, called an "unholy act of defiling" the former cathedral. Religious and nationalist groups also staged protests in Athens and Thessaloniki. Later on Friday, the archbishop held a special service at the Athens Metropolis, during which he chanted the Akathist Hymn in honour of the Virgin Mary. According to Greek tradition, the same service was held in Hagia Sophia on the eve of the Byzantine Empire capital's fall to the Ottomans. Hagia Sophia is "a symbol of our faith and a universal monument of culture," Ieronymos said. Also see: How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan joined huge crowds in Istanbul for prayers at Hagia Sophia, sealing his ambition to restore Muslim worship at the ancient site which most Greeks consider as central to their Orthodox Christian religion. Greek criticism of the conversion has been scathing, underscoring often tense relations between Greece and Turkey. In a message marking Greece's 46th anniversary of the restoration of democracy on Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Turkey a 'troublemaker', and the Hagia Sophia conversion an 'affront to civilisation of the 21st century'. "What is unfolding in Constantinople today is not a demonstration of strength, but proof of weakness," Mitsotakis said, referring to Istanbul by the old name of the city used by Greeks. Nevertheless, the move would not "diminish the radiance of a global heritage monument", he said. "Especially to us Orthodox Christians, Hagia Sophia today is in our hearts more than ever. It is where our heart beats," Mitsotakis said. Greece and Turkey disagree on a range of issues from airspace to maritime zones and ethnically split Cyprus. Tensions upped a notch this week with verbal jousting over the delimitation of their continental shelves in the eastern Mediterranean, an area thought to be rich in natural resources. From Crete to small Greek islands lying just off the Turkish coast, church bells tolled and in some areas flags flew at half mast. "We thought someone had died but we were told it was for Hagia Sophia. It’s very sad, very sad," said Katerina, 40, a shop owner on the island of Astypalea.

Greek church bells toll for Hagia Sophia, PM calls Turkey a 'troublemaker'

China's decision to close the United States Consulate General in Chengdu is a legitimate and necessary countermeasure and the US&nbsp;is responsible for the current deterioration of China-US&nbsp;relations, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

China blasted the Houston move and blamed Washington for the sharp deterioration in relations.

Closing the Chengdu consulate was a "legitimate and necessary response to the unreasonable measures by the United States", the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The current situation in China-US relations is not what China desires to see, and the US is responsible for all this," it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-announcement-on-chengdu-consulate-closure-us-china-battle-set-to-intensify-315805" hreflang="en">With announcement on Chengdu consulate closure, US, China battle set to intensify</a>

Wang made the statement at a media briefing in Beijing commenting on the decision made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China to withdraw its consent for the establishment and operation of the US&nbsp;Consulate General in Chengdu. He also&nbsp;pointed out that the measure taken by China is reciprocal to the US&nbsp;move.

Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters that some US staff in the Chengdu consulate, near Tibet, "were engaged in activities outside of their capacity, interfered in China's internal affairs, and endangered China's security and interests."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-us-consulate-in-chengdu-interfered-in-our-internal-affairs-china-315732">People in US consulate in Chengdu interfered in our internal affairs: China</a>

The Chengdu mission was also where senior Chinese official Wang Lijun fled in 2012 from his powerful boss Bo Xilai, who was then head of the nearby metropolis Chongqing, and has since been jailed for life for corruption.&nbsp;

US-China relations deteriorated in a Cold War-style standoff Friday as Beijing ordered a US consulate to shut in retaliation for the closure of its Houston mission accused of being a hub for espionage and intellectual property theft.

Washington officials said the level of unacceptable efforts to steal US corporate secrets and proprietary medical and scientific research from the Houston mission had grown too large to ignore.

China's decision to close the United States Consulate General in Chengdu is a legitimate and necessary countermeasure and the US is responsible for the current deterioration of China-US relations, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

China's decision to close the United States Consulate General in Chengdu is a legitimate and necessary countermeasure and the US is responsible for the current deterioration of China-US relations, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. China blasted the Houston move and blamed Washington for the sharp deterioration in relations. Closing the Chengdu consulate was a "legitimate and necessary response to the unreasonable measures by the United States", the foreign ministry said in a statement. "The current situation in China-US relations is not what China desires to see, and the US is responsible for all this," it said. Also read: With announcement on Chengdu consulate closure, US, China battle set to intensify Wang made the statement at a media briefing in Beijing commenting on the decision made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China to withdraw its consent for the establishment and operation of the US Consulate General in Chengdu. He also pointed out that the measure taken by China is reciprocal to the US move. Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters that some US staff in the Chengdu consulate, near Tibet, "were engaged in activities outside of their capacity, interfered in China's internal affairs, and endangered China's security and interests." Also read: People in US consulate in Chengdu interfered in our internal affairs: China The Chengdu mission was also where senior Chinese official Wang Lijun fled in 2012 from his powerful boss Bo Xilai, who was then head of the nearby metropolis Chongqing, and has since been jailed for life for corruption. US-China relations deteriorated in a Cold War-style standoff Friday as Beijing ordered a US consulate to shut in retaliation for the closure of its Houston mission accused of being a hub for espionage and intellectual property theft. Washington officials said the level of unacceptable efforts to steal US corporate secrets and proprietary medical and scientific research from the Houston mission had grown too large to ignore.

US responsible for current deterioration in bilateral relationship, says China

The poll numbers of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro have risen according to three surveys released this week, despite his controversial handling of the country's raging COVID-19&nbsp;crisis.

The far-right leader, who is himself currently infected with the virus, has downplayed the pandemic even as it has exploded in Brazil, the country with the most infections and deaths from COVID-19 anywhere in the world except the United States.

But this week's polls suggest the man dubbed the "Tropical Trump" is weathering the crisis relatively well.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-tests-positive-again-for-the-third-time-covid-19-pandemic-315291/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The latest poll&nbsp;published Friday by news magazine Veja, puts the far-right leader comfortably ahead in the first round of the presidential election, with 27.5 to 30.7 percent of the vote, depending on his opponents.

Bolsonaro would easily win the second round against any opponent, even his popular ex-justice minister turned nemesis, Sergio Moro, or leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the poll found. His disapproval rating fell one point, to 46 percent, it found.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-amid-pandemic-314020">Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics amid pandemic</a>

Poder360 said the president's approval rating was 52 percent among beneficiaries of the government's monthly coronavirus emergency relief checks of $115, which aim to help poor Brazilians suffering the economic impact of coronavirus stay-at-home measures.

Bolsonaro is a fierce critic of those measures, arguing the economic pain is worse than the virus itself.

Brazil has registered nearly 2.3 million cases of the new coronavirus and more than 84,000 deaths, and the numbers continue rising rapidly.

Another poll, published Monday by brokerage firm XP Investimentos, put Bolsonaro's approval rating at 30 percent, up from 25 percent in May.

A poll published Thursday by news site Poder360 meanwhile put Bolsonaro's approval rating at 43 percent, up from 40 percent two weeks ago. It put his disapproval rating at 45 percent, down from 50 percent in May.

The poll numbers of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro have risen according to three surveys released this week, despite his controversial handling of the country's raging COVID-19 crisis.

The poll numbers of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro have risen according to three surveys released this week, despite his controversial handling of the country's raging COVID-19 crisis. The far-right leader, who is himself currently infected with the virus, has downplayed the pandemic even as it has exploded in Brazil, the country with the most infections and deaths from COVID-19 anywhere in the world except the United States. But this week's polls suggest the man dubbed the "Tropical Trump" is weathering the crisis relatively well. The latest poll published Friday by news magazine Veja, puts the far-right leader comfortably ahead in the first round of the presidential election, with 27.5 to 30.7 percent of the vote, depending on his opponents. Bolsonaro would easily win the second round against any opponent, even his popular ex-justice minister turned nemesis, Sergio Moro, or leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the poll found. His disapproval rating fell one point, to 46 percent, it found. Also see: Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics amid pandemic Poder360 said the president's approval rating was 52 percent among beneficiaries of the government's monthly coronavirus emergency relief checks of $115, which aim to help poor Brazilians suffering the economic impact of coronavirus stay-at-home measures. Bolsonaro is a fierce critic of those measures, arguing the economic pain is worse than the virus itself. Brazil has registered nearly 2.3 million cases of the new coronavirus and more than 84,000 deaths, and the numbers continue rising rapidly. Another poll, published Monday by brokerage firm XP Investimentos, put Bolsonaro's approval rating at 30 percent, up from 25 percent in May. A poll published Thursday by news site Poder360 meanwhile put Bolsonaro's approval rating at 43 percent, up from 40 percent two weeks ago. It put his disapproval rating at 45 percent, down from 50 percent in May.

Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling

China reported 34 cases of the new coronavirus in the mainland for July 24, up from 21 cases a day earlier, the health commission said on Saturday.

Of the new infections, 20 were in&nbsp;Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region&nbsp;Xinjiang, according to a statement by the National Health Commission.

Speaking at a press conference held on Friday afternoon, Yasim Sadiq, the mayor of Urumqi, said the city has not yet considered an adjustment to the anti-coronavirus measures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-border-row-template-russia-in-1969-galwan-in-2020-315792">China's border row template: Russia in 1969, Galwan in 2020</a>

"Based on the experience gained domestically and from other countries as well as epidemiological patterns, asymptomatic cases will become confirmed cases so currently it is very important to conduct free COVID-19 nucleic acid tests to all citizens in a timely manner,''&nbsp;said the mayor.

The expert team from the State Council, medical professionals of the autonomous region, and of Urumqi City will look into the results of the nucleic acid tests and epidemiological survey results before they make a further evaluation of the spread of the virus," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-virus-upheaval-china-strikes-deal-with-pakistan-to-make-bioweapons-315780">After virus upheaval, China strikes deal with Pakistan to make bioweapons</a>

He explained that a rash change of the anti-epidemic measures might have a negative effect, and the city authorities will spare no efforts to improve testing capacity.

During the press conference an official from the local commerce bureau gave a brief on food prices, saying that the supply of daily necessities is stable.

"So far, there is an ample supply of vegetables, meat, grain and edible oil in the city. The wholesale price of common meat products and 60 kinds of common vegetables have returned to normal prices before the latest outbreak took place," said Yan Jun, director of the Bureau of Commerce (Bureau of Grain) of Urumqi City.

Since the virus first surfaced in the central city of Wuhan late last year, the country's official number of infections has been restricted to a trickle, mainly among arrivals from abroad. All mass lockdowns have been lifted.

But recent domestic outbreaks have proved the difficulty of stamping out the contagion entirely.

The regional capital city has tested over 2.3 million people for COVID-19 with nucleic acid tests, according to a press conference held Friday by the regional information office.

China reported 74 new asymptomatic cases, up from 43 a day earlier.&nbsp;As of Friday, mainland China had 83,784 confirmed coronavirus cases, the health authority said. The COVID-19 death toll remained at 4,634.

China reported 34 cases of the new coronavirus in the mainland for July 24, up from 21 cases a day earlier, the health commission said on Saturday. Of the new infections, 20 were in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Xinjiang, according to a statement by the National Health Commission.

China reported 34 cases of the new coronavirus in the mainland for July 24, up from 21 cases a day earlier, the health commission said on Saturday. Of the new infections, 20 were in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Xinjiang, according to a statement by the National Health Commission. Speaking at a press conference held on Friday afternoon, Yasim Sadiq, the mayor of Urumqi, said the city has not yet considered an adjustment to the anti-coronavirus measures. Also read: China's border row template: Russia in 1969, Galwan in 2020 "Based on the experience gained domestically and from other countries as well as epidemiological patterns, asymptomatic cases will become confirmed cases so currently it is very important to conduct free COVID-19 nucleic acid tests to all citizens in a timely manner,'' said the mayor. The expert team from the State Council, medical professionals of the autonomous region, and of Urumqi City will look into the results of the nucleic acid tests and epidemiological survey results before they make a further evaluation of the spread of the virus," he added. Also read: After virus upheaval, China strikes deal with Pakistan to make bioweapons He explained that a rash change of the anti-epidemic measures might have a negative effect, and the city authorities will spare no efforts to improve testing capacity. During the press conference an official from the local commerce bureau gave a brief on food prices, saying that the supply of daily necessities is stable. "So far, there is an ample supply of vegetables, meat, grain and edible oil in the city. The wholesale price of common meat products and 60 kinds of common vegetables have returned to normal prices before the latest outbreak took place," said Yan Jun, director of the Bureau of Commerce (Bureau of Grain) of Urumqi City. Since the virus first surfaced in the central city of Wuhan late last year, the country's official number of infections has been restricted to a trickle, mainly among arrivals from abroad. All mass lockdowns have been lifted. But recent domestic outbreaks have proved the difficulty of stamping out the contagion entirely. The regional capital city has tested over 2.3 million people for COVID-19 with nucleic acid tests, according to a press conference held Friday by the regional information office. China reported 74 new asymptomatic cases, up from 43 a day earlier. As of Friday, mainland China had 83,784 confirmed coronavirus cases, the health authority said. The COVID-19 death toll remained at 4,634.

Mainland China reports 34 new coronavirus cases, including 20 in Xinjiang

July 25 in history: Tunisia gains independence, birth of world's first test-tube baby and more

The emerald and diamond engagement ring that Howard Hughes gave to Hollywood star Katharine Hepburn in 1938 sold for $108,000 at a Los Angeles auction, more than three times the expected price, while a collection of her love letters to him fetched $44,800.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-Katharine-Hepburns-love-letters-to-Howard-Hughes-up-for-auction-312180">Katharine Hepburn's love letters to Howard Hughes up for auction</a>

Auction house Profiles in History said on Friday (July 24) that other personal items belonging to Hughes also went for more than their pre-sale estimates, including the entrepreneur's trademark fedora ($51,200),the two-tone jacket ($89,600) he wore while piloting his huge Spruce Goose flying boat, and the original poster artwork by Zoe Mozert of Jane Russell for 'The Outlaw', which Hughes co-directed and produced ($166,400).&nbsp;The buyers of the Howard Hughes items were not revealed.

<img alt="Ring" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a6e59c09-dfa1-4179-abd7-755ab94bda20" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hqdefault.jpg" />

The engagement ring Howard Hughes gave to Katharine Hepburn&nbsp;

Hughes and Hepburn never married but their 18-month romance in the late 1930s, which was chronicled in the 2004 movie "The Aviator," was a big celebrity story at the time.

Her 55 handwritten letters, notes and postcards came to auction for the first time and had been expected to fetch up to $15,000. The engagement ring had a pre-sale estimate of about $30,000.

In the letters, Hepburn used pet names and pseudonyms like C. Mouse and Mrs. H.R. Country and showered the movie mogul and millionaire businessman with praise.

The letters and engagement ring are part of a wider collection of Hughes` documents and personal belongings that were acquired from the family of the late Vernon C. Olson, who was private accountant to Hughes. 
 
Other items include the two-tone jacket Hughes wore while piloting his huge Spruce Goose flying boat, his trademark fedora hat and contracts for multiple movies.

The emerald and diamond engagement ring that Howard Hughes gave to Hollywood star Katharine Hepburn in 1938 sold for $108,000 at a Los Angeles auction, more than three times the expected price, while a collection of her love letters to him fetched $44,800.

The emerald and diamond engagement ring that Howard Hughes gave to Hollywood star Katharine Hepburn in 1938 sold for $108,000 at a Los Angeles auction, more than three times the expected price, while a collection of her love letters to him fetched $44,800. Also read: Katharine Hepburn's love letters to Howard Hughes up for auction Auction house Profiles in History said on Friday (July 24) that other personal items belonging to Hughes also went for more than their pre-sale estimates, including the entrepreneur's trademark fedora ($51,200),the two-tone jacket ($89,600) he wore while piloting his huge Spruce Goose flying boat, and the original poster artwork by Zoe Mozert of Jane Russell for 'The Outlaw', which Hughes co-directed and produced ($166,400). The buyers of the Howard Hughes items were not revealed. The engagement ring Howard Hughes gave to Katharine Hepburn Hughes and Hepburn never married but their 18-month romance in the late 1930s, which was chronicled in the 2004 movie "The Aviator," was a big celebrity story at the time. Her 55 handwritten letters, notes and postcards came to auction for the first time and had been expected to fetch up to $15,000. The engagement ring had a pre-sale estimate of about $30,000. In the letters, Hepburn used pet names and pseudonyms like C. Mouse and Mrs. H.R. Country and showered the movie mogul and millionaire businessman with praise. The letters and engagement ring are part of a wider collection of Hughes` documents and personal belongings that were acquired from the family of the late Vernon C. Olson, who was private accountant to Hughes. Other items include the two-tone jacket Hughes wore while piloting his huge Spruce Goose flying boat, his trademark fedora hat and contracts for multiple movies.

Howard Hughes' engagement ring for Katharine Hepburn sells for $108,000

US&nbsp;top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Friday that while a vaccine may be determined "safe" by December of this year, he didn't expect it to be "widely available" until a few months into 2021.

"I think as we get into 2021, several months in, that you would have a vaccine that would be widely available to people in the United States," he&nbsp;told the Washington Post.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-allows-defense-contractors-to-sell-more-armed-drones-to-foreign-military-315827" hreflang="en">Trump allows defense contractors to sell more armed drones to foreign military</a>

Fauci also said that he was pleased with President Donald&nbsp;Trump's recent coronavirus press conferences, saying&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was advising people to wear masks and practice social distancing in a "short, crisp" manner.

He stressed that there are still questions to be answered about the novel coronavirus. He hopes to get some answers by December from a study about how frequently children get infected and whether they spread infection to adults.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caught-in-a-lie-heres-why-donald-trump-was-forced-to-cancel-florida-convention-315800" hreflang="en">Caught in a lie: Here's why Donald Trump cancelled Florida convention</a>

His statement comes as&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)&nbsp;issued new guidelines on the reopening of schools, clearly weighting its recommendations in favor of having students return to their classrooms in fall.

With the virus still rampant in many parts of the country, a number of cities including Houston and Los Angeles have already announced that schools will reopen virtually.

As of Friday afternoon, there were some 4,054,802 reported cases and 144,333 fatalities from COVID-19 in the United States, according to a Reuters tally.

(With input from agencies)

US top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Friday that while a vaccine may be determined "safe" by December of this year, he didn't expect it to be "widely available" until a few months into 2021.

US top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Friday that while a vaccine may be determined "safe" by December of this year, he didn't expect it to be "widely available" until a few months into 2021. "I think as we get into 2021, several months in, that you would have a vaccine that would be widely available to people in the United States," he told the Washington Post. Also read: Trump allows defense contractors to sell more armed drones to foreign military Fauci also said that he was pleased with President Donald Trump's recent coronavirus press conferences, saying Trump was advising people to wear masks and practice social distancing in a "short, crisp" manner. He stressed that there are still questions to be answered about the novel coronavirus. He hopes to get some answers by December from a study about how frequently children get infected and whether they spread infection to adults. Also read: Caught in a lie: Here's why Donald Trump cancelled Florida convention His statement comes as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines on the reopening of schools, clearly weighting its recommendations in favor of having students return to their classrooms in fall. With the virus still rampant in many parts of the country, a number of cities including Houston and Los Angeles have already announced that schools will reopen virtually. As of Friday afternoon, there were some 4,054,802 reported cases and 144,333 fatalities from COVID-19 in the United States, according to a Reuters tally. (With input from agencies)

Coronavirus vaccine will not be 'widely available' before 2021: Fauci

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vyomica Berry

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.