The Trump administration moved Friday to ease controls on exports of armed drones, saying that allies need US technology and that other countries outside of a non-proliferation pact were taking over the market.

The White House announced that President Donald Trump had approved a move to diverge partly from the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime, in which 35 countries agreed to restrict the sales of unmanned weapons delivery systems.&nbsp;

The MTCR was aimed at controlling the spread of missiles that could deliver large payload like nuclear weapons.

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>

But it also covered armed drones, at the time not a major component of armed conflict as they are now.

The change ordered by Trump will reclassify armed drones from technology whose export is severely restricted to a category that can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The drones in the category must have a maximum airspeed of less than 800 kilometers per hour, which will allow sales of the Reaper and Predator drones used by the US military, as well as others made by US defense manufacturers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-tries-to-lure-us-send-india-a-message-but-who-really-got-hurt-baffled-315824" hreflang="en">TikTok tries to lure US, send India a message: But who really got 'hurt'?</a>

"The Trump administration has once again weakened international export controls on the export of lethal drones," said Senator Bob Menendez in a statement.

"This reckless decision makes it more likely that we will export some of our most deadly weaponry to human rights abusers across the world," he said.

"The MTCR's standards are more than three decades old," the White House said in a statement.

"Not only do these outdated standards give an unfair advantage to countries outside of the MTCR and hurt United States industry, they also hinder our deterrence capability abroad by handicapping our partners and allies with subpar technology."

The White House statement said two years of talks had failed to reform the MTCR.

The move has worried arms control advocates who say the US sale of advanced drones to more countries could fuel the global arms race.

The Trump administration moved Friday to ease controls on exports of armed drones, saying that allies need US technology and that other countries outside of a non-proliferation pact were taking over the market.

The Trump administration moved Friday to ease controls on exports of armed drones, saying that allies need US technology and that other countries outside of a non-proliferation pact were taking over the market. The White House announced that President Donald Trump had approved a move to diverge partly from the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime, in which 35 countries agreed to restrict the sales of unmanned weapons delivery systems. The MTCR was aimed at controlling the spread of missiles that could deliver large payload like nuclear weapons. Also read: Caught in a lie: Here's why Donald Trump cancelled Florida convention But it also covered armed drones, at the time not a major component of armed conflict as they are now. The change ordered by Trump will reclassify armed drones from technology whose export is severely restricted to a category that can be considered on a case-by-case basis. The drones in the category must have a maximum airspeed of less than 800 kilometers per hour, which will allow sales of the Reaper and Predator drones used by the US military, as well as others made by US defense manufacturers. Also read: TikTok tries to lure US, send India a message: But who really got 'hurt'? "The Trump administration has once again weakened international export controls on the export of lethal drones," said Senator Bob Menendez in a statement. "This reckless decision makes it more likely that we will export some of our most deadly weaponry to human rights abusers across the world," he said. "The MTCR's standards are more than three decades old," the White House said in a statement. "Not only do these outdated standards give an unfair advantage to countries outside of the MTCR and hurt United States industry, they also hinder our deterrence capability abroad by handicapping our partners and allies with subpar technology." The White House statement said two years of talks had failed to reform the MTCR. The move has worried arms control advocates who say the US sale of advanced drones to more countries could fuel the global arms race.

Trump allows defense contractors to sell more armed drones to foreign military

A man in New York called ‘Miracle Larry’ has finally come home after fighting for his life at a Manhattan hospital&nbsp;for 128 days.

Larry Kelly was hospitalized March 17 after contracting coronavirus when New York was an an epicentre of the novel virus.

He was put on ventilator for as life support for 51 days after his condition showed no signs for improvement. During this period, he&nbsp;he endured seizures and infections. When his health further deteriorated his wife had to stop doctors from pulling the plug.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marks-second-day-with-over-70000-new-coronavirus-cases-1000-deaths-315849" hreflang="en">US marks second day with over 70,000 new coronavirus cases, 1,000 deaths</a>

Kelly said he was the ''sickest patient&nbsp;at Mount Sinai Morningside'' and while he was in a coma, he had pneumonia in both lungs."

"I was agitated so they gave me fentanyl to calm me down. I got addicted to the fentanyl so they had to wean me down on methadone, and I had a massive brain bleed, which they say covered my entire brain."&nbsp;"They threw everything at me, I got addicted to fentanyl, they had to wean me off. I'm a recovering drug addict, I don't even remember it," he said in statement given to CNN

"I was in a very dark place, but something pulled me out. And if that's a miracle, that's a miracle," he added.

His brother gave him the nickname "Miracle Larry", a moniker that has come to define his fight.

The 64-year-old's only hope of surviving the deadly virus was a promise he made to his wife&nbsp;Dawn and&nbsp;daughter.

When Kelly was in&nbsp;drug-induced coma he had told them&nbsp;“I promise I’ll never stop fighting.”

After getting released from hospital, the first thing Kelly did was to hug them both who were waiting outside his ward to take him home.

The United States has recorded&nbsp;4.1 million cases of the virus which have resulted in 145,324 fatalities.

A man in New York called ‘Miracle Larry’ has finally come home after fighting for his life at a Manhattan hospital for 128 days. Larry Kelly was hospitalized March 17 after contracting coronavirus when New York was an an epicentre of the novel virus.

A man in New York called ‘Miracle Larry’ has finally come home after fighting for his life at a Manhattan hospital for 128 days. Larry Kelly was hospitalized March 17 after contracting coronavirus when New York was an an epicentre of the novel virus. He was put on ventilator for as life support for 51 days after his condition showed no signs for improvement. During this period, he he endured seizures and infections. When his health further deteriorated his wife had to stop doctors from pulling the plug. Also read: US marks second day with over 70,000 new coronavirus cases, 1,000 deaths Kelly said he was the ''sickest patient at Mount Sinai Morningside'' and while he was in a coma, he had pneumonia in both lungs." "I was agitated so they gave me fentanyl to calm me down. I got addicted to the fentanyl so they had to wean me down on methadone, and I had a massive brain bleed, which they say covered my entire brain." "They threw everything at me, I got addicted to fentanyl, they had to wean me off. I'm a recovering drug addict, I don't even remember it," he said in statement given to CNN "I was in a very dark place, but something pulled me out. And if that's a miracle, that's a miracle," he added. His brother gave him the nickname "Miracle Larry", a moniker that has come to define his fight. The 64-year-old's only hope of surviving the deadly virus was a promise he made to his wife Dawn and daughter. When Kelly was in drug-induced coma he had told them “I promise I’ll never stop fighting.” After getting released from hospital, the first thing Kelly did was to hug them both who were waiting outside his ward to take him home. The United States has recorded 4.1 million cases of the virus which have resulted in 145,324 fatalities.

COVID-19 survivor ‘Miracle Larry’ leaves NYC hospital after 128 days in hospital

In wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, Maharashtra`s Nagpur city will observe 'Janta Curfew'&nbsp;on Saturday and Sunday to curb the further spread of the infection.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) imposed the curfew for two days, during which essential services shall remain open in the city.

The streets in the city wore a deserted look today morning. Besides, barricades were also seen stationed at different junctures on the road.

According to a bulletin released by the state public health department, Maharashtra on Friday reported 9,615 new COVID-19 cases taking the total coronavirus case count in the state to 3,57,117.

The active cases in the state stand at 1,43,714. It said that 5,714 patients were discharged on Friday taking the number of recovered patients to 1,99,967.

The bulletin added that 278 deaths were due to COVID-19 and the death toll has gone to 13,132. As many as 304 patients have died due to other causes.&nbsp;

In wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, Maharashtra`s Nagpur city will observe 'Janta Curfew' on Saturday and Sunday to curb the further spread of the infection. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) imposed the curfew for two days, during which essential services shall remain open in the city.

In wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, Maharashtra`s Nagpur city will observe 'Janta Curfew' on Saturday and Sunday to curb the further spread of the infection. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) imposed the curfew for two days, during which essential services shall remain open in the city. The streets in the city wore a deserted look today morning. Besides, barricades were also seen stationed at different junctures on the road. According to a bulletin released by the state public health department, Maharashtra on Friday reported 9,615 new COVID-19 cases taking the total coronavirus case count in the state to 3,57,117. The active cases in the state stand at 1,43,714. It said that 5,714 patients were discharged on Friday taking the number of recovered patients to 1,99,967. The bulletin added that 278 deaths were due to COVID-19 and the death toll has gone to 13,132. As many as 304 patients have died due to other causes.

Janta Curfew in Nagpur on Saturday and Sunday

The floods in Bihar claimed at least 10 lives till Friday and hit as many districts in the northern parts of the state, leaving nearly one million affected by the deluge, the state's disaster management department said.

Heavy rainfalls caused the rivers to swell, leading to breach in embankments at more than one place. The state government said repair work would resume only after two-three days, during which the downpour is expected to become less intense.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-million-children-affected-by-recent-floods-in-india-unicef-315491">2.4 million children affected by recent floods in India: UNICEF</a>

In the meantime, help will be sought from the Indian Air Force so that relief material could be dropped for people marooned in places, which have become inaccessible.

According to the bulletin issued by the state's disaster management department, West Champaran district, situated along the border with Nepal and through which flows the Gandak river, originating in the neighbouring country and currently in full spate, has borne the brunt accounting for seven of the deaths.

It is home to about 1.43 lakh people affected by the floods, out of whom more than 5,000 have so far been evacuated and taken to safer places by two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and one of the SDRF.

The floods in Bihar claimed at least 10 lives till Friday and hit as many districts in the northern parts of the state, leaving nearly one million affected by the deluge, the state's disaster management department said.

The floods in Bihar claimed at least 10 lives till Friday and hit as many districts in the northern parts of the state, leaving nearly one million affected by the deluge, the state's disaster management department said. Heavy rainfalls caused the rivers to swell, leading to breach in embankments at more than one place. The state government said repair work would resume only after two-three days, during which the downpour is expected to become less intense. Also read- 2.4 million children affected by recent floods in India: UNICEF In the meantime, help will be sought from the Indian Air Force so that relief material could be dropped for people marooned in places, which have become inaccessible. According to the bulletin issued by the state's disaster management department, West Champaran district, situated along the border with Nepal and through which flows the Gandak river, originating in the neighbouring country and currently in full spate, has borne the brunt accounting for seven of the deaths. It is home to about 1.43 lakh people affected by the floods, out of whom more than 5,000 have so far been evacuated and taken to safer places by two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and one of the SDRF.

Floods claim 10 lives in Bihar, nearly 1 million people affected in 10 districts

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday, police said.

Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Ranbirgarh area on the outskirts of the city this morning following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said as the forces were conducting the search, militants fired upon them.&nbsp;The forces retaliated, ensuing a gunfight.

The identity and group affiliation of the militants are&nbsp;being ascertained as per the&nbsp;Kashmir Zone Police.

The search operation is going on and further details were awaited.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Ranbirgarh area on the outskirts of the city this morning following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Ranbirgarh area on the outskirts of the city this morning following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said as the forces were conducting the search, militants fired upon them. The forces retaliated, ensuing a gunfight. The identity and group affiliation of the militants are being ascertained as per the Kashmir Zone Police. The search operation is going on and further details were awaited.

Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces near Srinagar

A man from western Wisconsin in the United States will share his lottery prize worth $22 million dollar because of a promise he made in 1992.

Tom Cook and his friend Joseph Feeney had shaken&nbsp;hands nearly three decades ago and vowed that if he either of the two ever one a powerball lottery they would share it with each other.

While Cook is a gambler by disposition, Feeney is an avid fisherman.

And when Cook won the lottery nearly 30 years later, the first person he called was his friend Feeney to let him know that he would fulfil his promise.

When Feeney asked Cook ''Are you jerkin' my bobber?'', he laughed and said ''A handshake’s a handshake.''

The winning ticket had purchased by Cook last month at a Synergy Coop store in his hometown of Menominee, Wisconsin, and realized he’d won while checking his numbers over breakfast shortly afterwards.&nbsp;

''It was quite an experience when I read those first two or three numbers. I kind of froze and handed them to my wife and she froze as well'' Cook said recalling his experience of matching his lottery number with the winning number.

They both went along with their wives to the Wisconsin Lottery in Madison to collect their winnings.

Cook has given two weeks notice to his job after winning the lottery. 
&nbsp;

A man from western Wisconsin in the United States will share his lottery prize worth $22 million dollar because of a promise he made in 1992. Tom Cook and his friend Joseph Feeney had shaken hands nearly three decades ago and vowed that if he either of the two ever one a powerball lottery they would share it with each other.

A man from western Wisconsin in the United States will share his lottery prize worth $22 million dollar because of a promise he made in 1992. Tom Cook and his friend Joseph Feeney had shaken hands nearly three decades ago and vowed that if he either of the two ever one a powerball lottery they would share it with each other. While Cook is a gambler by disposition, Feeney is an avid fisherman. And when Cook won the lottery nearly 30 years later, the first person he called was his friend Feeney to let him know that he would fulfil his promise. When Feeney asked Cook ''Are you jerkin' my bobber?'', he laughed and said ''A handshake’s a handshake.'' The winning ticket had purchased by Cook last month at a Synergy Coop store in his hometown of Menominee, Wisconsin, and realized he’d won while checking his numbers over breakfast shortly afterwards. ''It was quite an experience when I read those first two or three numbers. I kind of froze and handed them to my wife and she froze as well'' Cook said recalling his experience of matching his lottery number with the winning number. They both went along with their wives to the Wisconsin Lottery in Madison to collect their winnings. Cook has given two weeks notice to his job after winning the lottery.

US: Man shares $22 million lottery with best friend over promise made in 1992

TikTok unveiled plans for a $200 million "creator fund" to add content from emerging social media personalities to the fast-growing video-sharing app.

The new US fund will "help support ambitious creators who are seeking opportunities to foster a livelihood through their innovative content," said Vanessa Pappas, general manager of TikTok US.

The move comes with TikTok seeing strong momentum, especially among young smartphone users, even as US lawmakers and officials step up warnings about its links to China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-committee-approves-bill-banning-tiktok-for-federal-employees-315221">US Senate Committee approves bill banning TikTok for federal employees</a>

Pappas said that with the fund, "our creators will be able to realize additional earnings that help reward the care and dedication they put into creatively connecting with an audience that's inspired by their ideas."

The fund will be open in August to US applicants 18 years or older who have a platform following, and post original content in line with its community guidelines. 
The move could help ramp up interest in TikTok, which has seen its user base grow to an estimated one billion.

Until now, TikTok has been using the model of Facebook-owned Instagram, which allows creators to post sponsored videos but without direct remuneration from the platform.

TikTok said this week it plans to add some 10,000 US jobs over the next three years, as it battles complaints over its ties to China.

A unit of China-based holding ByteDance, TikTok has been banned in India and US officials have said they were looking at possible actions against the app.

The US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs&nbsp;unanimously voted on Wednesday to approve a bill to ban federal employees from using China's video-sharing app TikTok on government-issued devices.&nbsp;

Amid reports of a possible spinoff or buyout of the app, TikTok has said the company's structure is under review.

TikTok unveiled plans for a $200 million "creator fund" to add content from emerging social media personalities to the fast-growing video-sharing app. The new US fund will "help support ambitious creators who are seeking opportunities to foster a livelihood through their innovative content," said Vanessa Pappas, general manager of TikTok US.

TikTok unveiled plans for a $200 million "creator fund" to add content from emerging social media personalities to the fast-growing video-sharing app. The new US fund will "help support ambitious creators who are seeking opportunities to foster a livelihood through their innovative content," said Vanessa Pappas, general manager of TikTok US. The move comes with TikTok seeing strong momentum, especially among young smartphone users, even as US lawmakers and officials step up warnings about its links to China. Also read: US Senate Committee approves bill banning TikTok for federal employees Pappas said that with the fund, "our creators will be able to realize additional earnings that help reward the care and dedication they put into creatively connecting with an audience that's inspired by their ideas." The fund will be open in August to US applicants 18 years or older who have a platform following, and post original content in line with its community guidelines. The move could help ramp up interest in TikTok, which has seen its user base grow to an estimated one billion. Until now, TikTok has been using the model of Facebook-owned Instagram, which allows creators to post sponsored videos but without direct remuneration from the platform. TikTok said this week it plans to add some 10,000 US jobs over the next three years, as it battles complaints over its ties to China. A unit of China-based holding ByteDance, TikTok has been banned in India and US officials have said they were looking at possible actions against the app. The US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs unanimously voted on Wednesday to approve a bill to ban federal employees from using China's video-sharing app TikTok on government-issued devices. Amid reports of a possible spinoff or buyout of the app, TikTok has said the company's structure is under review.

TikTok launches $200 million fund for US creators despite Senate ban

A new study by non-profit organisation Global Fishing Watch said Thursday that North Korea ''ghost ships'' had washed up in Japan because of China's ''dark'' fishing fleet.

Japan's north coast was&nbsp;the site of a macabre phenomena in which North Korea's fishing boats were washed up on shore carrying several dead bodies, more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from their homeland.

Satellite technologies were used by the authors of the report to analyze marine traffic in northeast Asia in 2017 and 2018 and found that hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels were sailing in waters off North Korea.&nbsp;

Pushing North Korea's fleet, which are poorly equipped to travel long distances, the Chinese ships appeared to be fishing there illegally.&nbsp;

Approximately 900 Chinese ships in 2017 and 700 in the following year violated the international law by selling North Korean fish internationally.

They caught more than 160,000 metric tons of Pacific flying squid, one of the region's most valuable seafood products, in 2017 and 2018, more than South Korea and Japan combined during the same period. The estimated catch was worth more than $440 million.

A UN report which was published in March claimed that North Korea earned an estimated $120 million in 2018 by selling or transferring fishing rights in violation of UN sanctions.

Pyongyang's fish trade was sanctioned in 2017 by the United Nations Security Council as part of its effort to punish the Kim Jong Un regime for its repeated ballistic missile tests that year. It was worth an estimated $300 million a year at that time.

A new study by non-profit organisation Global Fishing Watch said Thursday that North Korea ''ghost ships'' had washed up in Japan because of China's ''dark'' fishing fleet.

A new study by non-profit organisation Global Fishing Watch said Thursday that North Korea ''ghost ships'' had washed up in Japan because of China's ''dark'' fishing fleet. Japan's north coast was the site of a macabre phenomena in which North Korea's fishing boats were washed up on shore carrying several dead bodies, more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from their homeland. Satellite technologies were used by the authors of the report to analyze marine traffic in northeast Asia in 2017 and 2018 and found that hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels were sailing in waters off North Korea. Pushing North Korea's fleet, which are poorly equipped to travel long distances, the Chinese ships appeared to be fishing there illegally. Approximately 900 Chinese ships in 2017 and 700 in the following year violated the international law by selling North Korean fish internationally. They caught more than 160,000 metric tons of Pacific flying squid, one of the region's most valuable seafood products, in 2017 and 2018, more than South Korea and Japan combined during the same period. The estimated catch was worth more than $440 million. A UN report which was published in March claimed that North Korea earned an estimated $120 million in 2018 by selling or transferring fishing rights in violation of UN sanctions. Pyongyang's fish trade was sanctioned in 2017 by the United Nations Security Council as part of its effort to punish the Kim Jong Un regime for its repeated ballistic missile tests that year. It was worth an estimated $300 million a year at that time.

North Korean 'ghost ships' washed up in Japan due to China's 'dark' fishing fleet

An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the government's handling of the pandemic.

NanoScent, the firm making the test kits, said an extensive trial in Israel for the presence of live virus delivered results with 85 percent accuracy, and the product could receive regulatory approval within months.

The firm has been operating for several years, specialising in rapid recognition technology, including for medical purposes.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-protests-soar-over-governments-inadequate-coronavirus-response-and-corruption-315104">Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption</a>

According to Oren Gavriely, the company's Chief executive officer, the breathalyser would not replace lab tests, but was a mass screening tool that could help people gain "the confidence to go back and act as normal".

Gavriely said that while visiting the United States in January, he sensed his firm's expertise may be needed to help confront the novel virus circulating in Asia that appeared to be spreading to the West.

"We said we'll invest one week into it and see what's happening, and this one week never stopped," he said.

The test begins with a few short questions about COVID-19 exposure and symptoms, displayed on the phone of the person administering the procedure.

Test subjects then inhale through the nose, hold their breath, close one nostril and exhale through the other, pushing breath through a handheld tube into a small bag called the "Air Trap".

The tube is then plugged into the "Scent Reader", a small rectangular device that whirrs softly as it sucks the air out of the bag. Within seconds the results appear on the phone.

Researchers at NanoScent's headquarters in northern Israel are refining the virus recognition technology, which relies on "odours and the pattern of odours", Gavriely said.&nbsp;

After analysing the breath of roughly 1,000 Israeli COVID-19 patients, the firm was able to identify detectable smells associated with the virus, the chief executive added.

The country of nine million people has been recording more than 1,000 new cases per day in recent weeks, forcing new restrictions and public anger over the purportedly mismanaged re-opening.

An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the government's handling of the pandemic.

An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the government's handling of the pandemic. NanoScent, the firm making the test kits, said an extensive trial in Israel for the presence of live virus delivered results with 85 percent accuracy, and the product could receive regulatory approval within months. The firm has been operating for several years, specialising in rapid recognition technology, including for medical purposes. Also see| Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption According to Oren Gavriely, the company's Chief executive officer, the breathalyser would not replace lab tests, but was a mass screening tool that could help people gain "the confidence to go back and act as normal". Gavriely said that while visiting the United States in January, he sensed his firm's expertise may be needed to help confront the novel virus circulating in Asia that appeared to be spreading to the West. "We said we'll invest one week into it and see what's happening, and this one week never stopped," he said. The test begins with a few short questions about COVID-19 exposure and symptoms, displayed on the phone of the person administering the procedure. Test subjects then inhale through the nose, hold their breath, close one nostril and exhale through the other, pushing breath through a handheld tube into a small bag called the "Air Trap". The tube is then plugged into the "Scent Reader", a small rectangular device that whirrs softly as it sucks the air out of the bag. Within seconds the results appear on the phone. Researchers at NanoScent's headquarters in northern Israel are refining the virus recognition technology, which relies on "odours and the pattern of odours", Gavriely said. After analysing the breath of roughly 1,000 Israeli COVID-19 patients, the firm was able to identify detectable smells associated with the virus, the chief executive added. The country of nine million people has been recording more than 1,000 new cases per day in recent weeks, forcing new restrictions and public anger over the purportedly mismanaged re-opening.

Israeli firm developing 'front line' 30-second COVID-19 breath test

A Kurdish-Iranian refugee who wrote an award-winning book on his mobile phone while held in one of Australia's notorious Pacific detention camps has been granted asylum in New Zealand, officials said Friday.

Boochani arrived in New Zealand about eight months ago to speak at a literary festival, and has stayed in Christchurch country despite his visitor visa expiring.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-police-order-protesting-asylum-seekers-out-of-australian-run-camp-24941">Papua New Guinea police enter shut Australia-run detention camp, order protesting asylum seekers out</a>

Immigration New Zealand said Boochani's application had been successful, which means he has the right to stay in the South Pacific nation indefinitely.

"Mr. Boochani has been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol," it said in a brief statement, refusing to release further details on privacy grounds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-asylum-seekers-scared-to-leave-detention-camp-23217">Australian asylum seekers scared to leave detention camp</a>

Reports said the decision was relayed to Boochani on Thursday, his 37th birthday.

He has been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugee and its 1967 Protocol, Fiona Whiteridge, Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) general manager for refugee and migrant Services, told Reuters in an email statement.

"It's very important that now I have some certainty about my future, so now I feel stronger, I feel stable to continue to work here," he told the stuff.co.nz news website.

Boochani painstakingly tapped out his book "No Friend But The Mountains" on WhatsApp while detained in the Australian-run Manus Island migrant camp off Papua New Guinea, which is now officially closed.

He was pulled from a sinking boat in Australian waters in 2013 and held in Papua New Guinea under a policy adopted by Canberra to prevent asylum seekers arriving by sea from setting foot on Australian soil.

His account of his plight won numerous awards, including Australia's richest literary honour, the Victorian Prize for Literature.

New Zealand Green Party human rights spokeswoman Golriz Ghahraman, a longtime supporter of Boochani, said the refugee decision showed her country was "a place where fairness and compassion prevails".

"People escaping torture and persecution based on their religion, race, and political activism deserve a place to call home, they deserve protection. We welcome Behrouz wholeheartedly." she said.

Boochani is reportedly working as a researcher at Canterbury University in the South Island city of Christchurch.

He fled Iran for Indonesia in 2013 when the Kurdish magazine he wrote for was raided by the military for publishing anti-government articles.&nbsp;

He then paid a people-smuggler to take him to Australia but the voyage ended with him being sent to Manus Island.

A Kurdish-Iranian refugee who wrote an award-winning book on his mobile phone while held in one of Australia's notorious Pacific detention camps has been granted asylum in New Zealand, officials said Friday.

A Kurdish-Iranian refugee who wrote an award-winning book on his mobile phone while held in one of Australia's notorious Pacific detention camps has been granted asylum in New Zealand, officials said Friday. Boochani arrived in New Zealand about eight months ago to speak at a literary festival, and has stayed in Christchurch country despite his visitor visa expiring. Also read: Papua New Guinea police enter shut Australia-run detention camp, order protesting asylum seekers out Immigration New Zealand said Boochani's application had been successful, which means he has the right to stay in the South Pacific nation indefinitely. "Mr. Boochani has been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol," it said in a brief statement, refusing to release further details on privacy grounds. Also read: Australian asylum seekers scared to leave detention camp Reports said the decision was relayed to Boochani on Thursday, his 37th birthday. He has been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugee and its 1967 Protocol, Fiona Whiteridge, Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) general manager for refugee and migrant Services, told Reuters in an email statement. "It's very important that now I have some certainty about my future, so now I feel stronger, I feel stable to continue to work here," he told the stuff.co.nz news website. Boochani painstakingly tapped out his book "No Friend But The Mountains" on WhatsApp while detained in the Australian-run Manus Island migrant camp off Papua New Guinea, which is now officially closed. He was pulled from a sinking boat in Australian waters in 2013 and held in Papua New Guinea under a policy adopted by Canberra to prevent asylum seekers arriving by sea from setting foot on Australian soil. His account of his plight won numerous awards, including Australia's richest literary honour, the Victorian Prize for Literature. New Zealand Green Party human rights spokeswoman Golriz Ghahraman, a longtime supporter of Boochani, said the refugee decision showed her country was "a place where fairness and compassion prevails". "People escaping torture and persecution based on their religion, race, and political activism deserve a place to call home, they deserve protection. We welcome Behrouz wholeheartedly." she said. Boochani is reportedly working as a researcher at Canterbury University in the South Island city of Christchurch. He fled Iran for Indonesia in 2013 when the Kurdish magazine he wrote for was raided by the military for publishing anti-government articles. He then paid a people-smuggler to take him to Australia but the voyage ended with him being sent to Manus Island.

Behrouz Boochani: Kurdish-Iranian writer granted refugee status in New Zealand

The number of global COVID-19 pandemic cases has topped 15 million, with almost 620,000 deaths and almost half of all cases from the US, Brazil and India, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the pandemic has changed people's lifestyles and the world has entered a new normal of fighting the pandemic.

"More than fifteen million cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO and almost six hundred twenty thousand deaths. Almost 10 million cases or two thirds of all cases globally are from 10 countries, and almost half of all cases reported so far are from just three countries.''

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-us-and-brazil-can-deal-with-covid-19-pandemic-says-who-315563">India, US and Brazil can ‘deal with’ Covid-19 pandemic, says WHO</a>

''The pandemic has already changed the way we live our lives. Part of adjusting [to] the new normal is finding ways to live our lives safely.We must remember that most people are still susceptible to this virus. As long as it's circulating, everyone is at risk," he said.

The coronavirus pandemic hit grim new milestones Thursday, with cases topping four million in the United States and three million in Europe as fresh spikes from Belgium to Tokyo to Melbourne forced new restrictions on citizens.&nbsp;

While EU lawmakers combed through a huge aid package for their economies, the UN called for a basic income for the world's poorest to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and the Red Cross warned of "massive" new migration caused by the economic devastation.

The United States, the hardest-hit country by the virus, added one million new cases in just over two weeks, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. In the previous 24 hours alone, the country notched more than 76,000 new cases.

Having recorded more than 144,000 total fatalities, the United States has seen a coronavirus surge, particularly in southern and western states, as Texas, California, Alabama, Idaho and Florida all announced record one-day death tolls.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the European continent now accounts for a fifth of the world's more than 15 million cases and remains the hardest hit in terms of deaths, with 206,633 out of 627,307 worldwide.

A 750-billion-euro post-coronavirus recovery plan was hammered out at an EU summit this week, where fiscally rigid nations butted heads with hard-hit countries like Spain and Italy that have called for huge aid grants.

The number of global COVID-19 pandemic cases has topped 15 million, with almost 620,000 deaths and almost half of all cases from the US, Brazil and India, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

The number of global COVID-19 pandemic cases has topped 15 million, with almost 620,000 deaths and almost half of all cases from the US, Brazil and India, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the pandemic has changed people's lifestyles and the world has entered a new normal of fighting the pandemic. "More than fifteen million cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO and almost six hundred twenty thousand deaths. Almost 10 million cases or two thirds of all cases globally are from 10 countries, and almost half of all cases reported so far are from just three countries.'' Also see: India, US and Brazil can ‘deal with’ Covid-19 pandemic, says WHO ''The pandemic has already changed the way we live our lives. Part of adjusting [to] the new normal is finding ways to live our lives safely.We must remember that most people are still susceptible to this virus. As long as it's circulating, everyone is at risk," he said. The coronavirus pandemic hit grim new milestones Thursday, with cases topping four million in the United States and three million in Europe as fresh spikes from Belgium to Tokyo to Melbourne forced new restrictions on citizens. While EU lawmakers combed through a huge aid package for their economies, the UN called for a basic income for the world's poorest to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and the Red Cross warned of "massive" new migration caused by the economic devastation. The United States, the hardest-hit country by the virus, added one million new cases in just over two weeks, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. In the previous 24 hours alone, the country notched more than 76,000 new cases. Having recorded more than 144,000 total fatalities, the United States has seen a coronavirus surge, particularly in southern and western states, as Texas, California, Alabama, Idaho and Florida all announced record one-day death tolls. Meanwhile, the European continent now accounts for a fifth of the world's more than 15 million cases and remains the hardest hit in terms of deaths, with 206,633 out of 627,307 worldwide. A 750-billion-euro post-coronavirus recovery plan was hammered out at an EU summit this week, where fiscally rigid nations butted heads with hard-hit countries like Spain and Italy that have called for huge aid grants.

Global coronavirus cases surpass 15 million: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said.

Washington and Moscow are preparing negotiations on a successor to the New START treaty capping their countries' nuclear arsenals. However, China has so far rejected pressure from the Trump administration to join the talks, saying that its arsenal is far smaller than that of the two former Cold War foes.

<h5><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/accuse-evict-repeat-how-it-has-become-a-commonly-used-tactic-by-us-315431" hreflang="en">Accuse, evict, repeat: How it has become a commonly used tactic by US</a></h5>

"President Trump reiterated his hope of avoiding an expensive three-way arms race between China, Russia and the United States and looked forward to progress on upcoming arms control negotiations in Vienna," White House spokesman Judd Deere said.

The two leaders also discussed Iran's nuclear arms program, the Kremlin said in its statement on the call.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-calls-for-free-world-to-triumph-over-chinas-new-tyranny-315562" hreflang="en">Mike Pompeo calls for ‘free world’ to triumph over China's ‘new tyranny’</a>

"The need for collective efforts to maintain regional stability and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime has been emphasized on both sides," the Kremlin said.

The White House did not mention Iran but said Trump and Putin discussed ways to defeat the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to reopen global economies.

The United States says that, as a growing nuclear weapons power, China should join it and Russia in a new treaty. But China’s estimated 300 warheads are dwarfed by the arsenals of Russia and the United States.

China has balked. A top Chinese diplomat said earlier this month that China would be happy to hold arms control talks with the United States and Russia, but only if Washington was willing to cut its nuclear arsenal to China's level, which is about 20 times smaller.

President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said.

President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said. Washington and Moscow are preparing negotiations on a successor to the New START treaty capping their countries' nuclear arsenals. However, China has so far rejected pressure from the Trump administration to join the talks, saying that its arsenal is far smaller than that of the two former Cold War foes. Accuse, evict, repeat: How it has become a commonly used tactic by US "President Trump reiterated his hope of avoiding an expensive three-way arms race between China, Russia and the United States and looked forward to progress on upcoming arms control negotiations in Vienna," White House spokesman Judd Deere said. The two leaders also discussed Iran's nuclear arms program, the Kremlin said in its statement on the call. Also read: Mike Pompeo calls for ‘free world’ to triumph over China's ‘new tyranny’ "The need for collective efforts to maintain regional stability and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime has been emphasized on both sides," the Kremlin said. The White House did not mention Iran but said Trump and Putin discussed ways to defeat the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to reopen global economies. The United States says that, as a growing nuclear weapons power, China should join it and Russia in a new treaty. But China’s estimated 300 warheads are dwarfed by the arsenals of Russia and the United States. China has balked. A top Chinese diplomat said earlier this month that China would be happy to hold arms control talks with the United States and Russia, but only if Washington was willing to cut its nuclear arsenal to China's level, which is about 20 times smaller.

Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin

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