After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers.

At Badrinath, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus, the railings of the complex were covered with a cloth. Also, before entering the premises of the shrine, the devotees were screened for coronavirus symptoms by the doctors.

"We were able to offer prayers to the lord easily this year as there is no rush," one of the devotees told ANI.

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-19148-new-coronavirus-cases-434-deaths-in-24-hours-310084" hreflang="en">India reports 19,148 new coronavirus cases, 434 deaths in 24 hours</a>

This year people have been asked to stay at Joshimath and nearby areas instead of Badrinath.Moreover, in Kedarnath also around 55 devotees were lined up in neat rows to offer prayers to the god.

"Devasthanam Board has started the Chardham Yatra for the people. The police have been deployed and more than 55 devotees have come to visit the temple today," said Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar.

"Now the number of travellers have started increasing. Also, along with the police, the SDRF team is also stationed at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Linchali, Bhimbali and Kedarnath. Pilgrims will be given immediate assistance in case of any problem during the journey," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-on-for-opening-of-badrinath-dham-portals-on-may-15-295988">Preparations on for opening of Badrinath Dham portals on May 15</a>

Chardham Yatra for Uttarakhand residents began on Wednesday with 422 pilgrims applying for e-passes on the first day to visit the Himalayan shrines.

Due to COVID-19 spread, the pilgrims cannot touch idols at the temples. Even the bells hanging inside the premises have been covered. There will be no prasad distribution also to avoid direct contacting.

After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers.

After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers. At Badrinath, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus, the railings of the complex were covered with a cloth. Also, before entering the premises of the shrine, the devotees were screened for coronavirus symptoms by the doctors. "We were able to offer prayers to the lord easily this year as there is no rush," one of the devotees told ANI. Also read: India reports 19,148 new coronavirus cases, 434 deaths in 24 hours This year people have been asked to stay at Joshimath and nearby areas instead of Badrinath.Moreover, in Kedarnath also around 55 devotees were lined up in neat rows to offer prayers to the god. "Devasthanam Board has started the Chardham Yatra for the people. The police have been deployed and more than 55 devotees have come to visit the temple today," said Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar. "Now the number of travellers have started increasing. Also, along with the police, the SDRF team is also stationed at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Linchali, Bhimbali and Kedarnath. Pilgrims will be given immediate assistance in case of any problem during the journey," he added. Also read: Preparations on for opening of Badrinath Dham portals on May 15 Chardham Yatra for Uttarakhand residents began on Wednesday with 422 pilgrims applying for e-passes on the first day to visit the Himalayan shrines. Due to COVID-19 spread, the pilgrims cannot touch idols at the temples. Even the bells hanging inside the premises have been covered. There will be no prasad distribution also to avoid direct contacting.

Amid COVID-19 spread, devotees offer prayers during Chardham Yatra

Seventeen members of the Tablighi Jamaat from Indonesia and Thailand, who were arrested in March, have been released on bail, police said on Thursday.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Navneet Kumar Bharti on Wednesday ordered their release on surety of Rs 25,000 each.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nizamuddin-markaz-delhi-police-to-file-chargesheets-against-536-tablighi-jamaat-members-from-three-nations-301519">Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi Police to file chargesheets against 536 Tablighi Jamaat members from three nations</a>

The foreigners, 10 from Indonesia and seven from Thailand, were arrested in March under various sections, including the Passport Act, the Foreigners' Act and the Epidemic Act.

They were in jail from April 11 after completing their quarantine period.

Seventeen members of the Tablighi Jamaat from Indonesia and Thailand, who were arrested in March, have been released on bail, police said on Thursday. Chief Judicial Magistrate Navneet Kumar Bharti on Wednesday ordered their release on surety of Rs 25,000 each.

Seventeen members of the Tablighi Jamaat from Indonesia and Thailand, who were arrested in March, have been released on bail, police said on Thursday. Chief Judicial Magistrate Navneet Kumar Bharti on Wednesday ordered their release on surety of Rs 25,000 each. Also read| Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi Police to file chargesheets against 536 Tablighi Jamaat members from three nations The foreigners, 10 from Indonesia and seven from Thailand, were arrested in March under various sections, including the Passport Act, the Foreigners' Act and the Epidemic Act. They were in jail from April 11 after completing their quarantine period.

17 Tablighi Jamaat members released on bail in Uttar Pradesh

Australia&nbsp;is working on a scheme to provide "safe haven" proposals for Hong Kong residents, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday&nbsp;after China imposed a new national security law on the financial hub.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson had&nbsp;announced officially that his country would offer immigration rights to the people of Hong Kong in the aftermath of China passing the controversial national security law in Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-extends-immigration-rights-to-hong-kongers-on-23rd-anniversary-of-citys-handover-309917">UK extends immigration rights to Hong Kongers on 23rd anniversary of city's handover</a>

Even before the law was formalised, the UK had promised assistance to Hong Kongers if China went ahead with the legislation. As per this promise, those in possession of the British National Overseas passport could live in the UK, and work there. This would pave the way for citizenship.

The law punishes crimes of secession, subversion and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison in Hong Kong, which was guaranteed freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula at its 1997 handover.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/none-of-your-business-china-slams-foreign-critics-over-hong-kong-law-309907">'None of your business': China slams foreign critics over Hong Kong law</a>

China says the law is necessary to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces following anti-government protests that escalated in June last year and plunged the city into its biggest crisis in decades. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the law will not affect Hong Kong's rights and freedoms, nor investor interests.

The passage of the law has drawn international condemnation and more than 300 people on Wednesday&nbsp;were arrested as protesters took to the streets in defiance of the sweeping security legislation.

Australia is working on a scheme to provide "safe haven" proposals for Hong Kong residents, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday after China imposed a new national security law on the financial hub.

Australia is working on a scheme to provide "safe haven" proposals for Hong Kong residents, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday after China imposed a new national security law on the financial hub. On Wednesday, United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson had announced officially that his country would offer immigration rights to the people of Hong Kong in the aftermath of China passing the controversial national security law in Hong Kong. Also read: UK extends immigration rights to Hong Kongers on 23rd anniversary of city's handover Even before the law was formalised, the UK had promised assistance to Hong Kongers if China went ahead with the legislation. As per this promise, those in possession of the British National Overseas passport could live in the UK, and work there. This would pave the way for citizenship. The law punishes crimes of secession, subversion and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison in Hong Kong, which was guaranteed freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula at its 1997 handover. Also read| 'None of your business': China slams foreign critics over Hong Kong law China says the law is necessary to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces following anti-government protests that escalated in June last year and plunged the city into its biggest crisis in decades. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the law will not affect Hong Kong's rights and freedoms, nor investor interests. The passage of the law has drawn international condemnation and more than 300 people on Wednesday were arrested as protesters took to the streets in defiance of the sweeping security legislation.

After UK's passport plan, Australia working on 'safe haven' proposal for Hong Kong residents

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July.

The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies&nbsp;will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to&nbsp;Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-anti-trust-regulators-fine-apple-123-billion-286882">French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion</a>

It has not yet been decide whether the executives will appear in person or virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although most of them have already appeared before the Congress, but this is the first time that the CEOs will do so regarding antitrust concerns. The hearing will be the first time Jeff Bezos will apear before the Congress.

The questions about other issues the executives are also likely to face include&nbsp;Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers or the spread of hate speech on Facebook and YouTube.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-tide-of-coronavirus-cases-hit-amazon-warehouses-288731">Growing tide of coronavirus cases hit Amazon warehouses</a>

All four companies are being investigated by state or federal departments over an array of issues. While, the Justice Department Prosecutors are preparing a possible antitrust case against Google this year, after an inquiry homed in on its control of advertising technology and the search engine market.

Meanwhile, Amazon's business and Facebook's acquisition of smaller companies are being&nbsp;investigated&nbsp;by the Federal Trade Commission.

Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Microsoft are the five biggest technology&nbsp;companies according to&nbsp;market value.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July. The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee.

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July. The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee. Also read: French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion It has not yet been decide whether the executives will appear in person or virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although most of them have already appeared before the Congress, but this is the first time that the CEOs will do so regarding antitrust concerns. The hearing will be the first time Jeff Bezos will apear before the Congress. The questions about other issues the executives are also likely to face include Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers or the spread of hate speech on Facebook and YouTube. Also read: Growing tide of coronavirus cases hit Amazon warehouses All four companies are being investigated by state or federal departments over an array of issues. While, the Justice Department Prosecutors are preparing a possible antitrust case against Google this year, after an inquiry homed in on its control of advertising technology and the search engine market. Meanwhile, Amazon's business and Facebook's acquisition of smaller companies are being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission. Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Microsoft are the five biggest technology companies according to market value.

CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues

Two days of protests have left at least 81 people dead in&nbsp;Ethiopia, a police chief said Wednesday, after the murder of a popular singer from the country's largest ethnic group stoked tensions that threaten to derail the country's democratic transition.

The military was deployed in the&nbsp;Ethiopian capital on Wednesday, as armed gangs roamed neighbourhoods in a second day of unrest&nbsp;that has&nbsp;deepened political divisions in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's political heartland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-52-killed-in-ethiopia-protests-over-singers-death-309893">At least 52 killed in Ethiopia protests over singer's death</a>

Hachalu Hundessa, whose political songs gave voice to the Oromo's longstanding sense of marginalisation, was shot dead on Monday night.

Angry protests broke out in Addis Ababa and the region of Oromia which surrounds it, the heartland of the Oromo people who have long complained of oppression at the hands of smaller ethnic groups in the diverse country of 100 million people.

<img alt="Protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a0d6e15-c428-4339-9e95-d91f9a063a6a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2879%29_2.jpg" />

Smoke rises over Addis Ababa skyline during protests following the fatal shooting of the&nbsp;Ethiopian musician Haacaaluu Hundeessaa, in Addis Ababa,&nbsp;Ethiopia| REUTERS

"So far 81 people have been killed, including three Oromia special police force members," Ararsa Merdasa, the Oromia police chief, said on Wednesday in a televised press briefing.

On Wednesday the worst violence took place in Hachalu's hometown of Ambo, west of Addis Ababa.

At the core of the anger was Oromo nationalists' desire to see Hachalu buried in Addis Ababa, historically at the heart of their territory, from where they feel they have been displaced.

It was a plan by the federal government to expand the capital into surrounding Oromia which kickstarted years of anti-government protests which swept Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to power in 2018, as the first Oromo to hold the post.&nbsp;

Oromia police chief Ararsa said "there was a grenade attack on the family home of Hachalu Hundessa in Ambo. That grenade attack killed his uncle and injured two police officers."

He urged the public to be calm ahead of the funeral.

Ambo spokesman Milkessa Beyene said that Hachalu's body had arrived in the town for burial on Thursday but "a group of youths who wanted the funeral to happen in Addis Ababa clashed with security forces, causing unrest."

He said there were "fatalities", including Hachalu's uncle.

Two days of protests have left at least 81 people dead in Ethiopia, a police chief said Wednesday, after the murder of a popular singer from the country's largest ethnic group stoked tensions that threaten to derail the country's democratic transition.

Two days of protests have left at least 81 people dead in Ethiopia, a police chief said Wednesday, after the murder of a popular singer from the country's largest ethnic group stoked tensions that threaten to derail the country's democratic transition. The military was deployed in the Ethiopian capital on Wednesday, as armed gangs roamed neighbourhoods in a second day of unrest that has deepened political divisions in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's political heartland. Also read: At least 52 killed in Ethiopia protests over singer's death Hachalu Hundessa, whose political songs gave voice to the Oromo's longstanding sense of marginalisation, was shot dead on Monday night. Angry protests broke out in Addis Ababa and the region of Oromia which surrounds it, the heartland of the Oromo people who have long complained of oppression at the hands of smaller ethnic groups in the diverse country of 100 million people. Smoke rises over Addis Ababa skyline during protests following the fatal shooting of the Ethiopian musician Haacaaluu Hundeessaa, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia| REUTERS "So far 81 people have been killed, including three Oromia special police force members," Ararsa Merdasa, the Oromia police chief, said on Wednesday in a televised press briefing. On Wednesday the worst violence took place in Hachalu's hometown of Ambo, west of Addis Ababa. At the core of the anger was Oromo nationalists' desire to see Hachalu buried in Addis Ababa, historically at the heart of their territory, from where they feel they have been displaced. It was a plan by the federal government to expand the capital into surrounding Oromia which kickstarted years of anti-government protests which swept Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to power in 2018, as the first Oromo to hold the post. Oromia police chief Ararsa said "there was a grenade attack on the family home of Hachalu Hundessa in Ambo. That grenade attack killed his uncle and injured two police officers." He urged the public to be calm ahead of the funeral. Ambo spokesman Milkessa Beyene said that Hachalu's body had arrived in the town for burial on Thursday but "a group of youths who wanted the funeral to happen in Addis Ababa clashed with security forces, causing unrest." He said there were "fatalities", including Hachalu's uncle.

Ethiopia protests: 81 killed in violence after death of singer; military deployed

July 2 in history: First commercial steam engine, Shimla agreement and more

Russians overwhelmingly approved a package of constitutional changes in a nationwide vote, partial results showed Wednesday, allowing President Vladimir Putin to potentially extend his two-decade rule until 2036.

With just over 85 per cent of ballots counted after the end of seven days of voting, 77.8 percent of voters had supported the reforms during the election, according to election commission figures cited by Russian state agencies.&nbsp;

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There had been little doubt of voters backing the changes, which Putin announced earlier this year and critics denounced as a manoeuvre to allow him to stay in the Kremlin for life.

The amendments had been passed weeks ago by Russia's parliament and copies of the new constitution were already on sale in bookshops, but Putin had said voter approval was essential to give them legitimacy.

The reforms include conservative and populist measures&nbsp;like guaranteed minimum pensions and an effective ban on gay marriage but crucially for Putin also reset presidential limits allowing him to run twice again after his current six-year term expires in 2024.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-holds-prominent-voting-day-on-constitutional-amendments-today-309877/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Kremlin pulled out all the stops to encourage voting, with polls extended over nearly a week, the last day of voting declared a national holiday and prizes -- including apartments, cars and cash -- on offer to voters.

Initially planned for April 22, the referendum was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic but rescheduled after Putin said the epidemic had peaked and officials began reporting lower numbers of new cases.

Russians overwhelmingly approved a package of constitutional changes in a nationwide vote, partial results showed Wednesday, allowing President Vladimir Putin to potentially extend his two-decade rule until 2036.

Russians overwhelmingly approved a package of constitutional changes in a nationwide vote, partial results showed Wednesday, allowing President Vladimir Putin to potentially extend his two-decade rule until 2036. With just over 85 per cent of ballots counted after the end of seven days of voting, 77.8 percent of voters had supported the reforms during the election, according to election commission figures cited by Russian state agencies. There had been little doubt of voters backing the changes, which Putin announced earlier this year and critics denounced as a manoeuvre to allow him to stay in the Kremlin for life. The amendments had been passed weeks ago by Russia's parliament and copies of the new constitution were already on sale in bookshops, but Putin had said voter approval was essential to give them legitimacy. The reforms include conservative and populist measures like guaranteed minimum pensions and an effective ban on gay marriage but crucially for Putin also reset presidential limits allowing him to run twice again after his current six-year term expires in 2024. The Kremlin pulled out all the stops to encourage voting, with polls extended over nearly a week, the last day of voting declared a national holiday and prizes -- including apartments, cars and cash -- on offer to voters. Initially planned for April 22, the referendum was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic but rescheduled after Putin said the epidemic had peaked and officials began reporting lower numbers of new cases.

Russian voters overwhelmingly back Putin's reform plan to rule until 2036

The mayor of Richmond, Virginia, has invoked his emergency powers to remove multiple Confederate monuments in the city, including a statue honoring Confederate General&nbsp;Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, from the city's historic Monument Avenue.

Workers began removing contested statues in&nbsp;Richmond&nbsp;on Wednesday after Mayor Levar Stoney used&nbsp;his emergency powers to order the "the immediate removal of multiple monuments in the city, including Confederate statues," his office said in a statement.

The mayor's office said removing the statues "will expedite the healing process for the city, a former capital of the Confederacy constantly grappling with that legacy."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a>

"Failing to remove the statues presents a severe, immediate and growing threat to public safety," it added.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge, and protestors attempt to take down Confederate statues themselves, or confront others who are doing so, the risk grows for serious illness, injury, or death," the mayor said. "We have an urgent need to protect the public."

Work crews could be seen in televised footage beginning the removal of a statue of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a Confederate general, on the Virginia city's Monument Avenue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-judge-blocks-governors-demand-to-pull-down-confederate-statue-304443">Virginia judge blocks governor's demand to pull down Confederate statue</a>

The removal of Confederate statues and monuments has been a persistent demand during recent protests for racial justice in the United States.

President Donald Trump has opposed their removal and the Department of Homeland Security announced a special new task force on Wednesday to protect historic monuments across the country.

Many monuments have come under attack, and some have been pulled down, in the past month as protestors against police abuse of African Americans target symbols of the country's legacy of slavery.

The mayor of Richmond, Virginia, has invoked his emergency powers to remove multiple Confederate monuments in the city, including a statue honoring Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, from the city's historic Monument Avenue.

The mayor of Richmond, Virginia, has invoked his emergency powers to remove multiple Confederate monuments in the city, including a statue honoring Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, from the city's historic Monument Avenue. Workers began removing contested statues in Richmond on Wednesday after Mayor Levar Stoney used his emergency powers to order the "the immediate removal of multiple monuments in the city, including Confederate statues," his office said in a statement. The mayor's office said removing the statues "will expedite the healing process for the city, a former capital of the Confederacy constantly grappling with that legacy." Also see: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest "Failing to remove the statues presents a severe, immediate and growing threat to public safety," it added. "As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge, and protestors attempt to take down Confederate statues themselves, or confront others who are doing so, the risk grows for serious illness, injury, or death," the mayor said. "We have an urgent need to protect the public." Work crews could be seen in televised footage beginning the removal of a statue of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a Confederate general, on the Virginia city's Monument Avenue. Also read: Virginia judge blocks governor's demand to pull down Confederate statue The removal of Confederate statues and monuments has been a persistent demand during recent protests for racial justice in the United States. President Donald Trump has opposed their removal and the Department of Homeland Security announced a special new task force on Wednesday to protect historic monuments across the country. Many monuments have come under attack, and some have been pulled down, in the past month as protestors against police abuse of African Americans target symbols of the country's legacy of slavery.

US: Richmond begins removing Confederate statues after mayor invokes emergency powers

No live fireworks, no star-studded concert on Parliament Hill, and no crowds of tourists:&nbsp;Canada's official birthday celebrations on Wednesday for the first time ever are completely online.

Ottawa is usually home to the country's largest&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;Day party, with tens of thousands of foreign and domestic tourists descending on the capital to celebrate with music and family fun, capped by a dazzling fireworks show.

But in-person festivities were canceled amid COVID-19 restrictions, with organizers instead offering an online show featuring Canadian pop stars including Alanis Morissette and Avril Lavigne, along with other artists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-strikes-deal-with-china-to-make-coronavirus-vaccine-298708">Canada strikes deal with China to make coronavirus vaccine</a>

The night will end with Canadians holding their mobile devices to the sky to watch a virtual fireworks show.

"Canada&nbsp;Day won't look like previous&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;Days, but there are fun ways to get out and celebrate," said Jantine Van Kregten, director of communications for Tourism Ottawa.

Bike paths and beaches have opened in many regions, and Canadians are encouraged to have barbecues within their social bubbles and even a drink on a restaurant patio, while respecting social distancing guidelines, Van Kregten said.

To mark the day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited a farm operated by the Ottawa Food Bank, where he harvested broccoli with his family while wearing a black face mask.

<img alt="Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family, with farm manager Jason Gray, arrive at an Ottawa Food Bank farm on Canada Day" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="443b5c41-b991-42d3-a843-661be3daa723" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_Justin%20Trudeau%20%281%29.jpg" />

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family, with farm manager Jason Gray, arrive at an Ottawa Food Bank farm on&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;Day

"The last few months have been hard, and on this&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;Day, we have to continue to be there for each other," Trudeau said in a video recorded on the farm and broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. "We have lived through too many long winters not to help a stranger dig his car out of a snowbank."

But&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;Day is facing pushback from Indigenous groups, which have organized #CancelCanadaDay marches across the country and will host an online counter-celebration on Wednesday featuring Indigenous artists and activists.

"We will not celebrate stolen Indigenous land and stolen Indigenous lives," organizers wrote on the Idle No More website.

No live fireworks, no star-studded concert on Parliament Hill, and no crowds of tourists: Canada's official birthday celebrations on Wednesday for the first time ever are completely online.

No live fireworks, no star-studded concert on Parliament Hill, and no crowds of tourists: Canada's official birthday celebrations on Wednesday for the first time ever are completely online. Ottawa is usually home to the country's largest Canada Day party, with tens of thousands of foreign and domestic tourists descending on the capital to celebrate with music and family fun, capped by a dazzling fireworks show. But in-person festivities were canceled amid COVID-19 restrictions, with organizers instead offering an online show featuring Canadian pop stars including Alanis Morissette and Avril Lavigne, along with other artists. Also read: Canada strikes deal with China to make coronavirus vaccine The night will end with Canadians holding their mobile devices to the sky to watch a virtual fireworks show. "Canada Day won't look like previous Canada Days, but there are fun ways to get out and celebrate," said Jantine Van Kregten, director of communications for Tourism Ottawa. Bike paths and beaches have opened in many regions, and Canadians are encouraged to have barbecues within their social bubbles and even a drink on a restaurant patio, while respecting social distancing guidelines, Van Kregten said. To mark the day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited a farm operated by the Ottawa Food Bank, where he harvested broccoli with his family while wearing a black face mask. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family, with farm manager Jason Gray, arrive at an Ottawa Food Bank farm on Canada Day "The last few months have been hard, and on this Canada Day, we have to continue to be there for each other," Trudeau said in a video recorded on the farm and broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. "We have lived through too many long winters not to help a stranger dig his car out of a snowbank." But Canada Day is facing pushback from Indigenous groups, which have organized #CancelCanadaDay marches across the country and will host an online counter-celebration on Wednesday featuring Indigenous artists and activists. "We will not celebrate stolen Indigenous land and stolen Indigenous lives," organizers wrote on the Idle No More website.

Canada Day party goes virtual amid coronavirus restrictions

US Senators&nbsp;Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer,&nbsp;Cory Booker and&nbsp;Gary Peters on Wednesday introduced a resolution to highlighting the significance of the United States Postal Service and asking for its emergency funding to offset <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> losses.

It stresses that the organistaion should not&nbsp;forced to reduce its services, close post office facilities, or excessively raise rates.

According to Chuck Schumer,&nbsp;“The COVID-19 pandemic has made the US&nbsp;Postal Service more essential than ever, with Americans across the country, particularly vulnerable populations like the sick and the elderly, relying on their services for packages and letters as well as ballots and medications.”&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-hammered-us-economy-in-first-quarter-295600">Coronavirus hammered US economy in first quarter</a>

“That’s why Senate Democrats are proposing crucial funding to ensure we don’t lose out on these critical services just when we need it most. Our Republican colleagues must join us in shoring up this vital agency.”

“The US&nbsp;Postal Service plays a vital role for millions of Americans who depend on the agency to receive everything from lifesaving medication to election ballots to social security benefits,”&nbsp;said Senator Booker.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased our reliance on these critical services. Unfortunately, without additional resources, the long-term sustainability of&nbsp;the Postal Service&nbsp;is in jeopardy. Congress must prioritize funding for the USPS in the next coronavirus relief package,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-economy-could-take-hit-from-coronavirus-284605">Trump says US economy could take hit from coronavirus</a>

While&nbsp;Senator Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said “The Postal Service is a critical lifeline for seniors, small businesses, and rural communities across America who rely on postal workers to deliver their prescriptions, connect with their customers, and more, no matter where they live.''

“Like many other organizations, the Coronavirus pandemic has dealt a serious financial blow to this critical agency. Without additional funding, we risk ripping this longstanding service away from millions who depend on it each and every day,” he added.

The Resolution states that the organisation&nbsp;employs over&nbsp;630,000 people, including 97,000 military veterans.

Over 5000 employees of USPS are in quarantine and it only has enough funds to last till September according to the estimates released&nbsp;by the National Association of Letter Carriers.

"Unfortunately, this pandemic continues to cripple the economy&nbsp;resulting in sharp declines in letter mail volume for the Postal service,&nbsp;It currently projects that it will exhaust its cash on hand&nbsp;by the end of September if Congress and the White House fail to intervene,'' it said in a statement.

The Democratic House has&nbsp;proposed an emergency package worth $25 billion of direct funding for the organisation

US Senators Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Cory Booker and Gary Peters on Wednesday introduced a resolution to highlighting the significance of the United States Postal Service and asking for its emergency funding to offset COVID-19 losses.

US Senators Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Cory Booker and Gary Peters on Wednesday introduced a resolution to highlighting the significance of the United States Postal Service and asking for its emergency funding to offset COVID-19 losses. It stresses that the organistaion should not forced to reduce its services, close post office facilities, or excessively raise rates. According to Chuck Schumer, “The COVID-19 pandemic has made the US Postal Service more essential than ever, with Americans across the country, particularly vulnerable populations like the sick and the elderly, relying on their services for packages and letters as well as ballots and medications.” Also read: Coronavirus hammered US economy in first quarter “That’s why Senate Democrats are proposing crucial funding to ensure we don’t lose out on these critical services just when we need it most. Our Republican colleagues must join us in shoring up this vital agency.” “The US Postal Service plays a vital role for millions of Americans who depend on the agency to receive everything from lifesaving medication to election ballots to social security benefits,” said Senator Booker. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased our reliance on these critical services. Unfortunately, without additional resources, the long-term sustainability of the Postal Service is in jeopardy. Congress must prioritize funding for the USPS in the next coronavirus relief package,” he added. Also read: Trump says US economy could take hit from coronavirus While Senator Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said “The Postal Service is a critical lifeline for seniors, small businesses, and rural communities across America who rely on postal workers to deliver their prescriptions, connect with their customers, and more, no matter where they live.'' “Like many other organizations, the Coronavirus pandemic has dealt a serious financial blow to this critical agency. Without additional funding, we risk ripping this longstanding service away from millions who depend on it each and every day,” he added. The Resolution states that the organisation employs over 630,000 people, including 97,000 military veterans. Over 5000 employees of USPS are in quarantine and it only has enough funds to last till September according to the estimates released by the National Association of Letter Carriers. "Unfortunately, this pandemic continues to cripple the economy resulting in sharp declines in letter mail volume for the Postal service, It currently projects that it will exhaust its cash on hand by the end of September if Congress and the White House fail to intervene,'' it said in a statement. The Democratic House has proposed an emergency package worth $25 billion of direct funding for the organisation

US Senators introduce resolution defending USPS, urging more funding to offset COVID-19 losses

A new coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;that has infected more than 300 people since early June could&nbsp;have&nbsp;originated in South or Southeast&nbsp;Asia, according to a&nbsp;study&nbsp;by&nbsp;Harvard&nbsp;University researchers.

According to the China Centre for Disease&nbsp;Control and Prevention, the study is based the genetic sequencing of three virus strains and it shows that the&nbsp;virus found in&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;cases is an imported&nbsp;strain&nbsp;of&nbsp;COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swine-flu-strain-with-human-pandemic-potential-found-increasingly-in-china-309525">Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China</a>

7,643 samples from across the world were compared with these genes by&nbsp;Georg Hahn, a research associate with the Biostatistics Department of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and his team.

The&nbsp;Harvard&nbsp;study was&nbsp;published on the preprint website medRxiv.org on Wednesday and still has to be peer-reviewed.

The three genomes showed the greatest resemblance to cases in Europe&nbsp;from&nbsp;February to&nbsp;May, and to cases in South and Southeast&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;from&nbsp;May&nbsp;to June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-xinfadi-market-in-focus-after-virus-reportedly-detected-on-salmon-chopping-boards-306196">Beijing's Xinfadi market in focus after virus reportedly detected on salmon chopping boards</a>

They were also similar to a small number of infections&nbsp;seen in China in March, suggesting the&nbsp;strain&nbsp;could&nbsp;have&nbsp;appeared first in China and then returned to the country three months later, the authors said.

"As the most recent cases in these&nbsp;branches are almost exclusively&nbsp;from&nbsp;South(east)&nbsp;Asia, this could suggest that the new cases in&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;were re-introduced by transmissions&nbsp;from&nbsp;South(east)&nbsp;Asia," they wrote.

The&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;traced to&nbsp;Beijing's huge Xinfadi wholesale market on June 11 had infected 329 people by the end of Wednesday.

Quarantine restrictions and large-scale testing of residents began soon after the first cases were identified, and China also required all shipments of imported meat to be tested for&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;before they could leave its ports.

The study comes amid the emergence of a swine flu strain with ''human pandemic potential'' found increasingly in Chinese slaughterhouses and&nbsp;can grow and multiply in the cells lining human airways.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus was believed to&nbsp;have&nbsp;originated in a market in the central Chinese&nbsp;city of Wuhan in December last year and has now infected more than 10 million people and killed more than 500,000 worldwide.

However, some studies suggest it could&nbsp;have&nbsp;been circulating much earlier after crossing the species barrier&nbsp;from&nbsp;horseshoe bats native not only to southwest China, but also Laos and Myanmar.

A new coronavirus outbreak Beijing that has infected more than 300 people since early June could have originated in South or Southeast Asia, according to a study by Harvard University researchers.

A new coronavirus outbreak Beijing that has infected more than 300 people since early June could have originated in South or Southeast Asia, according to a study by Harvard University researchers. According to the China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the study is based the genetic sequencing of three virus strains and it shows that the virus found in Beijing cases is an imported strain of COVID-19. Also read: Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China 7,643 samples from across the world were compared with these genes by Georg Hahn, a research associate with the Biostatistics Department of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and his team. The Harvard study was published on the preprint website medRxiv.org on Wednesday and still has to be peer-reviewed. The three genomes showed the greatest resemblance to cases in Europe from February to May, and to cases in South and Southeast Asia from May to June. Also read: Beijing's Xinfadi market in focus after virus reportedly detected on salmon chopping boards They were also similar to a small number of infections seen in China in March, suggesting the strain could have appeared first in China and then returned to the country three months later, the authors said. "As the most recent cases in these branches are almost exclusively from South(east) Asia, this could suggest that the new cases in Beijing were re-introduced by transmissions from South(east) Asia," they wrote. The outbreak traced to Beijing's huge Xinfadi wholesale market on June 11 had infected 329 people by the end of Wednesday. Quarantine restrictions and large-scale testing of residents began soon after the first cases were identified, and China also required all shipments of imported meat to be tested for COVID-19 before they could leave its ports. The study comes amid the emergence of a swine flu strain with ''human pandemic potential'' found increasingly in Chinese slaughterhouses and can grow and multiply in the cells lining human airways. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was believed to have originated in a market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year and has now infected more than 10 million people and killed more than 500,000 worldwide. However, some studies suggest it could have been circulating much earlier after crossing the species barrier from horseshoe bats native not only to southwest China, but also Laos and Myanmar.

COVID-19 strain in Beijing outbreak may have come from Southeast Asia: Study

The United States has bought almost the entire worldwide stock of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir, which is being considered as a potential cure for coronavirus.

As per an&nbsp;announcement made by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) over&nbsp;500,000 doses of the drug has been&nbsp;bought&nbsp;by the country from its sole manufacturer&nbsp;Gilead Sciences.

''President Trump has struck an amazing deal to ensure Americans have access to the first authorised therapeutic for COVID-19,” said the US health and human services secretary, Alex Azar.

''To the extent possible, we want to ensure that any American patient who needs&nbsp;Remdesivir can get it. The Trump administration is doing everything in our power to learn more about life-saving therapeutics for COVID-19 and secure access to these options for the American people,"&nbsp;he added.

The shocking revelation has alarmed both experts and campaigners.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-deaths-on-rise-with-more-than-1000-deaths-in-24-hours-309806">US COVID-19 deaths on rise with more than 1,000 deaths in 24 hours</a>

Remdesivir is one of the only two drugs proven to treat&nbsp;COVID-19 by reducing the patients' recovery time. It&nbsp;was previously used to fight Ebola.

Each treatment course uses an average of over six vials of the drug. And the cost per treatment of six doses is approximately $3,200, according to the US government statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gilead-gives-price-tag-to-first-coronavirus-drug-remdesivir-at-2340-309540">Gilead gives price tag to first coronavirus drug Remdesivir at $2,340</a>

The buyout represents 100 per cent of Gilead’s projected production for July, 90 per cent of August’s production, and 90 per cent of production through September, according to&nbsp;a news release. It also stated that a further ''allocation for clinical trials''&nbsp;has&nbsp;been secured.

After a major study by the US National Health Institute&nbsp;showed the positive impact of the drug, emergency use authorisation was granted to Gilead by US Food and Drug Administration on May 1.

The United States has bought almost the entire worldwide stock of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir, which is being considered as a potential cure for coronavirus. As per an announcement made by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) over 500,000 doses of the drug has been bought by the country from its sole manufacturer Gilead Sciences.

The United States has bought almost the entire worldwide stock of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir, which is being considered as a potential cure for coronavirus. As per an announcement made by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) over 500,000 doses of the drug has been bought by the country from its sole manufacturer Gilead Sciences. ''President Trump has struck an amazing deal to ensure Americans have access to the first authorised therapeutic for COVID-19,” said the US health and human services secretary, Alex Azar. ''To the extent possible, we want to ensure that any American patient who needs Remdesivir can get it. The Trump administration is doing everything in our power to learn more about life-saving therapeutics for COVID-19 and secure access to these options for the American people," he added. The shocking revelation has alarmed both experts and campaigners. Also read: US COVID-19 deaths on rise with more than 1,000 deaths in 24 hours Remdesivir is one of the only two drugs proven to treat COVID-19 by reducing the patients' recovery time. It was previously used to fight Ebola. Each treatment course uses an average of over six vials of the drug. And the cost per treatment of six doses is approximately $3,200, according to the US government statement. Also read: Gilead gives price tag to first coronavirus drug Remdesivir at $2,340 The buyout represents 100 per cent of Gilead’s projected production for July, 90 per cent of August’s production, and 90 per cent of production through September, according to a news release. It also stated that a further ''allocation for clinical trials'' has been secured. After a major study by the US National Health Institute showed the positive impact of the drug, emergency use authorisation was granted to Gilead by US Food and Drug Administration on May 1.

US purchases almost entire global stock of potential COVID-19 cure Remdesivir

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