<p>Australian officials and leading universities on Wednesday rejected China's claims students should be "cautious" in choosing to study Down Under because of concerns over racist incidents during the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>China had&nbsp;urged its citizens currently studying or planning to study abroad to exercise caution while considering Australia as their destination.</p>

<p>The advisory was the latest in an escalating dispute between Beijing and Canberra that was deepened by&nbsp;Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origin and handling of the coronavirus in central China last year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-citizens-against-studying-in-racist-australia-304516">China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>To make its point, China referred to a series of racist incidents that targeted Asians in Australia, especially in the backdrop of COVID-19.</p>

<p>Australian Education Minister Dan Tehan hit back Wednesday, saying the country was a multicultural society that welcomed international visitors.</p>

<p>"Our success at flattening the curve means we are one of the safest countries in the world for international students to be based in right now," he said in a statement.</p>

<p>"We reject China's assertion that&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;is an unsafe destination for international students."</p>

<p>Racism toward Asians has reportedly increased during the pandemic, with the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission saying instances included people being bullied for wearing a face mask, spat at and harassed in public, and racist language written across cars and private property.</p>

<p>Australian universities are already facing massive losses as an indefinite coronavirus border closure locks out the foreign students who pump billions of dollars a year into the sector.</p>

<p>Beijing's travel advice was largely symbolic but could interfere with a proposal to create a "secure corridor" for overseas students to return to&nbsp;Australia.</p>

<p>Education is&nbsp;Australia's fourth-largest export -- behind iron ore, coal and natural gas --&nbsp;with more than 500,000 international students enrolled last year, bringing about Aus$37 billion into the economy.</p>


Australian officials and leading universities on Wednesday rejected China's claims students should be "cautious" in choosing to study Down Under because of concerns over racist incidents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Australian officials and leading universities on Wednesday rejected China's claims students should be "cautious" in choosing to study Down Under because of concerns over racist incidents during the coronavirus pandemic. China had urged its citizens currently studying or planning to study abroad to exercise caution while considering Australia as their destination. The advisory was the latest in an escalating dispute between Beijing and Canberra that was deepened by Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origin and handling of the coronavirus in central China last year. Also read: China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia To make its point, China referred to a series of racist incidents that targeted Asians in Australia, especially in the backdrop of COVID-19. Australian Education Minister Dan Tehan hit back Wednesday, saying the country was a multicultural society that welcomed international visitors. "Our success at flattening the curve means we are one of the safest countries in the world for international students to be based in right now," he said in a statement. "We reject China's assertion that Australia is an unsafe destination for international students." Racism toward Asians has reportedly increased during the pandemic, with the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission saying instances included people being bullied for wearing a face mask, spat at and harassed in public, and racist language written across cars and private property. Australian universities are already facing massive losses as an indefinite coronavirus border closure locks out the foreign students who pump billions of dollars a year into the sector. Beijing's travel advice was largely symbolic but could interfere with a proposal to create a "secure corridor" for overseas students to return to Australia. Education is Australia's fourth-largest export -- behind iron ore, coal and natural gas -- with more than 500,000 international students enrolled last year, bringing about Aus$37 billion into the economy.

Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety

<p>British street artist&nbsp;Banksy&nbsp;has posted an Instagram message about the statue of 17th-century slave owner&nbsp;Edward Colston&nbsp;in Bristol that was taken down by&nbsp;Black Lives Matter&nbsp;protesters last weekend.</p>

<p>The graffiti artist's new artwork shows protesters pulling down the statue of the 17th-century slave trader during Sunday's protest, saying their actions should be commemorated.</p>

<p>On Sunday, the statue that has long stood in Bristol city centre was&nbsp;removed from its plinth and rolled into the harbour.</p>

<p>Banksy, who hails from Bristol, wrote: ''What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol?''</p>

<p>''Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down.''</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBNmTVZsDKS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">. . What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol? Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down. Everyone happy. A famous day commemorated.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/banksy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Banksy</a> (@banksy) on <time datetime="2020-06-09T11:21:41+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 9, 2020 at 4:21am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The artist has publicly expressed his support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has&nbsp;escalated over the past two weeks following the death of George Floyd&nbsp;in Minneapolis.</p>

<p>Floyd died after a white police officer held him down by pressing his knee into his neck for almost nine minutes on May 25. His death has&nbsp;sparked days of protests&nbsp;around the world.</p>

<p>Bansky showed his support for the movement in an Instagram post on Saturday, of a painting of a vigil candle burning an American flag.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBFyA8iM15Y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Banksy (@banksy)</a> on <time datetime="2020-06-06T10:30:06+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 6, 2020 at 3:30am PDT</time></p>
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British street artist Banksy has posted an Instagram message about the statue of 17th-century slave owner Edward Colston in Bristol that was taken down by Black Lives Matter protesters last weekend.

British street artist Banksy has posted an Instagram message about the statue of 17th-century slave owner Edward Colston in Bristol that was taken down by Black Lives Matter protesters last weekend. The graffiti artist's new artwork shows protesters pulling down the statue of the 17th-century slave trader during Sunday's protest, saying their actions should be commemorated. On Sunday, the statue that has long stood in Bristol city centre was removed from its plinth and rolled into the harbour. Banksy, who hails from Bristol, wrote: ''What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol?'' ''Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down.'' View this post on Instagram . . What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol? Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down. Everyone happy. A famous day commemorated. A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Jun 9, 2020 at 4:21am PDT The artist has publicly expressed his support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has escalated over the past two weeks following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died after a white police officer held him down by pressing his knee into his neck for almost nine minutes on May 25. His death has sparked days of protests around the world. Bansky showed his support for the movement in an Instagram post on Saturday, of a painting of a vigil candle burning an American flag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Jun 6, 2020 at 3:30am PDT

British street artist Banksy unveils new artwork for toppled statue of slave trader

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-open-nuclear-disarmament-talks-with-us-amid-china-cloud-304668">Russia to open nuclear disarmament talks with US amid China cloud</a></p>

<p><img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d08db8d7-9264-465a-8e43-41c9b1d23d26" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/139786-httpscdncnncomcnnnextdamassets200312113720-putin-trump-xi-split.jpg" /></p>

<p>Russia has confirmed that it will open talks with the US this month on extending a major nuclear disarmament treaty but warned that Washington’s&nbsp;insistence on including China&nbsp;could scuttle efforts.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-open-nuclear-disarmament-talks-with-us-amid-china-cloud-304668">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rest-in-power-george-floyd-buried-in-houston-amid-protests-304666">'Rest in power': George Floyd buried in Houston amid protests</a></p>

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African-American&nbsp;George&nbsp;Floyd was buried&nbsp;in Houston as politicians and celebrities joined in to pay tributes even as civil rights leader Al Sharpton said in anger that "we are fighting wickedness in high places". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rest-in-power-george-floyd-buried-in-houston-amid-protests-304666">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-who-says-covid-19-spread-by-asymptomatic-carriers-major-unknown-304664" hreflang="en">Now, WHO says COVID-19 spread by asymptomatic carriers 'major unknown'</a></p>

<p><img alt="coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7448dbe5-7a22-44a6-ac25-aaa7b2038fc5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/144015-corona.jpg" /><br />
After the World Health Organization(WHO) said that&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;transmission from asymptomatic carriers was "very rare", it clarified saying it was "referring to very few studies, some two or three". <a href="wionews.com/world/now-who-says-covid-19-spread-by-asymptomatic-carriers-major-unknown-304664">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/britains-prince-philip-turns-99-in-lockdown-304672">Britain's Prince Philip turns 99 in lockdown</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/britains-prince-philip-turns-99-in-lockdown-304672"><img alt="Philip" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2824117c-6bde-4da2-9e01-c06af7850a34" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/80970-2019-01-17t181907z1lynxnpef0g1oartroptp4britain-royals-eugenie.jpg" /></a><br />
Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip marks his 99th birthday on Wednesday, with the royal couple still in lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/britains-prince-philip-turns-99-in-lockdown-304672">Read more</a></p>

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Russia to open nuclear disarmament talks with US amid China cloud Russia has confirmed that it will open talks with the US this month on extending a major nuclear disarmament treaty but warned that Washington’s insistence on including China could scuttle efforts.

Russia to open nuclear disarmament talks with US amid China cloud Russia has confirmed that it will open talks with the US this month on extending a major nuclear disarmament treaty but warned that Washington’s insistence on including China could scuttle efforts.Read more 'Rest in power': George Floyd buried in Houston amid protests African-American George Floyd was buried in Houston as politicians and celebrities joined in to pay tributes even as civil rights leader Al Sharpton said in anger that "we are fighting wickedness in high places". Read more Now, WHO says COVID-19 spread by asymptomatic carriers 'major unknown' After the World Health Organization(WHO) said that coronavirus transmission from asymptomatic carriers was "very rare", it clarified saying it was "referring to very few studies, some two or three". Read more Britain's Prince Philip turns 99 in lockdown Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip marks his 99th birthday on Wednesday, with the royal couple still in lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. Read more

Morning news brief: US-Russia nuclear talks, George Floyd's burial, and more!

<p>President Donald Trump has suggested a man pushed over by police during protests in the US city of Buffalo last week was trying to "scan police communications in order to black out the equipment".</p>

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<p>Trump&nbsp;offered no evidence other than a report by pro-Trump&nbsp;channel, which also cited no evidence.</p>

<p>Two Buffalo police officers have been arraigned on felony assault charges after a viral video showed one of them, Officer Aaron Torgalski, 39, shoving Gugino and the other, Officer Robert McCabe, 32, walking past his still body after he fell to the sidewalk. As Gugino tumbles, his head strikes the pavement and trickles blood, according to the video.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-slams-trumps-claim-that-protester-fell-harder-than-was-pushed-304648" hreflang="en">New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump's claim that protester 'fell harder than was pushed'</a></p>

<p>Footage of 75-year-old Gugino showed&nbsp;him approaching police lines holding up what appears to be a mobile phone.</p>

<p>One of the police officers then pushes Gugino over, who was later taken to hospital. He left hospital today but was not well enough to comment.</p>

<p>From the clip, it's not possible to tell what he was doing with the phone.</p>

<p>There are plenty of apps claiming to be able to listen into police audio that have been popular during the recent wave of protests in the United States.</p>

<p>But these apps wouldn't allow you to interfere with a police device - or to "black out police equipment" as the president suggested.</p>

<p>Buffalo police say their dispatch channels are not encrypted, and there are even websites that broadcast police calls.</p>

<p>If someone&nbsp; is attempting to jam police radio signals, that person wouldn't need to be physically close to an officer.</p>

<p>However, most modern radio systems used by emergency services have defences against such jamming, says Professor Alan Woodward, a cyber security expert at Surrey University.</p>

<p>"In any event, even if you were attempting to scan police radios in order to jam them using a mobile phone, which is what the man appeared to be holding, this is not the equipment you would use. You would need much more sophisticated scanning equipment.</p>

<p>"In terms of interfering with police communications frequencies, mobile phones simply don't have components that work at those frequencies," he adds.</p>

<p>Twitter,&nbsp;which has censored previous tweets by the president, said this tweet did not violate its rules.</p>

<p>The claim appeared to first gain traction from a widely shared conservative blog post published on 6 June also claiming that antifa activists use this technique to track police movements or "black out" communication.</p>


President Donald Trump has suggested a man pushed over by police during protests in the US city of Buffalo last week was trying to "scan police communications in order to black out the equipment".

President Donald Trump has suggested a man pushed over by police during protests in the US city of Buffalo last week was trying to "scan police communications in order to black out the equipment". Trump offered no evidence other than a report by pro-Trump channel, which also cited no evidence. Two Buffalo police officers have been arraigned on felony assault charges after a viral video showed one of them, Officer Aaron Torgalski, 39, shoving Gugino and the other, Officer Robert McCabe, 32, walking past his still body after he fell to the sidewalk. As Gugino tumbles, his head strikes the pavement and trickles blood, according to the video. Also read: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump's claim that protester 'fell harder than was pushed' Footage of 75-year-old Gugino showed him approaching police lines holding up what appears to be a mobile phone. One of the police officers then pushes Gugino over, who was later taken to hospital. He left hospital today but was not well enough to comment. From the clip, it's not possible to tell what he was doing with the phone. There are plenty of apps claiming to be able to listen into police audio that have been popular during the recent wave of protests in the United States. But these apps wouldn't allow you to interfere with a police device - or to "black out police equipment" as the president suggested. Buffalo police say their dispatch channels are not encrypted, and there are even websites that broadcast police calls. If someone is attempting to jam police radio signals, that person wouldn't need to be physically close to an officer. However, most modern radio systems used by emergency services have defences against such jamming, says Professor Alan Woodward, a cyber security expert at Surrey University. "In any event, even if you were attempting to scan police radios in order to jam them using a mobile phone, which is what the man appeared to be holding, this is not the equipment you would use. You would need much more sophisticated scanning equipment. "In terms of interfering with police communications frequencies, mobile phones simply don't have components that work at those frequencies," he adds. Twitter, which has censored previous tweets by the president, said this tweet did not violate its rules. The claim appeared to first gain traction from a widely shared conservative blog post published on 6 June also claiming that antifa activists use this technique to track police movements or "black out" communication.

Martin Gugino: Donald Trump's police scanner tweet fact-checked

June 10 in history: Color photography introduced, NASA launches Mars Exploration Rover and more

<p>Environmental groups have accused a Russian mining firm of emphasising the role of global climate change in last week’s historic oil spill in part to avoid punishment for its ageing infrastructure and potential negligence in the accident.</p>

<p>The World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace Russia said that although climate change likely played a role in the&nbsp;spillage of more than 20,000 tons of diesel fuel from the Nadezhda plant, the risks of thawing permafrost to Arctic infrastructure were publicly known and could have been addressed months or years earlier. The leak turned two rivers near the Arctic city of Norilsk crimson.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-arctic-turned-red-after-russia-caused-worst-fuel-spill-303713">How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill</a></strong></p>

<p>The accident is one of the largest in Russian history and had been compared by Greenpeace to the Exxon Valdez spill.</p>

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<p>Regional officials on Tuesday said some pollutants from the leak had reached Lake Pyasino, a large body of water that leads to the Kara Sea. But the main damage has been done to the local Ambarnaya and Daldykan rivers and may take a decade to clean, local officials and environmentalists have said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The operational director for the mining firm Nornickel, Sergei Dyachenko, had earlier denied that negligence at its subsidiary could have caused the accident. In a company press release, he said that “anomalously warm temperatures” may have sped the thaw of permafrost beneath a gas tank and led to its collapse. In another press release, the company blamed the accident on “a&nbsp;sudden sinking of&nbsp;supports of&nbsp;the storage tank which served accident-free for more than 30&nbsp;years”.</p>

<p>Experts have pointed to the broad impact of climate change in Russia’s Arctic region over the past decade, noting in particular how thawing permafrost has led to&nbsp;fissures in apartment buildings&nbsp;in Norilsk.</p>

<p>But environmental groups say they are worried that Nornickel, a company that has been attacked in the past as one of Russia’s biggest polluters in the Arctic, is now seeking to twist concerns about climate change to its defence.</p>

<p>“It’s an attempt to write off Nornickel’s failure in risk management and ecological safety on the fashionable topic of climate change,” said Alexey Knizhnikov of the World Wildlife Federation. “The main factor is mismanagement.”</p>

<p>The accident, and a government investigation into its causes, is likely to have serious repercussions for Russian industry in the Arctic. Russian oversight agencies have drafted plans to review oil reservoirs throughout the region and investigators have charged one power plant official with violating environmental protection rules, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.</p>


Environmental groups have accused a Russian mining firm of emphasising the role of global climate change in last week’s historic oil spill in part to avoid punishment for its ageing infrastructure and potential negligence in the accident.

Environmental groups have accused a Russian mining firm of emphasising the role of global climate change in last week’s historic oil spill in part to avoid punishment for its ageing infrastructure and potential negligence in the accident. The World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace Russia said that although climate change likely played a role in the spillage of more than 20,000 tons of diesel fuel from the Nadezhda plant, the risks of thawing permafrost to Arctic infrastructure were publicly known and could have been addressed months or years earlier. The leak turned two rivers near the Arctic city of Norilsk crimson. Also read: How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill The accident is one of the largest in Russian history and had been compared by Greenpeace to the Exxon Valdez spill. Regional officials on Tuesday said some pollutants from the leak had reached Lake Pyasino, a large body of water that leads to the Kara Sea. But the main damage has been done to the local Ambarnaya and Daldykan rivers and may take a decade to clean, local officials and environmentalists have said. The operational director for the mining firm Nornickel, Sergei Dyachenko, had earlier denied that negligence at its subsidiary could have caused the accident. In a company press release, he said that “anomalously warm temperatures” may have sped the thaw of permafrost beneath a gas tank and led to its collapse. In another press release, the company blamed the accident on “a sudden sinking of supports of the storage tank which served accident-free for more than 30 years”. Experts have pointed to the broad impact of climate change in Russia’s Arctic region over the past decade, noting in particular how thawing permafrost has led to fissures in apartment buildings in Norilsk. But environmental groups say they are worried that Nornickel, a company that has been attacked in the past as one of Russia’s biggest polluters in the Arctic, is now seeking to twist concerns about climate change to its defence. “It’s an attempt to write off Nornickel’s failure in risk management and ecological safety on the fashionable topic of climate change,” said Alexey Knizhnikov of the World Wildlife Federation. “The main factor is mismanagement.” The accident, and a government investigation into its causes, is likely to have serious repercussions for Russian industry in the Arctic. Russian oversight agencies have drafted plans to review oil reservoirs throughout the region and investigators have charged one power plant official with violating environmental protection rules, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.

Russian mining firm accused of using global heating to avoid blame for oil spill

<p>Population-wide facemask use could push COVID-19 transmission down to controllable levels for national epidemics and could prevent further waves of the pandemic disease when combined with lockdowns, according to a UK study published Wednesday.</p>

<p>The research, led by scientists at the Britain's Cambridge and Greenwich Universities, suggests lockdowns alone will not stop the resurgence of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, but that even homemade masks can dramatically reduce transmission rates if enough people wear them in public.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-face-mask-more-than-protective-gear-287694">The face mask: More than protective gear!</a></strong></p>

<p>"Our analyses support the immediate and universal adoption of facemasks by the public," said Richard Stutt, who co-led the study at Cambridge.</p>

<p>He said the findings showed that if widespread mask use were combined with social distancing and some lockdown measures, this could be "an acceptable way of managing the pandemic and re-opening economic activity" long before the development and public availability of an effective vaccine against COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-refusal-to-wear-masks-hints-towards-racism-and-masculinity-in-america-298624">Donald Trump's refusal to wear masks hints towards racism and masculinity in America</a></strong></p>

<p>The study's findings were published in the "Proceedings of the Royal Society A" scientific journal.</p>

<p>The World Health Organization updated its guidance on Friday to recommend that governments ask everyone to wear fabric face masks in public areas where there is a risk to reduce the spread of the disease.</p>

<p>In this study, researchers linked the dynamics of spread between people with population-level models to assess the effect on the disease's reproduction rate, or R value, of different scenarios of mask adoption combined with periods of lockdown.</p>

<p>The R value measures the average number of people that one infected person will pass the disease on to. An R value above 1 can lead to exponential growth.</p>

<p>The study found that if people wear masks whenever they are in public it is twice as effective at reducing the R value than if masks are only worn after symptoms appear.</p>

<p>In all scenarios the study looked at, routine facemask use by 50% or more of the population reduced COVID-19 spread to an R of less than 1.0, flattening future disease waves and allowing for less stringent lockdowns.</p>

<p>"We have little to lose from the widespread adoption of facemasks, but the gains could be significant," said Renata Retkute, who co-led the study.</p>


Population-wide facemask use could push COVID-19 transmission down to controllable levels for national epidemics and could prevent further waves of the pandemic disease when combined with lockdowns, according to a UK study published Wednesday.

Population-wide facemask use could push COVID-19 transmission down to controllable levels for national epidemics and could prevent further waves of the pandemic disease when combined with lockdowns, according to a UK study published Wednesday. The research, led by scientists at the Britain's Cambridge and Greenwich Universities, suggests lockdowns alone will not stop the resurgence of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, but that even homemade masks can dramatically reduce transmission rates if enough people wear them in public. Also read: The face mask: More than protective gear! "Our analyses support the immediate and universal adoption of facemasks by the public," said Richard Stutt, who co-led the study at Cambridge. He said the findings showed that if widespread mask use were combined with social distancing and some lockdown measures, this could be "an acceptable way of managing the pandemic and re-opening economic activity" long before the development and public availability of an effective vaccine against COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus. Also read: Donald Trump's refusal to wear masks hints towards racism and masculinity in America The study's findings were published in the "Proceedings of the Royal Society A" scientific journal. The World Health Organization updated its guidance on Friday to recommend that governments ask everyone to wear fabric face masks in public areas where there is a risk to reduce the spread of the disease. In this study, researchers linked the dynamics of spread between people with population-level models to assess the effect on the disease's reproduction rate, or R value, of different scenarios of mask adoption combined with periods of lockdown. The R value measures the average number of people that one infected person will pass the disease on to. An R value above 1 can lead to exponential growth. The study found that if people wear masks whenever they are in public it is twice as effective at reducing the R value than if masks are only worn after symptoms appear. In all scenarios the study looked at, routine facemask use by 50% or more of the population reduced COVID-19 spread to an R of less than 1.0, flattening future disease waves and allowing for less stringent lockdowns. "We have little to lose from the widespread adoption of facemasks, but the gains could be significant," said Renata Retkute, who co-led the study.

Wearing masks on large-scale can prevent COVID-19 second waves: Study

<p>Russia has confirmed that it will open talks with the US this month on extending a major nuclear disarmament treaty but warned that Washington’s&nbsp;insistence on including China&nbsp;could scuttle efforts.</p>

<p>Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov will meet in Vienna on June 22 with US envoy Marshall Billingslea to start negotiations on New START, which expires in February.</p>

<p>President Donald Trump has walked out on a number of international agreements but voiced a general interest in preserving New START, which obliged the United States and Russia to halve their inventories of strategic nuclear missile launchers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-slams-trumps-claim-that-protester-fell-harder-than-was-pushed-304648" hreflang="en">New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump for his remarks on protester</a></strong></p>

<p>But the Trump administration says that a successor to New START, a Cold War legacy negotiated under Barack Obama, should bring in China -- whose nuclear arsenal is growing but remains significantly smaller than those of Russia and the United States.</p>

<p>Addressing the Council on Foreign Relations by videoconference, Ryabkov described the US willingness to start negotiations as "good news" but said: "The ball is on the American part of the court."</p>

<p>"We need to hear loudly and clearly what this administration wants, how it believes it would be possible to do something positive and not just to dismantle one arms control treaty or arrangement after another."</p>

<p>In Beijing, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had "no intention of participating" in the talks and accused the United States of trying to "deflect responsibilities to others."</p>

<p>Ryabkov indicated that Russia did not oppose the US invitation to China -- an international ally of Moscow despite a complicated historical relationship -- but doubted Beijing would agree.</p>

<p>"My answer to a direct question on whether or not we think it would be possible to bring China to the table would be a flat and straightforward no," Ryabkov said.</p>

<p>"Now it depends on the US -- if the US believes it's worth continuing this dialogue with Russia or, for the US point of view, the Chinese participation is an absolute imperative that precludes (the) US from continuing a meaningful and forward-looking dialogue with Russia on arms control," he said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russia has confirmed that it will open talks with the US this month on extending a major nuclear disarmament treaty but warned that Washington’s insistence on including China could scuttle efforts.

Russia has confirmed that it will open talks with the US this month on extending a major nuclear disarmament treaty but warned that Washington’s insistence on including China could scuttle efforts. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov will meet in Vienna on June 22 with US envoy Marshall Billingslea to start negotiations on New START, which expires in February. President Donald Trump has walked out on a number of international agreements but voiced a general interest in preserving New START, which obliged the United States and Russia to halve their inventories of strategic nuclear missile launchers. Also read: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump for his remarks on protester But the Trump administration says that a successor to New START, a Cold War legacy negotiated under Barack Obama, should bring in China -- whose nuclear arsenal is growing but remains significantly smaller than those of Russia and the United States. Addressing the Council on Foreign Relations by videoconference, Ryabkov described the US willingness to start negotiations as "good news" but said: "The ball is on the American part of the court." "We need to hear loudly and clearly what this administration wants, how it believes it would be possible to do something positive and not just to dismantle one arms control treaty or arrangement after another." In Beijing, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had "no intention of participating" in the talks and accused the United States of trying to "deflect responsibilities to others." Ryabkov indicated that Russia did not oppose the US invitation to China -- an international ally of Moscow despite a complicated historical relationship -- but doubted Beijing would agree. "My answer to a direct question on whether or not we think it would be possible to bring China to the table would be a flat and straightforward no," Ryabkov said. "Now it depends on the US -- if the US believes it's worth continuing this dialogue with Russia or, for the US point of view, the Chinese participation is an absolute imperative that precludes (the) US from continuing a meaningful and forward-looking dialogue with Russia on arms control," he said.

Russia to open nuclear disarmament talks with US amid China cloud

<p>India is among a group of 15 high-risk countries where lifting&nbsp;lockdown and relaxing restrictions can&nbsp;lead to a spike in new infections, according to&nbsp;an analysis by securities research firm Nomura.</p>

<p>The analysis, which covers 45 major economies, takes into account case trajectories and mobility trends to determine the impact movement of people will have on new cases.</p>

<p>It divides the countries into three groups: those 'on track', facing 'warning signs', or are in the 'danger zone'.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-279-deaths-in-india-in-last-24-hours-infection-cases-surge-to-over-276-lakh-304726" hreflang="en">COVID-19: 279 deaths in India in 24 hours; infection cases over 2.76 lakh</a></strong></p>

<p>India falls in the danger zone, along with several other low-to-middle income countries such as Indonesia, Chile and Pakistan.</p>

<p>Some of the advanced economies in this group are Sweden, Singapore, South Africa and Canada.</p>

<p>Among those on track are France, Italy and South Korea, while countries like Germany, United States and United Kingdom face risks.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-reports-1366-new-cases-mumbai-records-58-deaths-in-24-hours-304689" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Delhi reports 1,366 new cases; Mumbai records 58 deaths in 24 hours</a></strong></p>

<p>''Our visual tool has yielded a mixed bag of results: 17 countries are on track with respect to reopening economies with no sign of second wave; 13 countries showing some tentative warning signs; and 15 countries in danger zone of being most at risk of a second wave,''&nbsp;the report said.</p>

<p>Lifting lockdown will have two possibilities according to the analysis. ''In the first (good) scenario, a country or US state experiences a quick recovery in people mobility. Lockdown measures become relaxed, and businesses resume operations with minimal increases in the number of new daily cases, resulting in an ease in public fear and further increase in people mobility. As the number of new cases declines, a positive feed-back loops kicks in.''</p>

<p>''On the other hand, the second (bad) scenario is characterised by a much 'flatter'&nbsp;curve. The reopening of the economy is associated with an acceleration in the number of new daily infections, growing public fear and ceasing people mobility; in extreme cases, lockdowns would be reimposed,''&nbsp;it added.</p>

<p>The projections come at a time when most of these nations are easing restrictions in order to allow people to get back to work following what has been an unprecedented erosion of earnings and employment in many regions.</p>

<p>The World Health Organization urged countries to press on with efforts to contain the virus and that now ''is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal.''</p>

<p>In India, malls, restaurants and religious places opened on Monday for the first time since March 25 as most parts of the country rolled out new guidelines that are part of the government’s ''unlocking''&nbsp;plan.</p>


India is among a group of 15 high-risk countries where lifting lockdown and relaxing restrictions can lead to a spike in new infections, according to an analysis by securities research firm Nomura.

India is among a group of 15 high-risk countries where lifting lockdown and relaxing restrictions can lead to a spike in new infections, according to an analysis by securities research firm Nomura. The analysis, which covers 45 major economies, takes into account case trajectories and mobility trends to determine the impact movement of people will have on new cases. It divides the countries into three groups: those 'on track', facing 'warning signs', or are in the 'danger zone'. Also read: COVID-19: 279 deaths in India in 24 hours; infection cases over 2.76 lakh India falls in the danger zone, along with several other low-to-middle income countries such as Indonesia, Chile and Pakistan. Some of the advanced economies in this group are Sweden, Singapore, South Africa and Canada. Among those on track are France, Italy and South Korea, while countries like Germany, United States and United Kingdom face risks. Also read: COVID-19: Delhi reports 1,366 new cases; Mumbai records 58 deaths in 24 hours ''Our visual tool has yielded a mixed bag of results: 17 countries are on track with respect to reopening economies with no sign of second wave; 13 countries showing some tentative warning signs; and 15 countries in danger zone of being most at risk of a second wave,'' the report said. Lifting lockdown will have two possibilities according to the analysis. ''In the first (good) scenario, a country or US state experiences a quick recovery in people mobility. Lockdown measures become relaxed, and businesses resume operations with minimal increases in the number of new daily cases, resulting in an ease in public fear and further increase in people mobility. As the number of new cases declines, a positive feed-back loops kicks in.'' ''On the other hand, the second (bad) scenario is characterised by a much 'flatter' curve. The reopening of the economy is associated with an acceleration in the number of new daily infections, growing public fear and ceasing people mobility; in extreme cases, lockdowns would be reimposed,'' it added. The projections come at a time when most of these nations are easing restrictions in order to allow people to get back to work following what has been an unprecedented erosion of earnings and employment in many regions. The World Health Organization urged countries to press on with efforts to contain the virus and that now ''is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal.'' In India, malls, restaurants and religious places opened on Monday for the first time since March 25 as most parts of the country rolled out new guidelines that are part of the government’s ''unlocking'' plan.

India among 15 countries where lifting lockdown can lead to second wave of COVID-19: Study

<p>Five new cases of enforced disappearance have been reported from Kech and Panjgur district of Balochistan in just two days, the local media reported.</p>

<p>According to the details received by The Balochistan Post, four persons were allegedly detained by the security forces in Kech on Tuesday.</p>

<p>In Panjgur, the zonal leader of the Baloch Student Organization Pajjar (BSO-Pajjar), Alam Baloch, was abducted two days ago. In total, five new cases of enforced disappearances have surfaced in Balochistan in the past two days.</p>

<p>According to sources, the security forces raided a house in Kech, detained four youths, including two brothers, and moved them to unknown locations.</p>

<p>The locals reportedly visited the security forces'&nbsp;encampment and requested the release of the missing persons but the latter denied their involvement in the abduction altogether.</p>

<p>In Panjgur, Alam Baloch was allegedly abducted by the security forces two days ago and the activist has been unheard of since. In a statement, the representative of BSO-Pajjar confirmed the news of Baloch`s abduction.</p>

<p>He further confirmed that Alam Baloch was a student of Balochi literature at the Balochistan University.It is pertinent to mention that such abductions have been carried out innumerable times in Balochistan.</p>

<p>Leaders, activists, and vocal members of various student organizations have been detained by the security forces and kept in confinement.</p>

<p>Feroz Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Student Actions Committee (BSAC) was detained by the Pakistani forces, last year in Kalat district of Balochistan. His whereabouts and condition are still unknown.</p>

<p>Whereas, only in May this year, dozens of students were abducted from different areas of Balochistan in response to the local people`s legitimate demand to exercise their right to self-determination.</p>

<p>This crime against humanity has been going on for so long and so systematically in Balochistan that it has come to be considered as a normal state of affairs in the province.</p>

<p>Many social and human rights activists have flagged the issue of subjection by the Pakistani establishment before the United Nations and other international agencies.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Five new cases of enforced disappearance have been reported from Kech and Panjgur district of Balochistan in just two days, the local media reported. According to the details received by The Balochistan Post, four persons were allegedly detained by the security forces in Kech on Tuesday.

Five new cases of enforced disappearance have been reported from Kech and Panjgur district of Balochistan in just two days, the local media reported. According to the details received by The Balochistan Post, four persons were allegedly detained by the security forces in Kech on Tuesday. In Panjgur, the zonal leader of the Baloch Student Organization Pajjar (BSO-Pajjar), Alam Baloch, was abducted two days ago. In total, five new cases of enforced disappearances have surfaced in Balochistan in the past two days. According to sources, the security forces raided a house in Kech, detained four youths, including two brothers, and moved them to unknown locations. The locals reportedly visited the security forces' encampment and requested the release of the missing persons but the latter denied their involvement in the abduction altogether. In Panjgur, Alam Baloch was allegedly abducted by the security forces two days ago and the activist has been unheard of since. In a statement, the representative of BSO-Pajjar confirmed the news of Baloch`s abduction. He further confirmed that Alam Baloch was a student of Balochi literature at the Balochistan University.It is pertinent to mention that such abductions have been carried out innumerable times in Balochistan. Leaders, activists, and vocal members of various student organizations have been detained by the security forces and kept in confinement. Feroz Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Student Actions Committee (BSAC) was detained by the Pakistani forces, last year in Kalat district of Balochistan. His whereabouts and condition are still unknown. Whereas, only in May this year, dozens of students were abducted from different areas of Balochistan in response to the local people`s legitimate demand to exercise their right to self-determination. This crime against humanity has been going on for so long and so systematically in Balochistan that it has come to be considered as a normal state of affairs in the province. Many social and human rights activists have flagged the issue of subjection by the Pakistani establishment before the United Nations and other international agencies.

Balochistan registers 5 new cases of enforced disappearance in 2 days

<p>The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed General Charles Brown Jr as chief of staff of the US Air Force, making him the first Black officer to lead one of the nation's military services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vice President Mike Pence took the unusual step of presiding over the vote, something he usually does to break ties. But Brown's confirmation, 98-0, was not close. Pence called the moment "historic".</p>

<p>Brown most recently served as the commander of US Pacific Air Forces. He is a fighter pilot, with more than 2,900 flying hours, including 130 in combat.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777" hreflang="en">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a></strong></p>

<p>He recounted his experiences in an emotional video, speaking of how during his Air Force career he was often the only African American in my squadron or, as a senior officer, the only African American in the room and of wearing the same flight suit with wings pinned on his chest as his squadron yet being asked if he was a pilot.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What are you thinking about? Listen to Air Force General Charles Brown, he will share with you what he is thinking about. Just maybe maybe not you are having similar thoughts. Watch his video, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/leadershipmatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#leadershipmatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/leadershipwhe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#leadershipwhe</a>…<a href="https://t.co/aqMZRPVxL7">https://t.co/aqMZRPVxL7</a> <a href="https://t.co/nnuWTC8o0d">https://t.co/nnuWTC8o0d</a></p>
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<p>He expressed hope that his confirmation would make a positive difference after centuries of racism in the United States.</p>

<p>“I am thinking about how I can make improvements, personally, professionally and institutionally so that all airmen, both today and tomorrow, appreciate the value of diversity and can serve in an environment where they can reach their full potential,”&nbsp;Brown said.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/martyr-for-change-george-floyd-memorialised-in-his-hometown-houston-304771" hreflang="en">'Martyr for change': George Floyd memorialised in his hometown Houston</a></strong></p>

<p>The vote came as the Trump administration and the mostly white Senate Republican conference grapple with the&nbsp;aftermath&nbsp;of the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.</p>

<p>Protests have convulsed the nation alongside the coronavirus pandemic, with racial discrimination being the common thread between them. The vote in Washington, DC overlapped with Floyd's&nbsp;funeral in Houston.</p>


The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed General Charles Brown Jr as chief of staff of the US Air Force, making him the first Black officer to lead one of the nation's military services.

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed General Charles Brown Jr as chief of staff of the US Air Force, making him the first Black officer to lead one of the nation's military services. Vice President Mike Pence took the unusual step of presiding over the vote, something he usually does to break ties. But Brown's confirmation, 98-0, was not close. Pence called the moment "historic". Brown most recently served as the commander of US Pacific Air Forces. He is a fighter pilot, with more than 2,900 flying hours, including 130 in combat. Also see: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest He recounted his experiences in an emotional video, speaking of how during his Air Force career he was often the only African American in my squadron or, as a senior officer, the only African American in the room and of wearing the same flight suit with wings pinned on his chest as his squadron yet being asked if he was a pilot. What are you thinking about? Listen to Air Force General Charles Brown, he will share with you what he is thinking about. Just maybe maybe not you are having similar thoughts. Watch his video, #leadershipmatters #leadershipwhe…https://t.co/aqMZRPVxL7 https://t.co/nnuWTC8o0d — Jeff Willie (@jeffwillie02) June 6, 2020 × He expressed hope that his confirmation would make a positive difference after centuries of racism in the United States. “I am thinking about how I can make improvements, personally, professionally and institutionally so that all airmen, both today and tomorrow, appreciate the value of diversity and can serve in an environment where they can reach their full potential,” Brown said. Also see: 'Martyr for change': George Floyd memorialised in his hometown Houston The vote came as the Trump administration and the mostly white Senate Republican conference grapple with the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. Protests have convulsed the nation alongside the coronavirus pandemic, with racial discrimination being the common thread between them. The vote in Washington, DC overlapped with Floyd's funeral in Houston.

US Senate confirms first black Air Force chief of staff in 'historic' vote

<p>The Jama Masjid may have to be closed again in view of the "deteriorating" situation in Delhi due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mosque's Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The development comes after the Shahi Imam's secretary Amanullah died due to the novel coronavirus at the Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday night.</p>

<p>Delhi recorded 1,366 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, taking the tally to 31,309, while the death toll mounted to 905, authorities said on Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-reports-1366-new-cases-mumbai-records-58-deaths-in-24-hours-304689" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Delhi reports 1,366 new cases; Mumbai records 58 deaths in 24 hours</a></strong></p>

<p>"He (Amanullah) had tested positive and was admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital on June 3, where he breathed his last yesterday," Bukhari said.</p>

<p>The Shahi Imam said the opinion of the people has been sought on closing the historic mosque again in view of the surge in the number of novel coronavirus cases in the national capital.</p>

<p>"People are giving their views through social media and other channels on closing the Jama Masjid. We may again shut it down for people and limit 'namaz' for a few people, in a day or two," he said.</p>

<p>The mosque had opened on June 8 after a gap of over two months with the government allowing further relaxations as part of "Unlock-1", the first phase of a calibrated exit from the novel coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.</p>

<p>"I have also asked other smaller mosques to appeal to people to stay at home and offer 'namaz' instead of going to mosques for it. What is the point of visiting mosques at such a time when the spread of the coronavirus is peaking in Delhi, when we did not do so even during Ramzan and Eid due to the lockdown," Bukhari said.</p>

<p>As religious places along with several other establishments, like shopping malls and offices, opened across the country on June 8, Bukhari asked governments to reconsider their decision in view of the rapid spread of the coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>


The Jama Masjid may have to be closed again in view of the "deteriorating" situation in Delhi due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mosque's Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari said on Wednesday.

The Jama Masjid may have to be closed again in view of the "deteriorating" situation in Delhi due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mosque's Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari said on Wednesday. The development comes after the Shahi Imam's secretary Amanullah died due to the novel coronavirus at the Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday night. Delhi recorded 1,366 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, taking the tally to 31,309, while the death toll mounted to 905, authorities said on Wednesday. Also read: COVID-19: Delhi reports 1,366 new cases; Mumbai records 58 deaths in 24 hours "He (Amanullah) had tested positive and was admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital on June 3, where he breathed his last yesterday," Bukhari said. The Shahi Imam said the opinion of the people has been sought on closing the historic mosque again in view of the surge in the number of novel coronavirus cases in the national capital. "People are giving their views through social media and other channels on closing the Jama Masjid. We may again shut it down for people and limit 'namaz' for a few people, in a day or two," he said. The mosque had opened on June 8 after a gap of over two months with the government allowing further relaxations as part of "Unlock-1", the first phase of a calibrated exit from the novel coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown. "I have also asked other smaller mosques to appeal to people to stay at home and offer 'namaz' instead of going to mosques for it. What is the point of visiting mosques at such a time when the spread of the coronavirus is peaking in Delhi, when we did not do so even during Ramzan and Eid due to the lockdown," Bukhari said. As religious places along with several other establishments, like shopping malls and offices, opened across the country on June 8, Bukhari asked governments to reconsider their decision in view of the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Jama Masjid may have to be closed again due to deteriorating COVID-19 situation in Delhi: Shahi Imam

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