US Vice President Mike Pence and&nbsp;Florida Governor&nbsp;Ron DeSantis visited a crowded restaurant without wearing masks to highlight efforts to allow restaurants in the state to begin reopening for limited, in-person service.

Pence did not shake hands with anyone but it did not appear that there was always six feet of distance between him and the people he greeted.

They two men sat down at a table, with other patrons seated at tables nearby.

According to the Vice President’s spokesman Devin O’Malley, patrons and staff at the restaurant were given temperature checks and questioned about whether they had any symptoms prior to the vice president’s visit but were not given tests.

Steele told Pence&nbsp;that the restaurant is operating a 50 per cent seating capacity indoors in keeping with the state’s guidelines for a phased reopening.

Steele said the restaurant is excited to be reopening its doors to in-person customers after weeks of service that was limited to takeout.

US Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited a crowded restaurant without wearing masks to highlight efforts to allow restaurants in the state to begin reopening for limited, in-person service.

US Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited a crowded restaurant without wearing masks to highlight efforts to allow restaurants in the state to begin reopening for limited, in-person service. Pence did not shake hands with anyone but it did not appear that there was always six feet of distance between him and the people he greeted. They two men sat down at a table, with other patrons seated at tables nearby. According to the Vice President’s spokesman Devin O’Malley, patrons and staff at the restaurant were given temperature checks and questioned about whether they had any symptoms prior to the vice president’s visit but were not given tests. Steele told Pence that the restaurant is operating a 50 per cent seating capacity indoors in keeping with the state’s guidelines for a phased reopening. Steele said the restaurant is excited to be reopening its doors to in-person customers after weeks of service that was limited to takeout.

US Vice President Pence visits crowded restaurant without wearing mask

The&nbsp;World&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;on Wednesday named former Bear Stearns executive Carmen Reinhart as its chief economist, tapping a financial crisis expert who also currently serves on advisory boards of the IMF and the New York Federal Reserve.

World&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;President David Malpass said in a statement Reinhart's experience and insights would prove invaluable as the coronavirus pandemic heaps economic pain on developing countries. She starts at the&nbsp;bank&nbsp;on June 15.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-pandemic-smashes-auto-sector-worldwide-299757" hreflang="en">Coronavirus pandemic smashes auto sector worldwide</a>

Reinhart, a professor at Harvard University, published a book entitled "This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly," together with economist Kenneth Rogoff of Harvard University in 2009.

The book called for stricter regulations and an early-warning system to sound the alarm about financial bubbles, arguing that central&nbsp;bankers, policy makers and investors tended to ignore the telltale signs of a bubble.

In an article she wrote on the pandemic in March, Reinhart said: "Clearly, this is a 'whatever-it-takes' moment for large-scale, outside-the-box fiscal and monetary policies."

Reinhart has a Ph.D. from Columbia University and teaches international economics at the Harvard Kennedy School. She has also worked at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the International Monetary Fund and the University of Maryland and the former Bear Stearns investment&nbsp;bank.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva tweeted her congratulations, calling Reinhart "a great choice, especially at this time of crisis."

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I warmly congratulate Carmen Reinhart on her appointment as the <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WorldBank</a>'s new Chief Economist. Great choice, especially at this time of crisis - something Carmen knows a lot about. <a href="https://t.co/6xudIdPv5x">pic.twitter.com/6xudIdPv5x</a>
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IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath, in a separate tweet, added: "@carmenmreinhart is an extraordinary economist with deep expertise in crises, debt, capital flows, from a current and historical perspective."

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Absolutely wonderful news! <a href="https://twitter.com/carmenmreinhart?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carmenmreinhart</a> is an extraordinary economist with deep expertise in crises, debt, capital flows, from a current and historical perspective. Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/carmenmreinhart?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carmenmreinhart</a> and look forward to working closely! <a href="https://t.co/udLdEMTvoa">https://t.co/udLdEMTvoa</a>
— Gita Gopinath (@GitaGopinath) <a href="https://twitter.com/GitaGopinath/status/1263153327979859969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"She’s obviously well suited to the moment," said Scott Morris, a former US&nbsp;Treasury official who is now a senior fellow with the Centre for Global Development. "The&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;could be entering uncharted territory in the months ahead, so it’s good to have her intellectual firepower onboard."

Reinhart’s expertise include international capital flows, and sovereign debt crises, the&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;said.

She replaces Pinelopi Goldberg, who left on March 1 after only 15 months on the job.

The World Bank on Wednesday named former Bear Stearns executive Carmen Reinhart as its chief economist, tapping a financial crisis expert who also currently serves on advisory boards of the IMF and the New York Federal Reserve.

The World Bank on Wednesday named former Bear Stearns executive Carmen Reinhart as its chief economist, tapping a financial crisis expert who also currently serves on advisory boards of the IMF and the New York Federal Reserve. World Bank President David Malpass said in a statement Reinhart's experience and insights would prove invaluable as the coronavirus pandemic heaps economic pain on developing countries. She starts at the bank on June 15. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic smashes auto sector worldwide Reinhart, a professor at Harvard University, published a book entitled "This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly," together with economist Kenneth Rogoff of Harvard University in 2009. The book called for stricter regulations and an early-warning system to sound the alarm about financial bubbles, arguing that central bankers, policy makers and investors tended to ignore the telltale signs of a bubble. In an article she wrote on the pandemic in March, Reinhart said: "Clearly, this is a 'whatever-it-takes' moment for large-scale, outside-the-box fiscal and monetary policies." Reinhart has a Ph.D. from Columbia University and teaches international economics at the Harvard Kennedy School. She has also worked at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the International Monetary Fund and the University of Maryland and the former Bear Stearns investment bank. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva tweeted her congratulations, calling Reinhart "a great choice, especially at this time of crisis." I warmly congratulate Carmen Reinhart on her appointment as the @WorldBank's new Chief Economist. Great choice, especially at this time of crisis - something Carmen knows a lot about. pic.twitter.com/6xudIdPv5x — Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) May 20, 2020 × IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath, in a separate tweet, added: "@carmenmreinhart is an extraordinary economist with deep expertise in crises, debt, capital flows, from a current and historical perspective." Absolutely wonderful news! @carmenmreinhart is an extraordinary economist with deep expertise in crises, debt, capital flows, from a current and historical perspective. Congratulations @carmenmreinhart and look forward to working closely! https://t.co/udLdEMTvoa — Gita Gopinath (@GitaGopinath) May 20, 2020 × "She’s obviously well suited to the moment," said Scott Morris, a former US Treasury official who is now a senior fellow with the Centre for Global Development. "The Bank could be entering uncharted territory in the months ahead, so it’s good to have her intellectual firepower onboard." Reinhart’s expertise include international capital flows, and sovereign debt crises, the Bank said. She replaces Pinelopi Goldberg, who left on March 1 after only 15 months on the job.

World Bank names financial crisis expert Reinhart as chief economist

China recorded five new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, down from six a day earlier, the National Health Commission reported on Wednesday.

Four of the new cases were local transmissions and asymptomatic cases in Jilin Province and one was an imported case involving a traveller from overseas, the commission said in a statement, compared with three imported cases reported the previous day.

Asymptomatic cases pose a problem as the patients are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others.

Jilin city is under lockdown after clusters of infections were reported last week.

By Tuesday, Jilin province had reported a total of 133 confirmed locally transmitted cases, including two deaths and 106 who had been discharged from hospital after recovery.

There are still 25 patients receiving treatment in hospital, with three in severe condition, all in the city of Jilin, and 1,181 people in close contact with the locally transmitted cases under medical observation, the local health commission said.

The total number of Covid-19 infections in China to date now stands at 82,965, while the death toll remains&nbsp;unchanged at 4,634.

China recorded five new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, down from six a day earlier, the National Health Commission reported on Wednesday. Four of the new cases were local transmissions and asymptomatic cases in Jilin Province and one was an imported case involving a traveller from overseas, the commission said in a statement, compared with three imported cases reported the previous day.

China recorded five new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, down from six a day earlier, the National Health Commission reported on Wednesday. Four of the new cases were local transmissions and asymptomatic cases in Jilin Province and one was an imported case involving a traveller from overseas, the commission said in a statement, compared with three imported cases reported the previous day. Asymptomatic cases pose a problem as the patients are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others. Jilin city is under lockdown after clusters of infections were reported last week. By Tuesday, Jilin province had reported a total of 133 confirmed locally transmitted cases, including two deaths and 106 who had been discharged from hospital after recovery. There are still 25 patients receiving treatment in hospital, with three in severe condition, all in the city of Jilin, and 1,181 people in close contact with the locally transmitted cases under medical observation, the local health commission said. The total number of Covid-19 infections in China to date now stands at 82,965, while the death toll remains unchanged at 4,634.

China records 5 new COVID-19 cases, including 4 asymptomatic cases

In a bid to help struggling small businesses during coronavirus pandemic, Facebook has introduced with free tools for creating online "Shops"&nbsp;to help set up a single online store for customers to access on both Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook Inc is launching Facebook Shops, a service that will allow small businesses to display and sell their products on the social network's platforms, Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-urges-eu-to-lead-on-tech-rules-and-overcome-chinese-competition-299569">Zuckerberg urges EU to lead on tech rules and overcome Chinese competition</a>

A checkout feature will enable in-app purchases, while a more deeply integrated messaging feature will allow customers to chat with businesses through WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram Direct.

"The primary focus is to ensure small and medium size businesses have presences online and survive the current situation," Facebook director of product management George Lee said during a press briefing on the new product.

Businesses have an option to buy Facebook ads to direct customers to their online shops. Sales can be consummated at websites off the social network.

The move to build up e-commerce offerings follows Facebook’s launch last year of limited shopping options on photo-sharing app Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp.

Company leaders wager making the platforms more business-friendly will generate fresh ad revenue, even as user growth slows.

Zuckerberg also said the world’s largest social network would be working more closely on product integrations with Shopify and seven other online commerce platforms going forward. He had Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke join him in a livestreamed video announcing the partnerships.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a bid to help struggling small businesses during coronavirus pandemic, Facebook has introduced with free tools for creating online "Shops" to help set up a single online store for customers to access on both Facebook and Instagram.

In a bid to help struggling small businesses during coronavirus pandemic, Facebook has introduced with free tools for creating online "Shops" to help set up a single online store for customers to access on both Facebook and Instagram. Facebook Inc is launching Facebook Shops, a service that will allow small businesses to display and sell their products on the social network's platforms, Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday. Also read: Zuckerberg urges EU to lead on tech rules and overcome Chinese competition A checkout feature will enable in-app purchases, while a more deeply integrated messaging feature will allow customers to chat with businesses through WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram Direct. "The primary focus is to ensure small and medium size businesses have presences online and survive the current situation," Facebook director of product management George Lee said during a press briefing on the new product. Businesses have an option to buy Facebook ads to direct customers to their online shops. Sales can be consummated at websites off the social network. The move to build up e-commerce offerings follows Facebook’s launch last year of limited shopping options on photo-sharing app Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp. Company leaders wager making the platforms more business-friendly will generate fresh ad revenue, even as user growth slows. Zuckerberg also said the world’s largest social network would be working more closely on product integrations with Shopify and seven other online commerce platforms going forward. He had Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke join him in a livestreamed video announcing the partnerships.

Facebook launches new shopping feature for small businesses

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown.

In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change.

The findings show the world has experienced the sharpest drop in carbon output since records began, with large sections of the global economy brought to a near standstill.

The comprehensive analysis was conducted by scientists from the University of East Anglia, Stanford University in the US, the Cicero Centre in Norway, as well as scientists in the Netherlands, Australia, France and Germany.

Four countries or blocs,&nbsp;China, the United States, the European Union and India, accounted for two-thirds of the downturn across the first four months of 2020, equivalent to more than one billion tonnes of CO2.

When the lockdown was at its most stringent, in some countries emissions fell by just over 26 per cent&nbsp;on average. In the UK, the decline was about 31 per cent, while in Australia emissions fell 28.3 per cent&nbsp;for a period during April.

Emissions from aviation showed a dramatic decline, of about 60 per cent, as international flights between many countries were grounded. Emissions from surface transport fell less sharply, by about 36 per cent. Power generation and industry accounted for about 86 per cent&nbsp;of the total decline in emissions.

Total emissions from industry and energy last year came to a record 37 billion tonnes.&nbsp;

"Population confinement has led to drastic changes in energy use and CO2 emissions," said lead author Corinne Le Quere, a professor at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia.

"These extreme decreases are likely to be temporary, however, as they do not reflect structural changes in the economic, transport or energy systems."

With nearly five million confirmed infections and 320,000 deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has deflected attention from the climate crisis that dominated global concerns in 2019.

But the climate threat remains, other experts warn.

"This will make barely a dent in the ongoing build-up of&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide in the atmosphere," said Richard Betts, head of climate impacts research at Britain's Met Office Hadley Centre.

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown. In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in carbon pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change.

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown. In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in carbon pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change. The findings show the world has experienced the sharpest drop in carbon output since records began, with large sections of the global economy brought to a near standstill. The comprehensive analysis was conducted by scientists from the University of East Anglia, Stanford University in the US, the Cicero Centre in Norway, as well as scientists in the Netherlands, Australia, France and Germany. Four countries or blocs, China, the United States, the European Union and India, accounted for two-thirds of the downturn across the first four months of 2020, equivalent to more than one billion tonnes of CO2. When the lockdown was at its most stringent, in some countries emissions fell by just over 26 per cent on average. In the UK, the decline was about 31 per cent, while in Australia emissions fell 28.3 per cent for a period during April. Emissions from aviation showed a dramatic decline, of about 60 per cent, as international flights between many countries were grounded. Emissions from surface transport fell less sharply, by about 36 per cent. Power generation and industry accounted for about 86 per cent of the total decline in emissions. Total emissions from industry and energy last year came to a record 37 billion tonnes. "Population confinement has led to drastic changes in energy use and CO2 emissions," said lead author Corinne Le Quere, a professor at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia. "These extreme decreases are likely to be temporary, however, as they do not reflect structural changes in the economic, transport or energy systems." With nearly five million confirmed infections and 320,000 deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has deflected attention from the climate crisis that dominated global concerns in 2019. But the climate threat remains, other experts warn. "This will make barely a dent in the ongoing build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere," said Richard Betts, head of climate impacts research at Britain's Met Office Hadley Centre.

Lockdowns trigger 'substantial' downfall in global carbon emissions

Cambridge University has become the first university in the world to axe all face-to-face lectures until summer 2021 due to&nbsp;to the coronavirus pandemic.

The university said lectures would continue virtually until summer 2021, while it may be possible for smaller teaching groups to take place in person if it “conforms to social-distancing requirements”.

University campuses have been closed this term because of&nbsp;the Covid-19 outbreak. Cambridge will review the decision if advice on social distancing changes.

A statement from it read: "The university is constantly adapting to changing advice as it emerges during this pandemic.

"Given that it is likely that social distancing will continue to be required, the university has decided there will be no face-to-face lectures&nbsp;during the next academic year.

"Lectures will continue to be made available online and it may be possible to host smaller teaching groups in person, as long as this conforms to social distancing requirements.&nbsp;

"This decision has been taken now to facilitate planning, but as ever, will be reviewed should there be changes to official advice on coronavirus."

All teaching at the university was moved online in March, while exams are being carried out virtually.

Other universities around the world have said they'll stick with online classes until January 2021, or delay the start of the the academic year.

The higher education sector globally is currently weighing concerns over the safety of students and faculty should campuses reopen this fall against substantial financial losses should doors remain shut.&nbsp;

Cambridge University has become the first university in the world to axe all face-to-face lectures until summer 2021 due to to the coronavirus pandemic. The university said lectures would continue virtually until summer 2021, while it may be possible for smaller teaching groups to take place in person if it “conforms to social-distancing requirements”.

Cambridge University has become the first university in the world to axe all face-to-face lectures until summer 2021 due to to the coronavirus pandemic. The university said lectures would continue virtually until summer 2021, while it may be possible for smaller teaching groups to take place in person if it “conforms to social-distancing requirements”. University campuses have been closed this term because of the Covid-19 outbreak. Cambridge will review the decision if advice on social distancing changes. A statement from it read: "The university is constantly adapting to changing advice as it emerges during this pandemic. "Given that it is likely that social distancing will continue to be required, the university has decided there will be no face-to-face lectures during the next academic year. "Lectures will continue to be made available online and it may be possible to host smaller teaching groups in person, as long as this conforms to social distancing requirements. "This decision has been taken now to facilitate planning, but as ever, will be reviewed should there be changes to official advice on coronavirus." All teaching at the university was moved online in March, while exams are being carried out virtually. Other universities around the world have said they'll stick with online classes until January 2021, or delay the start of the the academic year. The higher education sector globally is currently weighing concerns over the safety of students and faculty should campuses reopen this fall against substantial financial losses should doors remain shut.

Cambridge becomes first university to move all lectures online till 2021

Healthcare giant Johnson &amp; Johnson will&nbsp;stop selling its talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in the US and Canada.

The move comes after years of litigation where Johnson &amp; Johnson has been&nbsp;ordered to pay out billions of dollars in compensation.

The company faces more than 19,000 lawsuits from consumers and their survivors claiming its talc products caused cancer due to contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen.&nbsp;

It has long denied claims that the talc powder it uses contains cancer-causing asbestos, but has nonetheless been taken to court several thousands of times over the allegations.

In a statement, Johnson &amp; Johnson said it remained "steadfastly confident" in the product's safety and would "vigorously" defend against the lawsuits, noting that all guilty verdicts passed against the company have been overturned.

"As part of a portfolio assessment related to COVID-19, in March, Johnson &amp; Johnson Consumer Health stopped shipping hundreds of items in the US and Canada to prioritize high-demand products and to allow for appropriate social distancing in manufacturing and distribution facilities," the statement said.

Johnson &amp; Johnson said it would wind down sales of the product, which makes up about 0.5 per cent&nbsp;of its US consumer health business, in the coming months, but that retailers would continue to sell existing inventory.

"Demand for talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in North America has been declining due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising," the company said.

Healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson will stop selling its talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in the US and Canada. The move comes after years of litigation where Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay out billions of dollars in compensation.

Healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson will stop selling its talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in the US and Canada. The move comes after years of litigation where Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay out billions of dollars in compensation. The company faces more than 19,000 lawsuits from consumers and their survivors claiming its talc products caused cancer due to contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen. It has long denied claims that the talc powder it uses contains cancer-causing asbestos, but has nonetheless been taken to court several thousands of times over the allegations. In a statement, Johnson & Johnson said it remained "steadfastly confident" in the product's safety and would "vigorously" defend against the lawsuits, noting that all guilty verdicts passed against the company have been overturned. "As part of a portfolio assessment related to COVID-19, in March, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health stopped shipping hundreds of items in the US and Canada to prioritize high-demand products and to allow for appropriate social distancing in manufacturing and distribution facilities," the statement said. Johnson & Johnson said it would wind down sales of the product, which makes up about 0.5 per cent of its US consumer health business, in the coming months, but that retailers would continue to sell existing inventory. "Demand for talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in North America has been declining due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising," the company said.

Johnson & Johnson to halt sales of baby powder in US, Canada

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter to congratulate&nbsp;Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen on her re-election&nbsp;as the island’s first female leader.

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Congratulations to Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on the commencement of your second-term as Taiwan’s President. Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. With President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish.
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''Her re-election by a huge margin shows that she has earned the respect, admiration, and trust of the people on Taiwan,''&nbsp;Pompeo said in his statement released ahead of the ceremony.

''Her courage and vision in leading Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. As we look toward the future, I am confident that, with President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish.''

While China views Tsai as a separatist, bent on formal independence for Taiwan, Pompeo reportedly said that recent COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for the international community to see why Taiwan’s pandemic-response model is worthy of emulation.

His remarks were read aloud at the ceremony on Wednesday, ahead of Tsai’s inauguration speech in which she vowed to defend the island from threats, and said it would not accept Beijing’s ''one country, two systems''&nbsp;proposal for cross-strait unification.

She said&nbsp;that Taiwan will seek to ‘actively participate’ in international bodies and deepen its cooperation with ''like-minded countries''.

Beijing’s proposal would downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo, she added.

Meanwhile, as Taiwan had been seeking to join a ministerial meeting this month of the WHO’s decision-making body, the organisation had locked Taiwan out, at China’s request.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter to congratulate Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen on her re-election as the island’s first female leader. Congratulations to Dr.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter to congratulate Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen on her re-election as the island’s first female leader. Congratulations to Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on the commencement of your second-term as Taiwan’s President. Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. With President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 19, 2020 × ''Her re-election by a huge margin shows that she has earned the respect, admiration, and trust of the people on Taiwan,'' Pompeo said in his statement released ahead of the ceremony. ''Her courage and vision in leading Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. As we look toward the future, I am confident that, with President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish.'' While China views Tsai as a separatist, bent on formal independence for Taiwan, Pompeo reportedly said that recent COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for the international community to see why Taiwan’s pandemic-response model is worthy of emulation. His remarks were read aloud at the ceremony on Wednesday, ahead of Tsai’s inauguration speech in which she vowed to defend the island from threats, and said it would not accept Beijing’s ''one country, two systems'' proposal for cross-strait unification. She said that Taiwan will seek to ‘actively participate’ in international bodies and deepen its cooperation with ''like-minded countries''. Beijing’s proposal would downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo, she added. Meanwhile, as Taiwan had been seeking to join a ministerial meeting this month of the WHO’s decision-making body, the organisation had locked Taiwan out, at China’s request.

Pompeo congratulates Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen for re-election

May 20 in history: Shakespeare's sonnets published, Cuba gains independence and more

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the developed world could learn lessons from the preventative measures taken by many African countries to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

"COVID-19 has made much slower progress (in Africa) than the predictions that were made at the beginning" of the crisis, Guterres said in an interview with RFL radio in France.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-will-push-60-million-into-extreme-poverty-world-bank-299794" hreflang="en">Coronavirus pandemic will push 60 million into 'extreme poverty': World Bank</a>

This has been largely thanks to the fact that "most African governments and organisations took in time very brave prevention measures which provide a lesson for some developed nations that did not," he added.

There have been fewer than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths from 88,000 cases of the disease registered throughout the African continent, relatively low numbers compared to over 320,000 deaths worldwide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-us-criticism-who-adopts-resolution-to-launch-independent-probe-into-coronavirus-299764" hreflang="en">Amid US criticism, WHO adopts resolution to launch independent probe into coronavirus</a>

Guterres also called for a more regularised easing of debt repayments for the poorest countries.

Last month, G20 and Paris Club creditor nations agreed to waive most debt payments for the world's poorest countries in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus crisis, but Guterres called this move "insufficient".

"We need to prepare targeted debt relief and a more comprehensive, more structural approach to avoid at all costs in the future a series of bankruptcies that could lead to&nbsp;a depression" on the global level, he said.

A total of 41 African nations are involved and on Tuesday Mali became the first to secure a moratorium in debt payments from the Paris Club of creditor nations, a French finance ministry source said Tuesday.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the developed world could learn lessons from the preventative measures taken by many African countries to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the developed world could learn lessons from the preventative measures taken by many African countries to stem the spread of the coronavirus. "COVID-19 has made much slower progress (in Africa) than the predictions that were made at the beginning" of the crisis, Guterres said in an interview with RFL radio in France. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic will push 60 million into 'extreme poverty': World Bank This has been largely thanks to the fact that "most African governments and organisations took in time very brave prevention measures which provide a lesson for some developed nations that did not," he added. There have been fewer than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths from 88,000 cases of the disease registered throughout the African continent, relatively low numbers compared to over 320,000 deaths worldwide. Also read: Amid US criticism, WHO adopts resolution to launch independent probe into coronavirus Guterres also called for a more regularised easing of debt repayments for the poorest countries. Last month, G20 and Paris Club creditor nations agreed to waive most debt payments for the world's poorest countries in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus crisis, but Guterres called this move "insufficient". "We need to prepare targeted debt relief and a more comprehensive, more structural approach to avoid at all costs in the future a series of bankruptcies that could lead to a depression" on the global level, he said. A total of 41 African nations are involved and on Tuesday Mali became the first to secure a moratorium in debt payments from the Paris Club of creditor nations, a French finance ministry source said Tuesday.

Developed countries can learn from Africa's measures to curb COVID-19: Guterres

Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has resigned after months of pressure over his alleged involvement in the murder of his estranged wife in 2017.

In a televised address Tuesday morning, Thabane said the time had come for him to retire "from the great theater of action, take leave from public office." He blamed his resignation on rival politicians seeking political gain.

Thabane's former wife,&nbsp;Lipolelo<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2020/01/21/africa/lesotho-pm-wife-killing-probe/index.html" target="_blank">,</a>&nbsp;was shot by gunmen shortly before his inauguration as the Prime Minister of the tiny African nation. The couple were separated and had been pursuing a divorce before her death.

His current wife,&nbsp;Maesaiah Thabane, has been charged in the murder and has been granted bail.

The country's police also&nbsp;sought to charge&nbsp;the Prime Minister with Thabane's murder, but his lawyers argue he should be granted immunity against prosecution.

The official resignation comes after the 80-year-old Thabane repeatedly said that he would retire.

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He will be replaced by his finance minister Moeketsi Majoro who will be inaugurated Wednesday.
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Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has resigned after months of pressure over his alleged involvement in the murder of his estranged wife in 2017. In a televised address Tuesday morning, Thabane said the time had come for him to retire "from the great theater of action, take leave from public office.

Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has resigned after months of pressure over his alleged involvement in the murder of his estranged wife in 2017. In a televised address Tuesday morning, Thabane said the time had come for him to retire "from the great theater of action, take leave from public office." He blamed his resignation on rival politicians seeking political gain. Thabane's former wife, Lipolelo, was shot by gunmen shortly before his inauguration as the Prime Minister of the tiny African nation. The couple were separated and had been pursuing a divorce before her death. His current wife, Maesaiah Thabane, has been charged in the murder and has been granted bail. The country's police also sought to charge the Prime Minister with Thabane's murder, but his lawyers argue he should be granted immunity against prosecution. The official resignation comes after the 80-year-old Thabane repeatedly said that he would retire. He will be replaced by his finance minister Moeketsi Majoro who will be inaugurated Wednesday.

Lesotho's Prime Minister resigns over allegations of murdering estranged wife

Captain Tom&nbsp;Moore, the 100-year-old war veteran&nbsp;who raised almost £33 million&nbsp;for the UK's National Health Service (NHS) by&nbsp;taking&nbsp;laps of his backyard, is to receive a knighthood after a special nomination from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Boris Johnson said the centenarian had provided the country with "a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus."

As an honorary colonel, his official title will be Captain Sir Thomas Moore under Ministry of Defence protocol.

Johnson personally recommended to Queen Elizabeth that Moore should be exceptionally honored, according to a Downing Street press release.

"Colonel Tom's fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus," said Johnson in the release.

The knighthood, which has been approved by the Queen, will be formally announced on Wednesday.

Moore received more than 125,000 birthday cards last month, with volunteers enlisted to help open them all.&nbsp;

The UK has been hit hard by the coronavirus, with a death toll of more than 35,000, the highest number outside of the US and the largest in Europe, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

The country's government is also set to give further details on plans for how "frontline heroes" who have been working to help the nation during the pandemic will be honored in the coming months and how the public will be able to play their part.

Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old war veteran who raised almost £33 million for the UK's National Health Service (NHS) by taking laps of his backyard, is to receive a knighthood after a special nomination from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old war veteran who raised almost £33 million for the UK's National Health Service (NHS) by taking laps of his backyard, is to receive a knighthood after a special nomination from Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Boris Johnson said the centenarian had provided the country with "a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus." As an honorary colonel, his official title will be Captain Sir Thomas Moore under Ministry of Defence protocol. Johnson personally recommended to Queen Elizabeth that Moore should be exceptionally honored, according to a Downing Street press release. "Colonel Tom's fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus," said Johnson in the release. The knighthood, which has been approved by the Queen, will be formally announced on Wednesday. Moore received more than 125,000 birthday cards last month, with volunteers enlisted to help open them all. The UK has been hit hard by the coronavirus, with a death toll of more than 35,000, the highest number outside of the US and the largest in Europe, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The country's government is also set to give further details on plans for how "frontline heroes" who have been working to help the nation during the pandemic will be honored in the coming months and how the public will be able to play their part.

Captain Tom Moore to be awarded knighthood for NHS fundraising

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vyomica Berry

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