The US state of Missouri on Tuesday sued China's leadership over the COVID-19 coronavirus, seeking damages over what it described as deliberate deception and insufficient action to stop the pandemic.

The first-of-a-kind state lawsuit comes amid calls in Congress to punish China and a campaign by President Donald Trump to focus on Beijing's role, amid criticism of his own handling of the crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-using-covid-19-pandemic-to-advance-anti-immigration-agenda-293877" hreflang="en">Trump using COVID-19 pandemic to advance anti-immigration agenda?</a>

Missouri, led by Trump's Republican Party, filed a lawsuit in a federal court seeking an unspecified amount in damages and an injunction on continuing actions by China that are alleged to include hoarding of protective equipment.

"The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers and did little to stop the spread of the disease," Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-of-the-coronavirus-is-still-to-come-says-who-chief-293797">'Worst' of the coronavirus is still to come, says WHO chief</a>

"They must be held accountable for their actions," he said.

The lawsuit's chances of success are far from certain as US law, under the principle of sovereign immunity, generally forbids court action against foreign governments.

Missouri addressed the issue by suing the ruling Communist Party, arguing that it is not formally an organ of the Chinese state.

Citing an estimate that Missouri may lose tens of billions of dollars due to the virus and action to prevent it, the lawsuit accused the Chinese Communist Party of being in "knowing, willful and in reckless disregard of the rights of the state and its residents."

The lawsuit pointed to Chinese authorities' early suppression of news of the virus when it broke out in Wuhan, including detentions of whistleblowers.

It also noted that China initially said there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Despite Trump's heavy criticism of China, his administration has been lukewarm about efforts to take action against Beijing, mindful that the Asian power is a major source of masks and other medical supplies desperately needed by the United States.

Under its conservative leadership, Missouri has imposed fewer COVID-19 restrictions than most US states, including allowing businesses to&nbsp;remain open as long as they limit the number of people present and ensure space between them.

Missouri as of Tuesday had reported 189 COVID-19 deaths, half of them in St. Louis.

The US state of Missouri on Tuesday sued China's leadership over the COVID-19 coronavirus, seeking damages over what it described as deliberate deception and insufficient action to stop the pandemic.

The US state of Missouri on Tuesday sued China's leadership over the COVID-19 coronavirus, seeking damages over what it described as deliberate deception and insufficient action to stop the pandemic. The first-of-a-kind state lawsuit comes amid calls in Congress to punish China and a campaign by President Donald Trump to focus on Beijing's role, amid criticism of his own handling of the crisis. Also read: Trump using COVID-19 pandemic to advance anti-immigration agenda? Missouri, led by Trump's Republican Party, filed a lawsuit in a federal court seeking an unspecified amount in damages and an injunction on continuing actions by China that are alleged to include hoarding of protective equipment. "The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers and did little to stop the spread of the disease," Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said. Also read: 'Worst' of the coronavirus is still to come, says WHO chief "They must be held accountable for their actions," he said. The lawsuit's chances of success are far from certain as US law, under the principle of sovereign immunity, generally forbids court action against foreign governments. Missouri addressed the issue by suing the ruling Communist Party, arguing that it is not formally an organ of the Chinese state. Citing an estimate that Missouri may lose tens of billions of dollars due to the virus and action to prevent it, the lawsuit accused the Chinese Communist Party of being in "knowing, willful and in reckless disregard of the rights of the state and its residents." The lawsuit pointed to Chinese authorities' early suppression of news of the virus when it broke out in Wuhan, including detentions of whistleblowers. It also noted that China initially said there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Despite Trump's heavy criticism of China, his administration has been lukewarm about efforts to take action against Beijing, mindful that the Asian power is a major source of masks and other medical supplies desperately needed by the United States. Under its conservative leadership, Missouri has imposed fewer COVID-19 restrictions than most US states, including allowing businesses to remain open as long as they limit the number of people present and ensure space between them. Missouri as of Tuesday had reported 189 COVID-19 deaths, half of them in St. Louis.

US state sues China's leaders over coronavirus

Wales national team coach and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has a plan for squeezing in the international fixtures into the revamped calendar in 2020 by playing at least three games during scheduled breaks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-denies-receiving-any-notice-from-who-stating-delay-in-football-294011" hreflang="en">UEFA denies receiving any notice from WHO stating delay in football</a>

UEFA and the domestic leagues across the globe have agreed that their priority is to finish the 2019/20 campaign after the suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic ends.&nbsp;

As for the international fixtures, Euro qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers are yet to be played. Euro cup was supposed to be held this summers but due to the virus, the championship has been postponed till 2021.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2021-glasgow-set-to-host-championship-despite-postponement-293879" hreflang="en">EURO 2021: Glasgow set to host championship despite postponement</a>

Giggs in an interview said: “The play-offs for the Euros still have to be played so (we) need to find the time (for them) and squeeze in the games for the Nations League.

“I think it’s a really important time for international football because we’ll have a condensed calendar over the next couple of years, with the Euros next year and after that the World Cup which is going to be later on in the year and will already alter the calendar.

“There has to be a plan for international football over the short, medium and long term because of all the football that will be (played).

“I think perhaps there could be triple-headers in September and October, then giving the room for friendlies for teams that have qualified for the Euros and the teams that need to qualify, that’s the window they’ll have for the play-offs.”

Giggs understands the part that the players will be going through a tough schedule and their bodies will be prone to injuries.&nbsp;

“I already have managers ringing me when there are two games so when there are three ... it’s going to be tough. I’ll have to pick a squad of 40!" Giggs added.

“Certain teams have got to qualify for the Euros. The Nations League was a success, that starts again and I think the fans will understand a lot more about it.

“The Premier League are so strong and want to finish, there are still games in Europe that need to be finished.

“But for me as an international manager, my priority is getting ready for the Euros next summer.”&nbsp;

Wales national team coach and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has a plan for squeezing in the international fixtures into the revamped calendar in 2020 by playing at least three games during scheduled breaks.

Wales national team coach and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has a plan for squeezing in the international fixtures into the revamped calendar in 2020 by playing at least three games during scheduled breaks. Also read: UEFA denies receiving any notice from WHO stating delay in football UEFA and the domestic leagues across the globe have agreed that their priority is to finish the 2019/20 campaign after the suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic ends. As for the international fixtures, Euro qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers are yet to be played. Euro cup was supposed to be held this summers but due to the virus, the championship has been postponed till 2021. Also read: EURO 2021: Glasgow set to host championship despite postponement Giggs in an interview said: “The play-offs for the Euros still have to be played so (we) need to find the time (for them) and squeeze in the games for the Nations League. “I think it’s a really important time for international football because we’ll have a condensed calendar over the next couple of years, with the Euros next year and after that the World Cup which is going to be later on in the year and will already alter the calendar. “There has to be a plan for international football over the short, medium and long term because of all the football that will be (played). “I think perhaps there could be triple-headers in September and October, then giving the room for friendlies for teams that have qualified for the Euros and the teams that need to qualify, that’s the window they’ll have for the play-offs.” Giggs understands the part that the players will be going through a tough schedule and their bodies will be prone to injuries. “I already have managers ringing me when there are two games so when there are three ... it’s going to be tough. I’ll have to pick a squad of 40!" Giggs added. “Certain teams have got to qualify for the Euros. The Nations League was a success, that starts again and I think the fans will understand a lot more about it. “The Premier League are so strong and want to finish, there are still games in Europe that need to be finished. “But for me as an international manager, my priority is getting ready for the Euros next summer.”

Ryan Giggs' 'triple header' formula could benefit international fixtures after suspension ends

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, all the sporting events have come to a halt. Tennis has been on a pause since early March due to the infectious virus. But the authorities have come down to a date when the sport could return and that date is July 13.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-refuses-to-get-vaccinated-for-covid-19-to-return-to-game-293575">Tennis Ace Novak Djokovic refuses to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to return to game</a>

However, there are no guarantees regarding the date yet. The game could still be on a halt for the whole of 2020 if the vaccine is not available for the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kobe-university-professor-very-pessimistic-about-olympics-being-held-in-2021-293566" hreflang="en">Kobe University professor 'very pessimistic' about Olympics being held in 2021</a>

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic during a live session with Fabio Fognini on Instagram has said that the game could restart at the regional level with no rank points. He said: “I think there will be more regional prize money tournaments. I think this is what’s going to happen very soon.”

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with quarantine. Spain, Italy, and all the other countries in the world will probably have different models (to come out of it).”

“It will be difficult to start the tour because our tour is every week in different countries.

“So I think there will be regional prize money tournaments, but probably not (rankings) points at the moment because it’s very complicated,” Novak added.&nbsp;

The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12.

Djokovic made a flying start to the 2020 season, winning the Aussie Open in January for his 17th grand slam title and stretched his winning run to 18 matches before the pandemic brought sports events across the world to a halt.&nbsp;

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic had earlier opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, all the sporting events have come to a halt. Tennis has been on a pause since early March due to the infectious virus. But the authorities have come down to a date when the sport could return and that date is July 13.

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, all the sporting events have come to a halt. Tennis has been on a pause since early March due to the infectious virus. But the authorities have come down to a date when the sport could return and that date is July 13. Also read: Tennis Ace Novak Djokovic refuses to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to return to game However, there are no guarantees regarding the date yet. The game could still be on a halt for the whole of 2020 if the vaccine is not available for the pandemic. Also read: Kobe University professor 'very pessimistic' about Olympics being held in 2021 World No. 1 Novak Djokovic during a live session with Fabio Fognini on Instagram has said that the game could restart at the regional level with no rank points. He said: “I think there will be more regional prize money tournaments. I think this is what’s going to happen very soon.” “I don’t know what’s going to happen with quarantine. Spain, Italy, and all the other countries in the world will probably have different models (to come out of it).” “It will be difficult to start the tour because our tour is every week in different countries. “So I think there will be regional prize money tournaments, but probably not (rankings) points at the moment because it’s very complicated,” Novak added. The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. Djokovic made a flying start to the 2020 season, winning the Aussie Open in January for his 17th grand slam title and stretched his winning run to 18 matches before the pandemic brought sports events across the world to a halt. Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic had earlier opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tennis will resume on regional level with no ranking points, predicts Novak Djokovic

UEFA has denied receiving any request from WHO regarding suspending play of football until the end of 2021 as a preventive measure for a second wave of the global coronavirus.&nbsp;

Earlier an Italian publication suggested that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had sent a notice to UEFA regarding the suspension. According to the publication, UEFA received notice from the WHO during a two-and-a-half-hour Executive Committee meeting last Thursday, which recommended football is not resumed until the start of 2022 to avoid a second wave of COVID-19.

According to the reports, a UEFA spokesperson talked to a British Daily newspaper where he denied any such requests from the WHO. He said that there were no such requests from the WHO to cancel or stall the game of football until late 2021.&nbsp;

WHO has played a major role in helping the Olympic committee in rescheduling the games to 2021.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation has also released a statement: “This is not correct. WHO never recommended that football should no longer be played until the end of 2021.”

The UEFA could also determine current rankings in the league tables across the European leagues to determine who qualifies for UEFA Champions League and who does not. This comes as a major shocker for Arsenal as they were expected to miss out the tournament for yet another year but they currently are placed fourth above Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspurs and Leicester City.&nbsp;

The UEFA's Executive Committee will meet again on Thursday after calendar proposals were proffered to the 55 member associates on Tuesday through videoconference, and an announcement on the topic is expected to follow as well as the latest on certain domestic leagues across Europe being ended immediately due to government regulations preventing football from restarting.&nbsp;

UEFA has denied receiving any request from WHO regarding suspending play of football until the end of 2021 as a preventive measure for a second wave of the global coronavirus.

UEFA has denied receiving any request from WHO regarding suspending play of football until the end of 2021 as a preventive measure for a second wave of the global coronavirus. Earlier an Italian publication suggested that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had sent a notice to UEFA regarding the suspension. According to the publication, UEFA received notice from the WHO during a two-and-a-half-hour Executive Committee meeting last Thursday, which recommended football is not resumed until the start of 2022 to avoid a second wave of COVID-19. According to the reports, a UEFA spokesperson talked to a British Daily newspaper where he denied any such requests from the WHO. He said that there were no such requests from the WHO to cancel or stall the game of football until late 2021. WHO has played a major role in helping the Olympic committee in rescheduling the games to 2021. The World Health Organisation has also released a statement: “This is not correct. WHO never recommended that football should no longer be played until the end of 2021.” The UEFA could also determine current rankings in the league tables across the European leagues to determine who qualifies for UEFA Champions League and who does not. This comes as a major shocker for Arsenal as they were expected to miss out the tournament for yet another year but they currently are placed fourth above Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspurs and Leicester City. The UEFA's Executive Committee will meet again on Thursday after calendar proposals were proffered to the 55 member associates on Tuesday through videoconference, and an announcement on the topic is expected to follow as well as the latest on certain domestic leagues across Europe being ended immediately due to government regulations preventing football from restarting.

UEFA denies receiving any notice from WHO stating delay in football

Nepal`s COVID-19 hotspot, Udaypur district, on Tuesday recorded 11 new cases taking the total count of coronavirus cases to 42 in the country.

"The total number of COVID-19 patients in Nepal has reached 42," Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/12-indians-tested-for-coronavirus-in-nepal-292709" hreflang="en">12 Indians tested for coronavirus in Nepal</a>

"While testing the samples of suspected cases residing at Triyuga Municipality's Bhulke, 11 have come out positive and are being kept under observation at Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar," the ministry added.

As many as 260 samples have been collected from Bhulke, which has been declared as the hotspot for the outbreak in the Himalayan nation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-at-risk-of-biblical-famines-due-to-covid-19-says-un-293943">World at risk of 'biblical famines' due to COVID-19, says UN</a>

The Central Lab in Kathmandu identified three new cases of COVID-19 till 7 pm (local time) and procedures underway for 20 other samples.

"Other 69 samples also were sent on to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar," the ministry further said.

Out of the 11 new cases, 9 new cases have been identified as male whereas two are females.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office of Udaypur has announced to seal the district starting Wednesday morning.

Nepal`s COVID-19 hotspot, Udaypur district, on Tuesday recorded 11 new cases taking the total count of coronavirus cases to 42 in the country. "The total number of COVID-19 patients in Nepal has reached 42," Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population said.

Nepal`s COVID-19 hotspot, Udaypur district, on Tuesday recorded 11 new cases taking the total count of coronavirus cases to 42 in the country. "The total number of COVID-19 patients in Nepal has reached 42," Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population said. Also read: 12 Indians tested for coronavirus in Nepal "While testing the samples of suspected cases residing at Triyuga Municipality's Bhulke, 11 have come out positive and are being kept under observation at Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar," the ministry added. As many as 260 samples have been collected from Bhulke, which has been declared as the hotspot for the outbreak in the Himalayan nation. Also read: World at risk of 'biblical famines' due to COVID-19, says UN The Central Lab in Kathmandu identified three new cases of COVID-19 till 7 pm (local time) and procedures underway for 20 other samples. "Other 69 samples also were sent on to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar," the ministry further said. Out of the 11 new cases, 9 new cases have been identified as male whereas two are females. Meanwhile, the District Administration Office of Udaypur has announced to seal the district starting Wednesday morning.

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Nepal, total reaches 42

Indian Council of Medical Research has instructed&nbsp;states to pause the use of Chinese rapid testing kits over concerns that they are faulty.

At least three Indian states have expressed dissatisfaction with the kits, claiming that they are malfunctioning and only have an accuracy of 5 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/worst-is-yet-to-come-pandemic-could-peak-in-india-during-may-june-293963" hreflang="en">'Worst is yet to come': Pandemic could peak in India during May-June</a>

Rajasthan has outrightly&nbsp;refused to use them after its health officials found that&nbsp;the tests&nbsp;showed&nbsp;negative&nbsp;results for even those who&nbsp;they already knew were positive.

The kits are supposed to test&nbsp;the presence of antibodies against the coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;from blood samples.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-coronavirus-case-tally-nears-20000-death-toll-reaches-640-293954" hreflang="en">India's coronavirus case tally nears 20,000; death toll reaches 640</a>

Previously, several countries including Spain, Turkey, Czech Republic and the Netherlands&nbsp;have reported problems with kits.

They have returned thousands of&nbsp;testing kits&nbsp;and medical masks to China on the grounds&nbsp;of them being below standard or defective.

However, Beijing has denied any quality issues.&nbsp;In a statement last week, China said it attached "great importance to the export of medical products".

India imported almost one million kits from China to ramp up testing.

Indian Council of Medical Research has instructed states to pause the use of Chinese rapid testing kits over concerns that they are faulty. At least three Indian states have expressed dissatisfaction with the kits, claiming that they are malfunctioning and only have an accuracy of 5 per cent.

Indian Council of Medical Research has instructed states to pause the use of Chinese rapid testing kits over concerns that they are faulty. At least three Indian states have expressed dissatisfaction with the kits, claiming that they are malfunctioning and only have an accuracy of 5 per cent. Also read: 'Worst is yet to come': Pandemic could peak in India during May-June Rajasthan has outrightly refused to use them after its health officials found that the tests showed negative results for even those who they already knew were positive. The kits are supposed to test the presence of antibodies against the coronavirus pandemic from blood samples. Also read: India's coronavirus case tally nears 20,000; death toll reaches 640 Previously, several countries including Spain, Turkey, Czech Republic and the Netherlands have reported problems with kits. They have returned thousands of testing kits and medical masks to China on the grounds of them being below standard or defective. However, Beijing has denied any quality issues. In a statement last week, China said it attached "great importance to the export of medical products". India imported almost one million kits from China to ramp up testing.

COVID-19: Rapid testing paused due to issues with Chinese kits

Clear skies as pollution declines amid coronavirus lockdown

Glasgow will continue to host the postponed Euro championship in 2021.The members of the Glasgow Events board have said that the city will remain part of the tournament in 2021 "on the condition of a reshaped funding package from the partners and a renegotiation of a number of legal obligations with UEFA in support of budget savings".

The funding partners will have to fund additional 1 million pounds due to the costs after the postponement.&nbsp;

According to the reports, the council's executive director of finance, states: "This reshaped funding package, together with the savings target, projects a balanced host city budget and no residual funding requirement."

It adds: "The economic and social benefits to Glasgow and Scotland from hosting EURO 2020 remain the same in 2021 as those highlighted at bid stage.

"It is estimated that £10m economic impact will be generated through the visitor economy and social impact will be created through the community engagement activities (Football Festival, volunteer programme, Trophy Tour and Fan Zone cultural programme).

"In addition, it is anticipated that following the current health emergency, EURO 2020 will make a significant contribution to creating a festival atmosphere once again in the city centre, provide an opportunity for communities to gather and celebrate together and provide a welcome boost to businesses in the city following an exceptionally difficult year. "

Glasgow will continue to host the postponed Euro championship in 2021.The members of the Glasgow Events board have said that the city will remain part of the tournament in 2021 "on the condition of a reshaped funding package from the partners and a renegotiation of a number of legal obligations with UEFA in support of budget savings".

Glasgow will continue to host the postponed Euro championship in 2021.The members of the Glasgow Events board have said that the city will remain part of the tournament in 2021 "on the condition of a reshaped funding package from the partners and a renegotiation of a number of legal obligations with UEFA in support of budget savings". The funding partners will have to fund additional 1 million pounds due to the costs after the postponement. According to the reports, the council's executive director of finance, states: "This reshaped funding package, together with the savings target, projects a balanced host city budget and no residual funding requirement." It adds: "The economic and social benefits to Glasgow and Scotland from hosting EURO 2020 remain the same in 2021 as those highlighted at bid stage. "It is estimated that £10m economic impact will be generated through the visitor economy and social impact will be created through the community engagement activities (Football Festival, volunteer programme, Trophy Tour and Fan Zone cultural programme). "In addition, it is anticipated that following the current health emergency, EURO 2020 will make a significant contribution to creating a festival atmosphere once again in the city centre, provide an opportunity for communities to gather and celebrate together and provide a welcome boost to businesses in the city following an exceptionally difficult year. "

EURO 2021: Glasgow set to host championship despite postponement

The price of a barrel of benchmark US&nbsp;oil plunged below $0 a barrel on Monday for the first time in history, a troubling sign of an unprecedented global energy glut as the coronavirus pandemic halts travel and curbs economic activity.

Such a steep drop in the oil benchmark prompted strong reactions beyond trading floors.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-us-benchmark-wti-oil-collapses-to-001-a-barrel-293678" hreflang="en">Amid coronavirus pandemic, US benchmark WTI oil collapses to $0.01 a barrel</a>

Here is an explanation of what negative&nbsp;crude&nbsp;prices mean in the real world:

WHAT&nbsp;DOES A NEGATIVE FUTURES PRICE MEAN?

The price of a barrel of&nbsp;crude&nbsp;varies based on factors such as supply, demand and quality. Supply of fuel has been far above demand since the coronavirus forced billions of people to stop traveling.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-to-11-amid-oversupply-fall-in-demand-due-to-coronavirus-293611" hreflang="en">Oil prices tumble to $11 amid oversupply, fall in demand due to coronavirus</a>

Because of oversupply, storage tanks for WTI are becoming so full it is difficult to find space. The US&nbsp;Energy Information Administration said last week that storage at Cushing, Oklahoma, the heart of the US&nbsp;pipeline network, was about 72 per cent&nbsp;full as of April 10.

"There's no available storage anymore so the price of the commodity is effectively worthless," said Bob Yawger, director of futures at Mizuho in New York. "So when it's minus a dollar, they'll pay you a dollar to get it out of there."

The price plunge was partly due to the way oil is traded. A futures contract is for 1,000 barrels of&nbsp;crude, delivered into Cushing, where energy companies own storage tanks with roughly 76 million barrels of capacity.

Each contract trades for a month, with the May contract due to expire on Tuesday. Investors holding May contracts didn't want to take delivery of the oil and incur storage costs, and in the end had to pay people to take it off their hands.

The June contract, with delivery a month away, is still trading at above $20 a barrel, but the price crash indicates that most storage space has been gobbled up.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CONSUMERS?

The crash in&nbsp;crude&nbsp;futures prices at Cushing won't necessarily translate into a crash in prices at the gas pump, said Tom Kloza, a veteran analyst with Oil Price Information Services.

"I think it's more inside baseball," Kloza said. "We'll continue to see gasoline prices, diesel prices and jet fuel prices drift lower into May but one shouldn't conclude that we're going to see fuel given away or that we're going to match these incredible, unprecedented drops we saw in&nbsp;crude&nbsp;oil today," Kloza said.

With recent lower oil prices, the typical American family is probably going to save about $150 to $175 this month on their fuel purchases, he said.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR AIRLINES?

For cash-strapped airlines, the decline in&nbsp;crude&nbsp;prices will make it cheaper to operate flights that are already nearly empty as people remain homebound due to the coronavirus.

The plunge in&nbsp;crude&nbsp;futures also indicates that the market does not expect airlines to add back many flights to their slimmed down networks any time soon, said Raymond James analyst Savanthi Syth.

WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT THE ECONOMIC REBOUND?

While investors and analysts wade through the technicalities of the oil markets that contributed to the crash, others are trying to glean what it might say about the economy. As much as 30 million barrels per day - what used to be 30 per cent&nbsp;of global demand - has been pumped into storage worldwide in the past two or three months.

Even if demand were to return to pre-virus levels, it would take a long time to burn off all that stored&nbsp;crude.

"What the energy market is telling you is that demand isn't coming back any time soon, and there's a supply glut," says Kevin Flanagan, head of fixed income strategy for Wisdomtree Asset Management, in New York.

The price of June&nbsp;crude&nbsp;contracts also dropped sharply on Monday, falling by 18.4 per cent&nbsp;to $20.43 a barrel. That's a more reliable view of how traders are thinking about consumer demand for energy in the immediate future. It isn't below zero, but it is falling rapidly.

The price of a barrel of benchmark US oil plunged below $0 a barrel on Monday for the first time in history, a troubling sign of an unprecedented global energy glut as the coronavirus pandemic halts travel and curbs economic activity.

The price of a barrel of benchmark US oil plunged below $0 a barrel on Monday for the first time in history, a troubling sign of an unprecedented global energy glut as the coronavirus pandemic halts travel and curbs economic activity. Such a steep drop in the oil benchmark prompted strong reactions beyond trading floors. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, US benchmark WTI oil collapses to $0.01 a barrel Here is an explanation of what negative crude prices mean in the real world: WHAT DOES A NEGATIVE FUTURES PRICE MEAN? The price of a barrel of crude varies based on factors such as supply, demand and quality. Supply of fuel has been far above demand since the coronavirus forced billions of people to stop traveling. Also read: Oil prices tumble to $11 amid oversupply, fall in demand due to coronavirus Because of oversupply, storage tanks for WTI are becoming so full it is difficult to find space. The US Energy Information Administration said last week that storage at Cushing, Oklahoma, the heart of the US pipeline network, was about 72 per cent full as of April 10. "There's no available storage anymore so the price of the commodity is effectively worthless," said Bob Yawger, director of futures at Mizuho in New York. "So when it's minus a dollar, they'll pay you a dollar to get it out of there." The price plunge was partly due to the way oil is traded. A futures contract is for 1,000 barrels of crude, delivered into Cushing, where energy companies own storage tanks with roughly 76 million barrels of capacity. Each contract trades for a month, with the May contract due to expire on Tuesday. Investors holding May contracts didn't want to take delivery of the oil and incur storage costs, and in the end had to pay people to take it off their hands. The June contract, with delivery a month away, is still trading at above $20 a barrel, but the price crash indicates that most storage space has been gobbled up. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CONSUMERS? The crash in crude futures prices at Cushing won't necessarily translate into a crash in prices at the gas pump, said Tom Kloza, a veteran analyst with Oil Price Information Services. "I think it's more inside baseball," Kloza said. "We'll continue to see gasoline prices, diesel prices and jet fuel prices drift lower into May but one shouldn't conclude that we're going to see fuel given away or that we're going to match these incredible, unprecedented drops we saw in crude oil today," Kloza said. With recent lower oil prices, the typical American family is probably going to save about $150 to $175 this month on their fuel purchases, he said. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR AIRLINES? For cash-strapped airlines, the decline in crude prices will make it cheaper to operate flights that are already nearly empty as people remain homebound due to the coronavirus. The plunge in crude futures also indicates that the market does not expect airlines to add back many flights to their slimmed down networks any time soon, said Raymond James analyst Savanthi Syth. WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT THE ECONOMIC REBOUND? While investors and analysts wade through the technicalities of the oil markets that contributed to the crash, others are trying to glean what it might say about the economy. As much as 30 million barrels per day - what used to be 30 per cent of global demand - has been pumped into storage worldwide in the past two or three months. Even if demand were to return to pre-virus levels, it would take a long time to burn off all that stored crude. "What the energy market is telling you is that demand isn't coming back any time soon, and there's a supply glut," says Kevin Flanagan, head of fixed income strategy for Wisdomtree Asset Management, in New York. The price of June crude contracts also dropped sharply on Monday, falling by 18.4 per cent to $20.43 a barrel. That's a more reliable view of how traders are thinking about consumer demand for energy in the immediate future. It isn't below zero, but it is falling rapidly.

What is a negative crude future and does it mean anything for consumers?

April 21 in history: First movie projector demonstrated, swine flu vaccine trial begins and more

The British parliament returns on Tuesday from an extended Easter break, with MPs encouraged to attend via videolink for the first time as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Social distancing rules demanding people stay two metres apart mean only 50 MPs will be able to sit in the 650-strong lower House of Commons at any one time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-deaths-drop-to-new-low-in-uk-with-449-fatalities-in-24-hours-16509-dead-293668" hreflang="en">Coronavirus deaths drop to new low in UK with 449 fatalities in 24 hours; 16,509 dead</a>

They are instead being asked to call in via Zoom, an internet video conferencing service, in a first for the 700-year-old parliament.

Screens will be placed around the chamber so that those physically present , themselves separated by tape and signs on the green benches, can see their colleagues dialling in.

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-tedros-politicises-covid-19-pandemic-on-social-media-293650" hreflang="en">Now, Tedros 'politicises' COVID-19 pandemic on social media</a>

Parliament began its Easter holiday a week early last month due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which has so far killed more than 16,500 people in Britain.

Britain remains on lockdown, with people asked to stay at home, but MPs were determined that parliament return as planned on Tuesday.

"In times of crisis, we must find new ways of working, just as we have done throughout history," said Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle.

He added: "It will be a historic moment in our 700 years of history, to have MPs contributing to prime minister's questions, urgent questions and statements via videolink from the safety of their homes and offices."

Johnson's Conservatives are under mounting pressure over their response to the outbreak, from years of underfunding the health service to the decision to delay imposing a nationwide lockdown.

As healthcare staff continue to complain about a lack of protective equipment, and testing for coronavirus remains limited, debate is shifting to how the confinement measures can be eased.

Raphael Hogarth of the Institute for Government think tank said parliament did not approve the lockdown but must play a role in what comes next.

''Decisions over imposing the lockdown had to be made at pace, but decisions on the exit strategy do not need to be made as rapidly -- and must be made more transparently," he said.

MPs who attend in person on Tuesday will be asked to approve the new measures and the option to dial in to certain sessions will begin on Wednesday.

There will be a limit of 120 MPs allowed to join via videoconference, and there is currently no way for MPs to vote digitally.

The unelected upper House of Lords is also trialling a new way of operating using Microsoft Teams software, although proceedings will not

London was particularly hard hit and Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among many in parliament who became infected. He is still recovering after a week in hospital.be broadcast live to the public.

The British parliament returns on Tuesday from an extended Easter break, with MPs encouraged to attend via videolink for the first time as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The British parliament returns on Tuesday from an extended Easter break, with MPs encouraged to attend via videolink for the first time as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Social distancing rules demanding people stay two metres apart mean only 50 MPs will be able to sit in the 650-strong lower House of Commons at any one time. Also read: Coronavirus deaths drop to new low in UK with 449 fatalities in 24 hours; 16,509 dead They are instead being asked to call in via Zoom, an internet video conferencing service, in a first for the 700-year-old parliament. Screens will be placed around the chamber so that those physically present , themselves separated by tape and signs on the green benches, can see their colleagues dialling in. Also read: Now, Tedros 'politicises' COVID-19 pandemic on social media Parliament began its Easter holiday a week early last month due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which has so far killed more than 16,500 people in Britain. Britain remains on lockdown, with people asked to stay at home, but MPs were determined that parliament return as planned on Tuesday. "In times of crisis, we must find new ways of working, just as we have done throughout history," said Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle. He added: "It will be a historic moment in our 700 years of history, to have MPs contributing to prime minister's questions, urgent questions and statements via videolink from the safety of their homes and offices." Johnson's Conservatives are under mounting pressure over their response to the outbreak, from years of underfunding the health service to the decision to delay imposing a nationwide lockdown. As healthcare staff continue to complain about a lack of protective equipment, and testing for coronavirus remains limited, debate is shifting to how the confinement measures can be eased. Raphael Hogarth of the Institute for Government think tank said parliament did not approve the lockdown but must play a role in what comes next. ''Decisions over imposing the lockdown had to be made at pace, but decisions on the exit strategy do not need to be made as rapidly -- and must be made more transparently," he said. MPs who attend in person on Tuesday will be asked to approve the new measures and the option to dial in to certain sessions will begin on Wednesday. There will be a limit of 120 MPs allowed to join via videoconference, and there is currently no way for MPs to vote digitally. The unelected upper House of Lords is also trialling a new way of operating using Microsoft Teams software, although proceedings will not London was particularly hard hit and Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among many in parliament who became infected. He is still recovering after a week in hospital.be broadcast live to the public.

UK parliament returns with virtual virus measures

The 193 members of the UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution that calls for "equitable, efficient and timely" access to any future vaccines developed to fight coronavirus.

The resolution also highlights the "crucial leading role" played by the World Health Organization, which has faced criticism from Washington and others about its handling of the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-scientist-adds-new-twist-to-coronavirus-origin-mystery-293673" hreflang="en">French scientist adds new twist to coronavirus origin mystery</a>

The resolution, which was drafted by Mexico and received US support, calls for strengthening the "scientific international cooperation necessary to combat COVID-19 and to bolster&nbsp;coordination," including with the private sector.

There have been 2,437,170 reported coronavirus infections around the world, from which 167,594 people have died on Monday as per information given by&nbsp;official sources.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-secret-in-who-nothing-hidden-from-us-from-day-one-tedros-on-covid-19-pandemic-293675" hreflang="en">No secret in WHO, nothing hidden from US from day one: Tedros on COVID-19 pandemic</a>

The United States has the most deaths of any country with 40,931.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insists that the UN agency has not hidden from the US any information it had about the coronavirus pandemic.

"We have been warning from day one that this is a devil that everyone should fight," he says.

Italy is the second hardest-hit country, with 24,114 dead. Spain follows with 20,852, then France with 20,265 and Britain with 16,509.

The 193 members of the UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution that calls for "equitable, efficient and timely" access to any future vaccines developed to fight coronavirus.

The 193 members of the UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution that calls for "equitable, efficient and timely" access to any future vaccines developed to fight coronavirus. The resolution also highlights the "crucial leading role" played by the World Health Organization, which has faced criticism from Washington and others about its handling of the pandemic. Also read: French scientist adds new twist to coronavirus origin mystery The resolution, which was drafted by Mexico and received US support, calls for strengthening the "scientific international cooperation necessary to combat COVID-19 and to bolster coordination," including with the private sector. There have been 2,437,170 reported coronavirus infections around the world, from which 167,594 people have died on Monday as per information given by official sources. Also read: No secret in WHO, nothing hidden from US from day one: Tedros on COVID-19 pandemic The United States has the most deaths of any country with 40,931. Meanwhile, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insists that the UN agency has not hidden from the US any information it had about the coronavirus pandemic. "We have been warning from day one that this is a devil that everyone should fight," he says. Italy is the second hardest-hit country, with 24,114 dead. Spain follows with 20,852, then France with 20,265 and Britain with 16,509.

UN member states demand 'equitable' access to future COVID-19 vaccines

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Wionintern

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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