Argentina's historic abortion law which was considered to be triumph for women rights campaigner. But the decision doesn't settle well with right wing president of Brazil, Bolsonaro said, 'abortion never be approved on our soil'.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro slams Argentina's historic abortion law

Brazil is facing a dire situation as President Jair Bolsonaro continues to make bizarre claims & statements. When countries are rushing to innoculate their citizens, Brazilians are left with chaos & confusion. Molly Gambhir tells you why.

Is the President of Brazil living in another reality?

'Vaccine may turn you into crocodiles' is the latest suggestion by Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report on Bolsonaro's never-ending pandemic denial.

Gravitas: Bolsonaro sceptic on Vaccine side-effects

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19.

Bolsonaro finally launched a mass immunization campaign on Wednesday that aims to vaccinate 70 percent of the population within 16 months, but the president has been accused of repeatedly sabotaging his own program.

On Thursday he released 20 billion reais ($3.9 billion) to buy vaccine doses in a country that has already lost more than 184,000 people to the coronavirus -- the second highest national total in the world.

Later that day, the government announced that daily deaths had risen above 1,000 for the first time since September.

Analysts say the country took too long to formulate an immunization plan, lacked a precise start date and has no clear vaccine purchase and distribution strategy.

Bolsonaro, who caught the virus in July and once described it as "a little cold," announced he would not be getting an injection himself.

And he mocked the potential side-effects of the vaccine type developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech, which has already been rolled out in the US and Britain.

"In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," Bolsonaro said on Thursday.

"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he said, referring to the drug manufacturers.

It seems to be having an effect: according to a poll by Datafolha, the number of people prepared to be vaccinated from Covid-19 fell from 89 percent in August to 73 percent in December.

Bolsonaro said the vaccine wouldn't be mandatory, but the Supreme Court contradicted him -- adding though that no-one could be "forced" to take it.

- 'Missed the train' -

The government is negotiating the purchase of 350 million doses of coronavirus vaccines for 2021.

The figure includes 210 million of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that is largely made in Brazil by the Fiocruz institute, 70 million of Pfizer's vaccine and another 42 million of the one produced by the international conglomerate Covaz.

However, none of those, nor the CoronaVac produced by Chinese laboratory Sinovac, which is being tested in Sao Paulo, have yet asked the regulatory agency Anvisa for emergency use authorization -- which they will need before they can start vaccinating.

"Bolsonaro has lost a lot of time with his denials, with his political battles with state governors over quarantine measures, with his campaign against the vaccine and it being mandatory," Jose David Urbaez, from the Brazilian Infectiology Society, told AFP.

"To start a program like this you need to have negotiated with the pharmaceutical companies a long time ago" and organized buying syringes, the cold chain and the human resources needed, he added.

For Luiz Gustavo de Almeida, a microbiologist at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil "missed the first train" of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines delivered to the US.

"They'll have to wait for the second train when the government will finally be able to acquire vaccines and that won't be until March, April or May 2021. Those who aren't priorities probably won't start receiving them until 2022."

The government says it expects to vaccinate the most at-risk groups in four months -- once it has approval for a vaccine.

- 'Disastrous results' -

Bolsonaro is also embroiled in a public spat over vaccines with Sao Paulo state governor Joao Doria, who is expected to challenge him in the 2022 presidential election.

Doria has been pushing to start vaccinating his state from January 25 with CoronaVac, which has begun to be made locally by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute.

Bolsonaro, though, has consistently tried to discredit "Doria's Chinese vaccine" even though his government is due to purchase millions of CoronaVac doses.

"Traditionally in Brazil infectious diseases were always managed and coordinated centrally, with great results," said Urbaez.

"The national plan will only work when everyone, federal and state governments, agree... Every backward step costs us weeks of immunizations."

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19.

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19. Bolsonaro finally launched a mass immunization campaign on Wednesday that aims to vaccinate 70 percent of the population within 16 months, but the president has been accused of repeatedly sabotaging his own program. On Thursday he released 20 billion reais ($3.9 billion) to buy vaccine doses in a country that has already lost more than 184,000 people to the coronavirus -- the second highest national total in the world. Later that day, the government announced that daily deaths had risen above 1,000 for the first time since September. Analysts say the country took too long to formulate an immunization plan, lacked a precise start date and has no clear vaccine purchase and distribution strategy. Bolsonaro, who caught the virus in July and once described it as "a little cold," announced he would not be getting an injection himself. And he mocked the potential side-effects of the vaccine type developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech, which has already been rolled out in the US and Britain. "In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," Bolsonaro said on Thursday. "If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he said, referring to the drug manufacturers. It seems to be having an effect: according to a poll by Datafolha, the number of people prepared to be vaccinated from Covid-19 fell from 89 percent in August to 73 percent in December. Bolsonaro said the vaccine wouldn't be mandatory, but the Supreme Court contradicted him -- adding though that no-one could be "forced" to take it. - 'Missed the train' - The government is negotiating the purchase of 350 million doses of coronavirus vaccines for 2021. The figure includes 210 million of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that is largely made in Brazil by the Fiocruz institute, 70 million of Pfizer's vaccine and another 42 million of the one produced by the international conglomerate Covaz. However, none of those, nor the CoronaVac produced by Chinese laboratory Sinovac, which is being tested in Sao Paulo, have yet asked the regulatory agency Anvisa for emergency use authorization -- which they will need before they can start vaccinating. "Bolsonaro has lost a lot of time with his denials, with his political battles with state governors over quarantine measures, with his campaign against the vaccine and it being mandatory," Jose David Urbaez, from the Brazilian Infectiology Society, told AFP. "To start a program like this you need to have negotiated with the pharmaceutical companies a long time ago" and organized buying syringes, the cold chain and the human resources needed, he added. For Luiz Gustavo de Almeida, a microbiologist at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil "missed the first train" of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines delivered to the US. "They'll have to wait for the second train when the government will finally be able to acquire vaccines and that won't be until March, April or May 2021. Those who aren't priorities probably won't start receiving them until 2022." The government says it expects to vaccinate the most at-risk groups in four months -- once it has approval for a vaccine. - 'Disastrous results' - Bolsonaro is also embroiled in a public spat over vaccines with Sao Paulo state governor Joao Doria, who is expected to challenge him in the 2022 presidential election. Doria has been pushing to start vaccinating his state from January 25 with CoronaVac, which has begun to be made locally by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute. Bolsonaro, though, has consistently tried to discredit "Doria's Chinese vaccine" even though his government is due to purchase millions of CoronaVac doses. "Traditionally in Brazil infectious diseases were always managed and coordinated centrally, with great results," said Urbaez. "The national plan will only work when everyone, federal and state governments, agree... Every backward step costs us weeks of immunizations."

Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon surged again over the past year, hitting a 12-year high, according to official figures released Monday that drew a chorus of condemnation of President Jair Bolsonaro's government.

A total of 11,088 square kilometers (4,281 square miles) of forest was destroyed in Brazil's share of the world's biggest rainforest in the 12 months to August, according to the Brazilian space agency's PRODES monitoring program, which analyzes satellite images to track deforestation.

That is equivalent to an area larger than Jamaica, and was a 9.5-per cent increase from the previous year, when deforestation also hit a more than decade-long high.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/losses-for-bolsonaro-wins-for-center-right-in-brazil-local-polls-346375">&nbsp;Losses for Bolsonaro, wins for center-right in Brazil local polls</a>

"Because of such deforestation, Brazil is probably the only major greenhouse gas emitter that managed to increase its emissions in the year the coronavirus pandemic paralyzed the global economy," said the Brazilian Climate Observatory, a coalition of environmental groups.

Forests such as the Amazon play a vital role in controlling climate change because they suck carbon from the atmosphere. However, when trees die or burn, they release their carbon back into the environment.

Bolsonaro, a far-right climate-change skeptic, has presided over rising deforestation and wildfires since taking office in January 2019.

His government is pushing to open protected lands to mining and agribusiness, and has slashed funding for environmental protection programs.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-alleges-lot-of-fraud-in-us-election-2020-346316">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020</a>

Environmentalists say those policies fuel the destruction of the Amazon, about 60 percent of which is in Brazil.

"The Bolsonaro government's vision of development for the Amazon is a throwback to the rampant deforestation of the past. It's a regressive vision that's far from the effort needed to deal with the climate crisis," Greenpeace spokeswoman Cristiane Mazzetti said in a statement.

Vice President Hamilton Mourao, who presented the figures in a press conference, defended the government's committment to fighting deforestation.

"The message I bring in the name of President Bolsonaro is that we will continue working with science and technology to support the work of environmental protection agencies," said Mourao, a retired army general who heads Bolsonaro's Amazon task force.

The latest annual deforestation figure was the highest since 2008, when 12,911 square kilometers of forest were destroyed in the Brazilian Amazon.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon surged again over the past year, hitting a 12-year high, according to official figures released Monday that drew a chorus of condemnation of President Jair Bolsonaro's government.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon surged again over the past year, hitting a 12-year high, according to official figures released Monday that drew a chorus of condemnation of President Jair Bolsonaro's government. A total of 11,088 square kilometers (4,281 square miles) of forest was destroyed in Brazil's share of the world's biggest rainforest in the 12 months to August, according to the Brazilian space agency's PRODES monitoring program, which analyzes satellite images to track deforestation. That is equivalent to an area larger than Jamaica, and was a 9.5-per cent increase from the previous year, when deforestation also hit a more than decade-long high. Also read| Losses for Bolsonaro, wins for center-right in Brazil local polls "Because of such deforestation, Brazil is probably the only major greenhouse gas emitter that managed to increase its emissions in the year the coronavirus pandemic paralyzed the global economy," said the Brazilian Climate Observatory, a coalition of environmental groups. Forests such as the Amazon play a vital role in controlling climate change because they suck carbon from the atmosphere. However, when trees die or burn, they release their carbon back into the environment. Bolsonaro, a far-right climate-change skeptic, has presided over rising deforestation and wildfires since taking office in January 2019. His government is pushing to open protected lands to mining and agribusiness, and has slashed funding for environmental protection programs. Also read| Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020 Environmentalists say those policies fuel the destruction of the Amazon, about 60 percent of which is in Brazil. "The Bolsonaro government's vision of development for the Amazon is a throwback to the rampant deforestation of the past. It's a regressive vision that's far from the effort needed to deal with the climate crisis," Greenpeace spokeswoman Cristiane Mazzetti said in a statement. Vice President Hamilton Mourao, who presented the figures in a press conference, defended the government's committment to fighting deforestation. "The message I bring in the name of President Bolsonaro is that we will continue working with science and technology to support the work of environmental protection agencies," said Mourao, a retired army general who heads Bolsonaro's Amazon task force. The latest annual deforestation figure was the highest since 2008, when 12,911 square kilometers of forest were destroyed in the Brazilian Amazon.

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon skyrockets to 12-year high under Bolsonaro

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's candidates suffered further defeats Sunday and the traditional center-right emerged stronger in municipal runoff elections seen as a gauge of where things stand in Brazilian politics ahead of presidential polls in 2022.

Brazil's biggest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, both elected experienced center-right mayors — incumbent Bruno Covas and returning veteran Eduardo Paes, respectively — as the candidates endorsed by Bolsonaro were roundly defeated, according to full official results.

The Brazilian left meanwhile continued to struggle to bounce back from the damaging impeachment of president Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and the jailing of her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on corruption charges — the events that paved the way for Bolsonaro's "conservative wave."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-alleges-lot-of-fraud-in-us-election-2020-346316">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020</a>

The runoff elections "confirmed what we'd already seen in the first-round vote (on November 15): a defeat for Bolsonaro's camp," said political scientist Leonardo Avritzer of the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

"The left meanwhile continues to have enormous difficulties."

For the first time in its history, Lula's and Rousseff's Workers' Party (PT) failed to win a single mayoral race in Brazil's 26 state capitals.

Traditional parties to the center and right meanwhile consolidated the comeback they made in the first round, including Sao Paulo Mayor Covas's Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) and Rio mayor-elect Paes's Democrats (DEM).

Bolsonaro, the politician known as the "Tropical Trump," will for his part have to work to bolster his position before his expected reelection bid, analysts said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-elects-mayors-with-eyes-on-presidential-race-345767">Brazil elects mayors, with eyes on presidential race</a>

"Bolsonaro showed little political capacity as a leader," said political scientist Flavia Biroli of the University of Brasilia.

"The center-right and right came out as winners, but that is not the same as the Bolsonaro right," she told AFP.

Against 'politics of hate'

Covas and Paes both took aim at Bolsonaro in their victory speeches.

Covas, a 40-year-old cancer survivor tasked with handling one of the world's biggest coronavirus outbreaks, called his win a victory for "science and moderation."

That was seen as a veiled jab at Bolsonaro's polarizing style and controversial handling of Covid-19, which the president has downplayed as a "little flu" even as it has killed more than 172,000 people in Brazil, the second-highest death toll worldwide, after the United States.

Covas had to fend off what looked at times to be a tough challenge from leftist activist turned politician Guilherme Boulos, hailed by progressives as the new face of the Brazilian left.

However, the result was not close in the end: Covas won 59 per cent of the vote in Latin America's biggest city, to 41 per cent for Boulos.

The incumbent received warm congratulations from his predecessor and mentor, Sao Paulo state Governor Joao Doria, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency.

In Rio, Paes condemned the "politics of hate" associated with both Bolsonaro and the candidate the president backed, Evangelical pastor and incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella.

"The results of extremism, hate and division have been good for no one," said Paes, who was previously Rio mayor from 2009 to 2016.

Paes won with 64 per cent of the vote to 36 per cent for Crivella.

The other runoff candidate backed by Bolsonaro, police reserve captain Wagner Sousa Gomes, also lost in the northeastern city of Fortaleza.

Bolsonaro candidates routed

The municipal polls, which are essentially Brazil's midterm elections, bore the indelible mark of the pandemic.

The soaring death toll and the economic crisis that has ensued were central issues.

Brazil's 148 million voters were electing mayors and city councils in 5,569 municipalities, with runoffs held in 57 cities.

In other closely watched races, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, lost to centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo in the southern city of Porto Alegre.

In the northeastern city of Recife, scene of a left-wing family feud pitting two cousins against each other, Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) defeated Marilia Arraes of the PT.

Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party — but must choose one to stand in 2022 — meanwhile got bleak results for his candidates.

Just two of the 13 mayoral candidates he endorsed won, and nine of 45 city council candidates.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's candidates suffered further defeats Sunday and the traditional center-right emerged stronger in municipal runoff elections seen as a gauge of where things stand in Brazilian politics ahead of presidential polls in 2022.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's candidates suffered further defeats Sunday and the traditional center-right emerged stronger in municipal runoff elections seen as a gauge of where things stand in Brazilian politics ahead of presidential polls in 2022. Brazil's biggest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, both elected experienced center-right mayors — incumbent Bruno Covas and returning veteran Eduardo Paes, respectively — as the candidates endorsed by Bolsonaro were roundly defeated, according to full official results. The Brazilian left meanwhile continued to struggle to bounce back from the damaging impeachment of president Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and the jailing of her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on corruption charges — the events that paved the way for Bolsonaro's "conservative wave." Also read| Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020 The runoff elections "confirmed what we'd already seen in the first-round vote (on November 15): a defeat for Bolsonaro's camp," said political scientist Leonardo Avritzer of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. "The left meanwhile continues to have enormous difficulties." For the first time in its history, Lula's and Rousseff's Workers' Party (PT) failed to win a single mayoral race in Brazil's 26 state capitals. Traditional parties to the center and right meanwhile consolidated the comeback they made in the first round, including Sao Paulo Mayor Covas's Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) and Rio mayor-elect Paes's Democrats (DEM). Bolsonaro, the politician known as the "Tropical Trump," will for his part have to work to bolster his position before his expected reelection bid, analysts said. Also read| Brazil elects mayors, with eyes on presidential race "Bolsonaro showed little political capacity as a leader," said political scientist Flavia Biroli of the University of Brasilia. "The center-right and right came out as winners, but that is not the same as the Bolsonaro right," she told AFP. Against 'politics of hate' Covas and Paes both took aim at Bolsonaro in their victory speeches. Covas, a 40-year-old cancer survivor tasked with handling one of the world's biggest coronavirus outbreaks, called his win a victory for "science and moderation." That was seen as a veiled jab at Bolsonaro's polarizing style and controversial handling of Covid-19, which the president has downplayed as a "little flu" even as it has killed more than 172,000 people in Brazil, the second-highest death toll worldwide, after the United States. Covas had to fend off what looked at times to be a tough challenge from leftist activist turned politician Guilherme Boulos, hailed by progressives as the new face of the Brazilian left. However, the result was not close in the end: Covas won 59 per cent of the vote in Latin America's biggest city, to 41 per cent for Boulos. The incumbent received warm congratulations from his predecessor and mentor, Sao Paulo state Governor Joao Doria, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency. In Rio, Paes condemned the "politics of hate" associated with both Bolsonaro and the candidate the president backed, Evangelical pastor and incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella. "The results of extremism, hate and division have been good for no one," said Paes, who was previously Rio mayor from 2009 to 2016. Paes won with 64 per cent of the vote to 36 per cent for Crivella. The other runoff candidate backed by Bolsonaro, police reserve captain Wagner Sousa Gomes, also lost in the northeastern city of Fortaleza. Bolsonaro candidates routed The municipal polls, which are essentially Brazil's midterm elections, bore the indelible mark of the pandemic. The soaring death toll and the economic crisis that has ensued were central issues. Brazil's 148 million voters were electing mayors and city councils in 5,569 municipalities, with runoffs held in 57 cities. In other closely watched races, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, lost to centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo in the southern city of Porto Alegre. In the northeastern city of Recife, scene of a left-wing family feud pitting two cousins against each other, Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) defeated Marilia Arraes of the PT. Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party — but must choose one to stand in 2022 — meanwhile got bleak results for his candidates. Just two of the 13 mayoral candidates he endorsed won, and nine of 45 city council candidates.

Losses for Bolsonaro, wins for center-right in Brazil local polls

Showing his true support and friendship towards the US outgoing president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has alleged that there was "a lot of fraud"&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US elections</a>.&nbsp;

The accusation was made by Bolsonaro on Sunday while he was talking to the reporters after casting a ballot in municipal races.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-be-embarrassing-czech-president-asks-donald-trump-to-step-down-344233">'Don't be embarrassing': Czech President asks Donald Trump to step down</a>

"I have my sources of information that there really was a lot of fraud there," he said. "Nobody talks about that. If it was enough to define (victory) for one or the other, I don't know."

This statement by Bolsonaro has come after Donald Trump has refused to concede to the President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>'s historic win.&nbsp;The accusation made by Bolsonaro echoes Trump's campaign. The outgoing President has been alleging voter fraud from his opponent for the last few weeks now. Trump has been challenging the election result with various legal cases, the majority of which he lost. However, he has refused to give up and concede. "It's not like you're gonna change my mind. My mind will not change in six months," he recently said in an interview with a local national TV.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-still-refuses-to-budge-from-election-fraud-claims-346310">Donald Trump still refuses to budge from election fraud claims</a>

"This election was rigged. This election was a total fraud," he claimed, without providing any proof. "We won the election easily."

While many world leaders have come ahead and congratulated Biden, Bolsonaro said he will be waiting for a while before reaching out to the Democratic President-elect. "I am holding back a little more," he said.

Bolsonaro expressed his concern for the alleged US election voter fraud simply to support his argument against the electronic voting system that will be used in the 2022 Brazilian presidential elections. He has been urging leaders and people to go back to the paper ballot system for the 2022 elections, and now he has used Trump's allegations to further his own motives.

Donald Trump has not yet reacted to this rare support he has received from a world leader since the election results. He has been keeping off the grid since Biden's win was announced, and leaders flocked to congratulate him and his Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Trump's lawyers have been busy filing legal challenges against the election result in various states — leading to defeat in those too.

Showing his true support and friendship towards the US outgoing president Donald Trump, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has alleged that there was "a lot of fraud" in the US elections.

Showing his true support and friendship towards the US outgoing president Donald Trump, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has alleged that there was "a lot of fraud" in the US elections. The accusation was made by Bolsonaro on Sunday while he was talking to the reporters after casting a ballot in municipal races. Also read| 'Don't be embarrassing': Czech President asks Donald Trump to step down "I have my sources of information that there really was a lot of fraud there," he said. "Nobody talks about that. If it was enough to define (victory) for one or the other, I don't know." This statement by Bolsonaro has come after Donald Trump has refused to concede to the President-elect Joe Biden's historic win. The accusation made by Bolsonaro echoes Trump's campaign. The outgoing President has been alleging voter fraud from his opponent for the last few weeks now. Trump has been challenging the election result with various legal cases, the majority of which he lost. However, he has refused to give up and concede. "It's not like you're gonna change my mind. My mind will not change in six months," he recently said in an interview with a local national TV. Also read| Donald Trump still refuses to budge from election fraud claims "This election was rigged. This election was a total fraud," he claimed, without providing any proof. "We won the election easily." While many world leaders have come ahead and congratulated Biden, Bolsonaro said he will be waiting for a while before reaching out to the Democratic President-elect. "I am holding back a little more," he said. Bolsonaro expressed his concern for the alleged US election voter fraud simply to support his argument against the electronic voting system that will be used in the 2022 Brazilian presidential elections. He has been urging leaders and people to go back to the paper ballot system for the 2022 elections, and now he has used Trump's allegations to further his own motives. Donald Trump has not yet reacted to this rare support he has received from a world leader since the election results. He has been keeping off the grid since Biden's win was announced, and leaders flocked to congratulate him and his Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Trump's lawyers have been busy filing legal challenges against the election result in various states — leading to defeat in those too.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020

Brazil votes Sunday in municipal runoff elections marked by the coronavirus pandemic that&nbsp;will give a preview of where its political players stand going into 2022, when far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is up for reelection.

Bolsonaro upended Brazilian politics when he stormed to victory in the 2018 presidential race, but the so-called "Tropical Trump" looks more vulnerable after the first-round municipal vote on November 15, when just a handful of the candidates he endorsed won.

"As Trump would say, 'He supported a bunch of losers,'" said political scientist David Fleischer of the University of Brasilia.

As a result of that and other factors -- including Donald Trump's own election loss in the US -- Bolsonaro "isn't in too good shape for 2022," Fleischer told AFP.

The second-round vote -- in which 57 cities will decide their mayors, including Brazil's biggest, Sao Paulo -- will now give a clearer picture of the political state of play in Latin America's largest economy and where the top challenges to Bolsonaro may come from.

- Emerging contenders -

In Sao Paulo, Brazil's economic capital, centrist incumbent Bruno Covas faces leftist challenger Guilherme Boulos, a leader of the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST).

Covas, 40, won the first round with 33 percent to 20 percent for Boulos, and had an eight-point lead going into the runoff, according to polling firm Datafolha.

But Boulos, 38, who is running for the upstart Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), has momentum.

He came from behind in the first round to beat both Bolsonaro's candidate and a leftist rival from the more-established Workers' Party (PT).

Young and charismatic, he is being called the new face of the Brazilian left, which is still reeling from the 2016 impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the jailing of ex-president and PT founder Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on corruption charges.

However, Covas, a cancer survivor, has a powerful backer in Sao Paulo governor Joao Doria, his predecessor and mentor, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency.

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second city, opinion polls indicate incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella, an Evangelical pastor and Bolsonaro ally, is set to lose in a landslide to ex-mayor Eduardo Paes of the right-wing Democrats (DEM).

Other races to watch include the northeastern city of Recife -- scene of a literal family feud on the left between cousins Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) and Marilia Arraes of the PT -- and the southern city of Porto Alegre.

There, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, faces&nbsp;centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo, in a city rocked by violent protests last week after two white security guards killed a black customer at a supermarket.

- Bolsonaro bruised -

The elections bear the indelible imprint of the pandemic, which has killed more people in Brazil than any country except the United States.

Local governments in Brazil, like state governments, have extensive power in health policy -- including in deciding how to respond to the pandemic.

Due to the health crisis, the elections were postponed by six weeks, and the campaign between the first and second rounds halved to two weeks.

Analysts said that likely weakened candidates such as Boulos, whose poll numbers were rising.

The pandemic and resulting economic crisis also contributed to the poor showing for Bolsonaro's candidates, analysts say.

Of the 13 candidates he endorsed for mayor, just two won, with two more reaching the runoff -- Crivella and police reserve captain Wagner Sousa Gomes in the northeastern city of Fortaleza.

Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party, managed to get just nine of the 45 city council candidates he backed elected.

Traditional conservative parties, meanwhile, emerged stronger.

"Traditional parties to the center and center-right reclaimed the space they had lost to Bolsonaro and the far-right," said&nbsp;Marjorie Marona, a political scientist at the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

The message from the first-round vote appears to be that "Bolsonaro isn't the phenomenon people thought he was," said political analyst Michael Mohallem of the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

"If that initial reading is right, he's going to have a hard time winning reelection."

Brazil votes Sunday in municipal runoff elections marked by the coronavirus pandemic that will give a preview of where its political players stand going into 2022, when far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is up for reelection.

Brazil votes Sunday in municipal runoff elections marked by the coronavirus pandemic that will give a preview of where its political players stand going into 2022, when far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is up for reelection. Bolsonaro upended Brazilian politics when he stormed to victory in the 2018 presidential race, but the so-called "Tropical Trump" looks more vulnerable after the first-round municipal vote on November 15, when just a handful of the candidates he endorsed won. "As Trump would say, 'He supported a bunch of losers,'" said political scientist David Fleischer of the University of Brasilia. As a result of that and other factors -- including Donald Trump's own election loss in the US -- Bolsonaro "isn't in too good shape for 2022," Fleischer told AFP. The second-round vote -- in which 57 cities will decide their mayors, including Brazil's biggest, Sao Paulo -- will now give a clearer picture of the political state of play in Latin America's largest economy and where the top challenges to Bolsonaro may come from. - Emerging contenders - In Sao Paulo, Brazil's economic capital, centrist incumbent Bruno Covas faces leftist challenger Guilherme Boulos, a leader of the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST). Covas, 40, won the first round with 33 percent to 20 percent for Boulos, and had an eight-point lead going into the runoff, according to polling firm Datafolha. But Boulos, 38, who is running for the upstart Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), has momentum. He came from behind in the first round to beat both Bolsonaro's candidate and a leftist rival from the more-established Workers' Party (PT). Young and charismatic, he is being called the new face of the Brazilian left, which is still reeling from the 2016 impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the jailing of ex-president and PT founder Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on corruption charges. However, Covas, a cancer survivor, has a powerful backer in Sao Paulo governor Joao Doria, his predecessor and mentor, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second city, opinion polls indicate incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella, an Evangelical pastor and Bolsonaro ally, is set to lose in a landslide to ex-mayor Eduardo Paes of the right-wing Democrats (DEM). Other races to watch include the northeastern city of Recife -- scene of a literal family feud on the left between cousins Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) and Marilia Arraes of the PT -- and the southern city of Porto Alegre. There, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, faces centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo, in a city rocked by violent protests last week after two white security guards killed a black customer at a supermarket. - Bolsonaro bruised - The elections bear the indelible imprint of the pandemic, which has killed more people in Brazil than any country except the United States. Local governments in Brazil, like state governments, have extensive power in health policy -- including in deciding how to respond to the pandemic. Due to the health crisis, the elections were postponed by six weeks, and the campaign between the first and second rounds halved to two weeks. Analysts said that likely weakened candidates such as Boulos, whose poll numbers were rising. The pandemic and resulting economic crisis also contributed to the poor showing for Bolsonaro's candidates, analysts say. Of the 13 candidates he endorsed for mayor, just two won, with two more reaching the runoff -- Crivella and police reserve captain Wagner Sousa Gomes in the northeastern city of Fortaleza. Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party, managed to get just nine of the 45 city council candidates he backed elected. Traditional conservative parties, meanwhile, emerged stronger. "Traditional parties to the center and center-right reclaimed the space they had lost to Bolsonaro and the far-right," said Marjorie Marona, a political scientist at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. The message from the first-round vote appears to be that "Bolsonaro isn't the phenomenon people thought he was," said political analyst Michael Mohallem of the Getulio Vargas Foundation. "If that initial reading is right, he's going to have a hard time winning reelection."

Brazil elects mayors, with eyes on presidential race

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has faced mounting criticism over inaction in the Amazon rainforest, where illegal felling of trees has increased recently, especially during the pandemic.

During a BRICS summit, Bolsonaro said that in the coming days, his government will name countries involved in the import of wood which is extracted illegally from the rainforest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-sparks-outrage-over-his-homophobic-statement-342293" hreflang="en">Brazilian President Bolsonaro sparks outrage over his homophobic statement</a>

Bolsonaro was speaking at the BRICS summit - a block of developing economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

According to the Brazilian President, local police had come up with a way to track wood exported from the Amazon using isotopes.

Data suggests that deforestation in the “Earth’s lungs” - or the Amazon rainforest has increased under the right-wing Bolsonaro. He has urged for increased mining, farming, and economic development. Additionally, he undermined the role of forest fires.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-trump-and-bolsonaro-broke-latin-americas-covid-19-defenses-338261" hreflang="en">How Trump and Bolsonaro broke Latin America’s COVID-19 defenses</a>

While addressing the BRICS nation states - China, Russia, South Africa, and Russia, Bolsonaro launched an attack on multilateral forums. He also defended reforms in the World Trade Organization as well as the World Health Organization.

Bolsonaro has infamously downplayed the intensity of COVID-19, even after catching it himself. He has also vocally rejected WHO’s social distancing guidelines.&nbsp;

According to him, the pandemic and the economic crisis ought to be addressed together.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has faced mounting criticism over inaction in the Amazon rainforest, where illegal felling of trees has increased recently, especially during the pandemic.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has faced mounting criticism over inaction in the Amazon rainforest, where illegal felling of trees has increased recently, especially during the pandemic. During a BRICS summit, Bolsonaro said that in the coming days, his government will name countries involved in the import of wood which is extracted illegally from the rainforest. Also read: Brazilian President Bolsonaro sparks outrage over his homophobic statement Bolsonaro was speaking at the BRICS summit - a block of developing economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. According to the Brazilian President, local police had come up with a way to track wood exported from the Amazon using isotopes. Data suggests that deforestation in the “Earth’s lungs” - or the Amazon rainforest has increased under the right-wing Bolsonaro. He has urged for increased mining, farming, and economic development. Additionally, he undermined the role of forest fires. Also read: How Trump and Bolsonaro broke Latin America’s COVID-19 defenses While addressing the BRICS nation states - China, Russia, South Africa, and Russia, Bolsonaro launched an attack on multilateral forums. He also defended reforms in the World Trade Organization as well as the World Health Organization. Bolsonaro has infamously downplayed the intensity of COVID-19, even after catching it himself. He has also vocally rejected WHO’s social distancing guidelines. According to him, the pandemic and the economic crisis ought to be addressed together.

Brazil will track illegal Amazon wood exports using isotopes: Bolsonaro at BRICS summit

Protesters gathered in Brazil's two biggest cities on Sunday to demonstrate against any mandate for the coronavirus vaccine -- in a way supporting a rejection campaign encouraged by President Jair Bolsonaro.

In Sao Paulo, people assembled to demand the removal of state Governor Joao Doria, who has said state residents will be required to take a vaccine.&nbsp;

The said vaccine is the one that's being developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac and the local Butantan Institute.

The vaccine has been a prime target for skepticism from Bolsonaro and others, with the president saying Brazilians will not be guinea pigs to the Chinese.

Demonstrators supporting Bolsonaro on the question also protested on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

A poll said this week the percentage of Brazilians who say they would take a coronavirus vaccine dropped to 63 in October from 85 four months earlier. The percentage rejecting the idea of taking a vaccine rose to 22 from eight in July.

On Friday, Vice President Hamilton Mourao told the magazine Veja that "of course" the country will buy the Butantan-Sinovac vaccine. Bolsonaro immediately responded that he is the one with the power and he will not spend on any vaccine that is not approved by the Brazilian health regulator.

Brazil has reported more than 5.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus infections, and about 160,000 people have died from COVID-19.

(with inputs)

Protesters gathered in Brazil's two biggest cities on Sunday to demonstrate against any mandate for the coronavirus vaccine -- in a way supporting a rejection campaign encouraged by President Jair Bolsonaro.

Protesters gathered in Brazil's two biggest cities on Sunday to demonstrate against any mandate for the coronavirus vaccine -- in a way supporting a rejection campaign encouraged by President Jair Bolsonaro. In Sao Paulo, people assembled to demand the removal of state Governor Joao Doria, who has said state residents will be required to take a vaccine. The said vaccine is the one that's being developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac and the local Butantan Institute. The vaccine has been a prime target for skepticism from Bolsonaro and others, with the president saying Brazilians will not be guinea pigs to the Chinese. Demonstrators supporting Bolsonaro on the question also protested on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. A poll said this week the percentage of Brazilians who say they would take a coronavirus vaccine dropped to 63 in October from 85 four months earlier. The percentage rejecting the idea of taking a vaccine rose to 22 from eight in July. On Friday, Vice President Hamilton Mourao told the magazine Veja that "of course" the country will buy the Butantan-Sinovac vaccine. Bolsonaro immediately responded that he is the one with the power and he will not spend on any vaccine that is not approved by the Brazilian health regulator. Brazil has reported more than 5.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus infections, and about 160,000 people have died from COVID-19. (with inputs)

Protesters in Brazil support Bolsonaro in anti-vaccine stance

As the world is rushing towards manufacturing and producing a COVID-19 vaccine,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has refused to pay for the coronavirus vaccine being developed by a Chinese company&nbsp;Sinovac Biotech.

A few days ago when asked if he would be aiming to get the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, Bolsonaro issued a stern 'no' and said, "We will not buy a Chinese vaccine."

Now, Bolsonaro has taken a shot at the&nbsp;Sao Paulo Governor for promoting a coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp;“Dear Sao Paulo Governor (João Doria), I know you’re passionate. You know this but no one is going to take a forced vaccine, it would be difficult,” the president said.

“Find another. I am the government, the money is not mine but the people’s. I am not going to buy your vaccine also. Find another to buy your vaccine.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-jair-bolsonaro-rejects-chinese-covid-19-vaccine-336929">Also read|&nbsp;Brazil will not buy China's Sinovac vaccine, says President Jair Bolsonaro</a>

The statement has come at a time when Brazil is crippling with the coronavirus pandemic and has been observing single-day surges of coronavirus infections. The daily surge has led to people and health experts urging the President to initiate another lockdown, like many other European and Western countries.

However, Bolsonaro has defined these lockdowns by other countries to be&nbsp;"crazy". Bolsonaro has been a critic of full lockdowns and "stay-at-home" measures, claiming the virus is being hyped.

Bolsonaro's decision to deny purchase of the Chinese coronavirus vaccine has also attracted criticism from many experts who have urged the President to let the vaccine enter the country to contain the widespread of the deadly virus&nbsp;which has affected millions of locals, including the President and his family.

The statement was also followed by a comment from the&nbsp;head of the country's health regulator Anvisa, Antonio Barra Torres who has claimed that Brazil will have a COVID-19 vaccine ready by June

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Sao Paulo state biomedical research centre, the Butantan Institute, is testing the Sinovac vaccine, and Governor João Doria said he hopes to have health regulator approval by the end of the year to start vaccinating people in January.

As the world is rushing towards manufacturing and producing a COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has refused to pay for the coronavirus vaccine being developed by a Chinese company Sinovac Biotech.

As the world is rushing towards manufacturing and producing a COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has refused to pay for the coronavirus vaccine being developed by a Chinese company Sinovac Biotech. A few days ago when asked if he would be aiming to get the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, Bolsonaro issued a stern 'no' and said, "We will not buy a Chinese vaccine." Now, Bolsonaro has taken a shot at the Sao Paulo Governor for promoting a coronavirus vaccine. “Dear Sao Paulo Governor (João Doria), I know you’re passionate. You know this but no one is going to take a forced vaccine, it would be difficult,” the president said. “Find another. I am the government, the money is not mine but the people’s. I am not going to buy your vaccine also. Find another to buy your vaccine.” Also read| Brazil will not buy China's Sinovac vaccine, says President Jair Bolsonaro The statement has come at a time when Brazil is crippling with the coronavirus pandemic and has been observing single-day surges of coronavirus infections. The daily surge has led to people and health experts urging the President to initiate another lockdown, like many other European and Western countries. However, Bolsonaro has defined these lockdowns by other countries to be "crazy". Bolsonaro has been a critic of full lockdowns and "stay-at-home" measures, claiming the virus is being hyped. Bolsonaro's decision to deny purchase of the Chinese coronavirus vaccine has also attracted criticism from many experts who have urged the President to let the vaccine enter the country to contain the widespread of the deadly virus which has affected millions of locals, including the President and his family. The statement was also followed by a comment from the head of the country's health regulator Anvisa, Antonio Barra Torres who has claimed that Brazil will have a COVID-19 vaccine ready by June Meanwhile, Sao Paulo state biomedical research centre, the Butantan Institute, is testing the Sinovac vaccine, and Governor João Doria said he hopes to have health regulator approval by the end of the year to start vaccinating people in January.

Brazil's Bolsonaro refuses to pay for Chinese COVID-19 vaccine

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and a high-ranking health official said on Wednesday the federal government will not buy a COVID-19 vaccine from China's Sinovac, one day after the Health Minister said it would be included in the nation's immunization program.

Bolsonaro drops plans to buy Chinese vaccine: Says, 'Its expensive and unscientific'

Ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, the Democratic candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ9JHp7o_sAhW9yjgGHfB6D5oQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uWmb1SVt292OTp_JacPPr">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;decided toallegedly woo the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is an ally of the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihr5ry7o_sAhWawzgGHb0eDLAQFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AfO9799mZXkwQdiR-a7m_">Donald Trump</a>.

Biden had offered to pay up to US$20 billion to help save the depleting Amazon wildforests. The topic was initiated in the first&nbsp;Presidential debate&nbsp;that took place on Septmber 19 in Ohio. "Rainforests of Brazil are being torn down, are being ripped down," Biden&nbsp;&nbsp;said during the segment on climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unga-2020-bolsonaro-calls-brazil-victim-of-brutal-disinformation-on-amazon-329477">Also read|&nbsp;UNGA 2020: Bolsonaro calls Brazil victim of 'brutal disinformation' on Amazon</a>

He further added that if chosen would be "gathering up and making sure we had the countries of the world coming up with $20 billion to say 'here's $20 billion, stop tearing down the forest and if you don't, you are going to have significant economic consequences.'"

However,&nbsp;Bolsonaro slammed back at the offer and called it a 'bribe' and a shameful act. He took to Twitter to decline the offer and give a&nbsp;reply to the frontrunner.

"What some have not yet understood is that Brazil has changed. Today, its President, unlike the left, no longer accepts bribes, criminal demarcations or unfounded threats. OUR SOVEREIGNTY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE," he said in a series of tweets.&nbsp;(Text has been translated)

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1- O candidato à presidência dos EUA, Joe Biden, disse ontem que poderia nos pagar U$ 20 bilhões para pararmos de "destruir" a Amazônia ou nos imporia sérias restrições econômicas.
— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro/status/1311325653179006977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolsonaro openly condemned the statement by&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and urged him to not act out of 'greedy' motives. "However, the explicit demonstration of this greed by someone who is running for the presidency of his country is a clear sign of contempt for cordial and fruitful coexistence between two sovereign nations."

He also hinted towards his friendship with the Presiden&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;by mentioning his ongoing conversation with&nbsp;Trump.&nbsp;"US cooperation is welcome, including for sustainable investment projects that create decent jobs for the Amazonian population, as I have been talking to President Trump."

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The Bolsonaro-led government has often clashed with the international media and western governments over protection and destruction of the Amazon forests.&nbsp;

Ahead of the US elections, the Democratic candidate Joe Biden decided toallegedly woo the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is an ally of the US President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the US elections, the Democratic candidate Joe Biden decided toallegedly woo the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is an ally of the US President Donald Trump. Biden had offered to pay up to US$20 billion to help save the depleting Amazon wildforests. The topic was initiated in the first Presidential debate that took place on Septmber 19 in Ohio. "Rainforests of Brazil are being torn down, are being ripped down," Biden said during the segment on climate change. Also read| UNGA 2020: Bolsonaro calls Brazil victim of 'brutal disinformation' on Amazon He further added that if chosen would be "gathering up and making sure we had the countries of the world coming up with $20 billion to say 'here's $20 billion, stop tearing down the forest and if you don't, you are going to have significant economic consequences.'" However, Bolsonaro slammed back at the offer and called it a 'bribe' and a shameful act. He took to Twitter to decline the offer and give a reply to the frontrunner. "What some have not yet understood is that Brazil has changed. Today, its President, unlike the left, no longer accepts bribes, criminal demarcations or unfounded threats. OUR SOVEREIGNTY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE," he said in a series of tweets. (Text has been translated) 1- O candidato à presidência dos EUA, Joe Biden, disse ontem que poderia nos pagar U$ 20 bilhões para pararmos de "destruir" a Amazônia ou nos imporia sérias restrições econômicas. — Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) September 30, 2020 × Bolsonaro openly condemned the statement by Biden and urged him to not act out of 'greedy' motives. "However, the explicit demonstration of this greed by someone who is running for the presidency of his country is a clear sign of contempt for cordial and fruitful coexistence between two sovereign nations." He also hinted towards his friendship with the Presiden Donald Trump by mentioning his ongoing conversation with Trump. "US cooperation is welcome, including for sustainable investment projects that create decent jobs for the Amazonian population, as I have been talking to President Trump." × The Bolsonaro-led government has often clashed with the international media and western governments over protection and destruction of the Amazon forests.

'Brazil does not accept bribes': Bolsonaro slams Biden for offering help for Amazon

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, speaking to world leaders at the United Nations, defended his government’s track record during the coronavirus pandemic while rejecting criticism of his handling of Amazon fires for a second consecutive year. #BolsonaroAmazon #UN #Brazil About Channel: WION -The World is One News, examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim to empower people to explore their world. With our Global headquarters in New Delhi, we bring you news on the hour, by the hour. We deliver information that is not biased. We are journalists who are neutral to the core and non-partisan when it comes to the politics of the world. People are tired of biased reportage and we stand for a globalised united world. So for us the World is truly One. Please keep discussions on this channel clean and respectful and refrain from using racist or sexist slurs as well as personal insults. Subscribe to our channel at https://goo.gl/JfY3NI Check out our website: http://www.wionews.com Connect with us on our social media handles: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIONews Twitter: https://twitter.com/WIONews Follow us on Google News for latest updates Zee News:- https://bit.ly/2Ac5G60 Zee Bussiness:- https://bit.ly/36vI2xa DNA India:- https://bit.ly/2ZDuLRY WION: https://bit.ly/3gnDb5J Zee News Apps : https://bit.ly/ZeeNewsApps

Brazil President make bizarre comment: 'Our forests our wet, fires can't help'

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday said that his country was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">Also Read:&nbsp;As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'</a>

"The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests coupled with exploitative and unpatriotic Brazilian associations with the purpose of undermining the government and Brazil itself," Bolsanoro said.

Bolsoanro said that the fires could not spread in the Amazon rainforest because it is "wet."

The Brazilian president's remarks come as Amazon has witnessed record fires in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetlands. Bolsonaro, in fact, blamed the indigenous people in the Amazon for the fires at the rainforest.

"The fires practically occur in the same places, on the east side of the forest, where peasants and Indians burn their fields in already deforested areas," Bolsonaro said while attacking the media for "politicising" the pandemic.

Bolsanoro said Brazilian agriculture feeds one billion people in the world and it has the best environmental legislation. "And yet we are the victims of one of the most brutal campaign of misinformation about the Amazon and the Pantanal," he said at the UNGA.

However, Greenpeace hit back saying: "Bolsonaro's denialist rhetoric, even as the country burns, is a disgrace to the Brazilian people and isolates Brazil from the world."

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday said that his country was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday said that his country was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign. Also Read: As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work' "The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests coupled with exploitative and unpatriotic Brazilian associations with the purpose of undermining the government and Brazil itself," Bolsanoro said. Bolsoanro said that the fires could not spread in the Amazon rainforest because it is "wet." The Brazilian president's remarks come as Amazon has witnessed record fires in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetlands. Bolsonaro, in fact, blamed the indigenous people in the Amazon for the fires at the rainforest. "The fires practically occur in the same places, on the east side of the forest, where peasants and Indians burn their fields in already deforested areas," Bolsonaro said while attacking the media for "politicising" the pandemic. Bolsanoro said Brazilian agriculture feeds one billion people in the world and it has the best environmental legislation. "And yet we are the victims of one of the most brutal campaign of misinformation about the Amazon and the Pantanal," he said at the UNGA. However, Greenpeace hit back saying: "Bolsonaro's denialist rhetoric, even as the country burns, is a disgrace to the Brazilian people and isolates Brazil from the world."

Fires can't spread in Amazon rainforest because it is 'wet', says Bolsonaro

Brazilian&nbsp;President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed&nbsp;the destruction of the Amazon rainforest,&nbsp;claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it.

During a video&nbsp;address to the annual assembly in New York,&nbsp;Bolsonaro said&nbsp;"We are victims of a most brutal disinformation campaign about the Amazon and the Brazilian wetlands. The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests.''

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent&nbsp;in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe.

And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber&nbsp;6,&nbsp;nearly 16 per cent&nbsp;of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'</a>

Despite this, Bolsonaro had said that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment".

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it. During a video address to the annual assembly in New York, Bolsonaro said "We are victims of a most brutal disinformation campaign about the Amazon and the Brazilian wetlands. The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests.'' Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe. And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber 6, nearly 16 per cent of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis. Also read: As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work' Despite this, Bolsonaro had said that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Bolsonaro calls Brazil victim of 'brutal disinformation' on Amazon

President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said Thursday&nbsp;that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment".

Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

Speaking at a public event in the northeast state of Paraiba,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;also said, "Brazil is the country that preserves the environment the most."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent&nbsp;in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe.

And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber&nbsp;6,&nbsp;nearly 16 per cent&nbsp;of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-fires-threaten-worlds-largest-wetland-321632">Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland</a>

In the Amazon, illegal ranchers and land speculators generally set fire to plots of land to clear them for agricultural purposes.

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Environmental advocates blame&nbsp;Bolsonaro, who supports introducing more commercial farming and mining in the Amazon, for emboldening those who destroy the forest. The president says developing the Amazon will lift the region out of poverty.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;said on Wednesday&nbsp;the government was attempting to resolve the problem of fires via an initiative to issue land titles to those squatting on public land, in an effort the government has previously argued will allow them to be held accountable.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Speaking at a public event in the northeast state of Paraiba, Bolsonaro also said, "Brazil is the country that preserves the environment the most." Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe. And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber 6, nearly 16 per cent of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis. Also read: Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland In the Amazon, illegal ranchers and land speculators generally set fire to plots of land to clear them for agricultural purposes. × Environmental advocates blame Bolsonaro, who supports introducing more commercial farming and mining in the Amazon, for emboldening those who destroy the forest. The president says developing the Amazon will lift the region out of poverty. Bolsonaro said on Wednesday the government was attempting to resolve the problem of fires via an initiative to issue land titles to those squatting on public land, in an effort the government has previously argued will allow them to be held accountable.

As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest.

DiCaprio had shared a video on Twitter Wednesday from a campaign called DefundBolsonaro.org, which claims that "Bolsonaro's government has taken the destruction of the Amazon to unbearable levels," and calls on investors to pressure the president to take steps to protect the world's biggest rainforest.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefundBolsonaro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefundBolsonaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmazonOrBolsonaro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmazonOrBolsonaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhichSideAreYouOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhichSideAreYouOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg">https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg</a>
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio/status/1303747439271137281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Environment Minister Ricardo Salles fired back with a taunt.

"Dear @LeoDiCaprio, Brazil is launching 'Adopt1Park' preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is?" Salles wrote on Twitter.

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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeoDiCaprio</a> Brazil is launching “Adopt1Park” preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 Parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 Euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is? <a href="https://t.co/VMG817oUX8">https://t.co/VMG817oUX8</a>
— Ricardo Salles MMA (@rsallesmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsallesmma/status/1303994727663120385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolsonaro retweeted the message.

The president, who took office in January 2019, has presided over a surge in fires and deforestation in the Amazon, which scientists say is a vital resource for curbing climate change.

DiCaprio, who has called for stronger action to protect the rainforest, has become a favorite target of the Bolsonaro administration.

Last month, Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged the "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" star to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show him the rainforest was not actually burning.

Salles, for his part, has shown a knack for stirring up controversy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jair-bolsonaro-calls-reports-of-amazons-fires-a-lie-326273">Also watch:&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie'</a>

The environment minister faced intense criticism in April when a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which he said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid."

He landed in a new row Thursday when he tweeted a video by a Brazilian agricultural lobby group that claims, "The Amazon is not burning," with images of verdant forest, smiling indigenous people and cute animals.

However, it soon emerged the video featured animals that do not actually live in the Amazon.

Though Bolsonaro has called reports on the Amazon fires "a lie," figures from his own government show there were 29,307 fires in the rainforest last month, just slightly shy of the crisis levels that triggered international condemnation last year.

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest.

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest. DiCaprio had shared a video on Twitter Wednesday from a campaign called DefundBolsonaro.org, which claims that "Bolsonaro's government has taken the destruction of the Amazon to unbearable levels," and calls on investors to pressure the president to take steps to protect the world's biggest rainforest. #DefundBolsonaro #AmazonOrBolsonaro #WhichSideAreYouOn https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg — Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) September 9, 2020 × Environment Minister Ricardo Salles fired back with a taunt. "Dear @LeoDiCaprio, Brazil is launching 'Adopt1Park' preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is?" Salles wrote on Twitter. Dear @LeoDiCaprio Brazil is launching “Adopt1Park” preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 Parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 Euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is? https://t.co/VMG817oUX8 — Ricardo Salles MMA (@rsallesmma) September 10, 2020 × Bolsonaro retweeted the message. The president, who took office in January 2019, has presided over a surge in fires and deforestation in the Amazon, which scientists say is a vital resource for curbing climate change. DiCaprio, who has called for stronger action to protect the rainforest, has become a favorite target of the Bolsonaro administration. Last month, Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged the "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" star to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show him the rainforest was not actually burning. Salles, for his part, has shown a knack for stirring up controversy. Also watch: Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie' The environment minister faced intense criticism in April when a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which he said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid." He landed in a new row Thursday when he tweeted a video by a Brazilian agricultural lobby group that claims, "The Amazon is not burning," with images of verdant forest, smiling indigenous people and cute animals. However, it soon emerged the video featured animals that do not actually live in the Amazon. Though Bolsonaro has called reports on the Amazon fires "a lie," figures from his own government show there were 29,307 fires in the rainforest last month, just slightly shy of the crisis levels that triggered international condemnation last year.

Controversial Brazil environment minister taunts DiCaprio

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-threatens-to-punch-reporter-in-the-mouth-322626">Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth</a>

On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe.

During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

"That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'.

"You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower."

Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900&nbsp;in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018.

Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic. The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events. Also read: Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe. During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics "That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'. "You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower." Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900 in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018. Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro threatened to punch a reporter repeatedly in the mouth when he was asked about his wife's links to an alleged corruption scheme.

"I so want to pound your mouth with punches," the far-right president said when a reporter from O Globo, posed the question on Sunday.

The reporter met Bolsonaro after his regular Sunday visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Brasilia. The president ignored protests from other journalists after the remarks and left without making further comments.

The O Globo reporter asked about a report in the magazine Crusoe linking First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro to a retired police officer. Fabrício Queiroz was a friend of the president, and former adviser to her son Flavio Bolsonaro, who is now a senator.

Queiroz and Flavio Bolsonaro are under investigation for a scheme that allegedly swindled pay from government employees when the younger Bolsonaro was a regional lawmaker in Rio de Janeiro, and before Jair Bolsonaro became president in January 2019.

According to the magazine, Queiroz deposited funds in Michelle Bolsonaro's bank account between 2011 and 2016.

Soon after the president's outburst, the publication issued a statement repudiating his "aggression ... towards a journalist from our newspaper that was carrying out his job in a professional manner."

Such intimidation "shows that Jair Bolsonaro does not acknowledge the duty of a public servant ... to be accountable to the public."

The first lady has so far said nothing about the case.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro threatened to punch a reporter repeatedly in the mouth when he was asked about his wife's links to an alleged corruption scheme. "I so want to pound your mouth with punches," the far-right president said when a reporter from O Globo, posed the question on Sunday.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro threatened to punch a reporter repeatedly in the mouth when he was asked about his wife's links to an alleged corruption scheme. "I so want to pound your mouth with punches," the far-right president said when a reporter from O Globo, posed the question on Sunday. The reporter met Bolsonaro after his regular Sunday visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Brasilia. The president ignored protests from other journalists after the remarks and left without making further comments. The O Globo reporter asked about a report in the magazine Crusoe linking First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro to a retired police officer. Fabrício Queiroz was a friend of the president, and former adviser to her son Flavio Bolsonaro, who is now a senator. Queiroz and Flavio Bolsonaro are under investigation for a scheme that allegedly swindled pay from government employees when the younger Bolsonaro was a regional lawmaker in Rio de Janeiro, and before Jair Bolsonaro became president in January 2019. According to the magazine, Queiroz deposited funds in Michelle Bolsonaro's bank account between 2011 and 2016. Soon after the president's outburst, the publication issued a statement repudiating his "aggression ... towards a journalist from our newspaper that was carrying out his job in a professional manner." Such intimidation "shows that Jair Bolsonaro does not acknowledge the duty of a public servant ... to be accountable to the public." The first lady has so far said nothing about the case.

Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics

COVID-19, illegal mining, deforestation: Brazil's indigenous protest against Bolsonaro government

Brazil on Saturday surpassed 100,000 coronavirus deaths and three million cases of infection, according to the latest tally from the Ministry of Health.

Brazil crosses 1 lakh Coronavirus deaths | South America | sao paulo | World News

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year.

As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year.

"Lungs of the earth" under danger

Over 60 per cent of the Amazon basin falls under Brazil. Dubbed as the “lungs of the earth”, the rainforest is crucial in limiting the impact of climate change.

However, President Jair Bolsonaro’s term has witnessed a record increase in deforestation and mining in closed forested areas, which has put scores of indigenous populations at risk. This incursion has also led to COVID-19 spreading in communities that live deep in the forests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/brazil-fires-official-who-divulged-details-of-record-deforestation-in-the-amazon-313178" hreflang="en">Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon</a>

This is particularly worrying because usually August is when the fire season begins in the area. If the trend follows, we may witnessed record figures even this month.

Last August, a large number of forest fires ravaged parts of the rainforest.

&nbsp;"More than 1,000 fires in a single day is a 15-year record and shows the government's strategy of media-spectacle operations is not working on the ground," spokesman for Greenpeace, Romulo Batista said in a statement.

Most of these fires are triggered deliberately to clear land of vegetation and trees, making the process of clearing easier. A lot of this land is then used illegally to farm, mine, and to ranch.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/brazil-gold-rush-illegal-mining-threatens-amazon-tropical-rainforests-309257/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Not enough counter measures?

Bolsonaro too, has been outspoken about opening up the forest to bring in more business and industries into the country. He has also often denied climate change, a common tendency among far-right leaders.

2020 has been anyway devastating for Brazil’s Amazon, with the first half witnessing the most deforestation in the region ever!

Over 3,000 square kilometres (more than 1,100 square miles) of land was cleared. This is bigger than the country of Luxembourg.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/brazil-deforested-10000-square-km-of-amazon-rainforest-in-2019-up-34-on-year-304867" hreflang="en">Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year</a>

However, some positive signs have come forward recently, as scientists call for leaders to make climate change the focus of all policy, otherwise we may perish sooner than expected, and extreme weather could become the norm.

On July 16, the government issued a four-month-long ban against burning in wetland region of Pantanal and in Amazon as a whole. Additionally, the military has been sent in to ensure environment action in the region. Environmentalists do feel that a more scientific approach is required to tackle the issue. Military may effectively misplace or temporarily end illegal activity, but only through scientists can the balance be restored in the oxygen providing forests.

Just in July, NASA warned of a drought in the Amazon owing to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean surface.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/inhabitants-of-the-amazon-basin-may-have-cultivated-plants-10000-years-ago-291762" hreflang="en">Inhabitants of the Amazon basin may have cultivated plants 10,000 years ago</a>

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year. As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year.

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year. As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year. "Lungs of the earth" under danger Over 60 per cent of the Amazon basin falls under Brazil. Dubbed as the “lungs of the earth”, the rainforest is crucial in limiting the impact of climate change. However, President Jair Bolsonaro’s term has witnessed a record increase in deforestation and mining in closed forested areas, which has put scores of indigenous populations at risk. This incursion has also led to COVID-19 spreading in communities that live deep in the forests. Also read: Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon This is particularly worrying because usually August is when the fire season begins in the area. If the trend follows, we may witnessed record figures even this month. Last August, a large number of forest fires ravaged parts of the rainforest. "More than 1,000 fires in a single day is a 15-year record and shows the government's strategy of media-spectacle operations is not working on the ground," spokesman for Greenpeace, Romulo Batista said in a statement. Most of these fires are triggered deliberately to clear land of vegetation and trees, making the process of clearing easier. A lot of this land is then used illegally to farm, mine, and to ranch. Not enough counter measures? Bolsonaro too, has been outspoken about opening up the forest to bring in more business and industries into the country. He has also often denied climate change, a common tendency among far-right leaders. 2020 has been anyway devastating for Brazil’s Amazon, with the first half witnessing the most deforestation in the region ever! Over 3,000 square kilometres (more than 1,100 square miles) of land was cleared. This is bigger than the country of Luxembourg. Also read: Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year However, some positive signs have come forward recently, as scientists call for leaders to make climate change the focus of all policy, otherwise we may perish sooner than expected, and extreme weather could become the norm. On July 16, the government issued a four-month-long ban against burning in wetland region of Pantanal and in Amazon as a whole. Additionally, the military has been sent in to ensure environment action in the region. Environmentalists do feel that a more scientific approach is required to tackle the issue. Military may effectively misplace or temporarily end illegal activity, but only through scientists can the balance be restored in the oxygen providing forests. Just in July, NASA warned of a drought in the Amazon owing to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean surface. Also read: Inhabitants of the Amazon basin may have cultivated plants 10,000 years ago

Environmentalists shudder as Amazon rainforest witnesses record number of fires in July

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal.

Brazil's Supreme Court is overseeing an investigation into allegations that members of the far-right president's inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-agrees-to-pay-650m-to-settle-facial-recognition-lawsuit-317458" hreflang="en">Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit</a>

A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was "extreme" and threatens "freedom of expression outside of Brazil's jurisdiction", but said the company has agreed to the order.

"Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court," the spokesperson said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaros-poll-numbers-rise-in-brazil-despite-controversial-virus-handling-315855">Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling</a>

Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ruled on Thursday that Facebook and Twitter failed to comply with orders to block the accounts because they were only blocked within Brazil, but remained accessible with foreign IP addresses.

On Friday, he ruled that Facebook must pay a $367,710&nbsp;fine for not complying and face further daily fines of 100,000 reais per day if it does not block the accounts in question globally.

Before the fine was announced, Facebook said on Friday that it would appeal the decision. The world's largest social network said it respects the laws of countries where it operates, but that "Brazilian law recognizes the limits of its jurisdiction."

The judge's fine only addressed Facebook's non-compliance. It was not clear whether Twitter would face a similar fine.

The judge originally decided in May to block 16 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts of Bolsonaro supporters who have been linked to a probe into the spreading of fake news during Brazil's 2018 election.

The accounts were blocked due to allegations that they violated laws on hate speech.

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal.

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal. Brazil's Supreme Court is overseeing an investigation into allegations that members of the far-right president's inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges. Also read: Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was "extreme" and threatens "freedom of expression outside of Brazil's jurisdiction", but said the company has agreed to the order. "Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court," the spokesperson said. Also read: Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ruled on Thursday that Facebook and Twitter failed to comply with orders to block the accounts because they were only blocked within Brazil, but remained accessible with foreign IP addresses. On Friday, he ruled that Facebook must pay a $367,710 fine for not complying and face further daily fines of 100,000 reais per day if it does not block the accounts in question globally. Before the fine was announced, Facebook said on Friday that it would appeal the decision. The world's largest social network said it respects the laws of countries where it operates, but that "Brazilian law recognizes the limits of its jurisdiction." The judge's fine only addressed Facebook's non-compliance. It was not clear whether Twitter would face a similar fine. The judge originally decided in May to block 16 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts of Bolsonaro supporters who have been linked to a probe into the spreading of fake news during Brazil's 2018 election. The accounts were blocked due to allegations that they violated laws on hate speech.

Facebook slams 'extreme' ruling blocking Bolsonaro allies

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's wife and one of his ministers have tested positive for COVID-19, according to an official statement on Thursday, as the spread of the novel coronavirus showed no signs of slowing in the country with the world's second-worst outbreak after the United States.

Brazil President Bolsonaro's wife tests positive for COVID-19

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus.

"I just did a blood test. I was feeling kind of weak yesterday. They found a bit of infection also. Now I'm on antibiotics," Bolsonaro said in a livestream video, without elaborating on the infection.

"After 20 days indoors, I have other problems. I have mold in my lungs," he said, referring to nearly three weeks he spent at the official presidential residence. He tested positive for the coronavirus on July 7 and then negative last Saturday.

His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, tested positive on Thursday, according to a statement from the presidential palace. Science and Technology Minister Marcos Pontes also said he had tested positive for the virus, making him the fifth cabinet minister diagnosed publicly.

Bolsonaro said he would go ahead with his visit to southern Rio Grande do Sul state on Friday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus. "I just did a blood test. I was feeling kind of weak yesterday. They found a bit of infection also. Now I'm on antibiotics," Bolsonaro said in a livestream video, without elaborating on the infection. "After 20 days indoors, I have other problems. I have mold in my lungs," he said, referring to nearly three weeks he spent at the official presidential residence. He tested positive for the coronavirus on July 7 and then negative last Saturday. His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, tested positive on Thursday, according to a statement from the presidential palace. Science and Technology Minister Marcos Pontes also said he had tested positive for the virus, making him the fifth cabinet minister diagnosed publicly. Bolsonaro said he would go ahead with his visit to southern Rio Grande do Sul state on Friday.

Brazil President Bolsonaro says he has 'mold' in lungs

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-quarantine-travellers-from-spain-sunday-times-315992" hreflang="en">UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times</a>

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, widely criticised for his handling of the crisis there, appeared to credit an unproven treatment for his recovery from the virus.

And in the streets of Jerusalem and other cities, thousands called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, in part for his management of the coronavirus crisis.

There were more than 280,000 new cases recorded globally on both Thursday and Friday, the highest daily rises since the virus emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP count based on official sources -- an alarming uptick in the spread of the virus.

Nearly a third of the world's 15.8 million infections have been registered since July 1, while the total death toll nears 640,000.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization said more than a million cases had been recorded in each of the last five weeks, "with over 280,000 being reported on July 24 alone".&nbsp;

"While no country is unaffected, this rise is driven by high transmission in large and populous countries in the Americas and South Asia," it said in a statement on Saturday.

Brazil and India had recently reported their highest daily increases, it added, while the figures remained worryingly high in the United States and South Africa -- where Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel tested positive for the virus Saturday.

The US, still the hardest-hit nation, on Friday reported its second straight day of more than 70,000 new cases and over 1,000 deaths as the virus surges in the south and west.

<h2>Bolsonaro tests negative&nbsp;</h2>

As governments worldwide struggle to contain the virus despite long and economically crippling lockdowns imposed on millions of people, a new survey suggested that faith in authorities is dwindling in six rich nations.

Populations in France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Sweden and the US widely believed death and infection figures to be higher than recorded, according to the study, which polled 1,000 people in each nation.

"In most countries this month, support for national governments is falling," said the report by the Kekst CNC communications consultancy.

One world leader widely criticised over his handling of the pandemic is Brazil's Bolsonaro, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on July 7.

Bolsonaro, who has downplayed what he calls "a little flu", announced on Twitter Saturday that he had finally tested negative.

In an photo accompanying the statement, he was pictured holding a packet of hydroxychloroquine, whose effectiveness against COVID-19 has not been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo on Saturday said it was indefinitely postponing its 2021 carnival. Hours later, Rio de Janeiro cancelled its New Year's Eve festivities.

Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday in Jerusalem and other cities including Tel Aviv, demanding Netanyahu's resignation over his government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

They were also objecting to a new law that gives the government special powers to fight the spread of the virus until the end of 2021.

<h2>Fresh clusters&nbsp;</h2>

Fresh clusters, meanwhile, were emerging across Asia.

South Korea on Saturday reported its highest infections figure in nearly four months, while Vietnam recorded its first locally transmitted case in nearly 100 days.

Officials in China said they would introduce fresh measures and testing in the port city of Dalian, home to about six million people, after detecting fresh infections thee.

That did not prevent the Chinese Super League kicking off behind closed doors on Saturday. Players of Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua observed a minute's silence for the victims of the pandemic.

Europe remains the hardest-hit continent, accounting for a fifth of the world's case count.

Belgium said Saturday it could further tighten its restrictions following the death of a three-year-old girl, the country's youngest victim of the virus.

Recent outbreaks in the Spanish regions of Aragon and Catalonia have led to fresh curbs on daily life.

Many tourists were nevertheless reluctant to cancel their plans.&nbsp;

"If we cancelled our holiday, which has been planned since February, we would lose the rental money," said Fanny Lievens, on route with her family to Catalonia from the southern French city of Montpellier.

In France, where infections have been rising, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on-the-spot testing for travellers arriving from 16 high-risk nations.

But he told Nice Matin newspaper he wanted above all else to avoid returning to a full lockdown because of the economic damage it did -- and the psychological harm that many people suffered.

Britain meanwhile has made it compulsory to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets.

And it announced Saturday it was reimposing two weeks of self-isolation on&nbsp;travellers arriving from Spain after a surge in cases there.

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row.

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row. Also read: UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, widely criticised for his handling of the crisis there, appeared to credit an unproven treatment for his recovery from the virus. And in the streets of Jerusalem and other cities, thousands called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, in part for his management of the coronavirus crisis. There were more than 280,000 new cases recorded globally on both Thursday and Friday, the highest daily rises since the virus emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP count based on official sources -- an alarming uptick in the spread of the virus. Nearly a third of the world's 15.8 million infections have been registered since July 1, while the total death toll nears 640,000. The World Health Organization said more than a million cases had been recorded in each of the last five weeks, "with over 280,000 being reported on July 24 alone". "While no country is unaffected, this rise is driven by high transmission in large and populous countries in the Americas and South Asia," it said in a statement on Saturday. Brazil and India had recently reported their highest daily increases, it added, while the figures remained worryingly high in the United States and South Africa -- where Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel tested positive for the virus Saturday. The US, still the hardest-hit nation, on Friday reported its second straight day of more than 70,000 new cases and over 1,000 deaths as the virus surges in the south and west. Bolsonaro tests negative As governments worldwide struggle to contain the virus despite long and economically crippling lockdowns imposed on millions of people, a new survey suggested that faith in authorities is dwindling in six rich nations. Populations in France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Sweden and the US widely believed death and infection figures to be higher than recorded, according to the study, which polled 1,000 people in each nation. "In most countries this month, support for national governments is falling," said the report by the Kekst CNC communications consultancy. One world leader widely criticised over his handling of the pandemic is Brazil's Bolsonaro, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on July 7. Bolsonaro, who has downplayed what he calls "a little flu", announced on Twitter Saturday that he had finally tested negative. In an photo accompanying the statement, he was pictured holding a packet of hydroxychloroquine, whose effectiveness against COVID-19 has not been demonstrated in clinical trials. Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo on Saturday said it was indefinitely postponing its 2021 carnival. Hours later, Rio de Janeiro cancelled its New Year's Eve festivities. Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday in Jerusalem and other cities including Tel Aviv, demanding Netanyahu's resignation over his government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. They were also objecting to a new law that gives the government special powers to fight the spread of the virus until the end of 2021. Fresh clusters Fresh clusters, meanwhile, were emerging across Asia. South Korea on Saturday reported its highest infections figure in nearly four months, while Vietnam recorded its first locally transmitted case in nearly 100 days. Officials in China said they would introduce fresh measures and testing in the port city of Dalian, home to about six million people, after detecting fresh infections thee. That did not prevent the Chinese Super League kicking off behind closed doors on Saturday. Players of Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua observed a minute's silence for the victims of the pandemic. Europe remains the hardest-hit continent, accounting for a fifth of the world's case count. Belgium said Saturday it could further tighten its restrictions following the death of a three-year-old girl, the country's youngest victim of the virus. Recent outbreaks in the Spanish regions of Aragon and Catalonia have led to fresh curbs on daily life. Many tourists were nevertheless reluctant to cancel their plans. "If we cancelled our holiday, which has been planned since February, we would lose the rental money," said Fanny Lievens, on route with her family to Catalonia from the southern French city of Montpellier. In France, where infections have been rising, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on-the-spot testing for travellers arriving from 16 high-risk nations. But he told Nice Matin newspaper he wanted above all else to avoid returning to a full lockdown because of the economic damage it did -- and the psychological harm that many people suffered. Britain meanwhile has made it compulsory to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets. And it announced Saturday it was reimposing two weeks of self-isolation on travellers arriving from Spain after a surge in cases there.

Public losing faith in governments, says survey, amid surge in virus cases

Twitter and Facebook suspended the accounts Friday of 16 allies of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro after a Supreme Court judge ordered them blocked as part of a probe into an alleged disinformation campaign.

Tension has been soaring between the far-right leader and the court, which is investigating allegations that members of his inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges.

The two US social media giants are also facing increasing pressure to act more aggressively against hate speech and false information on their platforms.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes said in his court order -- which enforced an earlier May ruling -- the accounts must be blocked to stop "the ongoing dissemination of fake news, slanderous accusations, threats and crimes" against the court.

The affected accounts include high-profile figures such as conservative former lawmaker Roberto Jefferson, business magnate Luciano Hang and far-right activist Sara Winter.

Visitors to their Facebook and Twitter pages in Brazil, though not other countries, saw messages indicating they were blocked.

"This content isn't available right now," read their Facebook pages.

A Twitter notice explained: "Account withheld in Brazil in response to a legal demand".&nbsp;

A linked message said the company "was compelled to withhold the original Tweet in response to a valid legal demand, such as a court order."

The owners of the blocked accounts reacted furiously.

Winter called the court order worthy of a "dictatorship," while Jefferson drew a comparison to Nazi Germany.

Twitter and Facebook suspended the accounts Friday of 16 allies of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro after a Supreme Court judge ordered them blocked as part of a probe into an alleged disinformation campaign.

Twitter and Facebook suspended the accounts Friday of 16 allies of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro after a Supreme Court judge ordered them blocked as part of a probe into an alleged disinformation campaign. Tension has been soaring between the far-right leader and the court, which is investigating allegations that members of his inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges. The two US social media giants are also facing increasing pressure to act more aggressively against hate speech and false information on their platforms. Justice Alexandre de Moraes said in his court order -- which enforced an earlier May ruling -- the accounts must be blocked to stop "the ongoing dissemination of fake news, slanderous accusations, threats and crimes" against the court. The affected accounts include high-profile figures such as conservative former lawmaker Roberto Jefferson, business magnate Luciano Hang and far-right activist Sara Winter. Visitors to their Facebook and Twitter pages in Brazil, though not other countries, saw messages indicating they were blocked. "This content isn't available right now," read their Facebook pages. A Twitter notice explained: "Account withheld in Brazil in response to a legal demand". A linked message said the company "was compelled to withhold the original Tweet in response to a valid legal demand, such as a court order." The owners of the blocked accounts reacted furiously. Winter called the court order worthy of a "dictatorship," while Jefferson drew a comparison to Nazi Germany.

Twitter, Facebook block accounts of Bolsonaro allies

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro refused to let COVID-19 get the better of him as he went for a spin on a motorcycle and chatted maskless with a team of groundskeepers outside the presidential palace on Thursday.

Bolsonaro has been in quarantine at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia since testing positive for the novel coronavirus on July 7. He had to cancel upcoming travel plans after a new test came back positive again on Wednesday.

Photographs captured him taking a motorcycle for a spin on the palace grounds, stopping at one point to talk to a team of groundskeepers raking leaves -- despite his positive test result and the fact that neither he nor the workers appeared to be wearing face masks.

The 65-year old, who has been called a "Tropical Trump," has repeatedly defied social distancing guidelines by regularly hitting the streets for rallies by his supporters even as the pandemic exploded in Brazil.

The South American country has the second-biggest outbreak in the world, after the United States, with nearly 2.3 million infections and more than 84,000 deaths. Brazil registered its two highest daily numbers of new infections Wednesday and Thursday, with 67,860 and 59,961, respectively.

Bolsonaro, who has compared the virus to a "little flu" and condemned the economic impact of stay-at-home measures to contain it, said on Facebook he was feeling "great."

"We're concerned with protecting lives, but the collateral damage from these (stay-at-home) policies is going to kill a lot more people than the virus," he said.

The far-right leader also admitted in a live Facebook video Thursday that he was feeling "a bit wretched at being imprisoned here."

Bolsonaro has also been spotted in the gardens feeding -- and occasionally getting bitten by -- rheas, a South American bird related to the emu.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro refused to let COVID-19 get the better of him as he went for a spin on a motorcycle and chatted maskless with a team of groundskeepers outside the presidential palace on Thursday.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro refused to let COVID-19 get the better of him as he went for a spin on a motorcycle and chatted maskless with a team of groundskeepers outside the presidential palace on Thursday. Bolsonaro has been in quarantine at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia since testing positive for the novel coronavirus on July 7. He had to cancel upcoming travel plans after a new test came back positive again on Wednesday. Photographs captured him taking a motorcycle for a spin on the palace grounds, stopping at one point to talk to a team of groundskeepers raking leaves -- despite his positive test result and the fact that neither he nor the workers appeared to be wearing face masks. The 65-year old, who has been called a "Tropical Trump," has repeatedly defied social distancing guidelines by regularly hitting the streets for rallies by his supporters even as the pandemic exploded in Brazil. The South American country has the second-biggest outbreak in the world, after the United States, with nearly 2.3 million infections and more than 84,000 deaths. Brazil registered its two highest daily numbers of new infections Wednesday and Thursday, with 67,860 and 59,961, respectively. Bolsonaro, who has compared the virus to a "little flu" and condemned the economic impact of stay-at-home measures to contain it, said on Facebook he was feeling "great." "We're concerned with protecting lives, but the collateral damage from these (stay-at-home) policies is going to kill a lot more people than the virus," he said. The far-right leader also admitted in a live Facebook video Thursday that he was feeling "a bit wretched at being imprisoned here." Bolsonaro has also been spotted in the gardens feeding -- and occasionally getting bitten by -- rheas, a South American bird related to the emu.

Despite being COVID positive, Bolsonaro rides motorcycle, chats up workers

The first shipment of a potential COVID-19 vaccine being developed by China has now landed in Brazil. Sao Paulo has received 20,000 doses of CoronaVac which is being developed with a Chinese frim Sinovac. Watch report.

Why is China conducting Phase-3 trials in other countries: China's vaccine test to start in Brazil

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