The World's Most Livable Cities 2026 ranking has been revealed, with Copenhagen, Denmark securing the top spot, followed by Vienna and Melbourne. The list highlights cities offering the best quality of life, while Damascus, Syria ranks as the least livable city, followed by Tripoli and Dhaka. Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru also feature in the global rankings.

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New York City is renowned for its iconic skyline, featuring more than skyscrapers. This city is home to some of the most famous tall buildings globally. Life & Fun | Photos

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Pavlopetri, an ancient Greek city, is one of the oldest known submerged cities. It offers valuable insights into ancient urban planning and lies beneath the Mediterranean Sea.

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Machu Picchu, hidden high in the Andes Mountains, was a stunning Incan city rediscovered in , showcasing incredible architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

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The European Union has blocked over $1 billion in funding to Hungary, citing the country's failure to implement key reforms. This decision highlights ongoing tensions between the EU and Hungary over rule-of-law issues and governance concerns.

EU blocks over $1bn funding to Hungary, cites reforms failures

The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower.

The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak from the evening of Sunday and go on till Monday in which nearly 50 to 75 shooting stars will be visible every hour.

However, the US space agency has warned that the cosmic show might not be visible in its best form in the urban areas because of the light pollution.&nbsp;

NASA has suggested the skygazers move outside between 12 am and 5:30 am to witness the meteors which is expected to appear in the northeastern sky.

The peak period in a meteor shower generally occurs when the sky is dark with no moon which forms the perfect backdrop for such a cosmic event.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/delta-aquariids-meteor-shower-to-peak-this-week-how-when-and-where-to-watch-celestial-event-745148">Delta Aquariids meteor shower to peak this week. How, when and where to watch celestial event</a>

"Try to get to the darkest location you can. The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky," wrote NASA, in its press release.

The Perseid meteor shower started on July 14 and will continue till September 1, however, the best viewing is this weekend.

NASA has given the annual meteor showers the nickname of the 'fireball champion' for creating the highest number of super bright meteors.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's the best way to watch Perseid meteor shower</h2>

For those wishing to watch the Perseid meteor shower, first one should find a place outside the city that has very little light pollution and a clear view of the sky.

To locate the meteor shower, the skygazers need to find the Perseus constellation which is the 24th largest constellation present in the sky. In the night sky, this constellation is located in the northern region.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Stuck in space for 52 days, no way home for astronauts; Helium leaks delaying return

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After finding the dark sky location all one needs to do is look up at the stars. The meteors will appear the brightest when it is the darkest period of the night sky that is during the pre-dawn hours after the moon has set and the sun has not risen.

The Perseids meteors will appear in the Northeast where the constellation Perseus will rise after the sky gets dark.&nbsp;

The sky-gazers should avoid looking at their phones or any sources of white light when watching meteors because they will disturb their night vision. People should avoid using a telescope or binoculars to locate the Perseids.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower.

The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak from the evening of Sunday and go on till Monday in which nearly 50 to 75 shooting stars will be visible every hour. However, the US space agency has warned that the cosmic show might not be visible in its best form in the urban areas because of the light pollution. NASA has suggested the skygazers move outside between 12 am and 5:30 am to witness the meteors which is expected to appear in the northeastern sky. The peak period in a meteor shower generally occurs when the sky is dark with no moon which forms the perfect backdrop for such a cosmic event. Also Read: Delta Aquariids meteor shower to peak this week. How, when and where to watch celestial event "Try to get to the darkest location you can. The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky," wrote NASA, in its press release. The Perseid meteor shower started on July 14 and will continue till September 1, however, the best viewing is this weekend. NASA has given the annual meteor showers the nickname of the 'fireball champion' for creating the highest number of super bright meteors. Here's the best way to watch Perseid meteor shower For those wishing to watch the Perseid meteor shower, first one should find a place outside the city that has very little light pollution and a clear view of the sky. To locate the meteor shower, the skygazers need to find the Perseus constellation which is the 24th largest constellation present in the sky. In the night sky, this constellation is located in the northern region. Watch: Stuck in space for 52 days, no way home for astronauts; Helium leaks delaying return After finding the dark sky location all one needs to do is look up at the stars. The meteors will appear the brightest when it is the darkest period of the night sky that is during the pre-dawn hours after the moon has set and the sun has not risen. The Perseids meteors will appear in the Northeast where the constellation Perseus will rise after the sky gets dark. The sky-gazers should avoid looking at their phones or any sources of white light when watching meteors because they will disturb their night vision. People should avoid using a telescope or binoculars to locate the Perseids. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA issues Perseid meteor shower alert! Space agency asks Americans to flee cities

Russia continues to dominate the front lines in the ongoing war with Ukraine. A new study now suggests that it's become the biggest importer of European arms and according to data that was released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Europe doubled its arms import between 2019 and 2023.

Russia-Ukraine war | European nations double arms imports to Ukraine in 2014-2019: Study

Melbourne, Cairo, Bengaluru are among the cities witnessing water shortages. What is the way out of this mess? Molly Gambhir gets you the complete story.

Gravitas | The world's growing water woes, the world's thirsty cities

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images.&nbsp;

A NASA-funded team of scientists, working at Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab found that the geographical problem is "happening rapidly enough to threaten infrastructure, farmland, and wetlands that tens of millions of people along the coast rely upon".&nbsp;

The scientists studied satellite data and GPS sensors to understand the motion of the coast and discovered that infrastructure in major cities like Norfolk, Baltimore,&nbsp;New York and Virginia, is built on land which has considerably sunken between 2007 and 2020.&nbsp;

The land sank by an average of 1 to 2 millimetres every year. Some counties in Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia also witnessed the sinking of the land at twice or thrice the speed.

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The land in marshes sank by more than 3 millimetres every year, as per the scientists. The forests have also suffered displacement because of the intrusion of saltwater and the subsiding land.

However, wildlife is not the only thing which has been affected. Nearly 897,000 structures, which include highways and airports, are present on the land which is subsiding.&nbsp;

The findings, which followed another study carried out by the Virginia Tech lab, were published in PNAS Nexus.

<h2>Mid-Atlantic region sinking further: NASA images</h2>

The maps were created by NASA using data collected by satellites from the US, Japan and Europe.&nbsp;

In the images, the Mid-Atlantic region was seen sinking more, caused by the Laurentide ice sheet, which started retreating 12,000 years ago and led to the sinking of the region downwards.

Watch:&nbsp;Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole

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Geophysicist at Virginia Tech Leonard Ohenhen, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "In this research, we analyzed satellite radar data to assess how land subsidence increases the vulnerability of communities, properties and infrastructure to coastal hazards. Our major findings show that between 2,000 to 74,000 square kilometres of land area, which is home to 1.2 to 14 million people and 476,000 to 6.3 million properties, are sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year."

"This sinking land affects more than half of the infrastructure in several major cities, putting them at an increased risk of flooding and other coastal hazards," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images.

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images. A NASA-funded team of scientists, working at Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab found that the geographical problem is "happening rapidly enough to threaten infrastructure, farmland, and wetlands that tens of millions of people along the coast rely upon". The scientists studied satellite data and GPS sensors to understand the motion of the coast and discovered that infrastructure in major cities like Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Virginia, is built on land which has considerably sunken between 2007 and 2020. The land sank by an average of 1 to 2 millimetres every year. Some counties in Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia also witnessed the sinking of the land at twice or thrice the speed. Also Read: Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand The land in marshes sank by more than 3 millimetres every year, as per the scientists. The forests have also suffered displacement because of the intrusion of saltwater and the subsiding land. However, wildlife is not the only thing which has been affected. Nearly 897,000 structures, which include highways and airports, are present on the land which is subsiding. The findings, which followed another study carried out by the Virginia Tech lab, were published in PNAS Nexus. Mid-Atlantic region sinking further: NASA images The maps were created by NASA using data collected by satellites from the US, Japan and Europe. In the images, the Mid-Atlantic region was seen sinking more, caused by the Laurentide ice sheet, which started retreating 12,000 years ago and led to the sinking of the region downwards. Watch: Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole Geophysicist at Virginia Tech Leonard Ohenhen, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "In this research, we analyzed satellite radar data to assess how land subsidence increases the vulnerability of communities, properties and infrastructure to coastal hazards. Our major findings show that between 2,000 to 74,000 square kilometres of land area, which is home to 1.2 to 14 million people and 476,000 to 6.3 million properties, are sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year." "This sinking land affects more than half of the infrastructure in several major cities, putting them at an increased risk of flooding and other coastal hazards," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Major cities of United States are sinking, warns NASA

There seems to be no end to the Russia-Ukraine war that is now nearing its 2-year anniversary. Ukraine has been making strides in the black sea while Russia has been continuously pounding the nation.

Russia-Ukraine war nears two-year anniversary

As we peer into the future of 2100, the landscape of nearly 30,000 cities in the United States may undergo substantial transformations. A recent study predicts that almost half of these cities will experience population decline, losing between 12 to 23 per cent of their residents by the century's end.

These changes, influenced by both climate-driven natural forces and human responses, pose significant challenges that extend beyond city boundaries, according to ScienceAlert.

<h2>From sprawling to ageing communities</h2>

The study suggests that the cities of the future are more likely to witness shifts in population dynamics, evolving into fractured, thinning, or sprawling communities.

While outright abandonment is not the envisioned outcome, the researchers caution that unless local governments and town planners adapt to the evolving needs of residents, these transformations may lead to unprecedented challenges.

The anticipated decline in population raises concerns about the disruption of fundamental services such as transit, clean water, electricity, and internet access.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-space-agency-has-seen-thousands-of-ufos-in-one-month-report-664809">Also read |&nbsp;US space agency has seen ‘thousands of UFOs’ in one month: Report</a>

As cities shrink and populations age, the potential consequences include grocery store closures, resulting in food deserts, and neglected infrastructure in dwindling towns, leaving communities without essential resources, reminiscent of the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2021.

Originally focussing on transportation challenges in Illinois, the researchers expanded their analysis to encompass all 50 states. Drawing from US census data and climate scenarios, the study paints a comprehensive picture of the potential future of cities, challenging the conventional focus on larger urban centres.

Currently, 43 per cent of US cities are losing residents, a figure that could rise to 64 per cent by 2100, depending on climate scenarios.

Also watch |&nbsp;Two US Navy seals go missing off Somalia coast, search underway

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Projections indicate that the Northeast and Midwest regions are likely to witness the most depopulating cities. Even states like Texas and Utah, currently experiencing growth, may encounter significant population loss in certain cities by 2100.

However, the analysis acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in estimating population trends decades ahead and does not delve into the complex factors driving these projections, such as economic and social influences or internal migration.

(With inputs from agencies)

As we peer into the future of 2100, the landscape of nearly 30,000 cities in the United States may undergo substantial transformations. A recent study predicts that almost half of these cities will experience population decline, losing between 12 to 23 per cent of their residents by the century's end.

As we peer into the future of 2100, the landscape of nearly 30,000 cities in the United States may undergo substantial transformations. A recent study predicts that almost half of these cities will experience population decline, losing between 12 to 23 per cent of their residents by the century's end. These changes, influenced by both climate-driven natural forces and human responses, pose significant challenges that extend beyond city boundaries, according to ScienceAlert. From sprawling to ageing communities The study suggests that the cities of the future are more likely to witness shifts in population dynamics, evolving into fractured, thinning, or sprawling communities. While outright abandonment is not the envisioned outcome, the researchers caution that unless local governments and town planners adapt to the evolving needs of residents, these transformations may lead to unprecedented challenges. The anticipated decline in population raises concerns about the disruption of fundamental services such as transit, clean water, electricity, and internet access. Also read | US space agency has seen ‘thousands of UFOs’ in one month: Report As cities shrink and populations age, the potential consequences include grocery store closures, resulting in food deserts, and neglected infrastructure in dwindling towns, leaving communities without essential resources, reminiscent of the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2021. Originally focussing on transportation challenges in Illinois, the researchers expanded their analysis to encompass all 50 states. Drawing from US census data and climate scenarios, the study paints a comprehensive picture of the potential future of cities, challenging the conventional focus on larger urban centres. Currently, 43 per cent of US cities are losing residents, a figure that could rise to 64 per cent by 2100, depending on climate scenarios. Also watch | Two US Navy seals go missing off Somalia coast, search underway Projections indicate that the Northeast and Midwest regions are likely to witness the most depopulating cities. Even states like Texas and Utah, currently experiencing growth, may encounter significant population loss in certain cities by 2100. However, the analysis acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in estimating population trends decades ahead and does not delve into the complex factors driving these projections, such as economic and social influences or internal migration. (With inputs from agencies)

Many US cities could empty out by 2100, become ‘ghost cities’ due to population drop: Study

A cluster of lost cities has been uncovered by archaeologists in the Amazon rainforest, which housed at least 10,000 farmers nearly 2,000 years ago. 
 
Archaeologist Stephen Rostain, more than two decades ago, had for the first time noticed a series of earthen mounds and buried roads. 
 
However, at that time, “I wasn’t sure how it all fit together,” said Rostain, who was among the researchers who had for the first time reported about the finding of the lost cities in the journal Science on Thursday (Jan 11), reported the Associated Press. 
 
The recent mapping of the place, using laser-sensor technology, revealed that the sites will be part of the dense network of connecting roadways and settlements, which are hidden in the forested foothills of the Andes, which lasted nearly 1,000 years.

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Rostain, who carried out investigations at France’s National Center for Scientific Research, said, “It was a lost valley of cities. It’s incredible.”

<h2 lang="en-US">'Extremely complicated society' reflected in mapping: Researcher</h2>

The researchers discovered that, between about 500 BC and AD 300 to 600, the settlements were occupied by the Upano people – a period which is nearly contemporaneous with the Roman empire in Europe. 
 
Agricultural fields with drainage canals surrounded the ceremonial and residential buildings which were erected on more than 6,000 earthen mounds. The largest roads were stretched for 6-12 miles (10-20km) and were 33 feet (10 meters) wide. 
 
A study co-author at the same French institute, archaeologist Antoine Dorison said that although it is difficult to estimate the population, the site was earlier home to around 10,000 inhabitants. 
 
University of Florida archaeologist Michael Heckenberger, who was not a part of the study, said, “This shows a very dense occupation and an extremely complicated society. For the region, it’s really in a class of its own in terms of how early it is.” 
 
University of Exeter archaeologist Jose Iriarte said that at the time they would have needed an elaborate system of organised labour for building the roads as well as thousands of earthen mounds.

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists stunned as Himalayas get cooler despite global climate crisis

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“The Incas and Mayans built with stone, but people in Amazonia didn’t usually have stone available to build – they built with mud. It’s still an immense amount of labour,” said Iriarte, while speaking to the Associated Press. 
 
The Amazon is generally seen as a “pristine wilderness with only small groups of people. But recent discoveries have shown us how much more complex the past really is,” he said. 
 
“There’s always been an incredible diversity of people and settlements in the Amazon, not only one way to live. We’re just learning more about them,” Rostain added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A cluster of lost cities has been uncovered by archaeologists in the Amazon rainforest, which housed at least 10,000 farmers nearly 2,000 years ago. Archaeologist Stephen Rostain, more than two decades ago, had for the first time noticed a series of earthen mounds and buried roads.

A cluster of lost cities has been uncovered by archaeologists in the Amazon rainforest, which housed at least 10,000 farmers nearly 2,000 years ago. Archaeologist Stephen Rostain, more than two decades ago, had for the first time noticed a series of earthen mounds and buried roads. However, at that time, “I wasn’t sure how it all fit together,” said Rostain, who was among the researchers who had for the first time reported about the finding of the lost cities in the journal Science on Thursday (Jan 11), reported the Associated Press. The recent mapping of the place, using laser-sensor technology, revealed that the sites will be part of the dense network of connecting roadways and settlements, which are hidden in the forested foothills of the Andes, which lasted nearly 1,000 years. Also read: Ecuador violence: 178 prison guards, staff held hostage by gangs Rostain, who carried out investigations at France’s National Center for Scientific Research, said, “It was a lost valley of cities. It’s incredible.” 'Extremely complicated society' reflected in mapping: Researcher The researchers discovered that, between about 500 BC and AD 300 to 600, the settlements were occupied by the Upano people – a period which is nearly contemporaneous with the Roman empire in Europe. Agricultural fields with drainage canals surrounded the ceremonial and residential buildings which were erected on more than 6,000 earthen mounds. The largest roads were stretched for 6-12 miles (10-20km) and were 33 feet (10 meters) wide. A study co-author at the same French institute, archaeologist Antoine Dorison said that although it is difficult to estimate the population, the site was earlier home to around 10,000 inhabitants. University of Florida archaeologist Michael Heckenberger, who was not a part of the study, said, “This shows a very dense occupation and an extremely complicated society. For the region, it’s really in a class of its own in terms of how early it is.” University of Exeter archaeologist Jose Iriarte said that at the time they would have needed an elaborate system of organised labour for building the roads as well as thousands of earthen mounds. Watch: Scientists stunned as Himalayas get cooler despite global climate crisis “The Incas and Mayans built with stone, but people in Amazonia didn’t usually have stone available to build – they built with mud. It’s still an immense amount of labour,” said Iriarte, while speaking to the Associated Press. The Amazon is generally seen as a “pristine wilderness with only small groups of people. But recent discoveries have shown us how much more complex the past really is,” he said. “There’s always been an incredible diversity of people and settlements in the Amazon, not only one way to live. We’re just learning more about them,” Rostain added. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists uncover lost cities which existed 2,000 years ago in Ecuadorian Amazon

In Pics | Top 10 least friendly cities in the world

In a setback for migrants seeking refuge in the United States, the US Supreme Court has voted to keep Title 42 in place. The Trump-era policy blocked thousands of people from crossing the US-Mexico border. Title 42 gives the US government power automatically expel undocumented migrants seeking entry inside the country.

U.S. Supreme Court rules to keep Title 42 in place

Have a look at the world's most expensive cities. Asian cities have dominated the list this year. Meanwhile, New York and Geneva have taken second and third spots.

Asian cities dominate the list of world's most expensive cities

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

After Russia’s warship 'Moskva' sunk in Black Sea, the invading forces have pressed the offensive in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv and Mariupol. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This comes as the richest man in Ukraine has vowed to rebuild Mariupol, a Reuters report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As the warplanes of Russia bombed Lviv, the missiles struck Kyiv and Kharkiv on Saturday.&nbsp;Russian forces seem to have been looking to launch more such attacks on different cities in Ukraine in the coming days.

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Taking off from Belarus, Russian warplanes fired missiles in Lviv region. Air defences also shot down four cruise missiles, Ukraine's military said. &nbsp;

In a missile strike in Kharkiv province, one person had died while 18 others were injured, the governor said. &nbsp;

In Mykolaiv, Russia claimed to have struck a military vehicle repair factory, as per media reports. &nbsp;

Ukraine’s troops seem to be still holding out in Mariupol. The defence has been concentrated around Azovstal, said the officials.

Watch | Threat of Russia launching 'Nuke' attack on Ukraine can't be taken lightly: US

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In a televised briefing, Ukraine’s defence ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, said, "The situation in Mariupol is difficult... Fighting is happening right now. The Russian army is constantly calling on additional units to storm the city." &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukraine's richest man Rinat Akhmetov has pledged to rebuild the city. He is the owner of both giant steel factories in Mariupol. &nbsp;

"Mariupol is a global tragedy and a global example of heroism. For me, Mariupol has been and will always be a Ukrainian city," Akhmetov told Reuters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The net worth of Akhmetov in 2013 had reached $15.4 billion, but it is currently at $3.9 billion, as per Forbes magazine. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. After Russia’s warship 'Moskva' sunk in Black Sea, the invading forces have pressed the offensive in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv and Mariupol. This comes as the richest man in Ukraine has vowed to rebuild Mariupol, a Reuters report said. As the warplanes of Russia bombed Lviv, the missiles struck Kyiv and Kharkiv on Saturday. Russian forces seem to have been looking to launch more such attacks on different cities in Ukraine in the coming days. Also Read: Russian defence minister suffers 'massive' heart attack from unnatural causes, claims businessman Taking off from Belarus, Russian warplanes fired missiles in Lviv region. Air defences also shot down four cruise missiles, Ukraine's military said. In a missile strike in Kharkiv province, one person had died while 18 others were injured, the governor said. In Mykolaiv, Russia claimed to have struck a military vehicle repair factory, as per media reports. Ukraine’s troops seem to be still holding out in Mariupol. The defence has been concentrated around Azovstal, said the officials. Watch | Threat of Russia launching 'Nuke' attack on Ukraine can't be taken lightly: US × In a televised briefing, Ukraine’s defence ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, said, "The situation in Mariupol is difficult... Fighting is happening right now. The Russian army is constantly calling on additional units to storm the city." Meanwhile, Ukraine's richest man Rinat Akhmetov has pledged to rebuild the city. He is the owner of both giant steel factories in Mariupol. "Mariupol is a global tragedy and a global example of heroism. For me, Mariupol has been and will always be a Ukrainian city," Akhmetov told Reuters. The net worth of Akhmetov in 2013 had reached $15.4 billion, but it is currently at $3.9 billion, as per Forbes magazine. (With inputs from agencies)

As Russia steps up offensive in cities, Ukraine’s richest man vows to rebuild Mariupol  

To allow civilians to leave, Russia has proposed the establishment of humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities. It now requires Ukrainian approval. &nbsp;

It includes the capital, Kyiv. The process may begin from 9 am local time (0700 GMT) on Tuesday, Russian news agencies reported. &nbsp;

Most of these corridors travel through Russia or Belarus, which has been rejected by the Ukrainian authorities earlier. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-allies-plan-ways-to-help-establish-support-a-ukrainian-government-in-exile-459791" hreflang="en">US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile</a>&nbsp;

Civilians, who want to leave the cities of Chernigov, Kyiv and Kharkiv, would have to travel to Russia or Belarus, Interfax news agency reported. It cited a statement by a Russian committee charged with humanitarian coordination in Ukraine. &nbsp;

Earlier, such proposals to evacuate Ukrainian citizens have been rejected by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the people, who want to leave the cities of Sumy and Mariupol, would be given a choice of passage to Russia or to Ukrainian cities,&nbsp;Poltava and Zaporizhia, respectively, Interfax quoted the statement as saying. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-poutine-not-putin-classic-delicacy-falls-victim-to-russia-ukraine-conflict-goes-off-menu-459877" hreflang="en">It’s Poutine, not Putin: Classic delicacy falls victim to Russia-Ukraine conflict, goes off menu</a>

Ukraine has been given time until 3 am Moscow time (0000 GMT) to agree to the terms, Interfax said. &nbsp;

Earlier, the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya told a UN Security Council meeting that Russia had "undermined arrangements" for humanitarian corridors on Tuesday by insisting all routes would go through Russia or Belarus. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To allow civilians to leave, Russia has proposed the establishment of humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities. It now requires Ukrainian approval. It includes the capital, Kyiv.

To allow civilians to leave, Russia has proposed the establishment of humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities. It now requires Ukrainian approval. It includes the capital, Kyiv. The process may begin from 9 am local time (0700 GMT) on Tuesday, Russian news agencies reported. Most of these corridors travel through Russia or Belarus, which has been rejected by the Ukrainian authorities earlier. Also Read: US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile Civilians, who want to leave the cities of Chernigov, Kyiv and Kharkiv, would have to travel to Russia or Belarus, Interfax news agency reported. It cited a statement by a Russian committee charged with humanitarian coordination in Ukraine. Earlier, such proposals to evacuate Ukrainian citizens have been rejected by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. However, the people, who want to leave the cities of Sumy and Mariupol, would be given a choice of passage to Russia or to Ukrainian cities, Poltava and Zaporizhia, respectively, Interfax quoted the statement as saying. Also Read: It’s Poutine, not Putin: Classic delicacy falls victim to Russia-Ukraine conflict, goes off menu Ukraine has been given time until 3 am Moscow time (0000 GMT) to agree to the terms, Interfax said. Earlier, the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya told a UN Security Council meeting that Russia had "undermined arrangements" for humanitarian corridors on Tuesday by insisting all routes would go through Russia or Belarus. (With inputs from agencies)

To allow civilians to leave, Russia proposes humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities, say reports

As the war in Ukraine pushed into its seventh day, fierce Ukrainian resistance continued to deny the Kremlin the easy victory it had anticipated, even as Russian forces advanced in the south while edging closer to a capital buffeted by fear. They were also intensifying the indiscriminate bombing of civilian targets, potentially altering the war’s dynamics by increasing the human toll.

The Russian military was bearing down on several Ukrainian cities, including Kherson, a port near the Black Sea, whose capture would mark the first major city to come under full control of President Vladimir Putin’s forces since the invasion began Feb. 24. Russia claims it is fully in control of the city, but Ukrainian officials said the municipal government was still in place. Neither claim could be independently verified. Kherson’s mayor said the city was “waiting for a miracle” to collect bodies and restore basic services.

In Kyiv, blasts were reported overnight and Russian forces appeared to be moving to encircle the capital. A military convoy with hundreds of vehicles remained north of the city, a possible prelude to an assault.

Here are the latest developments:

— Attacks by Russian troops were reported on hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure in key cities in Ukraine’s south and east. The forces continued to lay siege to central Kharkiv, where a government building was hit by an apparent rocket strike Wednesday, and where supplies of food and water were running low in the city of 1.5 million.

— Overnight, Russian troops surrounded Mariupol, a port city in the southeast. More than 120 civilians were being treated for injuries in hospitals, the mayor said. Residents baked 26 tons of bread to help people survive the coming onslaught, according to the mayor.

— President Joe Biden predicted that the invasion of Ukraine would “leave Russia weaker and the world stronger” during a fiery State of the Union address Tuesday night. He said the United States planned to bar Russian planes from U.S. airspace and that the Justice Department would try to seize the assets of oligarchs and government officials allied with Putin, part of a global push to isolate Russia.

— A second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine was scheduled to take place Wednesday after a meeting Monday failed to make progress in ending the fighting.

As the war in Ukraine pushed into its seventh day, fierce Ukrainian resistance continued to deny the Kremlin the easy victory it had anticipated, even as Russian forces advanced in the south while edging closer to a capital buffeted by fear.

As the war in Ukraine pushed into its seventh day, fierce Ukrainian resistance continued to deny the Kremlin the easy victory it had anticipated, even as Russian forces advanced in the south while edging closer to a capital buffeted by fear. They were also intensifying the indiscriminate bombing of civilian targets, potentially altering the war’s dynamics by increasing the human toll. The Russian military was bearing down on several Ukrainian cities, including Kherson, a port near the Black Sea, whose capture would mark the first major city to come under full control of President Vladimir Putin’s forces since the invasion began Feb. 24. Russia claims it is fully in control of the city, but Ukrainian officials said the municipal government was still in place. Neither claim could be independently verified. Kherson’s mayor said the city was “waiting for a miracle” to collect bodies and restore basic services. In Kyiv, blasts were reported overnight and Russian forces appeared to be moving to encircle the capital. A military convoy with hundreds of vehicles remained north of the city, a possible prelude to an assault. Here are the latest developments: — Attacks by Russian troops were reported on hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure in key cities in Ukraine’s south and east. The forces continued to lay siege to central Kharkiv, where a government building was hit by an apparent rocket strike Wednesday, and where supplies of food and water were running low in the city of 1.5 million. — Overnight, Russian troops surrounded Mariupol, a port city in the southeast. More than 120 civilians were being treated for injuries in hospitals, the mayor said. Residents baked 26 tons of bread to help people survive the coming onslaught, according to the mayor. — President Joe Biden predicted that the invasion of Ukraine would “leave Russia weaker and the world stronger” during a fiery State of the Union address Tuesday night. He said the United States planned to bar Russian planes from U.S. airspace and that the Justice Department would try to seize the assets of oligarchs and government officials allied with Putin, part of a global push to isolate Russia. — A second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine was scheduled to take place Wednesday after a meeting Monday failed to make progress in ending the fighting.

Russia moves to encircle and capture critical cities in Ukraine

Auckland has taken the top spot in Lonely Planet’s “best cities to visit” rankings for 2022.&nbsp;The development seems to have generated some amusement in New Zealand as the city is currently under lockdown. At the centre of a Covid outbreak, the city is off-limits to the whole world. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-know-how-covid-19-originated-say-us-intelligence-officials-425224" hreflang="en">We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials</a>

The announcement seems to have brought a smile of sorts on several faces in New Zealand as netizens posted some intriguing comments on social media. &nbsp; &nbsp;

At present, anyone, who attempts to visit the locked-down city now, may get slapped with a hefty fine or prison term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is kind of a lonely planet in lockdown level 3,” a user wrote on social media. While another person responded, “Probably means the rest of the world is in a really bad place.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tonga-reports-its-first-ever-covid-19-case-pm-urges-people-to-prepare-for-potential-lockdown-425171" hreflang="en">Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case, PM urges people to prepare for potential lockdown</a>

The Lonely Planet seems to be optimistic that at some stage next year, the city will get reopened to tourists. &nbsp;

In a press release, Auckland mayor Phil Goff said that the ranking “will give a real boost to Auckland’s tourism and hospitality sectors as they start to recover from the COVID-19 lockdowns and borders reopen”. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Auckland has taken the top spot in Lonely Planet’s “best cities to visit” rankings for 2022. The development seems to have generated some amusement in New Zealand as the city is currently under lockdown.

Auckland has taken the top spot in Lonely Planet’s “best cities to visit” rankings for 2022. The development seems to have generated some amusement in New Zealand as the city is currently under lockdown. At the centre of a Covid outbreak, the city is off-limits to the whole world. Also Read: We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials The announcement seems to have brought a smile of sorts on several faces in New Zealand as netizens posted some intriguing comments on social media. At present, anyone, who attempts to visit the locked-down city now, may get slapped with a hefty fine or prison term. “It is kind of a lonely planet in lockdown level 3,” a user wrote on social media. While another person responded, “Probably means the rest of the world is in a really bad place.” Also Read: Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case, PM urges people to prepare for potential lockdown The Lonely Planet seems to be optimistic that at some stage next year, the city will get reopened to tourists. In a press release, Auckland mayor Phil Goff said that the ranking “will give a real boost to Auckland’s tourism and hospitality sectors as they start to recover from the COVID-19 lockdowns and borders reopen”. (With inputs from agencies)

Closed under Covid lockdown, Auckland tops Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2022

A new research suggests that the coastal infrastructure will have a major ecological impact if not well managed as the artificial structures have replaced more than half of the coastline of 30 cities all across the globe.

“Coastal hardening” is “consistently extensive” across various cities in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, says the study.&nbsp;

Coastal hardening refers to replacing natural coastal habitats with seawalls,&nbsp;wharves and other structures. The authors have warned that a surge in coastal hardening “will result in the loss of extensive remaining natural habitat”, such as rocky reefs, sandy beaches, mudflats and mangroves.

Dr Ana Bugnot of the University of Sydney, who is one of the co-authors has said that the team found a correlation between the extent of coastal hardening and the number of invasive marine species in the local area.

She was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Ports particularly are big hotspots of invasive species, because they come in the hulls of ships, and ballast water."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oxygen-sucking-asteroids-could-have-permanently-altered-earths-atmosphere-422864">Also read |&nbsp;Oxygen sucking asteroids could have permanently altered Earth's atmosphere</a>

Non-native species then “find those [artificial] structures that are not really colonised much by the natural biodiversity&nbsp;from there they can spread to surrounding areas.”

Various researchers from Australia and New Zealand analysed coastal infrastructure in 30 cities including Adelaide, Baltimore, Belfast and Vancouver. The researchers found several factors that were linked to an increase in coastal hardening.&nbsp;

Bugnot said, “In this set of estuaries that we studied, the indicators of growth were related to regional GDP of an area, population and then a series of shipping and boating parameters,” such as higher numbers of port visits by cargo ships, and more marinas for recreational boating.

The team developed an AI model to forecast the regional expansion of common types of coastal infrastructure.&nbsp;New Zealand was used as a specific case study. The researchers then forecast an expansion of coastal infrastructure between 50 and 76 per cent. This was done over a 25-year period.

A new research suggests that the coastal infrastructure will have a major ecological impact if not well managed as the artificial structures have replaced more than half of the coastline of 30 cities all across the globe.

A new research suggests that the coastal infrastructure will have a major ecological impact if not well managed as the artificial structures have replaced more than half of the coastline of 30 cities all across the globe. “Coastal hardening” is “consistently extensive” across various cities in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, says the study. Coastal hardening refers to replacing natural coastal habitats with seawalls, wharves and other structures. The authors have warned that a surge in coastal hardening “will result in the loss of extensive remaining natural habitat”, such as rocky reefs, sandy beaches, mudflats and mangroves. Dr Ana Bugnot of the University of Sydney, who is one of the co-authors has said that the team found a correlation between the extent of coastal hardening and the number of invasive marine species in the local area. She was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Ports particularly are big hotspots of invasive species, because they come in the hulls of ships, and ballast water." Also read | Oxygen sucking asteroids could have permanently altered Earth's atmosphere Non-native species then “find those [artificial] structures that are not really colonised much by the natural biodiversity from there they can spread to surrounding areas.” Various researchers from Australia and New Zealand analysed coastal infrastructure in 30 cities including Adelaide, Baltimore, Belfast and Vancouver. The researchers found several factors that were linked to an increase in coastal hardening. Bugnot said, “In this set of estuaries that we studied, the indicators of growth were related to regional GDP of an area, population and then a series of shipping and boating parameters,” such as higher numbers of port visits by cargo ships, and more marinas for recreational boating. The team developed an AI model to forecast the regional expansion of common types of coastal infrastructure. New Zealand was used as a specific case study. The researchers then forecast an expansion of coastal infrastructure between 50 and 76 per cent. This was done over a 25-year period.

‘Coastal hardening’: Natural habitats of 30 cities around the world at risk

China reported a fourth day of new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in a handful of cities across China, prompting alarmed local governments to double down on efforts to track potential carriers amid the country's zero-tolerance policy.

A total of 17 new local cases were reported for October&nbsp;19, up from nine a day earlier, data from the National Health Commission (NHC) showed on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-seeks-technical-opinion-to-approve-covaxin-for-kids-421886">DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids</a>

The new cases were reported in eight cities and administrative divisions, more than four for October&nbsp;18, the bulk of which were in northern and northwestern China. Three separate cases were also reported in recent days in the south and southwest of China.

Among the cases was one in the capital city Beijing, which is busy gearing up for its hosting of the 2022 Winter Games in February, where officials vowed stringent efforts against the virus. read more

Almost half of the 26 local cases found on Monday and Tuesday were of close contacts of an elderly couple who had travelled in the provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu and the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia before being confirmed as COVID-19 patients on Sunday.

It remains unclear whether the married couple were the source of the outbreak, or where they had contracted the virus.

After the couple's travel history was disclosed, many cities scrambled to trace their close contacts, requiring people who had been to places where those with detected cases had travelled to report to local authorities and get tested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-global-tuberculosis-deaths-rise-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-420891">WHO says global tuberculosis deaths rise due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

The city of Jiayuguan in northwestern Gansu province even launched its second round of city-wide testing after an initial round yielded no positive results, following reports that some of those with cases recently visited the city.

Officials have not disclosed how those with cases reported on Monday and Tuesday contracted the virus, but tentative signs indicated there might be multiple sources of the virus across China, which could complicate the country's efforts to seek zero infections.

Three out of the five local cases found this week in Erenhot city, in Inner Mongolia, did not appear to have any connection with infected travellers in other cities, but were linked to a case detected on October&nbsp;13, a person who worked at a local logistics hub. It is unclear how this person was infected.

China reported a fourth day of new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in a handful of cities across China, prompting alarmed local governments to double down on efforts to track potential carriers amid the country's zero-tolerance policy.

China reported a fourth day of new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in a handful of cities across China, prompting alarmed local governments to double down on efforts to track potential carriers amid the country's zero-tolerance policy. A total of 17 new local cases were reported for October 19, up from nine a day earlier, data from the National Health Commission (NHC) showed on Wednesday. Also read | DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids The new cases were reported in eight cities and administrative divisions, more than four for October 18, the bulk of which were in northern and northwestern China. Three separate cases were also reported in recent days in the south and southwest of China. Among the cases was one in the capital city Beijing, which is busy gearing up for its hosting of the 2022 Winter Games in February, where officials vowed stringent efforts against the virus. read more Almost half of the 26 local cases found on Monday and Tuesday were of close contacts of an elderly couple who had travelled in the provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu and the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia before being confirmed as COVID-19 patients on Sunday. It remains unclear whether the married couple were the source of the outbreak, or where they had contracted the virus. After the couple's travel history was disclosed, many cities scrambled to trace their close contacts, requiring people who had been to places where those with detected cases had travelled to report to local authorities and get tested. Also read | WHO says global tuberculosis deaths rise due to coronavirus pandemic The city of Jiayuguan in northwestern Gansu province even launched its second round of city-wide testing after an initial round yielded no positive results, following reports that some of those with cases recently visited the city. Officials have not disclosed how those with cases reported on Monday and Tuesday contracted the virus, but tentative signs indicated there might be multiple sources of the virus across China, which could complicate the country's efforts to seek zero infections. Three out of the five local cases found this week in Erenhot city, in Inner Mongolia, did not appear to have any connection with infected travellers in other cities, but were linked to a case detected on October 13, a person who worked at a local logistics hub. It is unclear how this person was infected.

China's COVID-19 outbreak grows as cities race to trace infections

In Pics | These are the world's safest cities in 2021

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. 
 
A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. 
 
Herat in the west also fell to the hardline Islamist group. 
 
"The city looks like a frontline, a ghost town," provincial council member Ghulam Habib Hashimi said by telephone from the city of about 600,000 people near the border with Iran. 
 
"Families have either left or are hiding in their homes." 
 
A US&nbsp;defence official said there was concern that the Taliban, ousted from power in 2001 after the September&nbsp;11 attacks on the United States, could make a move on Kabul within days. 
 
President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced plans to send 3,000 additional troops to help evacuate US&nbsp;embassy staff, and the Pentagon said most would be in Kabul by the end of the weekend. Britain also confirmed the start of a military operation to support the evacuation of its nationals. 
 
"Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly ... if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. 
 
The White House said Biden was receiving regular briefings from his national security team on efforts to remove US&nbsp;civilians. 
 
The US&nbsp;embassy in the Afghan capital informed staff that burn bins and an incinerator were available to destroy material including papers and electronic devices to "reduce the amount of sensitive material on the property," according to an advisory seen by Reuters. 
 
A State Department spokesperson said the embassy was following standard procedure to "minimise our footprint." 
 
The United Nations has said it would not evacuate its personnel from Afghanistan but was relocating some to Kabul from other parts of the country. Many other Western embassies and aid groups said they were bringing some staff home. 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "Afghanistan is spinning out of control" and urged all parties to do more to protect civilians. 
 
"This is the moment to halt the offensive. This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war, or the isolation of Afghanistan," Guterres told reporters in New York. 
 
Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said after a security meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani that he was proud of the armed forces and the government would do all it could to strengthen resistance to the Taliban.

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away.

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. Herat in the west also fell to the hardline Islamist group. "The city looks like a frontline, a ghost town," provincial council member Ghulam Habib Hashimi said by telephone from the city of about 600,000 people near the border with Iran. "Families have either left or are hiding in their homes." A US defence official said there was concern that the Taliban, ousted from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks on the United States, could make a move on Kabul within days. President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced plans to send 3,000 additional troops to help evacuate US embassy staff, and the Pentagon said most would be in Kabul by the end of the weekend. Britain also confirmed the start of a military operation to support the evacuation of its nationals. "Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly ... if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. The White House said Biden was receiving regular briefings from his national security team on efforts to remove US civilians. The US embassy in the Afghan capital informed staff that burn bins and an incinerator were available to destroy material including papers and electronic devices to "reduce the amount of sensitive material on the property," according to an advisory seen by Reuters. A State Department spokesperson said the embassy was following standard procedure to "minimise our footprint." The United Nations has said it would not evacuate its personnel from Afghanistan but was relocating some to Kabul from other parts of the country. Many other Western embassies and aid groups said they were bringing some staff home. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "Afghanistan is spinning out of control" and urged all parties to do more to protect civilians. "This is the moment to halt the offensive. This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war, or the isolation of Afghanistan," Guterres told reporters in New York. Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said after a security meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani that he was proud of the armed forces and the government would do all it could to strengthen resistance to the Taliban.

Taliban seize more Afghan cities, assault on capital Kabul expected

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reported that there are outbreaks of a drug-resistant "superbug" fungus spread among patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Texas and Washington, D.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reported that there are outbreaks of a drug-resistant "superbug" fungus spread among patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Texas and Washington, D.C. Termed as Candida auris, the fungus preys on weak immune systems. As per the CDC, evidence suggests these cases involved person-to-person transmission, which would be a first for the US. However, the cluster in the two cities is completely unrelated to each other. The 30-day mortality in both outbreaks combined was 30 per cent, although other health conditions may also have played a role. Also read | India records more than 45,000 cases of 'black fungus' A total of 101 cases of fungus have been identified in Washington, D.C., from January to April 2021. Out of which, three were isolated as being resistant to all three major classes of anti-fungal medications. In Texas, there have been 22 cases, with two being resistant to all three antif-ungal medications, and five resistant to two of the medications. CDC's Dr. Meghan Lyman, an author of the report, was quoted by CBS saying, "This is really the first time we've started seeing clustering of resistance".

Outbreaks of a drug-resistant superbug fungus spread in two US cities

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. &nbsp;

A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. &nbsp;

Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. &nbsp;

In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. &nbsp;

At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States.&nbsp;

The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip.

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising. In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States. The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem. Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters in major US cities decry airstrikes over Gaza 

Two powerful tornadoes walloped the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Suzhou, killing at least seven people and injuring 239 others, state-media reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

Six people were killed and 218 others injured after a tornado, packing winds of 23.9 meters per second, ripped through the Caidian District of Wuhan at 8:39 pm on Friday, toppling some construction site sheds and snapping a large number of trees, the Xinhua news agency reported.&nbsp;

According to an initial investigation by local authorities on Saturday morning, 27 houses collapsed. Two tower cranes and 8,000 square meters of construction site sheds also were damaged.&nbsp;

Another tornado hit Shengze Town, under the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province in which one person was killed and 21 others injured.&nbsp;

The tornado around 7 pm on Friday also damaged electricity facilities and toppled several factory buildings, the Xinhua report said.&nbsp;

The tornadoes came as a surprise to the locals as it is quite rare in the region. &nbsp;

Two powerful tornadoes walloped the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Suzhou, killing at least seven people and injuring 239 others, state-media reported on Saturday. Six people were killed and 218 others injured after a tornado, packing winds of 23.

Two powerful tornadoes walloped the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Suzhou, killing at least seven people and injuring 239 others, state-media reported on Saturday. Six people were killed and 218 others injured after a tornado, packing winds of 23.9 meters per second, ripped through the Caidian District of Wuhan at 8:39 pm on Friday, toppling some construction site sheds and snapping a large number of trees, the Xinhua news agency reported. According to an initial investigation by local authorities on Saturday morning, 27 houses collapsed. Two tower cranes and 8,000 square meters of construction site sheds also were damaged. Another tornado hit Shengze Town, under the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province in which one person was killed and 21 others injured. The tornado around 7 pm on Friday also damaged electricity facilities and toppled several factory buildings, the Xinhua report said. The tornadoes came as a surprise to the locals as it is quite rare in the region.

Seven killed, over 230 injured after two tornadoes strike Chinese cities 

Hundreds of cities have no climate adaptation plans in place despite rising threats like floods, heatwaves and pollution, according to a report on Wednesday that said this could put 400 million people at risk across the world.&nbsp;

Fast-expanding urban areas are home to more than half the population of the planet and are increasingly exposed to climate-fuelled disasters, economic shocks and health crises as the world warms, with fears that vulnerable communities will be hardest hit. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

CDP, a global non-profit that collects data disclosed by companies, cities, states and regions on environmental impact, analysed over 800 global cities and found that 43 per cent do not yet have a plan to adapt to the challenges of climate change. &nbsp;

With more and more people drawn to live in urban areas, CDP estimated that by 2030 around 400 million people will be living in poorly prepared cities. &nbsp;

"The urgent need to act and have adaptation measures in place to keep the citizens safe, is increasing together with (the growing urban population)," said Mirjam Wolfrum, CDP's Policy Director for Europe. &nbsp;

She said that 93 per cent of the cities included in the report were facing 'significant threats', while 60 per cent highlighted 'substantive' water security issues. &nbsp;

The top five hazards are flash and surface flooding, including from rising sea levels, heat waves, rainstorms, extreme hot days and droughts, she said, adding that air pollution is also a major health concern. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ongoing adaptation strategies in the municipalities that reported to CDP include tree planting (20 percent), flood mapping (18 per cent) and developing crisis management plans like evacuation systems (14 per cent). &nbsp;&nbsp;

With cities responsible for some 70 per cent of global emissions, the report said urban centres are also looking at schemes like increasing the use of renewable energy and improving green spaces, transport infrastructure and recycling.&nbsp;

Hundreds of cities have no climate adaptation plans in place despite rising threats like floods, heatwaves and pollution, according to a report on Wednesday that said this could put 400 million people at risk across the world.

Hundreds of cities have no climate adaptation plans in place despite rising threats like floods, heatwaves and pollution, according to a report on Wednesday that said this could put 400 million people at risk across the world. Fast-expanding urban areas are home to more than half the population of the planet and are increasingly exposed to climate-fuelled disasters, economic shocks and health crises as the world warms, with fears that vulnerable communities will be hardest hit. CDP, a global non-profit that collects data disclosed by companies, cities, states and regions on environmental impact, analysed over 800 global cities and found that 43 per cent do not yet have a plan to adapt to the challenges of climate change. With more and more people drawn to live in urban areas, CDP estimated that by 2030 around 400 million people will be living in poorly prepared cities. "The urgent need to act and have adaptation measures in place to keep the citizens safe, is increasing together with (the growing urban population)," said Mirjam Wolfrum, CDP's Policy Director for Europe. She said that 93 per cent of the cities included in the report were facing 'significant threats', while 60 per cent highlighted 'substantive' water security issues. The top five hazards are flash and surface flooding, including from rising sea levels, heat waves, rainstorms, extreme hot days and droughts, she said, adding that air pollution is also a major health concern. Ongoing adaptation strategies in the municipalities that reported to CDP include tree planting (20 percent), flood mapping (18 per cent) and developing crisis management plans like evacuation systems (14 per cent). With cities responsible for some 70 per cent of global emissions, the report said urban centres are also looking at schemes like increasing the use of renewable energy and improving green spaces, transport infrastructure and recycling.

Millions at risk as cities fail to adapt to climate change: Report 

In the spring, as thousands of people were sickened by the coronavirus, the bodies began to pile up in one of the country’s densest urban centers: New York City.

News headlines rolled like a steady drumbeat of doom. The region became known as the epicenter of the pandemic. Economists predicted that the city’s recovery would take years. Some New Yorkers started moving out, “fleeing” to the suburbs.

Government leaders, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, blamed the city’s population density for fueling the spread of the virus. And soon it seemed as though big cities, especially those that relied heavily on crowded public transportation, were inherently some of the most dangerous places to live during a pandemic.

“Those outbreaks started and spread in those cities because, as major international travel hubs, those were the places that cases were coming into this country,” said Janet Baseman, an public health researcher at the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle.

But now, coronavirus cases are rising across much of the United States. In recent months the pandemic has surged in some of the least densely populated states, like Alaska, the Dakotas, Nebraska and Wyoming. Suburbs such as Westchester County, New York, and small towns like Dewey, South Dakota, now have more cases per capita than New York City.

“During a pandemic, there really are no safe places,” said Kim Weeden, a sociology professor and director of the Center for the Study of Inequality at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

So is it still right to assume that it’s riskier to live in a city when faced with a highly contagious respiratory virus? We asked seven public health experts.

More space, but fewer resources.

During a pandemic, regions with fewer people and more space, like suburbs and rural areas, can offer more room to isolate from others, which can help you avoid getting sick. A more spacious home can also help preserve your mental health during lockdown — especially if you’re quarantining with family, said Sandra Albrecht, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City and the chief public health researcher behind “Dear Pandemic,” a scientific communication initiative on social media.

But while less populous areas may have more space, they may also be lacking in critical resources.

“It’s not hard to find rural areas where the closest hospital that has testing capacity is over 100 miles away,” said Tracy Loh, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and an expert in city and regional planning.

In editorials published in the spring on the Brookings website and in NextCity, a nonprofit news organization, Loh and her co-authors have argued that some of the very traits that can make cities more dangerous during a pandemic, like population density, can also make them more advantageous should a pandemic take hold.

Populous urban areas and cities may offer larger safety nets than rural regions, Loh said. New York City, for example, has plentiful hospitals, specialists, equipment and resources for coronavirus testing.

Cities also tend to offer a larger variety of social support services, said Jenifer Allsworth, a public health researcher at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, including various child care and public transportation options. (So far, mass transit does not seem to significantly contribute to the spread of the coronavirus, provided there is adequate ventilation and riders wear masks.) And cities tend to have more delivery options for all kinds of items including food, medicine and household supplies.

It’s also easier for small businesses like restaurants to use delivery services to stay afloat when there are more potential customers per square mile, a boon to city residents who either own those businesses or depend on them. And cities tend to have more employment opportunities than do rural areas, Loh said.

“Urban areas are more resilient because they have more diversified economies,” she added.

How you (and your community) behave is more important than where you live.

In the end, every expert agreed that when it comes to reducing the risk of getting sick, behavior is more important than location.

“This virus is relentless, and it will hunt down anyone who ignores social distancing practices,” said Dr. Lee Riley, a professor of infectious disease at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. “So it’s not necessarily the type of space where people live, but the type of behavior that people engage in their spaces that ultimately determines who gets infected.”

New York City was able to beat back the virus in the late spring and summer months by enforcing critical public health measures like shutting down nonessential businesses, adopting mask wearing and encouraging social distancing. Other areas that took no such precautions, like parts of the South and Upper Midwest, saw big surges.

Generally speaking, people in cities might have more incentive to follow public health guidelines because they are often surrounded by strangers who may or may not be taking the proper precautions, said Dr. Michael Mina, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Mina, who lives on a quiet road in Boston, said that right now his city “is as safe or safer than any place in the rural United States,” although he added that this has the potential to change if the community does not take steps to suppress the virus.

He’s thankful that his home has a small backyard. But, like many of us, he often craves even more freedom to move around without a mask.

“I think if I had the chance, it would be really nice to live somewhere where there’s much more space,” he said.

The best possible environment to ride out a pandemic may vary for each person, the experts said. Ideally it’s a place where you can protect yourself and others from the coronavirus while maintaining your income and preserving your mental and emotional health.

Being able to choose where you live or how you quarantine, however, is an enormous privilege.

Many residents in parts of Queens, where thousands fell ill, had service jobs that didn’t allow for them to work remotely, and lived in cramped, close quarters with family, friends or roommates.

Those with more money, autonomy and job flexibility can more easily reduce their risk of infection and live more comfortably in isolation, Allsworth said, regardless of whether they are in a rural, suburban or city setting.

After we get through the long, dark winter and cases eventually start to decline, those who left cities may find that living in a suburban or rural environment has lost much of its appeal.

“Many will move back into cities or stay in cities once they feel protected by the vaccine, because of all the convenience and social activities cities have to offer,” Riley said.

As for Albrecht, she is staying put in New York City.

“While I understand why people left during lockdown, much of what keeps me here is the idea that once this is all over, the city, with all its energy and vibrancy, is where I’d want to be,” she said.

All personal preferences aside, the experts said the best course of action right now is simply to hunker down, wherever you happen to be.

“COVID is so widespread across so much of the U.S. now, the safest place to be is at home with your household members,” Baseman said, “whether that home be in the city or in the mountains.”

In the spring, as thousands of people were sickened by the coronavirus, the bodies began to pile up in one of the country’s densest urban centers: New York City.

In the spring, as thousands of people were sickened by the coronavirus, the bodies began to pile up in one of the country’s densest urban centers: New York City. News headlines rolled like a steady drumbeat of doom. The region became known as the epicenter of the pandemic. Economists predicted that the city’s recovery would take years. Some New Yorkers started moving out, “fleeing” to the suburbs. Government leaders, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, blamed the city’s population density for fueling the spread of the virus. And soon it seemed as though big cities, especially those that relied heavily on crowded public transportation, were inherently some of the most dangerous places to live during a pandemic. “Those outbreaks started and spread in those cities because, as major international travel hubs, those were the places that cases were coming into this country,” said Janet Baseman, an public health researcher at the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle. But now, coronavirus cases are rising across much of the United States. In recent months the pandemic has surged in some of the least densely populated states, like Alaska, the Dakotas, Nebraska and Wyoming. Suburbs such as Westchester County, New York, and small towns like Dewey, South Dakota, now have more cases per capita than New York City. “During a pandemic, there really are no safe places,” said Kim Weeden, a sociology professor and director of the Center for the Study of Inequality at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. So is it still right to assume that it’s riskier to live in a city when faced with a highly contagious respiratory virus? We asked seven public health experts. More space, but fewer resources. During a pandemic, regions with fewer people and more space, like suburbs and rural areas, can offer more room to isolate from others, which can help you avoid getting sick. A more spacious home can also help preserve your mental health during lockdown — especially if you’re quarantining with family, said Sandra Albrecht, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City and the chief public health researcher behind “Dear Pandemic,” a scientific communication initiative on social media. But while less populous areas may have more space, they may also be lacking in critical resources. “It’s not hard to find rural areas where the closest hospital that has testing capacity is over 100 miles away,” said Tracy Loh, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and an expert in city and regional planning. In editorials published in the spring on the Brookings website and in NextCity, a nonprofit news organization, Loh and her co-authors have argued that some of the very traits that can make cities more dangerous during a pandemic, like population density, can also make them more advantageous should a pandemic take hold. Populous urban areas and cities may offer larger safety nets than rural regions, Loh said. New York City, for example, has plentiful hospitals, specialists, equipment and resources for coronavirus testing. Cities also tend to offer a larger variety of social support services, said Jenifer Allsworth, a public health researcher at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, including various child care and public transportation options. (So far, mass transit does not seem to significantly contribute to the spread of the coronavirus, provided there is adequate ventilation and riders wear masks.) And cities tend to have more delivery options for all kinds of items including food, medicine and household supplies. It’s also easier for small businesses like restaurants to use delivery services to stay afloat when there are more potential customers per square mile, a boon to city residents who either own those businesses or depend on them. And cities tend to have more employment opportunities than do rural areas, Loh said. “Urban areas are more resilient because they have more diversified economies,” she added. How you (and your community) behave is more important than where you live. In the end, every expert agreed that when it comes to reducing the risk of getting sick, behavior is more important than location. “This virus is relentless, and it will hunt down anyone who ignores social distancing practices,” said Dr. Lee Riley, a professor of infectious disease at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. “So it’s not necessarily the type of space where people live, but the type of behavior that people engage in their spaces that ultimately determines who gets infected.” New York City was able to beat back the virus in the late spring and summer months by enforcing critical public health measures like shutting down nonessential businesses, adopting mask wearing and encouraging social distancing. Other areas that took no such precautions, like parts of the South and Upper Midwest, saw big surges. Generally speaking, people in cities might have more incentive to follow public health guidelines because they are often surrounded by strangers who may or may not be taking the proper precautions, said Dr. Michael Mina, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Mina, who lives on a quiet road in Boston, said that right now his city “is as safe or safer than any place in the rural United States,” although he added that this has the potential to change if the community does not take steps to suppress the virus. He’s thankful that his home has a small backyard. But, like many of us, he often craves even more freedom to move around without a mask. “I think if I had the chance, it would be really nice to live somewhere where there’s much more space,” he said. The best possible environment to ride out a pandemic may vary for each person, the experts said. Ideally it’s a place where you can protect yourself and others from the coronavirus while maintaining your income and preserving your mental and emotional health. Being able to choose where you live or how you quarantine, however, is an enormous privilege. Many residents in parts of Queens, where thousands fell ill, had service jobs that didn’t allow for them to work remotely, and lived in cramped, close quarters with family, friends or roommates. Those with more money, autonomy and job flexibility can more easily reduce their risk of infection and live more comfortably in isolation, Allsworth said, regardless of whether they are in a rural, suburban or city setting. After we get through the long, dark winter and cases eventually start to decline, those who left cities may find that living in a suburban or rural environment has lost much of its appeal. “Many will move back into cities or stay in cities once they feel protected by the vaccine, because of all the convenience and social activities cities have to offer,” Riley said. As for Albrecht, she is staying put in New York City. “While I understand why people left during lockdown, much of what keeps me here is the idea that once this is all over, the city, with all its energy and vibrancy, is where I’d want to be,” she said. All personal preferences aside, the experts said the best course of action right now is simply to hunker down, wherever you happen to be. “COVID is so widespread across so much of the U.S. now, the safest place to be is at home with your household members,” Baseman said, “whether that home be in the city or in the mountains.”

Are cities a safe place to live during a pandemic?

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he would send more law enforcement agents to multiple US cities in an attempt to shut down protests that have been raging in the country for more than a month now.

Calling for an end to racism and police brutality, the protests initially began after a black man, George Floyd was murdered in the hands of a policeman, Chauvin in the city of Minneapolis.

"Unknown forces"

He recently dispatched “unknown” forces to Portland, Oregon, where the protests are currently on. These civilian-looking officers arrested people and unleashed violence, according to reports. None of them were wearing a uniform, which has caused a furore among activists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/the-very-hard-test-trump-keeps-bragging-about-acing-is-actually-very-simple-314592" hreflang="en">The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple</a>

While referring to Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Oakland, Detroit, and Oakland, the Republican president promised to send in more forces, solely because the cities’ mayors are “Liberal Democrats”.

"We're sending law enforcement… We can’t let this happen to the cities”, he said at the White House.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/confederate-flags-not-about-racism-but-about-freedom-of-speech-donald-trump-314522" hreflang="en">Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump</a>

After footage showed police forces from the Department of Homeland Security rounding up people and taking them away in black minivans, leaders in Oregon along with activists and members of US Congress have called on Trump to take back the forces.

State and local leaders in Oregon, as well as members of Congress, have called for Trump to remove the secret police.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/crackdown-on-portland-protesters-after-trump-order-to-protect-monuments-314406/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Breaking the law"

"Not only do I believe he is breaking the law, but he is also endangering the lives of Portlanders," the city's mayor, Ted Wheeler, tweeted. Wheeler had earlier to referred to federal forces in the city as “political theater” given the upcoming election.

In June, Trump had referred to himself as a president of “law and order” and had threatened to send in US military to stop violence in many US cities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794" hreflang="en">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet</a>

Since last week, under Trump’s orders, federal agents have used tear gas against protesters in Portland, and have arrested many without explanation.

"They grab a lot of people and jail the leaders. These are anarchists," Trump said while talking about the federal agents.

Department of Homeland Security on Monday said that they don’t intend to back down, and they will not apologise.

The state of Oregon has responded by suing the Trump administration for unlawful detention of its residents, with many Republican leaders like Rand Paul also lending support to the sentiment.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he would send more law enforcement agents to multiple US cities in an attempt to shut down protests that have been raging in the country for more than a month now.

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he would send more law enforcement agents to multiple US cities in an attempt to shut down protests that have been raging in the country for more than a month now. Calling for an end to racism and police brutality, the protests initially began after a black man, George Floyd was murdered in the hands of a policeman, Chauvin in the city of Minneapolis. "Unknown forces" He recently dispatched “unknown” forces to Portland, Oregon, where the protests are currently on. These civilian-looking officers arrested people and unleashed violence, according to reports. None of them were wearing a uniform, which has caused a furore among activists. Also read: The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple While referring to Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Oakland, Detroit, and Oakland, the Republican president promised to send in more forces, solely because the cities’ mayors are “Liberal Democrats”. "We're sending law enforcement… We can’t let this happen to the cities”, he said at the White House. Also read: Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump After footage showed police forces from the Department of Homeland Security rounding up people and taking them away in black minivans, leaders in Oregon along with activists and members of US Congress have called on Trump to take back the forces. State and local leaders in Oregon, as well as members of Congress, have called for Trump to remove the secret police. "Breaking the law" "Not only do I believe he is breaking the law, but he is also endangering the lives of Portlanders," the city's mayor, Ted Wheeler, tweeted. Wheeler had earlier to referred to federal forces in the city as “political theater” given the upcoming election. In June, Trump had referred to himself as a president of “law and order” and had threatened to send in US military to stop violence in many US cities. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet Since last week, under Trump’s orders, federal agents have used tear gas against protesters in Portland, and have arrested many without explanation. "They grab a lot of people and jail the leaders. These are anarchists," Trump said while talking about the federal agents. Department of Homeland Security on Monday said that they don’t intend to back down, and they will not apologise. The state of Oregon has responded by suing the Trump administration for unlawful detention of its residents, with many Republican leaders like Rand Paul also lending support to the sentiment. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests

Asian megacities outside of Mainland China are poorly equipped to contain the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, as per a leading epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong.

In fact, the spread of the novel coronavirus may be impossible to contain once it breaches other megacities in Asia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship</a>

Gabriel M Leung, one of the World Health Organisation's leading scientists has said that the prevalence of local cases in large Asian cities is increasing. Additionally, these involve people who had never been to Mainland China before falling ill.

"The big question, which will be settled within the next week or two, is whether these local transmission stains are sustained. It's very difficult to stop the establishment of local sustained transmission", said Leung.

Many scientists believe that such transmissions could lead to self-sustaining outbreaks in cities around the world.

<img alt="ooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f380fa7-fdba-4395-99fb-7f4eba3ea362" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/127457-untitled-design-3.jpg" />

The Lancet, a leading weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published a paper on the potential domestic and international spread of the n-Cov outbreak.

In it, experts have envisioned two scenarios if the virus is not successfully contained: it joins the family of four coronaviruses that affect millions of people in the winter-spring season. Together, the four are responsible for an estimated one-quarter of all colds

Or it becomes a seasonal-flu-like coronavirus which could very well become another seasonal pathogen that causes pneumonia.

<img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8da361f1-0c4f-4aa0-91f9-511a8f8db910" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_30_0.jpg" />

The death toll in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newborn-baby-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-just-30-hours-after-birth-278877">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;rose to over&nbsp;560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients.

&nbsp;

The virus which has already spread to twenty countries reached a &nbsp;cruise liner in the port of Yokohama south of Tokyo where ten more people tested positive with nearly 3,700 people on the ship facing two weeks quarantine on the Diamond Princess.

(With inputs from agencies)

Asian megacities outside of Mainland China are poorly equipped to contain the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, as per a leading epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong.

Asian megacities outside of Mainland China are poorly equipped to contain the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, as per a leading epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong. In fact, the spread of the novel coronavirus may be impossible to contain once it breaches other megacities in Asia. Also read: Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship Gabriel M Leung, one of the World Health Organisation's leading scientists has said that the prevalence of local cases in large Asian cities is increasing. Additionally, these involve people who had never been to Mainland China before falling ill. "The big question, which will be settled within the next week or two, is whether these local transmission stains are sustained. It's very difficult to stop the establishment of local sustained transmission", said Leung. Many scientists believe that such transmissions could lead to self-sustaining outbreaks in cities around the world. The Lancet, a leading weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published a paper on the potential domestic and international spread of the n-Cov outbreak. In it, experts have envisioned two scenarios if the virus is not successfully contained: it joins the family of four coronaviruses that affect millions of people in the winter-spring season. Together, the four are responsible for an estimated one-quarter of all colds Or it becomes a seasonal-flu-like coronavirus which could very well become another seasonal pathogen that causes pneumonia. The death toll in the coronavirus rose to over 560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients. The virus which has already spread to twenty countries reached a cruise liner in the port of Yokohama south of Tokyo where ten more people tested positive with nearly 3,700 people on the ship facing two weeks quarantine on the Diamond Princess. (With inputs from agencies)

What happens if the coronavirus breaches Asian megacities?

Located 275 kilometres north of Male, Kulhudhuffushi is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division. Now officially declared a ''city'', the island is famous for its mangroves and is even its name draws inspiration from the natural bounty.&nbsp;

The economic capital of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-rising-militancy-problem-government-trying-to-repatriate-orphans-from-syria-270077">Northern Maldives</a>,&nbsp;Kulhudhuffushi is known as the heart of the north.

A favourite amongst the tourists, the city is also famous for shark fishing, boat building, and coir rope production. 
 
The population of the island touched the 10,000 mark in November last year.

According to the Decentralisation Act of Maldives, a council must be declared a city if its population exceeds that number.

So, starting January 1, 2020, Kulhudhuffushi was declared a city, as announced by the president of the country, Ibrahim Solih.

<img alt="Kulhudhuffushi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0cc72db3-abd1-4226-94d2-3b612ed722c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_9.jpg" /> 
Image: Aerial view of Kulhudhuffushi, courtesy - Twitter user&nbsp;@heevesnuve

As per the law, the city will now elect a seven-member council, with all the residents coming together to elect their mayor.

The island has not really had a friendly history with the central government of Maldives. In the 1940s, the residents of Kulhudhuffushi rebelled against the Male government.

According to them, the government was being unjust to the people of the north.&nbsp;

However, the island city is now equipped with modern facilities including education and healthcare.

The newly announced city also received its own airport in August last year.

Effectively, Kulhudhuffushi is now the fourth city of the archipelago of Maldives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-on-same-page-future-of-ties-bright-former-president-mohamed-nasheed-268232">India, Maldives on same page; future of ties 'bright': Former President&nbsp;Mohamed Nasheed</a>

Located 275 kilometres north of Male, Kulhudhuffushi is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division. Now officially declared a ''city'', the island is famous for its mangroves and is even its name draws inspiration from the natural bounty.

Located 275 kilometres north of Male, Kulhudhuffushi is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division. Now officially declared a ''city'', the island is famous for its mangroves and is even its name draws inspiration from the natural bounty. The economic capital of Northern Maldives, Kulhudhuffushi is known as the heart of the north. A favourite amongst the tourists, the city is also famous for shark fishing, boat building, and coir rope production. The population of the island touched the 10,000 mark in November last year. According to the Decentralisation Act of Maldives, a council must be declared a city if its population exceeds that number. So, starting January 1, 2020, Kulhudhuffushi was declared a city, as announced by the president of the country, Ibrahim Solih. Image: Aerial view of Kulhudhuffushi, courtesy - Twitter user @heevesnuve As per the law, the city will now elect a seven-member council, with all the residents coming together to elect their mayor. The island has not really had a friendly history with the central government of Maldives. In the 1940s, the residents of Kulhudhuffushi rebelled against the Male government. According to them, the government was being unjust to the people of the north. However, the island city is now equipped with modern facilities including education and healthcare. The newly announced city also received its own airport in August last year. Effectively, Kulhudhuffushi is now the fourth city of the archipelago of Maldives. Also read: India, Maldives on same page; future of ties 'bright': Former President Mohamed Nasheed

Kulhudhuffushi crosses 10,000 resident mark, becomes Maldives' fourth city

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