In the first week of India's massive plan to bring back Indians from abroad, 14,800 will be brought back in 64 flights. The Indian government on Monday announced the repatriation of Indian citizens stranded abroad in phases due to COVID crisis from May 7.

Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu &amp; NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&amp;K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1.

Overall 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers. 7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Over All 25 flights, the maximum will come from the Gulf region. &nbsp;

The first day will see 10 flights, 3 days will see 9 flights, while the last day will see 8 flights, second last day will see 11 flights.

Day one will see 4 flights from gulf-- 2 from UAE, One from Saudi Arabia, One from Qatar, all of which will go to Kerala bringing back 800 people to the state. On the same day flights from the UK, US, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Bangladesh will land in Delhi. The number of Indian students from the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will come from Dhaka on the same day and land in Srinagar. All in all 2300 Indians from 10 countries will reach India on May 7th.

Meanwhile Navy has confirmed that 3 of its ship are on the mission to get back stranded citizens from Maldives and UAE. INS Jalashwa and INS Magar will get back Indians from the Maldives while INS Shardul has been diverted to Dubai to get back the expatriates from the West Asian countries. INS Magar and Shardul are Landing Ship Tanks (LST).

INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people.&nbsp;

This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf.&nbsp;

On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can."

The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country.

In the second phase, India will start facilitating the return of its citizens from Iran, USA, UK and Malaysia. Indian missions across the world are already preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens.

Several missions have opened registration for the stranded Indians.

Sources told WION, "Data collection ongoing in most missions, with some looking at dates for evacuation and making all necessary arrangements accordingly."

&nbsp;Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard.

"State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said.

The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed.

The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it.&nbsp;

After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period.

Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy.

2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back.

The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

In the first week of India's massive plan to bring back Indians from abroad, 14,800 will be brought back in 64 flights. The Indian government on Monday announced the repatriation of Indian citizens stranded abroad in phases due to COVID crisis from May 7.

In the first week of India's massive plan to bring back Indians from abroad, 14,800 will be brought back in 64 flights. The Indian government on Monday announced the repatriation of Indian citizens stranded abroad in phases due to COVID crisis from May 7. Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu & NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1. Overall 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers. 7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Over All 25 flights, the maximum will come from the Gulf region. The first day will see 10 flights, 3 days will see 9 flights, while the last day will see 8 flights, second last day will see 11 flights. Day one will see 4 flights from gulf-- 2 from UAE, One from Saudi Arabia, One from Qatar, all of which will go to Kerala bringing back 800 people to the state. On the same day flights from the UK, US, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Bangladesh will land in Delhi. The number of Indian students from the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will come from Dhaka on the same day and land in Srinagar. All in all 2300 Indians from 10 countries will reach India on May 7th. Meanwhile Navy has confirmed that 3 of its ship are on the mission to get back stranded citizens from Maldives and UAE. INS Jalashwa and INS Magar will get back Indians from the Maldives while INS Shardul has been diverted to Dubai to get back the expatriates from the West Asian countries. INS Magar and Shardul are Landing Ship Tanks (LST). INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people. This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf. On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can." The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country. In the second phase, India will start facilitating the return of its citizens from Iran, USA, UK and Malaysia. Indian missions across the world are already preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. Several missions have opened registration for the stranded Indians. Sources told WION, "Data collection ongoing in most missions, with some looking at dates for evacuation and making all necessary arrangements accordingly." Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard. "State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said. The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed. The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it. After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period. Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy. 2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back. The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

Repatriation of Indians: First week will see 64 flights bringing back 14,000 people; maximum flights from the gulf to Kerala

A man in the United States accused of involuntary manslaughter was released from jail on Monday over coronavirus concerns.

Derick Almena, who's been behind bars since 2017, was facing a second trial after a fire killed 36 partygoers at a San Francisco Bay Area warehouse he's accused of illegally converting into a cluttered artists enclave.

At least 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported at the Santa Rita Jail where Almena was held.

The 50-year-old is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the December 2, 2016, fire that swept through an electronic music party at the so-called Ghost Ship warehouse in Oakland. 
&nbsp; 
He was released after a court hearing by phone. He will be under electronic monitoring while he waits for a new trial.

Prosecutors allege Almena, who was the master tenant on the lease, was criminally negligent when he turned the industrial building into a residence for artists and held events without proper permits.

His co-defendant, Max Harris, was acquitted of the same charges.

Almena was released in the rural community of Upper Lake, where his wife and children live. He is banned from contacting relatives of victims or witnesses.

Jails and prisons in California and across the US have released inmates in response to the pandemic

A man in the United States accused of involuntary manslaughter was released from jail on Monday over coronavirus concerns. Derick Almena, who's been behind bars since 2017, was facing a second trial after a fire killed 36 partygoers at a San Francisco Bay Area warehouse he's accused of illegally converting into a cluttered artists enclave.

A man in the United States accused of involuntary manslaughter was released from jail on Monday over coronavirus concerns. Derick Almena, who's been behind bars since 2017, was facing a second trial after a fire killed 36 partygoers at a San Francisco Bay Area warehouse he's accused of illegally converting into a cluttered artists enclave. At least 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported at the Santa Rita Jail where Almena was held. The 50-year-old is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the December 2, 2016, fire that swept through an electronic music party at the so-called Ghost Ship warehouse in Oakland. He was released after a court hearing by phone. He will be under electronic monitoring while he waits for a new trial. Prosecutors allege Almena, who was the master tenant on the lease, was criminally negligent when he turned the industrial building into a residence for artists and held events without proper permits. His co-defendant, Max Harris, was acquitted of the same charges. Almena was released in the rural community of Upper Lake, where his wife and children live. He is banned from contacting relatives of victims or witnesses. Jails and prisons in California and across the US have released inmates in response to the pandemic

US man accused of involuntary manslaughter freed over coronavirus concerns

India should look at Indonesian experiment in context of transfer of funds in the face of the coronavirus-enforced crisis, Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee said on Tuesday, asserting that putting cash in the hands of people would be the best way to boost the economy post lockdown.

Banerjee, while talking to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi through video-conferencing, also suggested giving money into the hands of the bottom 60 per cent population to help revive demand.

He was deliberating on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with Gandhi as part of a series of dialogues broadcast on Congress' social media handles.

Banerjee said that Indonesia has decided it would give cash transfer -- that too through community decision making process.&nbsp;

“The community decides as to who are needy and who get the funds,” he said, adding he worked with the Indonesian government and the approach will not work in a bad manner when compared with centralised targeting.&nbsp;

Banerjee said it was an experience India could learn from.&nbsp;

“In an emergency, it is a good policy,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi countered this, saying that one cannot discount caste bias in the said concept.&nbsp;

To this end, Banerjee said that even centrally targetted schemes are reported to have missed people, "so local authorities should be identified."

"Elite capture of funds cannot be avoided but we must be brave, take a chance and identify local authorities to distribute funds,” he said.

“India has enough stocks and we can continue for a while,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi also questioned him about the centralisation of power -- to which Banerjee replied&nbsp;that migrants should have been tested and should not have been left to the state governments.&nbsp;

"It should have been handled by the Centre."

Banerjee insisted that good NGOs should be roped in. He also suggested that the government should hand out temporary ration cards to people to deal with the problem of food distribution.

On the issue of strongmen politics, he said that US and Brazil are messing the COVID-19 situation.

"This is the time to relook at the strongmen theory and dissuade themselves. These two are pretending as they understand everything,” he said.

Banerjee further said that India should come out with a large enough stimulus package to revive demand. He said it was important for India to announce a large enough stimulus package to deal with the crisis on the lines of what the US, Japan and the Europe are doing

“We need a stimulus package. That’s what the US is doing; Japan is doing; Europe is doing. We really haven’t decided on a large enough stimulus package. We are still talking about 1% of GDP. United States has gone for 10% of GDP,” he said.

India should look at Indonesian experiment in context of transfer of funds in the face of the coronavirus-enforced crisis, Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee said on Tuesday, asserting that putting cash in the hands of people would be the best way to boost the economy post lockdown.

India should look at Indonesian experiment in context of transfer of funds in the face of the coronavirus-enforced crisis, Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee said on Tuesday, asserting that putting cash in the hands of people would be the best way to boost the economy post lockdown. Banerjee, while talking to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi through video-conferencing, also suggested giving money into the hands of the bottom 60 per cent population to help revive demand. He was deliberating on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with Gandhi as part of a series of dialogues broadcast on Congress' social media handles. Banerjee said that Indonesia has decided it would give cash transfer -- that too through community decision making process. “The community decides as to who are needy and who get the funds,” he said, adding he worked with the Indonesian government and the approach will not work in a bad manner when compared with centralised targeting. Banerjee said it was an experience India could learn from. “In an emergency, it is a good policy,” he said. Rahul Gandhi countered this, saying that one cannot discount caste bias in the said concept. To this end, Banerjee said that even centrally targetted schemes are reported to have missed people, "so local authorities should be identified." "Elite capture of funds cannot be avoided but we must be brave, take a chance and identify local authorities to distribute funds,” he said. “India has enough stocks and we can continue for a while,” he said. Rahul Gandhi also questioned him about the centralisation of power -- to which Banerjee replied that migrants should have been tested and should not have been left to the state governments. "It should have been handled by the Centre." Banerjee insisted that good NGOs should be roped in. He also suggested that the government should hand out temporary ration cards to people to deal with the problem of food distribution. On the issue of strongmen politics, he said that US and Brazil are messing the COVID-19 situation. "This is the time to relook at the strongmen theory and dissuade themselves. These two are pretending as they understand everything,” he said. Banerjee further said that India should come out with a large enough stimulus package to revive demand. He said it was important for India to announce a large enough stimulus package to deal with the crisis on the lines of what the US, Japan and the Europe are doing “We need a stimulus package. That’s what the US is doing; Japan is doing; Europe is doing. We really haven’t decided on a large enough stimulus package. We are still talking about 1% of GDP. United States has gone for 10% of GDP,” he said.

India can learn from Indonesia in terms of transfer of funds during coronavirus pandemic: Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee to Rahul Gandhi

India records its deadliest day of Coronavirus outbreak. In last 24 hours, 195 people have lost their lives and 3900+ infected.

India records deadliest day of outbreak

On Tuesday, India has sent three naval ships to evacuate its citizens stranded in the Maldives and UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Three ships sent to evacuate Indians from the Maldives and UAE

Doctors at a Paris hospital have said they found evidence that one patient admitted in December was infected with coronavirus. This stands to prove that the deadly virus was already circulating in Europe at that time -- well before the first known cases were diagnosed in France or hotspot Italy.

A team at Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine in Saint-Denis has written its finding in a study published on Sunday in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.

The first official reports of COVID-19 in France were reported on January 24, in two people who had a history of travel to Wuhan, China.

The researchers then decided to check the records of earlier patients, in case the virus had been spreading undetected.

The French team looked at people admitted to the hospital with flu-like illness between December 2 and January 16 who were not ultimately diagnosed with influenza. They tested frozen samples from those patients for coronavirus.

The said patient was a 42-year-old man born in Algeria, who lived in France for many years, and worked as a fishmonger.&nbsp; The man had not been to China, and one of his children had also been sick.

His last trip was in Algeria during August 2019.

Europe did not start reporting cases of coronavirus until January. In Italy, the European country hit hardest by the virus, the first two cases were reported on January 31, in two Chinese tourists in Rome. The first known community transmission was recorded at the end of February in Codogno, northern Italy.

Researchers in the US have also started finding evidence that the virus was infecting and killing people earlier than the country's first reported cases.

Also read | US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure

Doctors at a Paris hospital have said they found evidence that one patient admitted in December was infected with coronavirus. This stands to prove that the deadly virus was already circulating in Europe at that time -- well before the first known cases were diagnosed in France or hotspot Italy.

Doctors at a Paris hospital have said they found evidence that one patient admitted in December was infected with coronavirus. This stands to prove that the deadly virus was already circulating in Europe at that time -- well before the first known cases were diagnosed in France or hotspot Italy. A team at Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine in Saint-Denis has written its finding in a study published on Sunday in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. The first official reports of COVID-19 in France were reported on January 24, in two people who had a history of travel to Wuhan, China. The researchers then decided to check the records of earlier patients, in case the virus had been spreading undetected. The French team looked at people admitted to the hospital with flu-like illness between December 2 and January 16 who were not ultimately diagnosed with influenza. They tested frozen samples from those patients for coronavirus. The said patient was a 42-year-old man born in Algeria, who lived in France for many years, and worked as a fishmonger. The man had not been to China, and one of his children had also been sick. His last trip was in Algeria during August 2019. Europe did not start reporting cases of coronavirus until January. In Italy, the European country hit hardest by the virus, the first two cases were reported on January 31, in two Chinese tourists in Rome. The first known community transmission was recorded at the end of February in Codogno, northern Italy. Researchers in the US have also started finding evidence that the virus was infecting and killing people earlier than the country's first reported cases. Also read | US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure

France COVID-19 timeline shifts weeks earlier in wake of new evidence

Three frontline health care workers have mysteriously fallen out of hospital windows in Russia over the past two weeks -- prompting intense discussion on the working conditions for doctors and medical professionals amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Two of these health care workers are dead.

Alexander Shulepov, an ambulance doctor in Voronezh, is in a critical condition after falling from a hospital window on Saturday. Local state television said he fell out of second-floor window of the Novousmanskaya hospital, where he worked and was receiving treatment after testing positive for coronavirus.

Shulepov was hospitalised on April 22, the same day he and his colleague Alexander Kosyakin posted a video online saying he had been forced to continue working even after testing positive for coronavirus.

The Novousmanskaya hospital, however, said in a statement that Shulepov had been taken off a shift as soon as he informed the hospital administration and was offered hospitalisation in the infectious diseases ward.

Three days later, Shulepov retracted his previous statements.

On May 1, Elena Nepomnyashchaya, the acting head doctor of a hospital in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, allegedly fell out of a window during a meeting with regional health officials and died.

Nepomnyashchaya was reported to have opposed changes to a medical facility due to the lack of protective gear in the hospital. The health ministry's regional health department, however, denied the allegations.

On April 24, Natalya Lebedeva, head of the emergency medical service at Star City, the main training base for Russia's cosmonauts, died in a hospital after a fall. 
&nbsp;

Three frontline health care workers have mysteriously fallen out of hospital windows in Russia over the past two weeks -- prompting intense discussion on the working conditions for doctors and medical professionals amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Three frontline health care workers have mysteriously fallen out of hospital windows in Russia over the past two weeks -- prompting intense discussion on the working conditions for doctors and medical professionals amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of these health care workers are dead. Alexander Shulepov, an ambulance doctor in Voronezh, is in a critical condition after falling from a hospital window on Saturday. Local state television said he fell out of second-floor window of the Novousmanskaya hospital, where he worked and was receiving treatment after testing positive for coronavirus. Shulepov was hospitalised on April 22, the same day he and his colleague Alexander Kosyakin posted a video online saying he had been forced to continue working even after testing positive for coronavirus. The Novousmanskaya hospital, however, said in a statement that Shulepov had been taken off a shift as soon as he informed the hospital administration and was offered hospitalisation in the infectious diseases ward. Three days later, Shulepov retracted his previous statements. On May 1, Elena Nepomnyashchaya, the acting head doctor of a hospital in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, allegedly fell out of a window during a meeting with regional health officials and died. Nepomnyashchaya was reported to have opposed changes to a medical facility due to the lack of protective gear in the hospital. The health ministry's regional health department, however, denied the allegations. On April 24, Natalya Lebedeva, head of the emergency medical service at Star City, the main training base for Russia's cosmonauts, died in a hospital after a fall.

Three doctors in Russia fall from hospital windows, sparking discussion amid coronavirus pandemic

With Ramadan starting on 23 April, Muslims around the world will refrain from food and drink every day from sunrise to sunset during the holiest month in Islam.

US Sizeable Muslim population observes Ramzan under cures

The Centre has allowed liquor sale across all the country, excluding containment areas, from today. As per the government order, only standalone shops will be allowed to sell liquor; malls or liquor shops in shopping complexes will remain closed

India's 40-day dry spell comes to an end

Independent India's largest evacuation effort is all set to begin to get back its citizen stranded abroad due to coronavirus crisis. As many as 1,92,000 people will be evacuated in the first phase of the exercise starting May 7th with the focus being on the gulf.

India's largest overseas evacuation to bring back 1.92 lakh nationals

Israel is one of the first countries in the world to order the reopening of schools after an extended period of lockdown, but many districts refused to reopen in the absence of clear health guidelines from the Ministry of Education

School reopen in Israel for first time since march 12

The U.S. Senate convened in Washington for the first time in nearly six weeks on Monday, despite concern it might put lawmakers and staff at risk of contracting the coronavirus

U.S. Senate returns to Washington amid pandemic

Global anti-China sentiment is currently at its highest -- ever since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, an internal report has warned.&nbsp;

The report, as quoted by Reuters, further warns that China faces a rising wave of hostility in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak that could tip relations with the United States into confrontation.

The deadly virus, which first showed signs in China's Wuhan city, has so far infected more than 3 million people globally and caused more than 2,00,000 deaths.

The said Chinese report was presented early last month by the Ministry of State Security to top Beijing leaders including President Xi Jinping.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-questions-to-answer-over-coronavirus-outbreak-says-uk-296580">Also read |&nbsp;China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK</a>

It says China needs to be prepared in a worst-case scenario for armed confrontation with the United States.

The report was drawn up by the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), a think tank affiliated with the Ministry of State Security, China’s top intelligence body.

DEEPENING RIFT

Relations between China and the United States are being seen to be at their worst point in decades. Having started with deepening mistrust and friction points from US allegations of unfair trade and technology practices to disputes over Hong Kong, Taiwan and contested territories in the South China Sea, the US-China relations have nosedived into an abyss.

The coronavirus has claimed tens of thousands of American lives and ravaged the US economy.

US President Donald Trump has since been ramping up his criticism of Beijing and threatening new tariffs on China. His administration, meanwhile, is considering retaliatory measures against China over the outbreak.

Inversely, it is widely believed in Beijing that the United States wants to contain a rising China, which has become more assertive globally as its economy has grown.

To this end, the paper concluded that Washington views China’s rise as an economic and national security threat and a challenge to Western democracies, the people said. The report also said the United States was aiming to undercut the ruling Communist Party by undermining public confidence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/covid-19-us-intelligence-communitys-statement-may-have-given-china-a-huge-propaganda-victory-296034">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: US intelligence community's statement may have given China a huge propaganda victory</a>

Reuters said the report looks like the 'Novikov Telegram', a 1946 dispatch by the Soviet ambassador to Washington, Nikolai Novikov, that stressed the dangers of US economic and military ambition in the wake of World War II. It said the Soviet Union did not see the possibility for peaceful coexistence with the West, and that containment was the best long-term strategy. The two documents helped set the stage for the strategic thinking that defined both sides of the Cold War.

China has been trying to assert a leading role in the global battle against COVID-19. That has included a propaganda push around its donations and sale of medical supplies to the United States and other countries and sharing of expertise.

But it also faces a growing backlash from critics who have called to hold Beijing accountable for its role in the pandemic.

Trump has said he would cut off funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO), which he called “very China-centric,” something the officials have denied.

Australia’s government has called for an international investigation into the origins and spread of the virus.

Last month, France summoned China’s ambassador to protest a publication on the website of China’s embassy that criticised Western handling of coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/facts-that-china-is-trying-to-suppress-about-origin-of-covid-19-296367">Also read |&nbsp;Facts that China is trying to suppress about origin of COVID-19</a>

RESULT

The report suggests the anti-China sentiment could fuel resistance to China’s Belt and Road infrastructure investment projects, and that Washington could step up financial and military support for regional allies, making the security situation in Asia more volatile.

A reaction similar to that of the aftermath of Tiananmen seems unlikely though -- as China is far more powerful nowadays. Back then, many Western governments had imposed sanctions against China including banning or restricting arms sales and technology transfers.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Global anti-China sentiment is currently at its highest -- ever since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, an internal report has warned. The report, as quoted by Reuters, further warns that China faces a rising wave of hostility in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak that could tip relations with the United States into confrontation.

Global anti-China sentiment is currently at its highest -- ever since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, an internal report has warned. The report, as quoted by Reuters, further warns that China faces a rising wave of hostility in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak that could tip relations with the United States into confrontation. The deadly virus, which first showed signs in China's Wuhan city, has so far infected more than 3 million people globally and caused more than 2,00,000 deaths. The said Chinese report was presented early last month by the Ministry of State Security to top Beijing leaders including President Xi Jinping. Also read | China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK It says China needs to be prepared in a worst-case scenario for armed confrontation with the United States. The report was drawn up by the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), a think tank affiliated with the Ministry of State Security, China’s top intelligence body. DEEPENING RIFT Relations between China and the United States are being seen to be at their worst point in decades. Having started with deepening mistrust and friction points from US allegations of unfair trade and technology practices to disputes over Hong Kong, Taiwan and contested territories in the South China Sea, the US-China relations have nosedived into an abyss. The coronavirus has claimed tens of thousands of American lives and ravaged the US economy. US President Donald Trump has since been ramping up his criticism of Beijing and threatening new tariffs on China. His administration, meanwhile, is considering retaliatory measures against China over the outbreak. Inversely, it is widely believed in Beijing that the United States wants to contain a rising China, which has become more assertive globally as its economy has grown. To this end, the paper concluded that Washington views China’s rise as an economic and national security threat and a challenge to Western democracies, the people said. The report also said the United States was aiming to undercut the ruling Communist Party by undermining public confidence. Also read | COVID-19: US intelligence community's statement may have given China a huge propaganda victory Reuters said the report looks like the 'Novikov Telegram', a 1946 dispatch by the Soviet ambassador to Washington, Nikolai Novikov, that stressed the dangers of US economic and military ambition in the wake of World War II. It said the Soviet Union did not see the possibility for peaceful coexistence with the West, and that containment was the best long-term strategy. The two documents helped set the stage for the strategic thinking that defined both sides of the Cold War. China has been trying to assert a leading role in the global battle against COVID-19. That has included a propaganda push around its donations and sale of medical supplies to the United States and other countries and sharing of expertise. But it also faces a growing backlash from critics who have called to hold Beijing accountable for its role in the pandemic. Trump has said he would cut off funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO), which he called “very China-centric,” something the officials have denied. Australia’s government has called for an international investigation into the origins and spread of the virus. Last month, France summoned China’s ambassador to protest a publication on the website of China’s embassy that criticised Western handling of coronavirus. Also read | Facts that China is trying to suppress about origin of COVID-19 RESULT The report suggests the anti-China sentiment could fuel resistance to China’s Belt and Road infrastructure investment projects, and that Washington could step up financial and military support for regional allies, making the security situation in Asia more volatile. A reaction similar to that of the aftermath of Tiananmen seems unlikely though -- as China is far more powerful nowadays. Back then, many Western governments had imposed sanctions against China including banning or restricting arms sales and technology transfers. (With inputs from Reuters)

China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report

Intelligence shared among Five Eyes nations -- the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand -- appears to contradict claims by US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that there is evidence the virus originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The new assessment indicates it is more likely that the virus originated in a Chinese market.

"It is highly likely it was naturally occurring and that the human infection was from natural human and animal interaction," an official associated with the Intelligence told CNN.

The Five Eyes alliance shares a broad range of intelligence with one another -- in one of the world's tightest multilateral arrangements.

Trump and Pompeo, in recent days, have doubled down on the assertion that the outbreak originated from a accident at a laboratory in Wuhan, rather than a market in the same region. Hence, this new assessment now stands to increase pressure on the Trump administration to provide evidence to back up its claim, which it has failed to do so far despite the increasingly aggressive rhetoric.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-warns-internal-report-296619">Also read |&nbsp;China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus, warns internal report</a>

The source told CNN that "clearly the market is where it exploded from," but how the virus got to the market remains unclear.

Earlier, in an interview with National Geographic, Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, had also said he didn't believe the virus originated in a lab.

"This could not have been artificially or deliberately manipulated," Fauci said, adding that he doesn't believe that the virus somehow escaped a lab into society.

To this end, the US intelligence community issued a statement on Thursday saying it was working to "determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan." The statement said that coronavirus was not manmade or genetically modified.

Meanwhile, a nationalist tabloid controlled by the Chinese Communist Party dismissed claims by the Trump administration that the novel coronavirus originated from a laboratory, as the war of words over the pandemic escalated between Washington and Beijing.

China's state-owned Global Times newspaper said in an editorial that the US had "stunned the world with groundless accusations."

Scientists around the world have also condemned conspiracy theories.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685">Also read |&nbsp;More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a>

China has faced criticism at home and abroad over its handling of the virus, especially during the initial outbreak. It was accused of silencing whistleblowers and delaying informing the public about the severity of the crisis.

Critics, however, allege the Trump administration has ramped up efforts to blame China for the global spread of the virus as it faces growing criticism at home for its own handling of the pandemic.

The US so far has recorded more than 1.1 million cases and at least 68,000 deaths related to coronavirus.

Intelligence shared among Five Eyes nations -- the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand -- appears to contradict claims by US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that there is evidence the virus originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Intelligence shared among Five Eyes nations -- the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand -- appears to contradict claims by US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that there is evidence the virus originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The new assessment indicates it is more likely that the virus originated in a Chinese market. "It is highly likely it was naturally occurring and that the human infection was from natural human and animal interaction," an official associated with the Intelligence told CNN. The Five Eyes alliance shares a broad range of intelligence with one another -- in one of the world's tightest multilateral arrangements. Trump and Pompeo, in recent days, have doubled down on the assertion that the outbreak originated from a accident at a laboratory in Wuhan, rather than a market in the same region. Hence, this new assessment now stands to increase pressure on the Trump administration to provide evidence to back up its claim, which it has failed to do so far despite the increasingly aggressive rhetoric. Also read | China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus, warns internal report The source told CNN that "clearly the market is where it exploded from," but how the virus got to the market remains unclear. Earlier, in an interview with National Geographic, Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, had also said he didn't believe the virus originated in a lab. "This could not have been artificially or deliberately manipulated," Fauci said, adding that he doesn't believe that the virus somehow escaped a lab into society. To this end, the US intelligence community issued a statement on Thursday saying it was working to "determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan." The statement said that coronavirus was not manmade or genetically modified. Meanwhile, a nationalist tabloid controlled by the Chinese Communist Party dismissed claims by the Trump administration that the novel coronavirus originated from a laboratory, as the war of words over the pandemic escalated between Washington and Beijing. China's state-owned Global Times newspaper said in an editorial that the US had "stunned the world with groundless accusations." Scientists around the world have also condemned conspiracy theories. Also read | More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh China has faced criticism at home and abroad over its handling of the virus, especially during the initial outbreak. It was accused of silencing whistleblowers and delaying informing the public about the severity of the crisis. Critics, however, allege the Trump administration has ramped up efforts to blame China for the global spread of the virus as it faces growing criticism at home for its own handling of the pandemic. The US so far has recorded more than 1.1 million cases and at least 68,000 deaths related to coronavirus.

Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market

The Swiss government's coronavirus aid package should be used to make the country's economy more sustainable and help tackle climate change, environmentalists said on Monday (May 4).

Swiss environmentalists demand green reconstruction after coronavirus crisis

Loyal followers of "Saint Jesus Malverde" paid tribute to the popular narco figure on Sunday (May 03) to mark the anniversary of the execution of Jesus Malverde in Culiacan, in Mexico's state of Sinaloa.

Mexicans celebrate anniversary of "narco saint" despite pandemic

Fire leapt from the masked performer's twirling baton as the festive Ramadan float drove through the back streets of East Jerusalem, with children cheering and parents watching from balconies.

With fire, light and music, bringing Ramadan to a fun-starved Jerusalem

To keep customers and staff safe, Taiwanese-style hot pot restaurant in Bangkok, Hanji Hot Pot has installed plastic screens in between tables to maintain social distance between customers.

Thai hot pot restaurant separates diners with plastic screens after restrictions eased

The Silva twins were supposed to be on an international tour with their dance company last week, performing for large crowds to cheers and applause. Instead, they found themselves on their terrace, practising to the sound of the ocean in the light of the sunset, occasionally interrupted by their two rambunctious dogs.

Dance on rooftops, seaside sunsets: Cuban artists find inspiration in coronavirus quarantine

A dog grooming service in Bangkok re-opened after lockdown on Monday (May 4) to welcome furry dogs in need of hair cuts but business is not the same from before the coronavirus outbreak which forced business around the world, including in Thailand, to close for months.

Scruffy dogs head to the groomer as Thai lockdown eases

Two special flights are set to begin evacuating Indians stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid the coronavirus lockdown, on Thursday.

The passenger list will be made on the basis of registrations in the Embassy or Consulate database which was launched for this purpose a few days back.

The list for the two flights -- Abu Dhabi to Kochi and Dubai to Kozhikode -- will be finalised by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, and the Consulate General of India, Dubai, a statement said on Monday.

According to the statement, priority will be given to workers in distress, elderly people, urgent medical cases, pregnant women as well as to other people who are stranded in difficult situations.

The cost of the tickets and other conditions, for travel including quarantine requirements after reaching India, and health requirements to board the flight will be conveyed in due course and will have to be accepted by each passenger.

The Embassy or Consulate will also convey the details of further flights to different destinations in India in the coming days and the process for finalisation of the passenger lists for these flights will remain the same.

As there were almost 2,00,000 registrations for travelling back, it will take time for all the people to be accommodated on these flights, the statement said.&nbsp;

Two special flights are set to begin evacuating Indians stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid the coronavirus lockdown, on Thursday. The passenger list will be made on the basis of registrations in the Embassy or Consulate database which was launched for this purpose a few days back.

Two special flights are set to begin evacuating Indians stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid the coronavirus lockdown, on Thursday. The passenger list will be made on the basis of registrations in the Embassy or Consulate database which was launched for this purpose a few days back. The list for the two flights -- Abu Dhabi to Kochi and Dubai to Kozhikode -- will be finalised by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, and the Consulate General of India, Dubai, a statement said on Monday. According to the statement, priority will be given to workers in distress, elderly people, urgent medical cases, pregnant women as well as to other people who are stranded in difficult situations. The cost of the tickets and other conditions, for travel including quarantine requirements after reaching India, and health requirements to board the flight will be conveyed in due course and will have to be accepted by each passenger. The Embassy or Consulate will also convey the details of further flights to different destinations in India in the coming days and the process for finalisation of the passenger lists for these flights will remain the same. As there were almost 2,00,000 registrations for travelling back, it will take time for all the people to be accommodated on these flights, the statement said.

Two special flights to begin evacuating Indian stranded in UAE on Thursday

A floor of Delhi's Shastri Bhavan, which houses several important ministries, was sealed on Tuesday after a senior official tested positive for coronavirus. This is the second incident of a government building being partially cordoned off in Lutyen's Delhi within a week.

An official of the law ministry, housed on the second floor of Shastri Bhavan, tested positive for the coronavirus, and as per the protocol, the contact tracing has been initiated.

To this end, the fourth floor 'A' wing from gate 1 to gate 3 has been sealed and is being disinfected. Some gates and lifts will also remain closed till Wednesday.

The deputy secretary who tested positive used to take a close relative to a hospital for treatment regularly and "may have got infected there".

On April 28, the NITI Aayog building in the high-security zone was sealed for 48 hours after a director-level officer tested positive for the virus.

Before that, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, which houses the Civil Aviation Ministry, was sealed for sanitisation.

In other such incident, the CRPF headquarters and a portion of the BSF headquarters were also sealed recently. These buildings are in CGO Complex in the national capital.

A floor of Delhi's Shastri Bhavan, which houses several important ministries, was sealed on Tuesday after a senior official tested positive for coronavirus. This is the second incident of a government building being partially cordoned off in Lutyen's Delhi within a week.

A floor of Delhi's Shastri Bhavan, which houses several important ministries, was sealed on Tuesday after a senior official tested positive for coronavirus. This is the second incident of a government building being partially cordoned off in Lutyen's Delhi within a week. An official of the law ministry, housed on the second floor of Shastri Bhavan, tested positive for the coronavirus, and as per the protocol, the contact tracing has been initiated. To this end, the fourth floor 'A' wing from gate 1 to gate 3 has been sealed and is being disinfected. Some gates and lifts will also remain closed till Wednesday. The deputy secretary who tested positive used to take a close relative to a hospital for treatment regularly and "may have got infected there". On April 28, the NITI Aayog building in the high-security zone was sealed for 48 hours after a director-level officer tested positive for the virus. Before that, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, which houses the Civil Aviation Ministry, was sealed for sanitisation. In other such incident, the CRPF headquarters and a portion of the BSF headquarters were also sealed recently. These buildings are in CGO Complex in the national capital.

India's top government building in Delhi sealed after law ministry official tests positive for coronavirus

Twenty-four people including serving and retired armed forces personnel have tested positive for coronavirus in the Army's Research and Referral hospital in Delhi.

All of them have been shifted to the Army's Base hospital in Delhi Cantonment.

These 24 people include the military personnel as well as their dependents.

Contract tracing is currently being done, and more number cases are likely to emerge.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/195-die-and-3900-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-india-in-last-24-hours-sharpest-single-day-spike-296727">Also read |&nbsp;195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike</a>

Twenty-four people including serving and retired armed forces personnel have tested positive for coronavirus in the Army's Research and Referral hospital in Delhi.

Twenty-four people including serving and retired armed forces personnel have tested positive for coronavirus in the Army's Research and Referral hospital in Delhi. All of them have been shifted to the Army's Base hospital in Delhi Cantonment. These 24 people include the military personnel as well as their dependents. Contract tracing is currently being done, and more number cases are likely to emerge. Also read | 195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike

Over 20 people in Army's RR hospital test positive for coronavirus

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 21,501 after 1,315 new infections were recorded, while 24 people died due to the disease, taking the death toll in the country to 486, the health ministry said on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab reported 8,103 case, Sindh 7,882, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,288 Balochistan 1,321, Islamabad 464, Gilgit-Baltistan 372 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 71 cases.

So far 222,404 tests were conducted, including 9,857 in the last 24 hours.

During the period, 1,315 new patients were reported, taking the tally to 21,501 in the country on Tuesday.

The total number of deaths reached 486 after 24 patients died of the disease. Another 5,782 patients have recovered so far.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that the nationwide lockdown will be lifted gradually, asserting that Pakistan cannot afford an indefinite closure.

He is also expected to chair the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss the COVID-19 and lockdown situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Supreme Court has expressed dismay over the shutting down of business activities by the provincial governments to contain the spread of the virus, questioning if their decision was against the mandate of the Constitution.

Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, while hearing a case about the tackling of the pandemic in the country, questioned which authority had empowered the provincial governments to encroach upon the revenue generation domain of the federation and that too without prior concurrence of the president or the federal government.&nbsp;

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 21,501 after 1,315 new infections were recorded, while 24 people died due to the disease, taking the death toll in the country to 486, the health ministry said on Tuesday.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 21,501 after 1,315 new infections were recorded, while 24 people died due to the disease, taking the death toll in the country to 486, the health ministry said on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab reported 8,103 case, Sindh 7,882, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,288 Balochistan 1,321, Islamabad 464, Gilgit-Baltistan 372 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 71 cases. So far 222,404 tests were conducted, including 9,857 in the last 24 hours. During the period, 1,315 new patients were reported, taking the tally to 21,501 in the country on Tuesday. The total number of deaths reached 486 after 24 patients died of the disease. Another 5,782 patients have recovered so far. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that the nationwide lockdown will be lifted gradually, asserting that Pakistan cannot afford an indefinite closure. He is also expected to chair the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss the COVID-19 and lockdown situation in the country. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Supreme Court has expressed dismay over the shutting down of business activities by the provincial governments to contain the spread of the virus, questioning if their decision was against the mandate of the Constitution. Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, while hearing a case about the tackling of the pandemic in the country, questioned which authority had empowered the provincial governments to encroach upon the revenue generation domain of the federation and that too without prior concurrence of the president or the federal government.

Pakistan's coronavirus tally surges past 21,000; 486 deaths reported so far

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A draft government report predicts that the daily death toll from the coronavirus could reach 3,000 by June 1 — twice the current rate.

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State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government.&nbsp;

On Monday, when the state witnessed its highest-ever surge in coronavirus cases, the Government announced its decision to open state-run liquor outlets (does not include bars) across the state starting May 7th. Ironically, the state had seen 527 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, of which 266 cases were in the capital city Chennai alone. The announcement to open liquor outlets came in the evening, long after the videos of serpentine queues outside liquor shops in other states went viral.&nbsp;

The State government had mentioned that the decision to open liquor stores was taken after noting that people living in the border areas were travelling in large numbers to neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where liquor stores have already opened.&nbsp;

The announcement to open liquor stores also came with guidelines on a 6-feet distance between customers, a limit on 5 customers at a time, and that shops can deploy more workforce to avoid crowding. Going by the crowds witnessed in other states across India, it is needless to talk about how well these rules can be implemented.

The Tamil Nadu governments decision to open liquor shops at a time when the state was seeing a nearly three-fold rise in daily Covid-19 cases drew a lot of flak. Leaders from across the spectrum lashed out at the government. Tamil Nadu has recorded a total of 3550 Covid-19 cases, of which 2107 are active cases. 1438 of the active cases are in the state's capital city Chennai, which has a high population density. &nbsp;

“Doesn’t the government realize that it’s every mistake is taking away lives. After failing to protect the Koyambedu market the government wants to open liquor shops” Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan tweeted.&nbsp;

On the decision to not open shops within Chennai Police limits alone, Political analyst and senior journalist Dr Sumanth C Raman told WION, “it makes no sense, as people can always go to the nearby districts and buy liquor. This would mean that people travel long distances and that crowding would be much more in stores that are open. People would also buy in bulk from elsewhere and start selling it in black in Chennai”.

However, Dr Raman also added that “Liquor brings in about 90crores per day in Tamil Nadu and its been shut during the lockdown. The state government has no money, and are left with no option. They haven’t received the GST dues from the Central Government, so can the state do away with welfare schemes or hike prices of milk and bus fares and electricity rates? The opposition will lash out at the ruling party for opening liquor shops, but they don’t offer solutions either. Can opposition parties close down the breweries owned by their leaders ?”&nbsp;

While Tamil Nadu has deferred the opening of liquor shops within Chennai City Police limits, the state-run TASMAC outlets will remain open in other parts of the state. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu would also hike the price of liquor by including an additional cess in the liquor prices. So far, Delhi has announced a 70% increase in prices of liquor, due to a new ‘Corona tax’. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu and other states where liquor sales are permitted will follow suit.

State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government.

State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government. On Monday, when the state witnessed its highest-ever surge in coronavirus cases, the Government announced its decision to open state-run liquor outlets (does not include bars) across the state starting May 7th. Ironically, the state had seen 527 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, of which 266 cases were in the capital city Chennai alone. The announcement to open liquor outlets came in the evening, long after the videos of serpentine queues outside liquor shops in other states went viral. The State government had mentioned that the decision to open liquor stores was taken after noting that people living in the border areas were travelling in large numbers to neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where liquor stores have already opened. The announcement to open liquor stores also came with guidelines on a 6-feet distance between customers, a limit on 5 customers at a time, and that shops can deploy more workforce to avoid crowding. Going by the crowds witnessed in other states across India, it is needless to talk about how well these rules can be implemented. The Tamil Nadu governments decision to open liquor shops at a time when the state was seeing a nearly three-fold rise in daily Covid-19 cases drew a lot of flak. Leaders from across the spectrum lashed out at the government. Tamil Nadu has recorded a total of 3550 Covid-19 cases, of which 2107 are active cases. 1438 of the active cases are in the state's capital city Chennai, which has a high population density. “Doesn’t the government realize that it’s every mistake is taking away lives. After failing to protect the Koyambedu market the government wants to open liquor shops” Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan tweeted. On the decision to not open shops within Chennai Police limits alone, Political analyst and senior journalist Dr Sumanth C Raman told WION, “it makes no sense, as people can always go to the nearby districts and buy liquor. This would mean that people travel long distances and that crowding would be much more in stores that are open. People would also buy in bulk from elsewhere and start selling it in black in Chennai”. However, Dr Raman also added that “Liquor brings in about 90crores per day in Tamil Nadu and its been shut during the lockdown. The state government has no money, and are left with no option. They haven’t received the GST dues from the Central Government, so can the state do away with welfare schemes or hike prices of milk and bus fares and electricity rates? The opposition will lash out at the ruling party for opening liquor shops, but they don’t offer solutions either. Can opposition parties close down the breweries owned by their leaders ?” While Tamil Nadu has deferred the opening of liquor shops within Chennai City Police limits, the state-run TASMAC outlets will remain open in other parts of the state. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu would also hike the price of liquor by including an additional cess in the liquor prices. So far, Delhi has announced a 70% increase in prices of liquor, due to a new ‘Corona tax’. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu and other states where liquor sales are permitted will follow suit.

Facing flak, Tamil Nadu defers opening of state-run liquor stores in Chennai; stores open in other districts from May 7

A doctor at an ambulance unit in Russia's western Voronezh region is in serious condition after falling from a hospital window

Third Russian Doctor falls from Hospital's window; Mystery Continues

The second wave of coronavirus now appears to have largely passed, and Hong Kong hasn't recorded a case of local transmission in more than two weeks.

The measures it has taken over the past few weeks can well serve as an example for the world on how to stem the second wave of coronavirus transmissions.

The government took quick, aggressive action to curb the second imported wave; they barred non-residents from entering the city, halted travellers from transiting through the city's airport, and implemented strict quarantine and testing measures on all arrivals to the city, regardless of origin.&nbsp;

Those under home quarantine were given electronic bracelets to track their location.

In measures also implemented in early February and March, the government had implemented restrictions like prohibiting alcohol sales in bars and closing all gyms and sports facilities. Many restaurants and cafes were closed; those that stayed open had to cut down seating capacity to increase the distance between customers, or put up physical barriers between tables.

Though many of these measures were viewed by some as drastic, authorities never ordered an official lockdown or stay-at-home order, relying instead on community efforts and peoples' compliance to contain the virus.

This approach appears to have worked, with new daily cases dropping once again. April 19 was the last recorded local transmission.

In total, Hong Kong has recorded only 15 new cases since April 20, all of which were people with recent travel history, bringing&nbsp;the city's total to 1,041 cases and four deaths.&nbsp;

Of these, 900 have recovered and been discharged from hospital.

The coronavirus first emerged in mainland China in December, and jumped the border into Hong Kong on January 24. By then, it had already made its way to several other countries.

Meanwhile, the government and the public in Hong Kong are now cautiously turning their focus to resuming life and business in the city, and transitioning from survival to healing.

On Monday, the government reopened recreational and sports spaces like tennis courts, resumed some services like drivers' license tests and classes, and resumed community services for vulnerable populations like the disabled and elderly.

Schools are still closed citywide, with students taking online classes -- but authorities are now considering the possibility of reopening schools for the last few weeks of the academic year, before summer vacation.

However, as the coronavirus subsides, there's another concern looming on the horizon now -- the return of social unrest. The city was rocked by six months of often violent pro-democracy anti-government protests in 2019, which came to a halt during the pandemic.&nbsp;

The protestors may gear up to return to the streets yet again.

There have already been a handful of small-scale protests in the past two weeks.

Another lesson to be learnt: there shouldn't be any social unrest awaiting the reopening of the state.

The second wave of coronavirus now appears to have largely passed, and Hong Kong hasn't recorded a case of local transmission in more than two weeks. The measures it has taken over the past few weeks can well serve as an example for the world on how to stem the second wave of coronavirus transmissions.

The second wave of coronavirus now appears to have largely passed, and Hong Kong hasn't recorded a case of local transmission in more than two weeks. The measures it has taken over the past few weeks can well serve as an example for the world on how to stem the second wave of coronavirus transmissions. The government took quick, aggressive action to curb the second imported wave; they barred non-residents from entering the city, halted travellers from transiting through the city's airport, and implemented strict quarantine and testing measures on all arrivals to the city, regardless of origin. Those under home quarantine were given electronic bracelets to track their location. In measures also implemented in early February and March, the government had implemented restrictions like prohibiting alcohol sales in bars and closing all gyms and sports facilities. Many restaurants and cafes were closed; those that stayed open had to cut down seating capacity to increase the distance between customers, or put up physical barriers between tables. Though many of these measures were viewed by some as drastic, authorities never ordered an official lockdown or stay-at-home order, relying instead on community efforts and peoples' compliance to contain the virus. This approach appears to have worked, with new daily cases dropping once again. April 19 was the last recorded local transmission. In total, Hong Kong has recorded only 15 new cases since April 20, all of which were people with recent travel history, bringing the city's total to 1,041 cases and four deaths. Of these, 900 have recovered and been discharged from hospital. The coronavirus first emerged in mainland China in December, and jumped the border into Hong Kong on January 24. By then, it had already made its way to several other countries. Meanwhile, the government and the public in Hong Kong are now cautiously turning their focus to resuming life and business in the city, and transitioning from survival to healing. On Monday, the government reopened recreational and sports spaces like tennis courts, resumed some services like drivers' license tests and classes, and resumed community services for vulnerable populations like the disabled and elderly. Schools are still closed citywide, with students taking online classes -- but authorities are now considering the possibility of reopening schools for the last few weeks of the academic year, before summer vacation. However, as the coronavirus subsides, there's another concern looming on the horizon now -- the return of social unrest. The city was rocked by six months of often violent pro-democracy anti-government protests in 2019, which came to a halt during the pandemic. The protestors may gear up to return to the streets yet again. There have already been a handful of small-scale protests in the past two weeks. Another lesson to be learnt: there shouldn't be any social unrest awaiting the reopening of the state.

How Hong Kong contained its second wave of coronavirus transmissions

China is facing global hostility on its handling of the coronavirus outbreak. Now an internal Chinese report says that anti-china sentiment is higher since 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Internal Chinese report on global hostility, Worse than 1989 Tiananmen crackdown

A new report advocating the widespread use of face masks to prevent coronavirus transmissions has become the bone of contention among scientists.

According to Delve's -- a multi-disciplinary group convened by the Royal Society report, published on Monday, face masks could reduce coronavirus transmissions if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible, such as busy public transport, shopping areas or workspaces.

But as it appears, the recommendation contrasts to the standard use of masks for the protection of wearers, suggesting face coverings could stymie transmission in symptomless carriers.

The report has prompted other scientists to express their reservations, warning it amounted to no more than opinion and overstated the available evidence.

The said report is based on analysis of three key considerations, including the role of droplets as a route of transmission, and whether masks can help to reduce dispersal of droplets.

Many fear the evidence base is insufficient to warrant such conclusions.

"Our analysis suggests that their use could reduce onward transmission by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic wearers if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible or predictable, contrasting to the standard use of masks for the protection of wearers. If correctly used on this basis, face masks, including homemade cloth masks, can contribute to reducing viral transmission," the report noted.

Experts say the report “falls short of delivering new evidence and too casually dismisses precautionary principle when addressing the possibility that masks and coverings could have negative effects on people’s behaviours”.

"This is not to say that face coverings might not be helpful. But the report does not accurately represent the evidence on face coverings that currently exists," an expert said.

Another expert said, "That is not a piece or research. That is a non-systematic review of anecdotical and non-clinical studies."

A professor at the University of Oxford, however, welcomed the report, saying it adds weight to the argument that face coverings by the general public could be part of a route out of lockdown.

"Medical-grade masks are not needed outside of healthcare settings. A cloth mask provides very good protection, and is more comfortable to wear," she said.

"Until more evidence is delivered in either direction, that’s all advice can be based on -- opinions," an expert concluded.

A new report advocating the widespread use of face masks to prevent coronavirus transmissions has become the bone of contention among scientists. According to Delve's -- a multi-disciplinary group convened by the Royal Society report, published on Monday, face masks could reduce coronavirus transmissions if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible, such as busy public transport, shopping areas or workspaces.

A new report advocating the widespread use of face masks to prevent coronavirus transmissions has become the bone of contention among scientists. According to Delve's -- a multi-disciplinary group convened by the Royal Society report, published on Monday, face masks could reduce coronavirus transmissions if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible, such as busy public transport, shopping areas or workspaces. But as it appears, the recommendation contrasts to the standard use of masks for the protection of wearers, suggesting face coverings could stymie transmission in symptomless carriers. The report has prompted other scientists to express their reservations, warning it amounted to no more than opinion and overstated the available evidence. The said report is based on analysis of three key considerations, including the role of droplets as a route of transmission, and whether masks can help to reduce dispersal of droplets. Many fear the evidence base is insufficient to warrant such conclusions. "Our analysis suggests that their use could reduce onward transmission by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic wearers if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible or predictable, contrasting to the standard use of masks for the protection of wearers. If correctly used on this basis, face masks, including homemade cloth masks, can contribute to reducing viral transmission," the report noted. Experts say the report “falls short of delivering new evidence and too casually dismisses precautionary principle when addressing the possibility that masks and coverings could have negative effects on people’s behaviours”. "This is not to say that face coverings might not be helpful. But the report does not accurately represent the evidence on face coverings that currently exists," an expert said. Another expert said, "That is not a piece or research. That is a non-systematic review of anecdotical and non-clinical studies." A professor at the University of Oxford, however, welcomed the report, saying it adds weight to the argument that face coverings by the general public could be part of a route out of lockdown. "Medical-grade masks are not needed outside of healthcare settings. A cloth mask provides very good protection, and is more comfortable to wear," she said. "Until more evidence is delivered in either direction, that’s all advice can be based on -- opinions," an expert concluded.

Scientists spar over new report that recommends widespread use of face masks to stem coronavirus transmission

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