The novel coronavirus is likely to keep spreading for at least another 18 months to two years -- until 60 to 70 per cent of the population has been infected, researchers have said.

The team of researchers also suggested that the US should prepare for a worst-case scenario that includes a second big wave of coronavirus infections in the fall and winter.

Even in a best-case scenario, people will continue to die from the virus, they predicted -- as the herd immunity gradually develops in the human population.

COVID-19 is most comparable to a pandemic strain of influenza. It appears to spread more easily than flu because of a longer incubation period, more asymptomatic spread, and a higher R0. R0 is the average number of other people infected by each patient.

A higher R0 means more people will need to get infected and become immune before the pandemic can end.

The course of the pandemic also could be influenced by a vaccine; however, a vaccine will likely not be available until at least sometime in 2021, the team said.

The novel coronavirus is likely to keep spreading for at least another 18 months to two years -- until 60 to 70 per cent of the population has been infected, researchers have said.

The novel coronavirus is likely to keep spreading for at least another 18 months to two years -- until 60 to 70 per cent of the population has been infected, researchers have said. The team of researchers also suggested that the US should prepare for a worst-case scenario that includes a second big wave of coronavirus infections in the fall and winter. Even in a best-case scenario, people will continue to die from the virus, they predicted -- as the herd immunity gradually develops in the human population. COVID-19 is most comparable to a pandemic strain of influenza. It appears to spread more easily than flu because of a longer incubation period, more asymptomatic spread, and a higher R0. R0 is the average number of other people infected by each patient. A higher R0 means more people will need to get infected and become immune before the pandemic can end. The course of the pandemic also could be influenced by a vaccine; however, a vaccine will likely not be available until at least sometime in 2021, the team said.

Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study

There is surge in cancers deaths due to disruptions in health services. According to a new research, Cancer deaths in United Kingdom could rise by 20%. Watch this video to know more.

Surge in cancers deaths due to disruptions in health services

There has been a significant increase in cybercrime against women, especially sextortion, during the COVID-19-induced lockdown with "caged criminals" targeting them online, say experts.

The nationwide lockdown imposed from March 25 to April 14, and then extended to May 3, aims at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus that has claimed 1,147 lives and infected 35,043 people in the country.

According to National Commission for Women (NCW) data, 54 cybercrime complaints were received online in April in comparison to 37 complaints -- received online and by post -- in March, and 21 complaints in February. The panel is taking complaints online due to the lockdown.

Cyber experts, however, said the numbers are just the "tip of the iceberg".

"We received a total of 412 genuine complaints of cyber abuse from March 25 till April 25. Out of these, as many as 396 complaints were serious ones from women, (and these) ranged from abuse, indecent exposure, unsolicited obscene pictures, threats, malicious emails claiming their account was hacked, ransom demands, blackmail and more," said the founder of the Akancha Foundation, Akancha Srivastava.

The organisation works for education and empowerment of people by imparting knowledge on cyber safety.

Srivastava said on an average she has been getting 20-25 such complaints daily, while before the lockdown the number was less than 10 per day. This is a "significant" increase, she said.

"This is just the frustration and anger that is coming to the fore as there is no other release right now. This is a form of frustration as they (cyber criminals) are caged right now," she said.

"Men are morphing images and threatening women. There is a whole racket going on where women are getting these emails that your phone and laptop has been hacked, and if you don't deposit money my account I will send your morphed images, and share it with all your contacts," Srivastava added.

Vineet Kumar, founder and president of Cyber Peace Foundation, said specially the cases of "sextortion" have increased during the lockdown.

Sextortion is extorting money or sexual favours from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity through means like morphed images.

"People are getting into relationships online as they are under lockdown and sextortion cases are being reported to us," he said. Kumar said in these times people are connecting through technology but forgetting the security component.

"Immediately after lockdown, we saw a rise in cases of misinformation, fake news and women getting duped online when they click on malware links which gets all their information on phone, turns on the camera and microphone, and captures their intimate moments. These are then used for blackmailing," he added.

Many women do not want to make official complaints in these cases, he said.

"Cyber Peace has been receiving complaints through its channels and it has been seen that people are reluctant in filing complaints.

They want us to handle things unofficially," Kumar said.

"Whatever official figure that is being quoted is just the tip of the iceberg as a majority of women do not report cybercrime because they worry about the social stigma associated with it," he said.

Vandana Verma, founder of InfoSec Girls, said when the whole country is locked down, people are working from home and spending a lot of time on the internet. So, even cyber criminals are becoming innovative and craftier in their techniques, she said .

"Like sending specific phishing emails or themed emails for the current COVID-19 situation to people and getting their confidential details like address, phone numbers. These emails appear to have come from legitimate sources like the government in the form of advisories when they are not at all related to the government in any form," Verma said.

"Creation of fake profiles, cyber bullying, online stalking are bigger challenges at this time. Insensitive comments on posts are also intimidating," she said.

Verma advised that such cybercrimes can be prevented through education on technology.

"How to securely use the digital media, creating strong a password and spreading awareness on phishing emails, fake videos and securely sharing content on the internet can help a lot in safeguarding women," she said.

NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said often it is seen there is lack of awareness among women on where to reach out when something happens.

"There is cyber police in every district who they can contact. They can reach out to us also if they need help," she said.

She advised women to remain careful in the cyber space. "We are talking to women on how to protect themselves in cyber space. We advice women to not share their personal pictures or details on social media as it's not safe. Women should realise that at times people known to them can also take advantage," said Verma.

CSC e-Governance Services India, which holds the license for providing internet services, recorded an increase in data consumption to 4.7 terabyte (TB) as on March 30 from 2.7 TB on March 10.

"Based on the growth trend, data consumption on the CSC SPV network is estimated to have increased by close to 100 per cent till date," CSC SPV CEO Dinesh Tyagi told PTI on April 5. He said that a major spike in data consumption has been recorded since the time lockdown started.

There are more than 60 crore internet users in India and out of this about 29 crore are in rural areas.&nbsp;

There has been a significant increase in cybercrime against women, especially sextortion, during the COVID-19-induced lockdown with "caged criminals" targeting them online, say experts.

There has been a significant increase in cybercrime against women, especially sextortion, during the COVID-19-induced lockdown with "caged criminals" targeting them online, say experts. The nationwide lockdown imposed from March 25 to April 14, and then extended to May 3, aims at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus that has claimed 1,147 lives and infected 35,043 people in the country. According to National Commission for Women (NCW) data, 54 cybercrime complaints were received online in April in comparison to 37 complaints -- received online and by post -- in March, and 21 complaints in February. The panel is taking complaints online due to the lockdown. Cyber experts, however, said the numbers are just the "tip of the iceberg". "We received a total of 412 genuine complaints of cyber abuse from March 25 till April 25. Out of these, as many as 396 complaints were serious ones from women, (and these) ranged from abuse, indecent exposure, unsolicited obscene pictures, threats, malicious emails claiming their account was hacked, ransom demands, blackmail and more," said the founder of the Akancha Foundation, Akancha Srivastava. The organisation works for education and empowerment of people by imparting knowledge on cyber safety. Srivastava said on an average she has been getting 20-25 such complaints daily, while before the lockdown the number was less than 10 per day. This is a "significant" increase, she said. "This is just the frustration and anger that is coming to the fore as there is no other release right now. This is a form of frustration as they (cyber criminals) are caged right now," she said. "Men are morphing images and threatening women. There is a whole racket going on where women are getting these emails that your phone and laptop has been hacked, and if you don't deposit money my account I will send your morphed images, and share it with all your contacts," Srivastava added. Vineet Kumar, founder and president of Cyber Peace Foundation, said specially the cases of "sextortion" have increased during the lockdown. Sextortion is extorting money or sexual favours from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity through means like morphed images. "People are getting into relationships online as they are under lockdown and sextortion cases are being reported to us," he said. Kumar said in these times people are connecting through technology but forgetting the security component. "Immediately after lockdown, we saw a rise in cases of misinformation, fake news and women getting duped online when they click on malware links which gets all their information on phone, turns on the camera and microphone, and captures their intimate moments. These are then used for blackmailing," he added. Many women do not want to make official complaints in these cases, he said. "Cyber Peace has been receiving complaints through its channels and it has been seen that people are reluctant in filing complaints. They want us to handle things unofficially," Kumar said. "Whatever official figure that is being quoted is just the tip of the iceberg as a majority of women do not report cybercrime because they worry about the social stigma associated with it," he said. Vandana Verma, founder of InfoSec Girls, said when the whole country is locked down, people are working from home and spending a lot of time on the internet. So, even cyber criminals are becoming innovative and craftier in their techniques, she said . "Like sending specific phishing emails or themed emails for the current COVID-19 situation to people and getting their confidential details like address, phone numbers. These emails appear to have come from legitimate sources like the government in the form of advisories when they are not at all related to the government in any form," Verma said. "Creation of fake profiles, cyber bullying, online stalking are bigger challenges at this time. Insensitive comments on posts are also intimidating," she said. Verma advised that such cybercrimes can be prevented through education on technology. "How to securely use the digital media, creating strong a password and spreading awareness on phishing emails, fake videos and securely sharing content on the internet can help a lot in safeguarding women," she said. NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said often it is seen there is lack of awareness among women on where to reach out when something happens. "There is cyber police in every district who they can contact. They can reach out to us also if they need help," she said. She advised women to remain careful in the cyber space. "We are talking to women on how to protect themselves in cyber space. We advice women to not share their personal pictures or details on social media as it's not safe. Women should realise that at times people known to them can also take advantage," said Verma. CSC e-Governance Services India, which holds the license for providing internet services, recorded an increase in data consumption to 4.7 terabyte (TB) as on March 30 from 2.7 TB on March 10. "Based on the growth trend, data consumption on the CSC SPV network is estimated to have increased by close to 100 per cent till date," CSC SPV CEO Dinesh Tyagi told PTI on April 5. He said that a major spike in data consumption has been recorded since the time lockdown started. There are more than 60 crore internet users in India and out of this about 29 crore are in rural areas.

'Significant' increase in cybercrime against women during coronavirus lockdown in India

Russia on Friday set a grim milestone by recording a huge daily rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. This comes in the wake of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announcing he had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and was temporarily stepping down to recover.

The nationwide case tally rose by 7,933 cases in 24 hours and now stands at 1,14,431.

It said 96 people diagnosed with COVID-19 had died in the last 24 hours. That raised the official overall death toll up to 1,169.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sees-record-rise-in-one-day-coronavirus-infections-total-number-tops-100000-295862">Also read | Russia sees record rise in one-day coronavirus infections</a>

In Mishustin's absence, first Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov will serve as acting prime minister.

Mishustin, who had been one of the main coordinators of Russia's response to the new coronavirus, was the first high-ranking official to publically say they have the virus.

Russia's cases began to sharply rise last month, and on Thursday surged past the 1,00,000 mark. It has, however, so far recorded far fewer deaths than many of the hardest-hit countries.

Russia has been on lockdown since Putin announced the closure of most public spaces in late March to limit the scope for the virus to spread.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-passes-230000-confirmed-recoveries-hit-1-million-295999">Also read |&nbsp;Coronavirus global death toll passes 230,000; confirmed recoveries hit 1 million</a>

Russia on Friday set a grim milestone by recording a huge daily rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. This comes in the wake of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announcing he had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and was temporarily stepping down to recover.

Russia on Friday set a grim milestone by recording a huge daily rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. This comes in the wake of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announcing he had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and was temporarily stepping down to recover. The nationwide case tally rose by 7,933 cases in 24 hours and now stands at 1,14,431. It said 96 people diagnosed with COVID-19 had died in the last 24 hours. That raised the official overall death toll up to 1,169. Also read | Russia sees record rise in one-day coronavirus infections In Mishustin's absence, first Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov will serve as acting prime minister. Mishustin, who had been one of the main coordinators of Russia's response to the new coronavirus, was the first high-ranking official to publically say they have the virus. Russia's cases began to sharply rise last month, and on Thursday surged past the 1,00,000 mark. It has, however, so far recorded far fewer deaths than many of the hardest-hit countries. Russia has been on lockdown since Putin announced the closure of most public spaces in late March to limit the scope for the virus to spread. Also read | Coronavirus global death toll passes 230,000; confirmed recoveries hit 1 million

Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day

The new president of the United Nations Security Council Estonia has called for more transparency and information on COVID crisis even as the country has sought cooperation among members of the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal Estonia's envoy to India Katrin Kivi this kind of threats can't stop on the state border. Estonia had presented COVID draft in March but due to lack of consensus among permanent UNSC members, it was not adopted. In another major development, the country has invited India to be part of some UNSC meets for the month of May. On Kashmir, she said, UNSC should be seized of other mater and no one should bring the bilateral issue on the table of the body.

WION Exclusive: Estonian envoy to India speaks with WION

Londoners welcomed the news that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday (April 29). The baby was born at a London hospital slightly earlier than had been expected.

Boris Johnson welcomes a baby boy: How twitter reacted to the news

A new study&nbsp;claims that at least five skin conditions may be triggered by coronavirus.

The Spanish Academy of Dermatology carried out research on 375 patients of the virus to better understand the dermatological effects of COVID-19. They found that most patients who had inexplicable skin ailments due to coronavirus were somewhat similar.

Based on a questionnaire, the researchers found that most patients reported five skin conditions.

Here are the five conditions that one can develop while battling COVID-19.

Vesicular eruptions

Small itchy blisters appeared in over 9 per cent of the cases. A vesicular or morbilliform eruption may be present on the buttocks, or genitalia - mostly in the lower part of the body.

The study claimed that such blisters are filled with blood and have the ability to become bigger.

Such symptoms were visible mostly in middle-aged patients and lasted for an average 10.4 days.

Livedo 

Livedo reticularis refers to conditions which cause mottled discolouration of the skin. It is usually described as being reticular in appearance.

Over 6 per cent cases reported this condition. This usually happens when the blood circulation in parts of skin is impaired, which causes discolouration of the skin.

In essence, it’s the premature death of skin tissues. Most patients who reported this condition were old and were severely affected by the virus.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="416171e3-ab31-4833-b141-eba17c53ddff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_3.jpg" /> 
Doctor Henri Metzger (L) examins a resident at a specialised accommodation centre managed by social aid association Aleos for COVID-19 patients who are homeless or coming from emergency or transitional housing, on April 17, 2020, in Mulhouse, eastern France, on the 32nd day of a lockdown in France aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus | AFP</h6>

&nbsp;

Chiblain

If one has this ailment, they develop small lesions due to the inflammation of blood vessels, mostly after being exposed to cold air. Considered very painful, the lesions affect the skin on the hands and the feet. This condition is also known as pernio, perniosis, and cold-induced vascular disorder.

The researchers found that 19 per cent cases reported symptoms similar to chilblain. The patients developed red or purple spots, developed by bleeding under the skin.

Mostly seen among young patients, such symptoms lasted for an average of 12.7 days, and appeared in less severe cases.

Maculopapular rashes

These small, red bumps were found in over 47 per cent cases, the highest among all skin related ailments. Mostly found around hair follicles (roots), the condition lasted for an average of 8.6 days in patients.

This can also lead to blood spots under the skin and appeared alongside the common COVID-19 symptoms.

Only severe cases reported this condition.

Wheals

A raised, itchy area of skin that is sometimes an overt sign of allergy is called a “wheal”. Sometimes this condition is also referred to as hives and welts.

This condition was found in over 19 per cent cases. In this condition, pink or white areas of the skin become protruded.

These can spread to different parts of the body and lasted an average of 6.8 days.

The authors warned against trusting it in face value as a byproduct of coronavirus, for such conditions may have been triggered by complications in the aftermath of contracting the virus.&nbsp;An additional warning against self-diagnosis was given out by the doctors.

A new study claims that at least five skin conditions may be triggered by coronavirus. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology carried out research on 375 patients of the virus to better understand the dermatological effects of COVID-19.

A new study claims that at least five skin conditions may be triggered by coronavirus. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology carried out research on 375 patients of the virus to better understand the dermatological effects of COVID-19. They found that most patients who had inexplicable skin ailments due to coronavirus were somewhat similar. Based on a questionnaire, the researchers found that most patients reported five skin conditions. Here are the five conditions that one can develop while battling COVID-19. Vesicular eruptions Small itchy blisters appeared in over 9 per cent of the cases. A vesicular or morbilliform eruption may be present on the buttocks, or genitalia - mostly in the lower part of the body. The study claimed that such blisters are filled with blood and have the ability to become bigger. Such symptoms were visible mostly in middle-aged patients and lasted for an average 10.4 days. Livedo Livedo reticularis refers to conditions which cause mottled discolouration of the skin. It is usually described as being reticular in appearance. Over 6 per cent cases reported this condition. This usually happens when the blood circulation in parts of skin is impaired, which causes discolouration of the skin. In essence, it’s the premature death of skin tissues. Most patients who reported this condition were old and were severely affected by the virus. Doctor Henri Metzger (L) examins a resident at a specialised accommodation centre managed by social aid association Aleos for COVID-19 patients who are homeless or coming from emergency or transitional housing, on April 17, 2020, in Mulhouse, eastern France, on the 32nd day of a lockdown in France aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus | AFP Chiblain If one has this ailment, they develop small lesions due to the inflammation of blood vessels, mostly after being exposed to cold air. Considered very painful, the lesions affect the skin on the hands and the feet. This condition is also known as pernio, perniosis, and cold-induced vascular disorder. The researchers found that 19 per cent cases reported symptoms similar to chilblain. The patients developed red or purple spots, developed by bleeding under the skin. Mostly seen among young patients, such symptoms lasted for an average of 12.7 days, and appeared in less severe cases. Maculopapular rashes These small, red bumps were found in over 47 per cent cases, the highest among all skin related ailments. Mostly found around hair follicles (roots), the condition lasted for an average of 8.6 days in patients. This can also lead to blood spots under the skin and appeared alongside the common COVID-19 symptoms. Only severe cases reported this condition. Wheals A raised, itchy area of skin that is sometimes an overt sign of allergy is called a “wheal”. Sometimes this condition is also referred to as hives and welts. This condition was found in over 19 per cent cases. In this condition, pink or white areas of the skin become protruded. These can spread to different parts of the body and lasted an average of 6.8 days. The authors warned against trusting it in face value as a byproduct of coronavirus, for such conditions may have been triggered by complications in the aftermath of contracting the virus. An additional warning against self-diagnosis was given out by the doctors.

Coronavirus could cause these five skin conditions: Study

Children face a range of vulnerabilities likely to worsen during the extended the coronavirus-enforced lockdowns across the world.

The risks range from domestic abuse to ill-effects on education -- depending on the metaphysical conditions of the country.

It has been assessed and validated that the number of COVID-19 cases among children remains small, and while some children and infants have been sick with the diseases, adults make up most of the known cases till date. But the number of children infected with the virus is on a constant rise.

Children with the novel coronavirus may be as infectious as adults, studies have found.

A UN report also recently said those badly hit will be children living in slums, refugee and displacement camps, conflict zones, institutions, and detention centres, as well as children with disabilities.

The report pointed to many students being out of school, family stress levels rising as communities face lockdowns, and reduced household income expected to force poor families to cut back on essential health and food expenditures particularly affecting children.

PHYSICAL HEALTH --

A rising number of children in London are becoming ill with a rare syndrome that could be linked to coronavirus. Reported cases show symptoms of abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac inflammation with some children testing positive for coronavirus.

To this end, the Paediatric Intensive Care Society UK (PICS) has alerted Britain about a small rise in the number of cases of critically ill children presenting "overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki disease with blood parameters" -- with some of the children testing positive for COVID-19.

Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is a rare childhood illness that causes the walls of the blood vessels in the body to become inflamed.

The alert added there was a growing concern that a [COVID-19] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK, or that there may be another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen associated with these cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-be-tied-to-a-rare-but-serious-illness-in-children-295199">Also read |&nbsp;Coronavirus could be tied to a rare but serious illness in children</a>

MENTAL HEALTH --

It has been being reported that children are increasingly complaining of being lonely.

Domestic and emotional abuse, and neglect play a major role in this.

To this end, according to psychologists, the most important advice for parents is to listen and validate their child's feelings.

Psychologists, however, say it is too early to say what the effect of long-term social distancing might have on only children. There has not been an academic study as yet.

EDUCATION --

Scientists have also cautioned against the reopening of schools after findings suggested children could be as infectious as adults.

A study found that even though children tended to have milder symptoms, those infected appeared to have the same levels of circulating virus in their body as adults. This suggests schools and nurseries could act as hubs of COVID-19 transmission if current restrictions are lifted.

Unicef had earlier warned that the low number of vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils attending UK schools was "deeply concerning".

Unicef’s views were echoed by the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which issued a stern warning that GCSE and A-level grade assessments this summer should not unfairly penalise children from minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as disabled pupils and those with special educational needs.

To this end, Unicef has also published joint guidelines, with Unesco, the World Food Programme and the World Bank, on how local and national governments can best keep children safe when schools reopen.

As many as 188 countries have imposed countrywide school closures, affecting more than 1.5 billion children and young people. This also implies that nearly 369 million children in 143 countries who rely on school meals for daily nutrition must now look to other sources.

A small respite is the concept of e-learning. Some schools are offering online learning, but children without access to the internet and in countries with slow and expensive services are severely disadvantaged.

HUNGER AND CHILD LABOUR --

According to a report, more than seven million children in Afghanistan are at risk of hunger as food prices soar due to the pandemic.

The UN recently included Afghanistan in a list of countries at risk of famine.

Save the Children said the price of food was rising just at the time when children needed adequate daily nutrition to help strengthen their immune systems.

Also, in some parts, the growing rate of unemployment may force children into child labour, some experts predict.

Children face a range of vulnerabilities likely to worsen during the extended the coronavirus-enforced lockdowns across the world. The risks range from domestic abuse to ill-effects on education -- depending on the metaphysical conditions of the country.

Children face a range of vulnerabilities likely to worsen during the extended the coronavirus-enforced lockdowns across the world. The risks range from domestic abuse to ill-effects on education -- depending on the metaphysical conditions of the country. It has been assessed and validated that the number of COVID-19 cases among children remains small, and while some children and infants have been sick with the diseases, adults make up most of the known cases till date. But the number of children infected with the virus is on a constant rise. Children with the novel coronavirus may be as infectious as adults, studies have found. A UN report also recently said those badly hit will be children living in slums, refugee and displacement camps, conflict zones, institutions, and detention centres, as well as children with disabilities. The report pointed to many students being out of school, family stress levels rising as communities face lockdowns, and reduced household income expected to force poor families to cut back on essential health and food expenditures particularly affecting children. PHYSICAL HEALTH -- A rising number of children in London are becoming ill with a rare syndrome that could be linked to coronavirus. Reported cases show symptoms of abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac inflammation with some children testing positive for coronavirus. To this end, the Paediatric Intensive Care Society UK (PICS) has alerted Britain about a small rise in the number of cases of critically ill children presenting "overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki disease with blood parameters" -- with some of the children testing positive for COVID-19. Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is a rare childhood illness that causes the walls of the blood vessels in the body to become inflamed. The alert added there was a growing concern that a [COVID-19] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK, or that there may be another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen associated with these cases. Also read | Coronavirus could be tied to a rare but serious illness in children MENTAL HEALTH -- It has been being reported that children are increasingly complaining of being lonely. Domestic and emotional abuse, and neglect play a major role in this. To this end, according to psychologists, the most important advice for parents is to listen and validate their child's feelings. Psychologists, however, say it is too early to say what the effect of long-term social distancing might have on only children. There has not been an academic study as yet. EDUCATION -- Scientists have also cautioned against the reopening of schools after findings suggested children could be as infectious as adults. A study found that even though children tended to have milder symptoms, those infected appeared to have the same levels of circulating virus in their body as adults. This suggests schools and nurseries could act as hubs of COVID-19 transmission if current restrictions are lifted. Unicef had earlier warned that the low number of vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils attending UK schools was "deeply concerning". Unicef’s views were echoed by the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which issued a stern warning that GCSE and A-level grade assessments this summer should not unfairly penalise children from minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as disabled pupils and those with special educational needs. To this end, Unicef has also published joint guidelines, with Unesco, the World Food Programme and the World Bank, on how local and national governments can best keep children safe when schools reopen. As many as 188 countries have imposed countrywide school closures, affecting more than 1.5 billion children and young people. This also implies that nearly 369 million children in 143 countries who rely on school meals for daily nutrition must now look to other sources. A small respite is the concept of e-learning. Some schools are offering online learning, but children without access to the internet and in countries with slow and expensive services are severely disadvantaged. HUNGER AND CHILD LABOUR -- According to a report, more than seven million children in Afghanistan are at risk of hunger as food prices soar due to the pandemic. The UN recently included Afghanistan in a list of countries at risk of famine. Save the Children said the price of food was rising just at the time when children needed adequate daily nutrition to help strengthen their immune systems. Also, in some parts, the growing rate of unemployment may force children into child labour, some experts predict.

Why coronavirus impact may be catastrophic for children

US President Donald Trump is upping the ante against China. US Intelligence agencies are investigating 'what China hid' during the Coronavirus outbreak. Funding to a research project in China on 'Coronaviruses and bats' has been stopped. The top United States intelligence agency has said that the virus originated in Wuhan was neither manmade nor genetically modified. Watch this video to know more.

US to investigate 'what China was hiding in Wuhan'

Country's largest carmaker company Maruti Suzuki India on Friday reported zero sales of cars for the first time in April, as the entire nation remained under strict lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The company closed the manufacturing operations from March 22, in line with orders from the government as the Centre decided to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 1147 while the number of cases climbed to 35043.&nbsp;

According to the available data, the total cases in the country reached 35043, including 8889 cured/discharged/migrated and 1147 deaths. In the past 24 hours, 1993 new cases of coronavirus and 73 deaths were reported.&nbsp;

The nationwide lockdown has added more pressure on India`s auto industry that was struggling with a slowing economy and lean demand.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Country's largest carmaker company Maruti Suzuki India on Friday reported zero sales of cars for the first time in April, as the entire nation remained under strict lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Country's largest carmaker company Maruti Suzuki India on Friday reported zero sales of cars for the first time in April, as the entire nation remained under strict lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The company closed the manufacturing operations from March 22, in line with orders from the government as the Centre decided to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 1147 while the number of cases climbed to 35043. According to the available data, the total cases in the country reached 35043, including 8889 cured/discharged/migrated and 1147 deaths. In the past 24 hours, 1993 new cases of coronavirus and 73 deaths were reported. The nationwide lockdown has added more pressure on India`s auto industry that was struggling with a slowing economy and lean demand. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus impact: Maruti Suzuki records zero sales in April for first time in company's history

Maldives has reported its first death from COVID-19 with the number of positive cases standing at 280.

The victim was an 83-year-old woman from the capital Male.

First cases of COVID-19 were reported at tourist resorts in this Indian Ocean archipelago state and authorities for sometime kept it from spilling over into the community.

There has, however, been a sudden spike in recent days in the number of patients in the capital as well as far off islands with no traceable source of infection.

Maldives has reported its first death from COVID-19 with the number of positive cases standing at 280. The victim was an 83-year-old woman from the capital Male.

Maldives has reported its first death from COVID-19 with the number of positive cases standing at 280. The victim was an 83-year-old woman from the capital Male. First cases of COVID-19 were reported at tourist resorts in this Indian Ocean archipelago state and authorities for sometime kept it from spilling over into the community. There has, however, been a sudden spike in recent days in the number of patients in the capital as well as far off islands with no traceable source of infection.

Maldives reports its first coronavirus death

India will be closely watching Spain's exit strategy which is one of the worst impact countries in the world with 24000 deaths. Indian envoy to Spain Sanjay Verma speaks to WION

COVID: INDIA WILL BE CLOSELY WATCHING SPANISH EXIT STRATEGY

Treatment with antiviral drug remdesivir may not significantly speed up recovery from COVID-19 in critically ill hospitalised patients compared to placebo, the first randomised trial of its kind published in The Lancet journal has claimed.

In the absence of any known treatment for COVID-19, remdesivir is one of a handful of experimental drugs undergoing clinical trials worldwide.

This has come in the wake of a US-based pharma company saying the phase three clinical trial of the antiviral drug remdesivir, led by a team of investigators, including an Indian-American physician, for the treatment of the coronavirus patients has showed positive results.

The Lancet study led by researchers from China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Capital Medical University in China involved 237 adults aged 18 and older from ten hospitals in Wuhan.

Although the study is the first randomised controlled trial -- considered the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions -- of remdesivir, the researchers cautioned that interpretation of their findings was limited because the study was stopped early after they were unable to recruit enough patients due to the steep decline in cases in China.

In the trial, all patients received standard care including lopinavir, ritonavir, interferons, and corticosteroids. 
"Remdesivir did not provide significant benefits over placebo," said Professor Bin Cao from China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Capital Medical University.

Remdesivir was originally developed to treat Ebola, and is designed to interfere with the way a virus reproduces, thereby stopping it from multiplying inside the body, the researchers said.

The team noted that case studies have reported benefit in some severely ill patients with COVID-19, but until now, there have been no clinical trials of remdesivir, so its efficacy against COVID-19 in patients is unknown.

In the study, treatment with remdesivir did not result in significant reductions in viral load -- how much SARS-CoV-2 is present in an infected person's body -- or detection of the virus in the upper or lower respiratory tract compared with placebo.

"Remdesivir did not provide greater benefits in our study population as expected," said Professor Ronghui Du from Wuhan Lung Hospital, China.

Treatment with antiviral drug remdesivir may not significantly speed up recovery from COVID-19 in critically ill hospitalised patients compared to placebo, the first randomised trial of its kind published in The Lancet journal has claimed.

Treatment with antiviral drug remdesivir may not significantly speed up recovery from COVID-19 in critically ill hospitalised patients compared to placebo, the first randomised trial of its kind published in The Lancet journal has claimed. In the absence of any known treatment for COVID-19, remdesivir is one of a handful of experimental drugs undergoing clinical trials worldwide. This has come in the wake of a US-based pharma company saying the phase three clinical trial of the antiviral drug remdesivir, led by a team of investigators, including an Indian-American physician, for the treatment of the coronavirus patients has showed positive results. The Lancet study led by researchers from China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Capital Medical University in China involved 237 adults aged 18 and older from ten hospitals in Wuhan. Although the study is the first randomised controlled trial -- considered the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions -- of remdesivir, the researchers cautioned that interpretation of their findings was limited because the study was stopped early after they were unable to recruit enough patients due to the steep decline in cases in China. In the trial, all patients received standard care including lopinavir, ritonavir, interferons, and corticosteroids. "Remdesivir did not provide significant benefits over placebo," said Professor Bin Cao from China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Capital Medical University. Remdesivir was originally developed to treat Ebola, and is designed to interfere with the way a virus reproduces, thereby stopping it from multiplying inside the body, the researchers said. The team noted that case studies have reported benefit in some severely ill patients with COVID-19, but until now, there have been no clinical trials of remdesivir, so its efficacy against COVID-19 in patients is unknown. In the study, treatment with remdesivir did not result in significant reductions in viral load -- how much SARS-CoV-2 is present in an infected person's body -- or detection of the virus in the upper or lower respiratory tract compared with placebo. "Remdesivir did not provide greater benefits in our study population as expected," said Professor Ronghui Du from Wuhan Lung Hospital, China.

Coronavirus: No significant clinical benefits of remdesivir, claims a new Lancet study

Pakistan reported 874 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 15,759.&nbsp;

At least, 346 people have died so far.

So far 4,052 patients have recovered while the total active cases in the country were 11,361. At least 153 patients were critical in hospitals.

The Ministry of National Health Services said the death of 19 more patients have been reported in the provinces of Punjab, Balochistan among others.

Punjab reported 6,061 cases, Sindh 5,695, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 2,313, Balochistan 978, Gilgit-Baltistan 333, Islamabad 313 and Pakistan-cccupied Kashmir reported 66 cases.

The government said that 3,560 patients were admitted across the country in 717 hospitals with COVID-19 facilities, while others were isolated at their homes.

Pakistan reported 874 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 15,759. At least, 346 people have died so far. So far 4,052 patients have recovered while the total active cases in the country were 11,361.

Pakistan reported 874 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 15,759. At least, 346 people have died so far. So far 4,052 patients have recovered while the total active cases in the country were 11,361. At least 153 patients were critical in hospitals. The Ministry of National Health Services said the death of 19 more patients have been reported in the provinces of Punjab, Balochistan among others. Punjab reported 6,061 cases, Sindh 5,695, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 2,313, Balochistan 978, Gilgit-Baltistan 333, Islamabad 313 and Pakistan-cccupied Kashmir reported 66 cases. The government said that 3,560 patients were admitted across the country in 717 hospitals with COVID-19 facilities, while others were isolated at their homes.

Coronavirus cases in Pakistan mount to 15,759; 346 deaths reported

Noted economist and former governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Raghuram Rajan has said that India needs to move out of the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in a measured way but should be as fast as possible. He added India cannot continue to provide for the poor for a very long time.&nbsp;

In a conversation with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Rajan also said that India would need to set aside Rs 65,000 crore to immediately provide for the poor in the country.&nbsp;

"India cannot also afford cyclical lockdown as it would devastate the economy and diminish the credibility of the state," he said.

Rajan stressed on increasing the number of tests in India, citing, "The US is testing 1,50,000 people a day and many virologists says that for US top escape the current situation it needs to do 5,00,000 tests."

Rahul Gandhi agreed. But, on the other hand, felt that the pandemic has become an excuse for the state to centralise power and the concept of Panchayati Raj has eroded.&nbsp;

This statement has come in the aftermath of Prime Minister Narendra Modi though having a long conversation with all Panchayati Raj heads earlier this week.&nbsp;

Raghuram Rajan was also of the view that public distribution system is key to riding over the crisis and temporary ration cards will need to be issued.

"We are not like China and the United States but big enough to start a conversation about environment and sustainable development," Rajan further said.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi also broached the issue of social distrust in the Indian system. To this end, Rajan said that the state must promote the view that everyone has a stake in decision making for the overall harmony.&nbsp;

The two agreed on rise of authoritarian politics world over and a need to de-centralise decision making at local level. 
&nbsp; 
"India needs to lessen the divide between lower middle class and middle class and it is here the economy needs to expand the most," he signed off.

Noted economist and former governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Raghuram Rajan has said that India needs to move out of the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in a measured way but should be as fast as possible.

Noted economist and former governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Raghuram Rajan has said that India needs to move out of the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in a measured way but should be as fast as possible. He added India cannot continue to provide for the poor for a very long time. In a conversation with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Rajan also said that India would need to set aside Rs 65,000 crore to immediately provide for the poor in the country. "India cannot also afford cyclical lockdown as it would devastate the economy and diminish the credibility of the state," he said. Rajan stressed on increasing the number of tests in India, citing, "The US is testing 1,50,000 people a day and many virologists says that for US top escape the current situation it needs to do 5,00,000 tests." Rahul Gandhi agreed. But, on the other hand, felt that the pandemic has become an excuse for the state to centralise power and the concept of Panchayati Raj has eroded. This statement has come in the aftermath of Prime Minister Narendra Modi though having a long conversation with all Panchayati Raj heads earlier this week. Raghuram Rajan was also of the view that public distribution system is key to riding over the crisis and temporary ration cards will need to be issued. "We are not like China and the United States but big enough to start a conversation about environment and sustainable development," Rajan further said. Rahul Gandhi also broached the issue of social distrust in the Indian system. To this end, Rajan said that the state must promote the view that everyone has a stake in decision making for the overall harmony. The two agreed on rise of authoritarian politics world over and a need to de-centralise decision making at local level. "India needs to lessen the divide between lower middle class and middle class and it is here the economy needs to expand the most," he signed off.

India needs to move out of coronavirus lockdown in a measured way: Raghuram Rajan

Twitter on Wednesday offered researchers to access real-time conversations data on its platform to help them deepen their understanding of the disease.

The project is aimed at gathering information about the spread of the illness, assessing the emergency response and communication trends during the crisis, and tackling misinformation.

"This is a unique dataset that covers many tens of millions of tweets daily," the US social network said in a blog.

"The conversations happening on Twitter are highly insightful and have the potential to help the world better understand the COVID-19 pandemic."

Access to Twitter's real-time data could also help develop artificial intelligence tools for scientists working to quell the global outbreak.

"Public conversation can help the world learn faster, solve problems better and realize we're all in this together," Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said.

As the coronavirus cases continue to spread worldwide, tech giants have come together to help the government in the fight.

Silicon Valley giants, Twitter and Apple are building a technology that would help the government in contact tracing to prevent the spread further.

Coronavirus has infected about 3.2 million people and over 227,000 others have succumbed to the deadly disease.

Twitter on Wednesday offered researchers to access real-time conversations data on its platform to help them deepen their understanding of the disease. The project is aimed at gathering information about the spread of the illness, assessing the emergency response and communication trends during the crisis, and tackling misinformation.

Twitter on Wednesday offered researchers to access real-time conversations data on its platform to help them deepen their understanding of the disease. The project is aimed at gathering information about the spread of the illness, assessing the emergency response and communication trends during the crisis, and tackling misinformation. "This is a unique dataset that covers many tens of millions of tweets daily," the US social network said in a blog. "The conversations happening on Twitter are highly insightful and have the potential to help the world better understand the COVID-19 pandemic." Access to Twitter's real-time data could also help develop artificial intelligence tools for scientists working to quell the global outbreak. "Public conversation can help the world learn faster, solve problems better and realize we're all in this together," Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said. As the coronavirus cases continue to spread worldwide, tech giants have come together to help the government in the fight. Silicon Valley giants, Twitter and Apple are building a technology that would help the government in contact tracing to prevent the spread further. Coronavirus has infected about 3.2 million people and over 227,000 others have succumbed to the deadly disease.

To study coronavirus, Twitter offers researchers access to real-time conversations

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has once again defended the agency saying that it had sounded the highest level of alarm over the novel coronavirus earlier on and not all countries had listened to its advice. Watch report.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: 'WHO acted quickly and decisively' on COVID-19 alert

The United Kingdon has planned to test a randomly chosen group of 1,00,000 people for the novel coronavirus in order to understand the infection rates better. This is being done as the country is set to ease restrictions due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

Britain's government is due to review next week whether to relax a nationwide lockdown brought in on March 23 to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has so far killed more than 26,000 people in the country.

The tests to see if people are currently infected with the deadly virus, led by London's Imperial College and polling company Ipsos MORI, follow a separate testing programme announced last week by the University of Oxford and the Office for National Statistics.

Britain has suffered from limited testing capacity and Health Minister Matt Hancock promised to increase the number of tests to 1,00,000 a day by the end of April.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, just over 52,000 tests were carried out.

The Imperial College programme will shortly contact 1,00,000 people across England at random and send them self-testing kits to see if they are infected.

A later part of the study will test the public's ability to self-administer antibody tests that show whether someone has had COVID-19 but is no longer infected, which may confer some immunity against the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The United Kingdon has planned to test a randomly chosen group of 1,00,000 people for the novel coronavirus in order to understand the infection rates better. This is being done as the country is set to ease restrictions due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

The United Kingdon has planned to test a randomly chosen group of 1,00,000 people for the novel coronavirus in order to understand the infection rates better. This is being done as the country is set to ease restrictions due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Britain's government is due to review next week whether to relax a nationwide lockdown brought in on March 23 to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has so far killed more than 26,000 people in the country. The tests to see if people are currently infected with the deadly virus, led by London's Imperial College and polling company Ipsos MORI, follow a separate testing programme announced last week by the University of Oxford and the Office for National Statistics. Britain has suffered from limited testing capacity and Health Minister Matt Hancock promised to increase the number of tests to 1,00,000 a day by the end of April. On Tuesday, just over 52,000 tests were carried out. The Imperial College programme will shortly contact 1,00,000 people across England at random and send them self-testing kits to see if they are infected. A later part of the study will test the public's ability to self-administer antibody tests that show whether someone has had COVID-19 but is no longer infected, which may confer some immunity against the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Britain to test 1,00,000 people for coronavirus to check spread

The practical training of Indian astronauts for India's first manned mission to space — Gaganyaan has been halted in Russia due to lockdown to deal with global COVID crisis but the Indian astronauts continue their studies.&nbsp;

The practical training of 4 Indian astronauts is taking place at the Gagarin cosmonaut training centre in Moscow. The astronauts are currently staying at Star City in Russia. One exam on spaceship's onboard systems was passed early April.

The Glavkosmos press service in a statement said, "The four Indian cosmonauts are in isolation due to coronavirus pandemic. They prepare for their exams at home."

Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos which had signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts.

The exam on the theory of manned flights was due in April but the lockdown was announced in Russia from March 28th till April 30 to deal with the global COVID pandemic. The lockdown has been extended till May 11th.&nbsp;

By March end Indian astronauts completed one-quarter of the curriculum for a year of training.&nbsp;

India is taking the help of Russia in Gaganyaan because of the country's huge experience in terms of human space flight and sees the latter as a reliable long term partner with great experience in human space flight over the last 50 years.&nbsp;

The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15th, 2018 and involves 3 members Indian crew being sent to space for a period of seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the 4th country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

The practical training of Indian astronauts for India's first manned mission to space — Gaganyaan has been halted in Russia due to lockdown to deal with global COVID crisis but the Indian astronauts continue their studies.

The practical training of Indian astronauts for India's first manned mission to space — Gaganyaan has been halted in Russia due to lockdown to deal with global COVID crisis but the Indian astronauts continue their studies. The practical training of 4 Indian astronauts is taking place at the Gagarin cosmonaut training centre in Moscow. The astronauts are currently staying at Star City in Russia. One exam on spaceship's onboard systems was passed early April. The Glavkosmos press service in a statement said, "The four Indian cosmonauts are in isolation due to coronavirus pandemic. They prepare for their exams at home." Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos which had signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts. The exam on the theory of manned flights was due in April but the lockdown was announced in Russia from March 28th till April 30 to deal with the global COVID pandemic. The lockdown has been extended till May 11th. By March end Indian astronauts completed one-quarter of the curriculum for a year of training. India is taking the help of Russia in Gaganyaan because of the country's huge experience in terms of human space flight and sees the latter as a reliable long term partner with great experience in human space flight over the last 50 years. The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15th, 2018 and involves 3 members Indian crew being sent to space for a period of seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the 4th country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

COVID-19: Gaganyaan practical training halted due to lockdown in Russia, theory continues

At least 17 Indians have died in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus COVID-19, even as the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and taking all the requisite measures to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens.&nbsp;

As per information available with the Embassy as of April 30, 17 Indian nationals, 4 from Kerala, 3 from UP, 3 from Bihar and 2 from Telangana have died.

According to the officials, Indian Mission in Saudi Arabia is in process of working out the modalities of the evacuation of stranded Indians in line with the directions of the Government of India.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia who seek repatriation to India may kindly fill the form in the following link: <a href="https://t.co/K5Hbmr4cFP">https://t.co/K5Hbmr4cFP</a> 
 
It is stated that the purpose is only to collect data and no decision has been taken yet regarding resumption of flights to India.
— India in SaudiArabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbRiyadh/status/1255562817316454401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In Saudi Arabia, the death toll reached 157 with five additional fatalities, according to the country's Health Ministry. The Kingdom has recorded 1,266 new cases of COVID-19.&nbsp;

The number of cases increased to 21,402 and the number of recoveries reached 2,953.

At least 17 Indians have died in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus COVID-19, even as the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and taking all the requisite measures to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens.

At least 17 Indians have died in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus COVID-19, even as the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and taking all the requisite measures to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens. As per information available with the Embassy as of April 30, 17 Indian nationals, 4 from Kerala, 3 from UP, 3 from Bihar and 2 from Telangana have died. According to the officials, Indian Mission in Saudi Arabia is in process of working out the modalities of the evacuation of stranded Indians in line with the directions of the Government of India. Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia who seek repatriation to India may kindly fill the form in the following link: https://t.co/K5Hbmr4cFP It is stated that the purpose is only to collect data and no decision has been taken yet regarding resumption of flights to India. — India in SaudiArabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) April 29, 2020 × In Saudi Arabia, the death toll reached 157 with five additional fatalities, according to the country's Health Ministry. The Kingdom has recorded 1,266 new cases of COVID-19. The number of cases increased to 21,402 and the number of recoveries reached 2,953.

17 Indian nationals die due to COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has praised India for lifting the export bans on critical medical supplies including pharmaceuticals used to treat COVID-19. Watch report.

Mike Pompeo praises India's efforts for lifting export restrictions

US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 60,000 on Wednesday and the outbreak will soon be deadlier than any flu season since 1967.

The United States has the world's highest coronavirus death toll and a daily average of 2,000 people died in April of COVID-19. It has so far recorded as many as 10,30,487 cases, with a death toll of 60,853.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-2502-coronavirus-deaths-in-past-24-hours-toll-tops-60000-295691">Also read | US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000</a>

The only deadlier flu seasons were in 1967 when about 1,00,000 Americans died; in 1957 when 1,16,000 died and the Spanish flu of 1918 when 6,75,000 died, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

America's worst flu season in recent years was in 2017-2018 when more than 61,000 people died.

The first US death was recorded on February 6, with the virus circulating weeks earlier than previously thought.

On Tuesday, COVID-19 deaths in the United States eclipsed in a few months the 58,220 Americans killed during 16 years of US military involvement during the Vietnam War. Cases topped 1 million.

It is estimated that the outbreak could take nearly 73,000 US lives by August 4, compared with an April 22 forecast of over 67,600, according to the University of Washington's predictive model, often cited by White House officials.

In early March, the prospect that the coronavirus would kill more Americans than the flu was unthinkable to many. President Donald Trump tweeted on March 9: "So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life &amp; the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that!"

On March 11, top US infectious diseases expert Dr Anthony Fauci, however, warned Congress that the coronavirus was at least 10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu.

There is as yet no treatment or vaccine for coronavirus while flu vaccines are widely available along with treatments. 
&nbsp;

US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 60,000 on Wednesday and the outbreak will soon be deadlier than any flu season since 1967. The United States has the world's highest coronavirus death toll and a daily average of 2,000 people died in April of COVID-19.

US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 60,000 on Wednesday and the outbreak will soon be deadlier than any flu season since 1967. The United States has the world's highest coronavirus death toll and a daily average of 2,000 people died in April of COVID-19. It has so far recorded as many as 10,30,487 cases, with a death toll of 60,853. Also read | US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000 The only deadlier flu seasons were in 1967 when about 1,00,000 Americans died; in 1957 when 1,16,000 died and the Spanish flu of 1918 when 6,75,000 died, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. America's worst flu season in recent years was in 2017-2018 when more than 61,000 people died. The first US death was recorded on February 6, with the virus circulating weeks earlier than previously thought. On Tuesday, COVID-19 deaths in the United States eclipsed in a few months the 58,220 Americans killed during 16 years of US military involvement during the Vietnam War. Cases topped 1 million. It is estimated that the outbreak could take nearly 73,000 US lives by August 4, compared with an April 22 forecast of over 67,600, according to the University of Washington's predictive model, often cited by White House officials. In early March, the prospect that the coronavirus would kill more Americans than the flu was unthinkable to many. President Donald Trump tweeted on March 9: "So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that!" On March 11, top US infectious diseases expert Dr Anthony Fauci, however, warned Congress that the coronavirus was at least 10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu. There is as yet no treatment or vaccine for coronavirus while flu vaccines are widely available along with treatments.

US coronavirus outbreak soon to be deadlier than any flu since 1967

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing.

"They misled us," he said of the WHO on the coronavirus outbreak, on Wednesday.

"We will have a recommendation pretty soon but we are not happy with the WHO," Trump told reporters at his Oval Office of the White House.

Trump has launched an investigation into the WHO's role in the spread of coronavirus and have accused it of siding with China during the pandemic. The investigation would look into the role of China and as to how coronavirus spread from its Wuhan city.

"It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said.

Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO.

The president said that there are lots of different people whom the US can give this money to.

"We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," Trump said.

"They allow planes to come out and planes are coming out of Wuhan and they're coming out -- they are going all over the world. They are going to Italy very, very big time to Italy but they are going all over the world but they are not going into China," he said.

Trump had banned flights from China in the last week of January.&nbsp;

COVID-19, which broke out in China's Wuhan, has so far killed over 60,000 people in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-2502-coronavirus-deaths-in-past-24-hours-toll-tops-60000-295691">Also read |&nbsp;US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000</a>

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing.

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing. "They misled us," he said of the WHO on the coronavirus outbreak, on Wednesday. "We will have a recommendation pretty soon but we are not happy with the WHO," Trump told reporters at his Oval Office of the White House. Trump has launched an investigation into the WHO's role in the spread of coronavirus and have accused it of siding with China during the pandemic. The investigation would look into the role of China and as to how coronavirus spread from its Wuhan city. "It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said. Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO. The president said that there are lots of different people whom the US can give this money to. "We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," Trump said. "They allow planes to come out and planes are coming out of Wuhan and they're coming out -- they are going all over the world. They are going to Italy very, very big time to Italy but they are going all over the world but they are not going into China," he said. Trump had banned flights from China in the last week of January. COVID-19, which broke out in China's Wuhan, has so far killed over 60,000 people in the US. Also read | US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000

Trump terms World Health Organisation as 'a pipe organ for China'

Defiance in the name of mutiny. In Iraq, there is anger over unpaid wages. Lebanon experienced scuffles with frontline workers. In Germany there have been questions over constitutional rights.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-battle-against-coronavirus-major-strategic-achievement-president-xi-jinping-295746">Also Read: China's battle against coronavirus major strategic achievement, says Xi</a>

The entire world is protesting. There's a growing distrust of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-terms-world-health-organisation-as-a-pipe-organ-for-china-295696">lockdown</a> measures among the common man. A distrust that is being fueled by petty politics in some nations. The coronavirus has infected more than a million people in the United States but an anti-lockdown fever is infecting millions more because the American president does not want to be too tough - even in the face of death.

President Trump wants to hold election rallies. The US president does not want to sit in the most dangerous health crisis the world has ever faced. Neither do some Silicon Valley billionaires like the tech titan Elon Musk.

The Test CEO wants America to be "freed", he thinks "forcing" people to stay at home is "Fascist". However, another billionaire, Mark Zuckerberg thinks otherwise. The Facebook CEO is against easing lockdown measures.

Zuckerberg says a reopening would only guarantee future outbreaks and worse outcomes. Both these men are adding to a nationwide divide because they have had different experiences under the lockdown.

Tesla which has suspended production is unsure if it can limit any future losses while Facebook has reported a surge in usage amid global lockdowns. For Zuckerberg and Musk it's just business. For the US president its about his political future. What it really is --- is a matter of life, death, and empathy.

Something that a few nations and a few leaders figured out early and are winning. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern, Finland's Sanna Marin and Taiwan's Tsai ing-Wen. These three are being called premiers made for a pandemic.

New Zealand has less than 1,500 cases and six deaths, Finland just 206 deaths and Taiwan a region located just miles away from China confirmed its first death way back on February 16, today Taiwan has just 429 cases and 6 deaths.

What's common between these countries besides a lower rate of infection? That they put politics on the back-burner and 
united their citizens in the face of peril. A lesson which some superpowers are yet to learn.

Defiance in the name of mutiny. In Iraq, there is anger over unpaid wages. Lebanon experienced scuffles with frontline workers. In Germany there have been questions over constitutional rights.

Defiance in the name of mutiny. In Iraq, there is anger over unpaid wages. Lebanon experienced scuffles with frontline workers. In Germany there have been questions over constitutional rights. Also Read: China's battle against coronavirus major strategic achievement, says Xi The entire world is protesting. There's a growing distrust of lockdown measures among the common man. A distrust that is being fueled by petty politics in some nations. The coronavirus has infected more than a million people in the United States but an anti-lockdown fever is infecting millions more because the American president does not want to be too tough - even in the face of death. President Trump wants to hold election rallies. The US president does not want to sit in the most dangerous health crisis the world has ever faced. Neither do some Silicon Valley billionaires like the tech titan Elon Musk. The Test CEO wants America to be "freed", he thinks "forcing" people to stay at home is "Fascist". However, another billionaire, Mark Zuckerberg thinks otherwise. The Facebook CEO is against easing lockdown measures. Zuckerberg says a reopening would only guarantee future outbreaks and worse outcomes. Both these men are adding to a nationwide divide because they have had different experiences under the lockdown. Tesla which has suspended production is unsure if it can limit any future losses while Facebook has reported a surge in usage amid global lockdowns. For Zuckerberg and Musk it's just business. For the US president its about his political future. What it really is --- is a matter of life, death, and empathy. Something that a few nations and a few leaders figured out early and are winning. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern, Finland's Sanna Marin and Taiwan's Tsai ing-Wen. These three are being called premiers made for a pandemic. New Zealand has less than 1,500 cases and six deaths, Finland just 206 deaths and Taiwan a region located just miles away from China confirmed its first death way back on February 16, today Taiwan has just 429 cases and 6 deaths. What's common between these countries besides a lower rate of infection? That they put politics on the back-burner and united their citizens in the face of peril. A lesson which some superpowers are yet to learn.

How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay

The United States recorded 2,502 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 60,853 as of Wednesday.

After two days of a relative easing in the toll on Sunday and Monday, the numbers have spiked again the past two days.

A total of 10,30,487 cases have been reported in the country.

The state of New York suffered the most, with 2,99,691 cases and 23,384 deaths. Other hardest-hit states included New Jersey with 6,771 deaths, Michigan with 3,673 deaths and Massachusetts with 3,153 deaths, the data showed.

Meanwhile, as many as 35 of the 50 American states have released formal opening plans, as US President Donald Trump on Wednesday exuded confidence that much better days are ahead for the country.

Most industries and business activities remain shut and over 95 percent of the country's 330 million population have been under stay-at-home orders. Over 26 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits and the number is expected to go up to more than 30 million.

The US economy has come to a standstill. It grew by negative 4.8 per cent in the first quarter. On Wednesday, Trump exuded confidence that economy would be back to track by the fourth quarter.

The United States recorded 2,502 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 60,853 as of Wednesday. After two days of a relative easing in the toll on Sunday and Monday, the numbers have spiked again the past two days.

The United States recorded 2,502 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 60,853 as of Wednesday. After two days of a relative easing in the toll on Sunday and Monday, the numbers have spiked again the past two days. A total of 10,30,487 cases have been reported in the country. The state of New York suffered the most, with 2,99,691 cases and 23,384 deaths. Other hardest-hit states included New Jersey with 6,771 deaths, Michigan with 3,673 deaths and Massachusetts with 3,153 deaths, the data showed. Meanwhile, as many as 35 of the 50 American states have released formal opening plans, as US President Donald Trump on Wednesday exuded confidence that much better days are ahead for the country. Most industries and business activities remain shut and over 95 percent of the country's 330 million population have been under stay-at-home orders. Over 26 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits and the number is expected to go up to more than 30 million. The US economy has come to a standstill. It grew by negative 4.8 per cent in the first quarter. On Wednesday, Trump exuded confidence that economy would be back to track by the fourth quarter.

US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000

The Indian mission in the UAE has opened e-registration for its nationals wanting to travel back home in the face of the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

In a late night tweet on Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced the details of data collection through the website of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

“Public Notice for collection of data of Indians in the UAE who wish to travel to India under the present COVID 19 situation. For registration, please visit: https://cgidubai.gov.in/covid_register/” the tweet said.

In the notice, the mission stated: “All Indian nationals in the UAE are hereby informed that the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India, Dubai, have uploaded a form for [the] collection of data to create a database of Indians who wish to travel back to India under COVID-19 situation.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1/2 Registration in database of Indian nationals wishing to travel back to India under Covid 19 situations <a href="https://t.co/0iN3w311Rh">pic.twitter.com/0iN3w311Rh</a>
— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) <a href="https://twitter.com/cgidubai/status/1255637239788380163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“The link for the registration is available on the website of the embassy as well as on the website of the CGI Dubai and can also be accessed directly at https://cgidubai.gov.in/covid_register/”

This form is to be filled for a single individual at a time. Families need to fill separate forms for each member. For companies, a separate form has to be filled for each employee.

The mission had earlier clarified that the purpose of the form was only to collect information to enable the Central government to plan for the return of Indians from abroad.

“Any announcement in this regard will be made on our website and social media channels. All conditions for travel, to be prescribed later, will need to be followed.”

Applicants are also asked to provide the “compelling reason for travelling back to India” and the “status of their COVID test” (positive, negative or test not done).

It reiterated that filling up the form is for information collection and doesn’t automatically entitle a seat on a flight to India.

Several Indian nationals stranded in the UAE have been requesting their government to help them fly back home during the travel restrictions.

The Indian mission in the UAE has opened e-registration for its nationals wanting to travel back home in the face of the coronavirus-induced lockdown. In a late night tweet on Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced the details of data collection through the website of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

The Indian mission in the UAE has opened e-registration for its nationals wanting to travel back home in the face of the coronavirus-induced lockdown. In a late night tweet on Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced the details of data collection through the website of the Indian Consulate in Dubai. “Public Notice for collection of data of Indians in the UAE who wish to travel to India under the present COVID 19 situation. For registration, please visit: https://cgidubai.gov.in/covid_register/” the tweet said. In the notice, the mission stated: “All Indian nationals in the UAE are hereby informed that the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India, Dubai, have uploaded a form for [the] collection of data to create a database of Indians who wish to travel back to India under COVID-19 situation.” 1/2 Registration in database of Indian nationals wishing to travel back to India under Covid 19 situations pic.twitter.com/0iN3w311Rh — India in Dubai (@cgidubai) April 29, 2020 × “The link for the registration is available on the website of the embassy as well as on the website of the CGI Dubai and can also be accessed directly at https://cgidubai.gov.in/covid_register/” This form is to be filled for a single individual at a time. Families need to fill separate forms for each member. For companies, a separate form has to be filled for each employee. The mission had earlier clarified that the purpose of the form was only to collect information to enable the Central government to plan for the return of Indians from abroad. “Any announcement in this regard will be made on our website and social media channels. All conditions for travel, to be prescribed later, will need to be followed.” Applicants are also asked to provide the “compelling reason for travelling back to India” and the “status of their COVID test” (positive, negative or test not done). It reiterated that filling up the form is for information collection and doesn’t automatically entitle a seat on a flight to India. Several Indian nationals stranded in the UAE have been requesting their government to help them fly back home during the travel restrictions.

India opens e-registration for its nationals stranded in UAE wanting to fly home

Expressing confidence in India-Gulf ties, the ministry of external affairs said today that it has received a request from Gulf countries for the deployment of doctors and nurses over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-testing-kits-from-china-being-examined-by-icmr-foreign-ministry-295876">COVID-19</a> crisis

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "Gulf countries value ties with India and want priority discussion with India for post-COVID-19 economic recovery. These countries are deeply committed to supporting ties with India."

He said India has "made special effort to ensure uninterrupted supply of food during Ramazan to the Gulf".

PM Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishanker have been in touch with their Gulf counterparts in the past few weeks.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi has had telephonic conversations with leaders of GCC countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman - as well as with leaders of Palestine, Jordan and Eqypt.&nbsp;

EAM Jaishanker has had telephonic conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Oman on April 23 and with foreign ministers of Qatar, UAE and Palestine on April 24. He had earlier spoken to foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Algeria.

Slamming the emergence of fake tweets, as seen in the past few weeks, he said, "few tweets can't characterise India-Gulf ties".&nbsp;

Last week saw a Pakistani ID impersonating as an Omani Princess after which clarification was issued by the princess. 
&nbsp; 
Asked about the evacuation of Indians, MEA spokesperson said, "The matter is receiving the attention of the government."&nbsp;

"It is premature to spell out plans at this stage but consultation and discussion are underway," the spokesman added.

He said Indian missions are making "exceptional efforts" for the welfare of stranded Indians and have been reaching out to them in several ways including providing food.

Indian missions in countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia have tweeted asking stranded Indians to register in the event of a possible future evacuation once the lockdown is removed.

On Oman's ministry of finance issuing a circular to replace ex-pat workers with Omanis in the government sector impacting India, Mea said, "It is not a recent policy. It is not specific to India or targets India" highlighting that the government of Oman is taking "special care of Indians" during the ongoing global pandemic.

There are 7,70,000 Indians in Oman of which 6,55,000 are workers, according to the MEA. The Omani government puts the number of Indian workers in Oman at 617,730 at the end of 2019.

Expressing confidence in India-Gulf ties, the ministry of external affairs said today that it has received a request from Gulf countries for the deployment of doctors and nurses over COVID-19 crisis MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "Gulf countries value ties with India and want priority discussion with India for post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

Expressing confidence in India-Gulf ties, the ministry of external affairs said today that it has received a request from Gulf countries for the deployment of doctors and nurses over COVID-19 crisis MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "Gulf countries value ties with India and want priority discussion with India for post-COVID-19 economic recovery. These countries are deeply committed to supporting ties with India." He said India has "made special effort to ensure uninterrupted supply of food during Ramazan to the Gulf". PM Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishanker have been in touch with their Gulf counterparts in the past few weeks. Prime Minister Modi has had telephonic conversations with leaders of GCC countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman - as well as with leaders of Palestine, Jordan and Eqypt. EAM Jaishanker has had telephonic conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Oman on April 23 and with foreign ministers of Qatar, UAE and Palestine on April 24. He had earlier spoken to foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Algeria. Slamming the emergence of fake tweets, as seen in the past few weeks, he said, "few tweets can't characterise India-Gulf ties". Last week saw a Pakistani ID impersonating as an Omani Princess after which clarification was issued by the princess. Asked about the evacuation of Indians, MEA spokesperson said, "The matter is receiving the attention of the government." "It is premature to spell out plans at this stage but consultation and discussion are underway," the spokesman added. He said Indian missions are making "exceptional efforts" for the welfare of stranded Indians and have been reaching out to them in several ways including providing food. Indian missions in countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia have tweeted asking stranded Indians to register in the event of a possible future evacuation once the lockdown is removed. On Oman's ministry of finance issuing a circular to replace ex-pat workers with Omanis in the government sector impacting India, Mea said, "It is not a recent policy. It is not specific to India or targets India" highlighting that the government of Oman is taking "special care of Indians" during the ongoing global pandemic. There are 7,70,000 Indians in Oman of which 6,55,000 are workers, according to the MEA. The Omani government puts the number of Indian workers in Oman at 617,730 at the end of 2019.

Gulf countries have requested for deployment of doctors over COVID-19, says MEA

Tech billionaires' different views on COVID-19 lockdown. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg praises the lockdown, meanwhile Tesla CEO Elon Musk sees 'facism' in lockdown.

Tech billionaires' different views on COVID-19 lockdown

Pakistan's Sindh government has approached the Supreme Court, seeking an early hearing of its appeal which challenged the provincial high court's verdict that acquitted British-born top al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and three others in the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi in 2002.

Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story in 2002 on the alleged links between the country's powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda.

The Sindh government last week challenged in the Supreme Court the provincial High Court's April 2 dated order that overturned the murder conviction and found Sheikh guilty of the lesser charge of kidnapping.

It also acquitted three other persons namely Sheikh Adil, Fahad Naseem and Salman Saqib, who had earlier been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi.

In the new application filed on Tuesday, the Sindh government apprised the Supreme Court that there was apprehension about Sheikh's absconsion as there was strong evidence of his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of the American journalist, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"The matter is of great urgency, therefore, the application for the suspension of April 2 Sindh High Court judgement be heard as early as possible," the fresh application stated.

It requested the apex court to fix the hearing as early as possible, preferably in the coming week.

In 2002, Omar Sheikh was arrested after a graphic video showing the American journalist's decapitation had been delivered to the US consulate.

Subsequently, Sheikh was sentenced to death by the trial court.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Sindh government has approached the Supreme Court, seeking an early hearing of its appeal which challenged the provincial high court's verdict that acquitted British-born top al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and three others in the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi in 2002.

Pakistan's Sindh government has approached the Supreme Court, seeking an early hearing of its appeal which challenged the provincial high court's verdict that acquitted British-born top al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and three others in the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi in 2002. Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story in 2002 on the alleged links between the country's powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda. The Sindh government last week challenged in the Supreme Court the provincial High Court's April 2 dated order that overturned the murder conviction and found Sheikh guilty of the lesser charge of kidnapping. It also acquitted three other persons namely Sheikh Adil, Fahad Naseem and Salman Saqib, who had earlier been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi. In the new application filed on Tuesday, the Sindh government apprised the Supreme Court that there was apprehension about Sheikh's absconsion as there was strong evidence of his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of the American journalist, the Dawn newspaper reported. "The matter is of great urgency, therefore, the application for the suspension of April 2 Sindh High Court judgement be heard as early as possible," the fresh application stated. It requested the apex court to fix the hearing as early as possible, preferably in the coming week. In 2002, Omar Sheikh was arrested after a graphic video showing the American journalist's decapitation had been delivered to the US consulate. Subsequently, Sheikh was sentenced to death by the trial court.

Pak's Sindh govt seeks early hearing of plea against provincial HC order in Daniel Pearl case

An Australian mining magnate has unveiled a deal to import 10 million coronavirus test kits from China to Australia, despite a bitter diplomatic spat between the two countries.

The deal comes with Australia and China at loggerheads over the pandemic. Beijing has angrily dismissed Australian calls for an independent investigation into the spread of the disease from the Chinese city of Wuhan.

Andrew Forrest, head of mining giant Fortescue, on Wednesday said he had used contacts to secure an order for the test kits with Chinese genomics firm BGI Group at a significantly lower cost than from rival providers, amid fierce competition.

Australia, which has been one of the most successful countries in containing COVID-19, has so far carried out around 5,00,000 tests in a population of 25 million people.

Delivery of the new tests would dramatically improve the country’s track-and-trace programme and help build the kind of monitoring needed to reopen the country’s economy, said Health Minister Greg Hunt.

Meanwhile, China’s ambassador Down Under has threatened a trade boycott if calls for an investigation continued, leading to a public rebuke by Australian authorities.

Australia's vast mining industry is deeply reliant on Chinese business and China has depended on Australian resources to fuel its rapid economic and infrastructure development.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has piled pressure on China over the pandemic, waded into the dispute on Wednesday as he sarcastically said that Australia upset Beijing through its "temerity" to ask questions.

Just hours after the latest verbal volley between Beijing and Canberra, the Chinese consul general in the state of Victoria, Zhou Long, spoke at the announcement of the testing deal – calling it a tribute to the “friendship and the cooperation between our two countries”.

China had released information related to Covid-19 in an “open, transparent and responsible manner”, he said.

(with inputs from AFP)

An Australian mining magnate has unveiled a deal to import 10 million coronavirus test kits from China to Australia, despite a bitter diplomatic spat between the two countries.

An Australian mining magnate has unveiled a deal to import 10 million coronavirus test kits from China to Australia, despite a bitter diplomatic spat between the two countries. The deal comes with Australia and China at loggerheads over the pandemic. Beijing has angrily dismissed Australian calls for an independent investigation into the spread of the disease from the Chinese city of Wuhan. Andrew Forrest, head of mining giant Fortescue, on Wednesday said he had used contacts to secure an order for the test kits with Chinese genomics firm BGI Group at a significantly lower cost than from rival providers, amid fierce competition. Australia, which has been one of the most successful countries in containing COVID-19, has so far carried out around 5,00,000 tests in a population of 25 million people. Delivery of the new tests would dramatically improve the country’s track-and-trace programme and help build the kind of monitoring needed to reopen the country’s economy, said Health Minister Greg Hunt. Meanwhile, China’s ambassador Down Under has threatened a trade boycott if calls for an investigation continued, leading to a public rebuke by Australian authorities. Australia's vast mining industry is deeply reliant on Chinese business and China has depended on Australian resources to fuel its rapid economic and infrastructure development. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has piled pressure on China over the pandemic, waded into the dispute on Wednesday as he sarcastically said that Australia upset Beijing through its "temerity" to ask questions. Just hours after the latest verbal volley between Beijing and Canberra, the Chinese consul general in the state of Victoria, Zhou Long, spoke at the announcement of the testing deal – calling it a tribute to the “friendship and the cooperation between our two countries”. China had released information related to Covid-19 in an “open, transparent and responsible manner”, he said. (with inputs from AFP)

Australian tycoon buys 10 million Chinese coronavirus test kits despite diplomatic row

A senior Indian teacher in the UAE has died after she contracted the novel coronavirus, according to a media report.

Princy Roy Mathew, who taught at the Abu Dhabi Indian School, passed away on Wednesday evening after contracting the coronavirus, her husband Roy Mathew Samuel was quoted as saying by the Gulf News.

Princy, who hailed from Kerala, is also survived by three children.

"We are highly traumatised by the untimely demise of my wife," her husband said. He said, "She developed fever a week earlier and her condition deteriorated, resulting in acute breathing problems. She tested positive for COVID-19."

"We are waiting for her body from the mortuary to perform the final rites,? he said. Samuel said the other family members are in good health," the report added.

Neeraj Bhargava, the school's principal, said the entire teaching community and staff of the school are in a state of shock over the death of the long-serving English teacher. The total number of coronavirus cases in the UAE are 11,929 and 98 deaths.

A senior Indian teacher in the UAE has died after she contracted the novel coronavirus, according to a media report. Princy Roy Mathew, who taught at the Abu Dhabi Indian School, passed away on Wednesday evening after contracting the coronavirus, her husband Roy Mathew Samuel was quoted as saying by the Gulf News.

A senior Indian teacher in the UAE has died after she contracted the novel coronavirus, according to a media report. Princy Roy Mathew, who taught at the Abu Dhabi Indian School, passed away on Wednesday evening after contracting the coronavirus, her husband Roy Mathew Samuel was quoted as saying by the Gulf News. Princy, who hailed from Kerala, is also survived by three children. "We are highly traumatised by the untimely demise of my wife," her husband said. He said, "She developed fever a week earlier and her condition deteriorated, resulting in acute breathing problems. She tested positive for COVID-19." "We are waiting for her body from the mortuary to perform the final rites,? he said. Samuel said the other family members are in good health," the report added. Neeraj Bhargava, the school's principal, said the entire teaching community and staff of the school are in a state of shock over the death of the long-serving English teacher. The total number of coronavirus cases in the UAE are 11,929 and 98 deaths.

Indian teacher dies of COVID-19 in UAE

covid-19-0

Covid 19, News on Covid 19, stories on Covid 19, articles on Covid 19, Covid 19 stories at Wion, Covid 19 news, Covid 19 latest news

covid 19-0