No new emojis will be released next year due to the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organisation responsible for the release of new emojis, has announced that there is going to be a&nbsp;delay in&nbsp;its new batch of emojis by six months from March to September 2021 because of the fallouts from COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatsapp-introduces-new-restrictions-and-features-to-curb-misinformation-291108">WhatsApp introduces new restrictions and features to curb misinformation</a>

According to the company,&nbsp;the reason behind the delay is its heavy reliance&nbsp;on volunteers who are currently overwhelmed dealing with the pandemic.

However, the emojis that were&nbsp;announced earlier this year, like the olive, beaver, and plunger, will still be available this fall.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786">No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus!</a>

''Under the current circumstances we’ve heard that our contributors have a lot on their plates at the moment and decided it was in the best interests of our volunteers and the organizations that depend on the standard to push out our release date,''&nbsp;said Mark Davis, president of the consortium, in the group’s blog post.

''This year we simply can’t commit to the same schedule we’ve adhered to in the past,'' he added.

117 new emojis are already scheduled to be released on both android and smartphones this year.

&nbsp;

No new emojis will be released next year due to the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organisation responsible for the release of new emojis, has announced that there is going to be a delay in its new batch of emojis by six months from March to September 2021 because of the fallouts from COVID-19.

No new emojis will be released next year due to the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organisation responsible for the release of new emojis, has announced that there is going to be a delay in its new batch of emojis by six months from March to September 2021 because of the fallouts from COVID-19. Also read: WhatsApp introduces new restrictions and features to curb misinformation According to the company, the reason behind the delay is its heavy reliance on volunteers who are currently overwhelmed dealing with the pandemic. However, the emojis that were announced earlier this year, like the olive, beaver, and plunger, will still be available this fall. Also read: No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus! ''Under the current circumstances we’ve heard that our contributors have a lot on their plates at the moment and decided it was in the best interests of our volunteers and the organizations that depend on the standard to push out our release date,'' said Mark Davis, president of the consortium, in the group’s blog post. ''This year we simply can’t commit to the same schedule we’ve adhered to in the past,'' he added. 117 new emojis are already scheduled to be released on both android and smartphones this year.

2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic

As the coronavirus pandemic has put much of the globe in lockdown, sports has not been immune, indeed the deadly fall out from a Champions League game in Milan and the speed with &nbsp;which the disease spread through the UAE Tour peloton raise worrying issues for the future.

AFP Sport picks 10 dates during the crisis that tell the tale of how sport has been hit.

<h2>February 19: Spreading the virus&nbsp;</h2>

Atalanta met Valencia in Milan in the Champions League just as infection numbers began to rise in northern Italy.&nbsp;

Thousands of Bergamo residents travelled to the game as others crowded together at home and in bars to watch.

"It's clear that evening was a situation in which the virus was widely spread," Bergamo mayor Giorgio Gori later said as the virus raged across his city.

Valencia said 35 percent of their team and staff tested positive for coronavirus following the trip to Milan.&nbsp;

<h2>February 27: Danger in the peloton&nbsp;</h2>

The first sportsmen to come down with the virus were at cycling's UAE Tour, which was abandoned after two Italian mechanics tested positive. Tests immediately found six more cases.

<h2>March 13: F1's chequered flag</h2>

The opening Grand Prix of the Formula One season was called off two days before the race with teams already in Melbourne and practising.

Since then, eight more races have either been postponed or cancelled and by Saturday, when Haas became the latest outfit to furlough employees, half the teams on the grid had put staff on enforced absence.

<h2>March 15: The IPL declares</h2>

The Indian Premier League, cricket's annual money maker which generates an estimated $11 billion, was postponed and rescheduled for April 15.

That won't happen.

"Let's say July-August is the earliest," said Kevin Pietersen, the former England batsman.&nbsp;

<h2>March 17: Euro 2020 postponed</h2>

UEFA postpones Euro 2020 until 2021 though for a few days it insists the name will not change.

Moving its marquee international tournament gives the governing body of European football a window to sort out more pressing problems.&nbsp;

With club football halted almost everywhere, can it finish this season before player contracts expire at the end of June and sort out relegation, promotion and Champions League qualification in time for next season?

<h2>March 24: Tokyo Olympics off</h2>

After an uprising from athletes and sports bodies, the Tokyo Olympics became the first peacetime Games to be postponed.

The Games, originally scheduled for July 24-August 9, will be held 12 months late.

The International Olympic Committee, its member sports and Japan, faced a series of problems.&nbsp;

There was the loss of revenue, from broadcasting, sponsors and tickets that would normally go to federations, many of which were counting on the cash, or pay for the host's expenditure.&nbsp;

There was the issue of athletes who had already qualified.&nbsp;

There was also the knock-on impact on other events. World Athletics quickly announced it was rescheduling its world championships, set for Eugene, Oregon, next summer to 2022.

The Olympic flame, meanwhile, was displayed for a week in a lantern and then put in storage in an undisclosed location, ready to burn brightly next summer.&nbsp;

<h2>April 1: Wimbledon's net loss&nbsp;</h2>

Wimbledon chiefs cancelled the grass-court Grand Slam tournament for the first time since World War II.&nbsp;

Wimbledon's move contrasted with the earlier decision by Roland Garros, to reschedule their major to the autumn.

French Open bosses admitted their tournament could face losses of £230 million ($284 million) but their unilateral decision raised the hackles of the ATP and WTA which have their own events to reschedule.

In contrast, the All England Club had the foresight to take out insurance which will protect it from such losses.

The tennis season will not resume until July 13 at the earliest.

<h2>April 2: Political football</h2>

As the British government struggled to cope with the spiralling crisis, health minister Matt Hancock pointed at the highly-paid Premier League players saying they should take a pay cut.

Players reacted furiously, but the decision of leading clubs to use a government scheme to &nbsp;furlough less-well-paid staff and the failure of players to agree to cuts, has made them an inviting political football.&nbsp;

Action in the Premier League had been halted in mid-March.

<h2>April 6: Open and shut for majors</h2>

For the golf majors, it was a day of scribbling out plans and pencilling in others.

The 149th British Open, which was set for Royal St George's Golf Club in Kent in July, was cancelled for the first time since World War II.

Less than an hour later, the three US-based major golf championships announced rescheduled dates.

The PGA Championship is now scheduled to be played August 6-9 in San Francisco. It was postponed from May.

The US Open was rescheduled from June to September 17-20 with the Ryder Cup to be contested one week later at Whistling Straits as scheduled.

The Masters, which was to have climaxed at Augusta National on Sunday, has been rescheduled for November 12-15.

<h2>April 8: Bundesliga leads race&nbsp;</h2>

The majority of Bundesliga clubs returned to team non-contact training.

With talks continuing over the Bundesliga resuming on May 2, the Germans seem to be leading the race to become first major European league to return to action, even if it is behind closed doors, and offer broadcasters a live fix&nbsp;for sports-starved fans round the world.

As the coronavirus pandemic has put much of the globe in lockdown, sports has not been immune, indeed the deadly fall out from a Champions League game in Milan and the speed with which the disease spread through the UAE Tour peloton raise worrying issues for the future.

As the coronavirus pandemic has put much of the globe in lockdown, sports has not been immune, indeed the deadly fall out from a Champions League game in Milan and the speed with which the disease spread through the UAE Tour peloton raise worrying issues for the future. AFP Sport picks 10 dates during the crisis that tell the tale of how sport has been hit. February 19: Spreading the virus Atalanta met Valencia in Milan in the Champions League just as infection numbers began to rise in northern Italy. Thousands of Bergamo residents travelled to the game as others crowded together at home and in bars to watch. "It's clear that evening was a situation in which the virus was widely spread," Bergamo mayor Giorgio Gori later said as the virus raged across his city. Valencia said 35 percent of their team and staff tested positive for coronavirus following the trip to Milan. February 27: Danger in the peloton The first sportsmen to come down with the virus were at cycling's UAE Tour, which was abandoned after two Italian mechanics tested positive. Tests immediately found six more cases. March 13: F1's chequered flag The opening Grand Prix of the Formula One season was called off two days before the race with teams already in Melbourne and practising. Since then, eight more races have either been postponed or cancelled and by Saturday, when Haas became the latest outfit to furlough employees, half the teams on the grid had put staff on enforced absence. March 15: The IPL declares The Indian Premier League, cricket's annual money maker which generates an estimated $11 billion, was postponed and rescheduled for April 15. That won't happen. "Let's say July-August is the earliest," said Kevin Pietersen, the former England batsman. March 17: Euro 2020 postponed UEFA postpones Euro 2020 until 2021 though for a few days it insists the name will not change. Moving its marquee international tournament gives the governing body of European football a window to sort out more pressing problems. With club football halted almost everywhere, can it finish this season before player contracts expire at the end of June and sort out relegation, promotion and Champions League qualification in time for next season? March 24: Tokyo Olympics off After an uprising from athletes and sports bodies, the Tokyo Olympics became the first peacetime Games to be postponed. The Games, originally scheduled for July 24-August 9, will be held 12 months late. The International Olympic Committee, its member sports and Japan, faced a series of problems. There was the loss of revenue, from broadcasting, sponsors and tickets that would normally go to federations, many of which were counting on the cash, or pay for the host's expenditure. There was the issue of athletes who had already qualified. There was also the knock-on impact on other events. World Athletics quickly announced it was rescheduling its world championships, set for Eugene, Oregon, next summer to 2022. The Olympic flame, meanwhile, was displayed for a week in a lantern and then put in storage in an undisclosed location, ready to burn brightly next summer. April 1: Wimbledon's net loss Wimbledon chiefs cancelled the grass-court Grand Slam tournament for the first time since World War II. Wimbledon's move contrasted with the earlier decision by Roland Garros, to reschedule their major to the autumn. French Open bosses admitted their tournament could face losses of £230 million ($284 million) but their unilateral decision raised the hackles of the ATP and WTA which have their own events to reschedule. In contrast, the All England Club had the foresight to take out insurance which will protect it from such losses. The tennis season will not resume until July 13 at the earliest. April 2: Political football As the British government struggled to cope with the spiralling crisis, health minister Matt Hancock pointed at the highly-paid Premier League players saying they should take a pay cut. Players reacted furiously, but the decision of leading clubs to use a government scheme to furlough less-well-paid staff and the failure of players to agree to cuts, has made them an inviting political football. Action in the Premier League had been halted in mid-March. April 6: Open and shut for majors For the golf majors, it was a day of scribbling out plans and pencilling in others. The 149th British Open, which was set for Royal St George's Golf Club in Kent in July, was cancelled for the first time since World War II. Less than an hour later, the three US-based major golf championships announced rescheduled dates. The PGA Championship is now scheduled to be played August 6-9 in San Francisco. It was postponed from May. The US Open was rescheduled from June to September 17-20 with the Ryder Cup to be contested one week later at Whistling Straits as scheduled. The Masters, which was to have climaxed at Augusta National on Sunday, has been rescheduled for November 12-15. April 8: Bundesliga leads race The majority of Bundesliga clubs returned to team non-contact training. With talks continuing over the Bundesliga resuming on May 2, the Germans seem to be leading the race to become first major European league to return to action, even if it is behind closed doors, and offer broadcasters a live fix for sports-starved fans round the world.

Coronavirus: The weeks that rocked sport

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has risen to 9152, including 308 deaths.&nbsp;

According to the data provided by the&nbsp;Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), on Monday total 856 people have so far recovered from the infection.&nbsp;

Yesterday, the officials said that the government is increasing the testing capacity in private and government medical colleges.

One of the sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed some ministries to come up with plans to open up some crucial industries as the livelihoods of the poor were being hit.

The source said the government was considering allowing the resumption of some operations under guidelines that were being drawn up.

The home ministry and the Prime Minister`s Office are likely to take a final call on the recommendations this week, the sources said.

The sources also said that other ministries would soon submit plans on allowing partial resumptions in other sectors.

India`s economy, which was already growing at its slowest pace in six years before the onset of the coronavirus, is set to take a severe hit amid the lockdown, say, economists, who warn that unemployment could rise to record levels.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has risen to 9152, including 308 deaths. According to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), on Monday total 856 people have so far recovered from the infection.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has risen to 9152, including 308 deaths. According to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), on Monday total 856 people have so far recovered from the infection. Yesterday, the officials said that the government is increasing the testing capacity in private and government medical colleges. One of the sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed some ministries to come up with plans to open up some crucial industries as the livelihoods of the poor were being hit. The source said the government was considering allowing the resumption of some operations under guidelines that were being drawn up. The home ministry and the Prime Minister`s Office are likely to take a final call on the recommendations this week, the sources said. The sources also said that other ministries would soon submit plans on allowing partial resumptions in other sectors. India`s economy, which was already growing at its slowest pace in six years before the onset of the coronavirus, is set to take a severe hit amid the lockdown, say, economists, who warn that unemployment could rise to record levels. (With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 cases rise to 9152; 308 deaths reported

China's northeast Heilongjiang province which borders Russia has become the new battleground against the coronavirus as authorities reported the highest number of new daily cases in nearly six weeks, driven by infected travellers from overseas.

China fears a rise in imported cases could spark a second wave of COVID-19 and push the country back into a state of near paralysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-unemployment-from-fight-against-coronavirus-threatens-chinas-poverty-targets-292087" hreflang="en">Rising unemployment from fight against coronavirus threatens China's poverty targets</a>

A total of 108 new coronavirus cases were reported in mainland China on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier and marking the highest number of cases since 143 infections were reported on March 5.

The National Health Commission said 98 of the new cases were imported, a new record. A total of 49 Chinese nationals who entered Heilongjiang province from Russia tested positive.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-wuhan-line-up-outside-funeral-parlours-to-collect-remains-of-their-loved-ones-292077" hreflang="en">People in Wuhan line-up outside funeral parlours to collect remains of their loved ones</a>

"Our little town here, we thought it was the safest place," said a resident of the border city of Suifenhe, who only gave his surname as Zhu.

"Some Chinese citizens they want to come back, but it's not very sensible, what are you doing coming here for?"

Though the number of daily infections across China have dropped sharply from the height of the epidemic in February, China has seen the daily toll creep higher after hitting a trough on March 12 because of the rise in imported cases.

Chinese cities near the border with Russia are tightening border controls and imposing stricter quarantines in response to influx of infected patients from the country.

Suifenhe last week announced restrictions on movements and gatherings similar to those imposed in Wuhan city, where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged late last year, and extended the closure of its border with Russia.

The land route through the city had become one of few options available for Chinese nationals trying to get into China after Russia stopped all flights to the country.

Suifenhe and Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, are now mandating 28 days of quarantine for all arrivals from abroad as well as nucleic acid and antibody tests.

Streets in Suifenhe were virtually empty on Sunday evening due to restrictions of movement. Residents said a lot of people had left the city as the number of infected people crossing the border from Russia rose.

"I don't need to worry," Zhao Wei, another Suifenhe resident, told Reuters. "If there's a local transmission, I would, but there's not a single one. They're all from the border, but they've all been sent to quarantine."

China's northeast Heilongjiang province which borders Russia has become the new battleground against the coronavirus as authorities reported the highest number of new daily cases in nearly six weeks, driven by infected travellers from overseas.

China's northeast Heilongjiang province which borders Russia has become the new battleground against the coronavirus as authorities reported the highest number of new daily cases in nearly six weeks, driven by infected travellers from overseas. China fears a rise in imported cases could spark a second wave of COVID-19 and push the country back into a state of near paralysis. Also read: Rising unemployment from fight against coronavirus threatens China's poverty targets A total of 108 new coronavirus cases were reported in mainland China on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier and marking the highest number of cases since 143 infections were reported on March 5. The National Health Commission said 98 of the new cases were imported, a new record. A total of 49 Chinese nationals who entered Heilongjiang province from Russia tested positive. Also read: People in Wuhan line-up outside funeral parlours to collect remains of their loved ones "Our little town here, we thought it was the safest place," said a resident of the border city of Suifenhe, who only gave his surname as Zhu. "Some Chinese citizens they want to come back, but it's not very sensible, what are you doing coming here for?" Though the number of daily infections across China have dropped sharply from the height of the epidemic in February, China has seen the daily toll creep higher after hitting a trough on March 12 because of the rise in imported cases. Chinese cities near the border with Russia are tightening border controls and imposing stricter quarantines in response to influx of infected patients from the country. Suifenhe last week announced restrictions on movements and gatherings similar to those imposed in Wuhan city, where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged late last year, and extended the closure of its border with Russia. The land route through the city had become one of few options available for Chinese nationals trying to get into China after Russia stopped all flights to the country. Suifenhe and Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, are now mandating 28 days of quarantine for all arrivals from abroad as well as nucleic acid and antibody tests. Streets in Suifenhe were virtually empty on Sunday evening due to restrictions of movement. Residents said a lot of people had left the city as the number of infected people crossing the border from Russia rose. "I don't need to worry," Zhao Wei, another Suifenhe resident, told Reuters. "If there's a local transmission, I would, but there's not a single one. They're all from the border, but they've all been sent to quarantine."

China's new coronavirus cases near six-week high, Russian border new battleground

The United States may be ready to start gradually reopening next month, the government's top infectious diseases expert said Sunday, as signs grew that the coronavirus pandemic was peaking.

President Donald Trump had earlier wanted the world's largest economy to be "raring to go" by Easter Sunday, but most of the country remained at a standstill and churches took celebrations online to halt the spread of the virus that has killed more than 22,000 people in the US. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-video-message-uk-pm-says-medics-saved-his-life-as-he-battled-covid-19-292134" hreflang="en">In video message, UK PM says medics saved his life as he battled COVID-19</a>

Trump has cast the decision on when to ease the lockdown as the biggest of his presidency as he faces competing pressures from public health experts and businesses along with some conservative allies who want a swift return to business as usual.

Anthony Fauci, the veteran pandemic expert who has quietly sought action to stem infections, said in a televised interview that parts of the country could begin easing restrictions in May -- but was cautious.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britons-lose-ps18-million-as-cyber-conning-becomes-rampant-in-the-country-292068" hreflang="en">Britons lose £1.8 million as cyber-conning becomes rampant in the country</a>

"I think it could probably start at least in some ways maybe next month," Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN.

"We are hoping by the end of the month we can look around and say, OK, is there any element here that we can safely and cautiously start pulling back on?" Fauci said.

"If so, do it. If not, then just continue to hunker down."

Fauci said that regions would be ready at different times rather than the United States turning back on like a "light switch."

Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, told ABC he was "hopeful" about a reopening on April 1 but added: "I think it's too early to be able to tell that."

Unlike in most Western countries, lockdown decisions are primarily up to local governments, not the president, and leaders of a number of hard-hit, densely populated states have vowed to act as long as necessary.

"We want to reopen as soon as possible," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters. "The caveat is we need to be smart in the way we reopen."

Neighboring New Jersey's governor, fellow Democrat Phil Murphy, said that an economic recovery depended on a "full health-care recovery."

If "we start to get back on our feet too soon, I fear, based on the data we're looking at, we could be throwing gasoline on the fire," Murphy told CBS.

Trump, for his part, wrote on Twitter Sunday: "We are winning, and will win, the war on the Invisible Enemy!"

'Cautiously optimistic'

The United States has been recording nearly 2,000 deaths a day from the coronavirus, disproportionately older people with weakened immune systems and ethnic minorities with less access to health care and teleworking.

Worst-hit New York recorded another 758 coronavirus deaths, Cuomo said.

"You're not seeing a great decline in the numbers, but you're seeing a flattening," he said.

Fauci similarly said he was "cautiously optimistic" as admissions into hospitals and intensive care had begun to decline.

The United States, which has 4.25 percent of the world's population, accounts for almost a fifth of the world's nearly 110,000 deaths from COVID-19 since the disease first emerged in China late last year.

The New York Times, in an extensive article published Sunday, described Trump as failing to act quickly in part due to confidence in his gut instincts and his distrust of civil servants he brands as a conspiratorial "deep state."

Fauci, who has advised six successive presidents, acknowledged when asked about the article that the US could have saved lives by shutting down public spaces when the disease's seriousness became clear early in the year.

"But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then," Fauci told CNN, without naming Trump.

Trump soon afterward posted an interview on in which Fauci said that the United States "early on did not get correct information."

Trump last week zeroed in on the World Health Organization to explain early difficulties, saying the UN body was overly reliant on China when illnesses first emerged in Wuhan.

Trump had been hoping to campaign on a strong economy as he seeks re-election in November.

Instead, some 17 million people have lost their jobs in a matter of weeks and his presumptive Democratic rival, Joe Biden, has been hammering him over his virus response.

The United States may be ready to start gradually reopening next month, the government's top infectious diseases expert said Sunday, as signs grew that the coronavirus pandemic was peaking.

The United States may be ready to start gradually reopening next month, the government's top infectious diseases expert said Sunday, as signs grew that the coronavirus pandemic was peaking. President Donald Trump had earlier wanted the world's largest economy to be "raring to go" by Easter Sunday, but most of the country remained at a standstill and churches took celebrations online to halt the spread of the virus that has killed more than 22,000 people in the US. Also read: In video message, UK PM says medics saved his life as he battled COVID-19 Trump has cast the decision on when to ease the lockdown as the biggest of his presidency as he faces competing pressures from public health experts and businesses along with some conservative allies who want a swift return to business as usual. Anthony Fauci, the veteran pandemic expert who has quietly sought action to stem infections, said in a televised interview that parts of the country could begin easing restrictions in May -- but was cautious. Also read: Britons lose £1.8 million as cyber-conning becomes rampant in the country "I think it could probably start at least in some ways maybe next month," Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN. "We are hoping by the end of the month we can look around and say, OK, is there any element here that we can safely and cautiously start pulling back on?" Fauci said. "If so, do it. If not, then just continue to hunker down." Fauci said that regions would be ready at different times rather than the United States turning back on like a "light switch." Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, told ABC he was "hopeful" about a reopening on April 1 but added: "I think it's too early to be able to tell that." Unlike in most Western countries, lockdown decisions are primarily up to local governments, not the president, and leaders of a number of hard-hit, densely populated states have vowed to act as long as necessary. "We want to reopen as soon as possible," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters. "The caveat is we need to be smart in the way we reopen." Neighboring New Jersey's governor, fellow Democrat Phil Murphy, said that an economic recovery depended on a "full health-care recovery." If "we start to get back on our feet too soon, I fear, based on the data we're looking at, we could be throwing gasoline on the fire," Murphy told CBS. Trump, for his part, wrote on Twitter Sunday: "We are winning, and will win, the war on the Invisible Enemy!" 'Cautiously optimistic' The United States has been recording nearly 2,000 deaths a day from the coronavirus, disproportionately older people with weakened immune systems and ethnic minorities with less access to health care and teleworking. Worst-hit New York recorded another 758 coronavirus deaths, Cuomo said. "You're not seeing a great decline in the numbers, but you're seeing a flattening," he said. Fauci similarly said he was "cautiously optimistic" as admissions into hospitals and intensive care had begun to decline. The United States, which has 4.25 percent of the world's population, accounts for almost a fifth of the world's nearly 110,000 deaths from COVID-19 since the disease first emerged in China late last year. The New York Times, in an extensive article published Sunday, described Trump as failing to act quickly in part due to confidence in his gut instincts and his distrust of civil servants he brands as a conspiratorial "deep state." Fauci, who has advised six successive presidents, acknowledged when asked about the article that the US could have saved lives by shutting down public spaces when the disease's seriousness became clear early in the year. "But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then," Fauci told CNN, without naming Trump. Trump soon afterward posted an interview on in which Fauci said that the United States "early on did not get correct information." Trump last week zeroed in on the World Health Organization to explain early difficulties, saying the UN body was overly reliant on China when illnesses first emerged in Wuhan. Trump had been hoping to campaign on a strong economy as he seeks re-election in November. Instead, some 17 million people have lost their jobs in a matter of weeks and his presumptive Democratic rival, Joe Biden, has been hammering him over his virus response.

US could start reopening in May, says top virus advisor

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 18 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-could-start-reopening-in-may-says-top-virus-advisor-292153">Also read: US could start reopening in May, says top virus advisor</a>

COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;1,853,155 &nbsp;people worldwide and 114,247 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 423,625 people of that tally have recovered. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-video-message-uk-pm-says-medics-saved-his-life-as-he-battled-covid-19-292134" hreflang="en">In video message, UK PM says medics saved his life as he battled COVID-19</a>

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britons-lose-ps18-million-as-cyber-conning-becomes-rampant-in-the-country-292068" hreflang="en">Britons lose £1.8 million as cyber-conning becomes rampant in the country</a>

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The United States, the current epicentre of the virus recorded 2,000 deaths a day, a first for any country.

The country overall has witnessed 22,115 &nbsp;deaths and have surpassed Italy’s death toll of 19,899.

Over half a million cases have been now been confirmed in the US, more than any other country so far.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 18 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: US could start reopening in May, says top virus advisor COVID-19 has now infected 1,853,155 people worldwide and 114,247 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 18 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: US could start reopening in May, says top virus advisor COVID-19 has now infected 1,853,155 people worldwide and 114,247 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 423,625 people of that tally have recovered. Also read: In video message, UK PM says medics saved his life as he battled COVID-19 A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Also read: Britons lose £1.8 million as cyber-conning becomes rampant in the country Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The United States, the current epicentre of the virus recorded 2,000 deaths a day, a first for any country. The country overall has witnessed 22,115 deaths and have surpassed Italy’s death toll of 19,899. Over half a million cases have been now been confirmed in the US, more than any other country so far.

Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,800,000; death toll rises to 114,247

The coronavirus is the turning point of the new millennium, something that’s already made it to the annals of history. After all, it's not everyday one witnesses a global shutdown. While the optimistic upshot will be a colossal upscaling of the healthcare system, the current financial crisis is only deepening the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

Now the question we all should be asking is, 'Who benefits from this crisis?' Chances are that somebody does. The virus has cleverly created a myopic understanding of the calamity whereby the masses are focused on choosing life over death, ignorant of the upcoming ramifications even if they survive.

It was on October 18, 2019, at the World Economic Forum that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in partnership with The Johns Hopkins Centre For Health Security, hosted Event 201, a high-level pandemic exercise in New York. Bill Gates’ foresight to predict this pandemic way back in 2015 has struck the curiosity of sceptics like me. The billionaire philanthropist’s Ted Talks sermon is testimony to the point I’m making. The man has already pledged funding for vaccinations. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving $5 million to support the response in China, the virus-host. To be distributed among private and public partners that the organisation already works with, the Gates’ funding will reach China’s National Health Commission, Chinese Centre For Disease Control and Prevention and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Why would a business magnate invest millions in fighting an outbreak without any returns in the offing? Beware, because Gates, the psychic, has already warned of similar pandemics every two decades.

That Beijing has already gained a geopolitical edge over the west as it battles to contain COVID-19 is no secret. A big shot in the arm is the dragon’s massive Belt and Road initiative but the recent developments have raised the stakes higher. Not only is China leading with medical supplies to hard-hit countries in Europe and Africa, but it is also buying shares in banks across Asia. Case in point is The People’s Bank Of China buying HDFC's 1.75 crore shares worth 1.01 per cent of the shareholding.

 
Is COVID-19 a bioweapon? I personally believe that it's beyond just a zoonotic disease. As much as we want to support the idea of vegetarianism and lambaste ecological destruction as the cause for microbes jumping on to humans from animals, nobody can deny that consumption of wild meat is an ancient practice. Whether this virus was manufactured at a Wuhan lab or got leaked and reached Wuhan's wet market remains unanswered. But, the role of the Harvard Professor, Charles Leiber, allegedly setting up a laboratory is again questionable and not just a “coincidence”.

Analysts from the Eurasia group have already rated the current scenario as “the first international crisis" where China is actively taking a global leadership role and it stands in particular contrast to the US, which has disdained international cooperation and invested more political capital in criticising Beijing for its role in allowing the outbreak to spread.”

And perhaps it is the western void in multilateral institutions like the WHO that’s now being filled by China. Critics have questioned WHO’s unjustifiably delayed response in declaring the outbreak as a global pandemic in March when the virus had already surfaced in December 2019 in Wuhan. Moving into a new field- Health, Beijing has found a willing partner in the WHO.

After several denials and coverups, China successfully contained the COVID-19 but exported it to the world, now donning the new role of a public health superpower.

FYI, the WHO is dependent on China for funding. And, it was only when its Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, met with Xi Jinping in the end of January that WHO’s international experts were allowed access to China. Until then information by China was merely parroted by the international health body. Taiwan’s warnings were left unheard. Considering Taiwan’s estranged relationship with the dragon, it's not surprising that the country has no representation in a body that’s ironically part of the United Nations.

Termed as a “whacko” conspiracy theorist by many, David Icke talks about the 1 per cent at the top of the pyramid controlling the global economy and manufacturing total collapse of the current world economic system. He does throw some for food for thought though; What will this unprecedented financial disruption lead to?

Think and be ahead of the curve.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The coronavirus is the turning point of the new millennium, something that’s already made it to the annals of history. After all, it's not everyday one witnesses a global shutdown.

The coronavirus is the turning point of the new millennium, something that’s already made it to the annals of history. After all, it's not everyday one witnesses a global shutdown. While the optimistic upshot will be a colossal upscaling of the healthcare system, the current financial crisis is only deepening the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Now the question we all should be asking is, 'Who benefits from this crisis?' Chances are that somebody does. The virus has cleverly created a myopic understanding of the calamity whereby the masses are focused on choosing life over death, ignorant of the upcoming ramifications even if they survive. It was on October 18, 2019, at the World Economic Forum that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in partnership with The Johns Hopkins Centre For Health Security, hosted Event 201, a high-level pandemic exercise in New York. Bill Gates’ foresight to predict this pandemic way back in 2015 has struck the curiosity of sceptics like me. The billionaire philanthropist’s Ted Talks sermon is testimony to the point I’m making. The man has already pledged funding for vaccinations. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving $5 million to support the response in China, the virus-host. To be distributed among private and public partners that the organisation already works with, the Gates’ funding will reach China’s National Health Commission, Chinese Centre For Disease Control and Prevention and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Why would a business magnate invest millions in fighting an outbreak without any returns in the offing? Beware, because Gates, the psychic, has already warned of similar pandemics every two decades. That Beijing has already gained a geopolitical edge over the west as it battles to contain COVID-19 is no secret. A big shot in the arm is the dragon’s massive Belt and Road initiative but the recent developments have raised the stakes higher. Not only is China leading with medical supplies to hard-hit countries in Europe and Africa, but it is also buying shares in banks across Asia. Case in point is The People’s Bank Of China buying HDFC's 1.75 crore shares worth 1.01 per cent of the shareholding. Is COVID-19 a bioweapon? I personally believe that it's beyond just a zoonotic disease. As much as we want to support the idea of vegetarianism and lambaste ecological destruction as the cause for microbes jumping on to humans from animals, nobody can deny that consumption of wild meat is an ancient practice. Whether this virus was manufactured at a Wuhan lab or got leaked and reached Wuhan's wet market remains unanswered. But, the role of the Harvard Professor, Charles Leiber, allegedly setting up a laboratory is again questionable and not just a “coincidence”. Analysts from the Eurasia group have already rated the current scenario as “the first international crisis" where China is actively taking a global leadership role and it stands in particular contrast to the US, which has disdained international cooperation and invested more political capital in criticising Beijing for its role in allowing the outbreak to spread.” And perhaps it is the western void in multilateral institutions like the WHO that’s now being filled by China. Critics have questioned WHO’s unjustifiably delayed response in declaring the outbreak as a global pandemic in March when the virus had already surfaced in December 2019 in Wuhan. Moving into a new field- Health, Beijing has found a willing partner in the WHO. After several denials and coverups, China successfully contained the COVID-19 but exported it to the world, now donning the new role of a public health superpower. FYI, the WHO is dependent on China for funding. And, it was only when its Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, met with Xi Jinping in the end of January that WHO’s international experts were allowed access to China. Until then information by China was merely parroted by the international health body. Taiwan’s warnings were left unheard. Considering Taiwan’s estranged relationship with the dragon, it's not surprising that the country has no representation in a body that’s ironically part of the United Nations. Termed as a “whacko” conspiracy theorist by many, David Icke talks about the 1 per cent at the top of the pyramid controlling the global economy and manufacturing total collapse of the current world economic system. He does throw some for food for thought though; What will this unprecedented financial disruption lead to? Think and be ahead of the curve. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

COVID-19: A crisis manufactured?

Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for virus-related deaths

Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 13 (ANI):&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims, ignoring protests from the country's Muslim population which says the rule goes against Islamic tradition.&nbsp;

In a gazette notification cited by local daily Colombo Post, the Minister of Health and Indigenous Medical Services on Sunday announced the new regulations, saying that the corpse of a person, who has died or is suspected to have died of COVID-19, shall be cremated at a temperature of 800 to 1,200 degrees Celsius for a minimum period of 45 minutes to one hour for complete burning, for prevention of any potential biological threat.&nbsp;

The cremation should be done at a cemetery or place approved by the proper authority and under the supervision of such authority, according to the directions issued by the Director-General of Health Services.No person shall handover the corpse of a person died of or suspected to have died of COVID-19 to any person except to persons who undertake the necessary duties of cremation, nominated by the proper authority, the gazette added.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the ministry stated that the attire and the non-reusable personal protective equipment used by persons, who handle the corpse at such cemetery or place, shall be incinerated by placing them with the coffin during cremation. The reusable equipment shall be properly decontaminated and disinfected in accordance with the directions issued by the Director-General of Health Services, it said.

The ashes of the corpse may be handed over to the next of kin, at the request of such next of kin.

Three Muslims are among the seven people who have so far died from the virus in the country. Their bodies were cremated by the authorities despite protests from relatives.

So far, more than 200 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Sri Lanka, where an indefinite and nationwide curfew has been imposed. The country's main political party that represents Muslims, which make up 10 per cent of the 21 million-strong population, has accused the government of "callous disregard" for religious rituals and the families' wishes.&nbsp;

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has expressed concern over reports of forced cremation of Muslims who died after contracting the contagion under the guidelines, "a violation of Islamic burial practice which forbids cremation".

"Under @WHO guidelines, both burial and cremation are permitted," the Commission wrote on Twitter.

Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for virus-related deaths Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 13 (ANI): Sri Lanka has made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims, ignoring protests from the country's Muslim population which says the rule goes against Islamic tradition.

Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for virus-related deaths Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 13 (ANI): Sri Lanka has made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims, ignoring protests from the country's Muslim population which says the rule goes against Islamic tradition. In a gazette notification cited by local daily Colombo Post, the Minister of Health and Indigenous Medical Services on Sunday announced the new regulations, saying that the corpse of a person, who has died or is suspected to have died of COVID-19, shall be cremated at a temperature of 800 to 1,200 degrees Celsius for a minimum period of 45 minutes to one hour for complete burning, for prevention of any potential biological threat. The cremation should be done at a cemetery or place approved by the proper authority and under the supervision of such authority, according to the directions issued by the Director-General of Health Services.No person shall handover the corpse of a person died of or suspected to have died of COVID-19 to any person except to persons who undertake the necessary duties of cremation, nominated by the proper authority, the gazette added. Furthermore, the ministry stated that the attire and the non-reusable personal protective equipment used by persons, who handle the corpse at such cemetery or place, shall be incinerated by placing them with the coffin during cremation. The reusable equipment shall be properly decontaminated and disinfected in accordance with the directions issued by the Director-General of Health Services, it said. The ashes of the corpse may be handed over to the next of kin, at the request of such next of kin. Three Muslims are among the seven people who have so far died from the virus in the country. Their bodies were cremated by the authorities despite protests from relatives. So far, more than 200 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Sri Lanka, where an indefinite and nationwide curfew has been imposed. The country's main political party that represents Muslims, which make up 10 per cent of the 21 million-strong population, has accused the government of "callous disregard" for religious rituals and the families' wishes. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has expressed concern over reports of forced cremation of Muslims who died after contracting the contagion under the guidelines, "a violation of Islamic burial practice which forbids cremation". "Under @WHO guidelines, both burial and cremation are permitted," the Commission wrote on Twitter.

Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for virus-related deaths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Tuesday at 10 am, his office said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 10 AM on 14th April 2020," PMO India tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> will address the nation at 10 AM on 14th April 2020.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1249620775679610880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 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 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus ends tomorrow and Modi is likely to talk about its possible extension. 
 
To effectively contain the spread of coronavirus, the Odisha government has already decided to extend the ongoing lockdown in the state till April 30. 
 
States like Maharashtra, Punjab and Telangana have also announced an extension of the lockdown till April 30. 
 
In a meeting with PM through video-conference on Saturday, the chief ministers of most states had asked for an extension of the lockdown period as cases continue to rise.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewsAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewsAlert</a> | Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> will address the nation at 10 AM tomorrow! 
 
Keep watching <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WION</a> for all the updates! <a href="https://t.co/TKEpSFl7xW">pic.twitter.com/TKEpSFl7xW</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1249624461210456064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 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>

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Tuesday at 10 am, his office said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 10 AM on 14th April 2020," PMO India tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Tuesday at 10 am, his office said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 10 AM on 14th April 2020," PMO India tweeted. Prime Minister @narendramodi will address the nation at 10 AM on 14th April 2020. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 13, 2020 × The 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus ends tomorrow and Modi is likely to talk about its possible extension. To effectively contain the spread of coronavirus, the Odisha government has already decided to extend the ongoing lockdown in the state till April 30. States like Maharashtra, Punjab and Telangana have also announced an extension of the lockdown till April 30. In a meeting with PM through video-conference on Saturday, the chief ministers of most states had asked for an extension of the lockdown period as cases continue to rise. #NewsAlert | Prime Minister @narendramodi will address the nation at 10 AM tomorrow! Keep watching #WION for all the updates! pic.twitter.com/TKEpSFl7xW — WION (@WIONews) April 13, 2020 ×

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the nation at 10 am on April 14: PMO

Mumbai's Dharavi — Asia's biggest slum on Monday has recorded 47 cases and reported at least 5 deaths so far.

Measures to prevent COVID-19 faces challenge in Dharavi - one of the poorest and densest areas in the world. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-global-cases-cross-1800000-death-toll-rises-to-114247-292159">Also read: Global cases cross 1,800,000; death toll rises to 114,247</a>

The 47 coronavirus cases have been reported from 16 pockets of Dharavi. Areas like Madina Nagar, Janata Cooperative Housing Society and Gulmohar Chawl of Dharavi are showing new cases every day. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-cases-rise-to-9152-308-deaths-reported-292179">Also read: India's COVID-19 cases rise to 9152; 308 deaths reported</a>

With a population density of over 717,780/sq mi, Dharavi is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

With the incidence increasing in Dharavi, the police, civic, and health authorities are working overtime to implement lockdown in the 2.25 sq.km Dharavi area housing more than 800,000 people. 
 
<img alt="Mumbai's Dharavi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c7ef273-4273-4d0d-a88f-f8fd1d1da423" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_63.jpg" />

There are huge chances of community transmission of novel coronavirus infection as cases have&nbsp;started appearing in the area.&nbsp;

This situation has sparked fears among the residents. Social distancing is a difficult task while living in cheek-by-jowl urban slums.

The adjacent Dadar area, a mix of middle and upper-middle-class with a few posh pockets, also recorded 13 new cases since last night, causing fresh concerns.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai's Dharavi — Asia's biggest slum on Monday has recorded 47 cases and reported at least 5 deaths so far. Measures to prevent COVID-19 faces challenge in Dharavi - one of the poorest and densest areas in the world.

Mumbai's Dharavi — Asia's biggest slum on Monday has recorded 47 cases and reported at least 5 deaths so far. Measures to prevent COVID-19 faces challenge in Dharavi - one of the poorest and densest areas in the world. Also read: Global cases cross 1,800,000; death toll rises to 114,247 The 47 coronavirus cases have been reported from 16 pockets of Dharavi. Areas like Madina Nagar, Janata Cooperative Housing Society and Gulmohar Chawl of Dharavi are showing new cases every day. Also read: India's COVID-19 cases rise to 9152; 308 deaths reported With a population density of over 717,780/sq mi, Dharavi is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. With the incidence increasing in Dharavi, the police, civic, and health authorities are working overtime to implement lockdown in the 2.25 sq.km Dharavi area housing more than 800,000 people. There are huge chances of community transmission of novel coronavirus infection as cases have started appearing in the area. This situation has sparked fears among the residents. Social distancing is a difficult task while living in cheek-by-jowl urban slums. The adjacent Dadar area, a mix of middle and upper-middle-class with a few posh pockets, also recorded 13 new cases since last night, causing fresh concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

8 lakh people in 2.25 sq km: Social distancing a tough task in Mumbai's Dharavi

&nbsp;Megastar Salman Khan on Sunday extended Easter wishes to his fans with a humourous coronavirus themed video. 
 
The 'Maine Pyar Kiya'&nbsp;actor posted a 'then and now'&nbsp;video of a famous scene from the film where the protagonist Prem (Salman) kisses a lipstick mark by his beloved Suman portrayed by Bhagyashree in the film.

In pics:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cooking-washing-doing-dishes-how-celebrities-have-become-more-relatable-in-times-of-self-isolation-290376">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cooking-washing-doing-dishes-how-celebrities-have-become-more-relatable-in-times-of-self-isolation-290376">Cooking, washing, doing dishes: How celebrities have become more relatable in times of self-isolation</a> 
 
In the 'now` version of the video, Salman Khan is seen approaching the lipstick mark on glass separation and removing it with disinfectant spray and tissue paper.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-4BIKDF-Lp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-4BIKDF-Lp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-4BIKDF-Lp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-4BIKDF-Lp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan)</a> on <time datetime="2020-04-12T09:10:24+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 12, 2020 at 2:10am PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"If MPK releases now...Happy Easter. Stay focused and stay strong!" he tweeted along with the picture. The video prompted hilarious replies by many fans of the 54-year-old actor. 
 
'Maine Pyar Kiya'&nbsp;is a romantic-drama flick featuring Khan and Bhagyashree. It was released across the country in 1989 and is known to be one of the classic films of Indian cinema.&nbsp;

Megastar Salman Khan on Sunday extended Easter wishes to his fans with a humourous coronavirus themed video. The 'Maine Pyar Kiya' actor posted a 'then and now' video of a famous scene from the film where the protagonist Prem (Salman) kisses a lipstick mark by his beloved Suman portrayed by Bhagyashree in the film.

Megastar Salman Khan on Sunday extended Easter wishes to his fans with a humourous coronavirus themed video. The 'Maine Pyar Kiya' actor posted a 'then and now' video of a famous scene from the film where the protagonist Prem (Salman) kisses a lipstick mark by his beloved Suman portrayed by Bhagyashree in the film. In pics: Cooking, washing, doing dishes: How celebrities have become more relatable in times of self-isolation In the 'now` version of the video, Salman Khan is seen approaching the lipstick mark on glass separation and removing it with disinfectant spray and tissue paper. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) on Apr 12, 2020 at 2:10am PDT × "If MPK releases now...Happy Easter. Stay focused and stay strong!" he tweeted along with the picture. The video prompted hilarious replies by many fans of the 54-year-old actor. 'Maine Pyar Kiya' is a romantic-drama flick featuring Khan and Bhagyashree. It was released across the country in 1989 and is known to be one of the classic films of Indian cinema.

Salman Khan recreates scene from 'Maine Pyar Kiya' with COVID-19 twist

The global coronavirus pandemic has inflicted an economic crisis unlike any in the past century and will require a massive response to ensure recovery, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said Thursday.

The warnings about the damage inflicted by the virus already were stark, but Georgieva said the world should brace for "the worst economic fallout since the Great Depression." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cautiously-optimistic-as-coronavirus-curve-appears-to-flatten-291657">Also read |&nbsp;US cautiously optimistic as coronavirus curve appears to flatten</a>

With nearly 89,000 deaths in 192 countries and territories and the number of cases now surpassing 1.5 million worldwide, much of the global economy has been shut down to contain the spread of the virus. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-covid-meet-ends-with-no-concrete-outcomes-291658">Also read |&nbsp;UNSC COVID meet ends with no concrete outcomes</a>

The International Monetary Fund expects "global growth will turn sharply negative in 2020," with 170 of the fund's 180 members experiencing a decline in per capita income, Georgieva said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-covid-19-exceeds-90000-worldwide-291655">Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide</a>

Just a few months ago, the fund was expecting 160 countries to see rising per capita income, she said in a speech previewing next week's spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank, which will be held virtually due to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19.

'It could get worse'

Even in the best-case scenario, the IMF expects only a "partial recovery" next year, assuming the virus fades later in 2020, allowing the normal business to resume as the lockdowns imposed to contain its spread are lifted.

But she added this ominous caution: "It could get worse."

There is "tremendous uncertainty around the outlook" and the duration of the pandemic, Georgieva said.

The IMF will release its latest World Economic Outlook on Tuesday, with grim forecasts for its members this year and next. In January, the IMF projected global growth of 3.3 per cent this year and 3.4 per cent in 2021.&nbsp;

But that was a different world.

The US economy has purged 17 million jobs since mid-March, with the latest weekly data issued Thursday showing 6.6 million workers filed for unemployment benefits, and economists projecting a double-digit jobless rate this month.

The World Bank said Thursday the pandemic might cause the first recession in Africa in 25 years.

Researchers at the Institute for International Finance (IIF), a global banking association, expect a 2.8 per cent plunge in global GDP, compared to a decline of 2.1 per cent in 2009 during the global financial crisis.&nbsp;

That is a sharp reversal from October when the IIF predicted 2.6 per cent growth.

Recovery depends on decisive actions now, Georgieva said. The IMF has $1 trillion in lending capacity and is responding to unprecedented calls from 90 countries for emergency financing.

Send more lifelines

Countries already have taken steps worth a combined $8 trillion, but Georgieva urged governments to do more.

"Lifelines for households and businesses are imperative" to "avoid scarring of the economy that would make the recovery so much more difficult."

The IMF board approved a doubling of emergency lending facilities that will provide about $100 billion, and is moving ahead with debt relief for the poorest countries and also help for countries with unsustainable debt levels.

"The bleak outlook applies to advanced and developing economies alike. This crisis knows no boundaries. Everybody hurts," Georgieva said.

She noted that about $100 billion in investments already had fled emerging markets -- more than three times the capital exodus seen in the 2008 global financial crisis.

US officials have scrambled to apply a tourniquet to stem the bleeding of jobs in the world's largest economy and keep the financial system from freezing up.&nbsp;

The Federal Reserve rolled out another series of lending programs Thursday totalling $2.3 trillion to help small and medium businesses as well as state and local governments facing cash shortages.

The US is moving "with alarming speed" from unemployment near a 50-year low, to a "very high" rate, Fed chair Jerome Powell said in a speech Thursday.

And like Georgieva, he indicated the US government will have to provide more direct support since the Fed is limited to lending to solvent entities.

"All of us are affected, but the burdens are falling most heavily on those least able to carry them," Powell said.

But he also tried to offer some reassurance, saying the US economic rebound could be "robust."&nbsp;

The global coronavirus pandemic has inflicted an economic crisis unlike any in the past century and will require a massive response to ensure recovery, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said Thursday.

The global coronavirus pandemic has inflicted an economic crisis unlike any in the past century and will require a massive response to ensure recovery, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said Thursday. The warnings about the damage inflicted by the virus already were stark, but Georgieva said the world should brace for "the worst economic fallout since the Great Depression." Also read | US cautiously optimistic as coronavirus curve appears to flatten With nearly 89,000 deaths in 192 countries and territories and the number of cases now surpassing 1.5 million worldwide, much of the global economy has been shut down to contain the spread of the virus. Also read | UNSC COVID meet ends with no concrete outcomes The International Monetary Fund expects "global growth will turn sharply negative in 2020," with 170 of the fund's 180 members experiencing a decline in per capita income, Georgieva said. Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide Just a few months ago, the fund was expecting 160 countries to see rising per capita income, she said in a speech previewing next week's spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank, which will be held virtually due to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19. 'It could get worse' Even in the best-case scenario, the IMF expects only a "partial recovery" next year, assuming the virus fades later in 2020, allowing the normal business to resume as the lockdowns imposed to contain its spread are lifted. But she added this ominous caution: "It could get worse." There is "tremendous uncertainty around the outlook" and the duration of the pandemic, Georgieva said. The IMF will release its latest World Economic Outlook on Tuesday, with grim forecasts for its members this year and next. In January, the IMF projected global growth of 3.3 per cent this year and 3.4 per cent in 2021. But that was a different world. The US economy has purged 17 million jobs since mid-March, with the latest weekly data issued Thursday showing 6.6 million workers filed for unemployment benefits, and economists projecting a double-digit jobless rate this month. The World Bank said Thursday the pandemic might cause the first recession in Africa in 25 years. Researchers at the Institute for International Finance (IIF), a global banking association, expect a 2.8 per cent plunge in global GDP, compared to a decline of 2.1 per cent in 2009 during the global financial crisis. That is a sharp reversal from October when the IIF predicted 2.6 per cent growth. Recovery depends on decisive actions now, Georgieva said. The IMF has $1 trillion in lending capacity and is responding to unprecedented calls from 90 countries for emergency financing. Send more lifelines Countries already have taken steps worth a combined $8 trillion, but Georgieva urged governments to do more. "Lifelines for households and businesses are imperative" to "avoid scarring of the economy that would make the recovery so much more difficult." The IMF board approved a doubling of emergency lending facilities that will provide about $100 billion, and is moving ahead with debt relief for the poorest countries and also help for countries with unsustainable debt levels. "The bleak outlook applies to advanced and developing economies alike. This crisis knows no boundaries. Everybody hurts," Georgieva said. She noted that about $100 billion in investments already had fled emerging markets -- more than three times the capital exodus seen in the 2008 global financial crisis. US officials have scrambled to apply a tourniquet to stem the bleeding of jobs in the world's largest economy and keep the financial system from freezing up. The Federal Reserve rolled out another series of lending programs Thursday totalling $2.3 trillion to help small and medium businesses as well as state and local governments facing cash shortages. The US is moving "with alarming speed" from unemployment near a 50-year low, to a "very high" rate, Fed chair Jerome Powell said in a speech Thursday. And like Georgieva, he indicated the US government will have to provide more direct support since the Fed is limited to lending to solvent entities. "All of us are affected, but the burdens are falling most heavily on those least able to carry them," Powell said. But he also tried to offer some reassurance, saying the US economic rebound could be "robust."

World faces the worst crisis since 'Great depression': IMF chief

United Nations: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a "window" into how a bio-terrorist attack might unfold across the world, UN chief Antonio Guterres said, issuing a strong warning that non-state groups could gain access to "virulent strains" that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe.

The Secretary-General listed pressing risks to the world due to the pandemic as he addressed the powerful UN Security Council, which for the first time discussed the coronavirus crisis in a closed video-conference session on Thursday under the Presidency of the Dominican Republic.

Antonio Guterres described the battle against COVID-19 as the "fight of a generation -- and the raison detre of the United Nations itself."

"While the COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis, its implications are much more far-reaching. The pandemic also poses a significant threat to the maintenance of international peace and security -- potentially leading to an increase in social unrest and violence that would greatly undermine our ability to fight the disease," Antonio Guterres said in his briefing to the UNSC.

"The weaknesses and lack of preparedness exposed by this pandemic provide a window onto how a bio-terrorist attack might unfold - and may increase its risks. Non-state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe," he said.

Voicing strong concern that the threat of terrorism remains alive, Antonio Guterres said, "terrorist groups may see a window of opportunity to strike while the attention of most governments is turned towards the pandemic."

Further, in some conflict settings, the uncertainty created by the pandemic may create incentives for some actors to promote further division and turmoil.

"This could lead to an escalation of violence and possibly devastating miscalculations, which could further entrench ongoing wars and complicate efforts to fight the pandemic," Antonio Guterres said.

According to estimates from Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Centre, there are more than 1.6 million confirmed coronavirus cases across the world and over 95,000 people have died so far from the disease.

The UN chief stressed that the crisis has hindered international, regional and national conflict resolution efforts, exactly when they are needed most.

Another significant risk posed by the pandemic is that it is triggering or exacerbating various human rights challenges and refugees and internally displaced persons are particularly vulnerable.

"We are seeing stigma, hate speech, and white supremacists and other extremists seeking to exploit the situation. We are witnessing discrimination in accessing health services... And there are growing manifestations of authoritarianism, including limits on the media, civic space and freedom of expression" he said.

The coronavirus crisis has unleashed ruinous social and economic impacts, as governments around the world struggle to find the most effective responses to rising unemployment and the economic downturn.

Last month, Antonio Guterres had called for an immediate global ceasefire, urging all warring parties to silence the guns in order to help create conditions for the delivery of aid, open up space for diplomacy and bring hope to places among the most vulnerable to the pandemic.

He said he is encouraged by the support his call for a global ceasefire has received from Heads of State and Government to regional partners, civil society activists, and religious leaders.

"From South America to Africa and from the Middle East to Asia we have seen conflict parties take some initial steps to end violence and fight the pandemic," he said.

Two weeks ago, the UN chief also launched the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, focusing on needs in countries already facing a humanitarian crisis. The Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated USD 75 million and so far the Plan had received USD 396.5 million.

United Nations: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a "window" into how a bio-terrorist attack might unfold across the world, UN chief Antonio Guterres said, issuing a strong warning that non-state groups could gain access to "virulent strains" that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe.

United Nations: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a "window" into how a bio-terrorist attack might unfold across the world, UN chief Antonio Guterres said, issuing a strong warning that non-state groups could gain access to "virulent strains" that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe. The Secretary-General listed pressing risks to the world due to the pandemic as he addressed the powerful UN Security Council, which for the first time discussed the coronavirus crisis in a closed video-conference session on Thursday under the Presidency of the Dominican Republic. Antonio Guterres described the battle against COVID-19 as the "fight of a generation -- and the raison detre of the United Nations itself." "While the COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis, its implications are much more far-reaching. The pandemic also poses a significant threat to the maintenance of international peace and security -- potentially leading to an increase in social unrest and violence that would greatly undermine our ability to fight the disease," Antonio Guterres said in his briefing to the UNSC. "The weaknesses and lack of preparedness exposed by this pandemic provide a window onto how a bio-terrorist attack might unfold - and may increase its risks. Non-state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe," he said. Voicing strong concern that the threat of terrorism remains alive, Antonio Guterres said, "terrorist groups may see a window of opportunity to strike while the attention of most governments is turned towards the pandemic." Further, in some conflict settings, the uncertainty created by the pandemic may create incentives for some actors to promote further division and turmoil. "This could lead to an escalation of violence and possibly devastating miscalculations, which could further entrench ongoing wars and complicate efforts to fight the pandemic," Antonio Guterres said. According to estimates from Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Centre, there are more than 1.6 million confirmed coronavirus cases across the world and over 95,000 people have died so far from the disease. The UN chief stressed that the crisis has hindered international, regional and national conflict resolution efforts, exactly when they are needed most. Another significant risk posed by the pandemic is that it is triggering or exacerbating various human rights challenges and refugees and internally displaced persons are particularly vulnerable. "We are seeing stigma, hate speech, and white supremacists and other extremists seeking to exploit the situation. We are witnessing discrimination in accessing health services... And there are growing manifestations of authoritarianism, including limits on the media, civic space and freedom of expression" he said. The coronavirus crisis has unleashed ruinous social and economic impacts, as governments around the world struggle to find the most effective responses to rising unemployment and the economic downturn. Last month, Antonio Guterres had called for an immediate global ceasefire, urging all warring parties to silence the guns in order to help create conditions for the delivery of aid, open up space for diplomacy and bring hope to places among the most vulnerable to the pandemic. He said he is encouraged by the support his call for a global ceasefire has received from Heads of State and Government to regional partners, civil society activists, and religious leaders. "From South America to Africa and from the Middle East to Asia we have seen conflict parties take some initial steps to end violence and fight the pandemic," he said. Two weeks ago, the UN chief also launched the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, focusing on needs in countries already facing a humanitarian crisis. The Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated USD 75 million and so far the Plan had received USD 396.5 million.

Terrorists may use COVID-19 'Window' to strike: UN security council

Pakistan on Thursday pledged to contribute $3 million to the SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an initial offer of $10 million from India to help combat the fast-spreading Covid-19 pandemic in the region.

The Foreign Office in a statement said Pakistan's perspective on the utilisation of fund was conveyed during a telephone conversation between Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and SAARC Secretary General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon.

"While communicating Pakistan's decision to the SAARC Secretariat, it has been conveyed that all proceeds of the fund should be administered by the SAARC Secretariat and that the modalities for the fund's utilisation should be finalised through consultations with the Member States as per the SAARC Charter," it said.

In a video conference on forming a joint strategy to fight Covid-19 in the SAARC region, Prime Minister Modi on March 15 proposed the emergency fund with an initial offer of $10 million from India and asserted that the best way to deal with the coronavirus pandemic was by coming together, and not growing apart.

Subsequently, Nepal and Afghanistan pledged $1 million each, Maldives committed $ 200,000, Bhutan $100,000, Bangladesh $1.5 million and Sri Lanka pledged $5 million to the fund.

Founded in 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Apart from Modi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza, had participated in the video conference.

The Foreign Office in the statement said being a founding member, Pakistan considers SAARC an important platform for regional cooperation.

"Pakistan remains committed to the SAARC process and will continue working with the Member States to strengthen regional cooperation," it said.

Pakistan on Thursday pledged to contribute $3 million to the SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an initial offer of $10 million from India to help combat the fast-spreading Covid-19 pandemic in the region.

Pakistan on Thursday pledged to contribute $3 million to the SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an initial offer of $10 million from India to help combat the fast-spreading Covid-19 pandemic in the region. The Foreign Office in a statement said Pakistan's perspective on the utilisation of fund was conveyed during a telephone conversation between Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and SAARC Secretary General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon. "While communicating Pakistan's decision to the SAARC Secretariat, it has been conveyed that all proceeds of the fund should be administered by the SAARC Secretariat and that the modalities for the fund's utilisation should be finalised through consultations with the Member States as per the SAARC Charter," it said. In a video conference on forming a joint strategy to fight Covid-19 in the SAARC region, Prime Minister Modi on March 15 proposed the emergency fund with an initial offer of $10 million from India and asserted that the best way to deal with the coronavirus pandemic was by coming together, and not growing apart. Subsequently, Nepal and Afghanistan pledged $1 million each, Maldives committed $ 200,000, Bhutan $100,000, Bangladesh $1.5 million and Sri Lanka pledged $5 million to the fund. Founded in 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Apart from Modi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza, had participated in the video conference. The Foreign Office in the statement said being a founding member, Pakistan considers SAARC an important platform for regional cooperation. "Pakistan remains committed to the SAARC process and will continue working with the Member States to strengthen regional cooperation," it said.

Pakistan pledges $3 million to SAARC Covid-19 emergency Fund

Anthrax, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Ebola, SARS and now the coronavirus. All these diseases have something in common,&nbsp;they can all be traced to unhygienic animal markets.

Markets with extreme confinement levels. Markets where both live and dead animals are on offer. Not only are we harming animals, but have time and again, ended up endangering ourselves.

China claims its coronavirus lockdown is over, it says it has conquered this pandemic.&nbsp;Beijing has encouraged celebrations of victory across the country. 
&nbsp; 
The Chinese regime has supposedly banned exotic-meat trade. There's a draft in circulation which provides a 'white list' of animals allowed to be raised for meat.

It was released by the Chinese Agricultural Ministry and is being called a 'game-changer' for animal welfare in China because this draft exempts dogs from human consumption.

There are no other exemptions, from foxes to deer and minks, most wildlife has again been approved as farm-raised species. The draft doesn't even mention bats and pangolins - the alleged source of the coronavirus. China's wet markets have gone back to operating in exactly the same way as they did before this pandemic.

UK's Dailymail has in fact given a detailed account of what's happening at these wet markets. Terrified dogs and cats crammed into rusty cages, bats and scorpions are on sale for traditional medicine, rabbits and ducks are being skinned alive.

This is how China is celebrating its so-called victory over the coronavirus. The coronavirus is a result of the many variants of unnatural &amp; unnecessary practices that every society and culture can do better without. Even after several pandemics, the Chinese regime is yet to realise that its entire system is a flaw. 
&nbsp;

Anthrax, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Ebola, SARS and now the coronavirus. All these diseases have something in common, they can all be traced to unhygienic animal markets.

Anthrax, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Ebola, SARS and now the coronavirus. All these diseases have something in common, they can all be traced to unhygienic animal markets. Markets with extreme confinement levels. Markets where both live and dead animals are on offer. Not only are we harming animals, but have time and again, ended up endangering ourselves. China claims its coronavirus lockdown is over, it says it has conquered this pandemic. Beijing has encouraged celebrations of victory across the country. The Chinese regime has supposedly banned exotic-meat trade. There's a draft in circulation which provides a 'white list' of animals allowed to be raised for meat. It was released by the Chinese Agricultural Ministry and is being called a 'game-changer' for animal welfare in China because this draft exempts dogs from human consumption. There are no other exemptions, from foxes to deer and minks, most wildlife has again been approved as farm-raised species. The draft doesn't even mention bats and pangolins - the alleged source of the coronavirus. China's wet markets have gone back to operating in exactly the same way as they did before this pandemic. UK's Dailymail has in fact given a detailed account of what's happening at these wet markets. Terrified dogs and cats crammed into rusty cages, bats and scorpions are on sale for traditional medicine, rabbits and ducks are being skinned alive. This is how China is celebrating its so-called victory over the coronavirus. The coronavirus is a result of the many variants of unnatural & unnecessary practices that every society and culture can do better without. Even after several pandemics, the Chinese regime is yet to realise that its entire system is a flaw.

Can China change its eating habits?

Everyone has their way of dealing with the current crisis that has enveloped the world thanks to the coronavirus outbreak. While we see people joining TikTok, dance and exercise to kill time, some are becoming culinary experts. Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish who slayed headlines a large part of last year and the starting of 2020 has now opened up on how she is dealing with quarantine that has left us all with a lot of time on our hands.

The teen sensation spoke about the quarantine situation on German Telekom Electronic Beats podcast and said, “I’ve been really enjoying being alone... It's been nice. I feel like everybody on the Internet has been on FaceTime all day long with their friends."

She said that she has a full-time job right now as she’s busy fostering two puppies. She said, "I haven't had this much time off since I was 12."

This January, Billie Eilish swept the Grammy Awards as she won all top prizes -- album, song record, best new artist. She became the only second person and the youngest to pocket such a feat.&nbsp;

Everyone has their way of dealing with the current crisis that has enveloped the world thanks to the coronavirus outbreak. While we see people joining TikTok, dance and exercise to kill time, some are becoming culinary experts.

Everyone has their way of dealing with the current crisis that has enveloped the world thanks to the coronavirus outbreak. While we see people joining TikTok, dance and exercise to kill time, some are becoming culinary experts. Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish who slayed headlines a large part of last year and the starting of 2020 has now opened up on how she is dealing with quarantine that has left us all with a lot of time on our hands. The teen sensation spoke about the quarantine situation on German Telekom Electronic Beats podcast and said, “I’ve been really enjoying being alone... It's been nice. I feel like everybody on the Internet has been on FaceTime all day long with their friends." She said that she has a full-time job right now as she’s busy fostering two puppies. She said, "I haven't had this much time off since I was 12." This January, Billie Eilish swept the Grammy Awards as she won all top prizes -- album, song record, best new artist. She became the only second person and the youngest to pocket such a feat.

Billie Eilish on COVID-19 quarantine: Enjoying being alone

Coronavirus cases in India have risen dramatically to 6,412 and the death toll to 199, according to data released by the Ministry of health.&nbsp;

Figures released on Friday morning showed 678 new coronavirus cases in the country with 33 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Because of a continuing surge in infections, Odisha on Thursday became the first state to extend the ongoing 21-day lockdown by another two weeks to April 30. It is being said that other states might also follow suit.

Meanwhile, Railways have deployed more than 2,500 doctors &amp; 35,000 paramedics staff. Their chain of 586 health units,45 sub-divisional hospitals,56 divisional hospitals,8 production unit hospitals and 16 zonal hospitals are dedicating their significant facilities to fight COVID-19.

Globally, the death toll has reached 95,718 and the number of infections stands at 1,601,018, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Coronavirus cases in India have risen dramatically to 6,412 and the death toll to 199, according to data released by the Ministry of health. Figures released on Friday morning showed 678 new coronavirus cases in the country with 33 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus cases in India have risen dramatically to 6,412 and the death toll to 199, according to data released by the Ministry of health. Figures released on Friday morning showed 678 new coronavirus cases in the country with 33 deaths in the last 24 hours. Because of a continuing surge in infections, Odisha on Thursday became the first state to extend the ongoing 21-day lockdown by another two weeks to April 30. It is being said that other states might also follow suit. Meanwhile, Railways have deployed more than 2,500 doctors & 35,000 paramedics staff. Their chain of 586 health units,45 sub-divisional hospitals,56 divisional hospitals,8 production unit hospitals and 16 zonal hospitals are dedicating their significant facilities to fight COVID-19. Globally, the death toll has reached 95,718 and the number of infections stands at 1,601,018, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Coronavirus in India: Total COVID-19 cases at 6,412, death toll at 199

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday left intensive care, where he had spent the three previous days for treatment against coronavirus, his Downing Street office said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-covid-19-exceeds-90000-worldwide-291655">Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide</a>

"The Prime Minister has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery," said the statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-doctors-succumb-to-covid-19-as-italy-death-toll-crosses-over-17600-291601">Also Read: Over 100 doctors succumb to COVID-19 as Italy death toll crosses over 17,600</a>

Meanwhile, Britain announced another 881 deaths of people testing positive for coronavirus in Thursday's daily update, bringing the country's total toll to 7,978.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, in charge as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, remains in intensive care battling COVID-19, announced the figures as he warned that the country hadn't "yet reached the peak of the virus".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday left intensive care, where he had spent the three previous days for treatment against coronavirus, his Downing Street office said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday left intensive care, where he had spent the three previous days for treatment against coronavirus, his Downing Street office said. Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide "The Prime Minister has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery," said the statement. Also Read: Over 100 doctors succumb to COVID-19 as Italy death toll crosses over 17,600 Meanwhile, Britain announced another 881 deaths of people testing positive for coronavirus in Thursday's daily update, bringing the country's total toll to 7,978. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, in charge as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, remains in intensive care battling COVID-19, announced the figures as he warned that the country hadn't "yet reached the peak of the virus".

Boris Johnson, who tested positive for Coronavirus, leaves intensive care

After months of delay, The United Nations Security Council met on Thursday via video conference to discuss the COVID crisis but the meet resulted in no concrete outcomes.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-covid-19-exceeds-90000-worldwide-291655">Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide</a>

The only thing UNSC could agree was on press elements post the meet. The statement said, UNSC "expressed their support for all efforts of the Secretary-General concerning the potential impact of COVID pandemic to conflict-affected countries" &nbsp;and "recalled the need for unity and solidarity with all those affected."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-doctors-succumb-to-covid-19-as-italy-death-toll-crosses-over-17600-291601">Also Read: Over 100 doctors succumb to COVID-19 as Italy death toll crosses over 17,600</a>

No support was seen for SG Antonio Guterres global call for a ceasefire and no word came on any resolution being adopted or a joint solution to the crisis also.

The meet saw China saying no one should be made a scapegoat while calling for global solidarity. This comes even as the country come under increased criticism for hiding information on the coronavirus, whose first case was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

Chinese envoy to UN Ambassador Zhang Jun said, "To overcome this global challenge, solidarity, cooperation, mutual support and assistance is what we need, while beggar-thy-neighbour or scapegoating will lead us nowhere. Any acts of stigmatization and politicization must be rejected."&nbsp;

The US called for an analysis of the origins and timely sharing of health data, a point that China surely will note given how it has been keen to say while the first case might be from the country but origins might be different.&nbsp;

Ambassador Kelly Craft, Permanent Representative of US to UN said, "The United States reiterates today the need for complete transparency and the timely sharing of public health data and information within the international community."

Adding, "The most effective way to contain this pandemic is through accurate, science-based data collection and analysis of the origins, characteristics, and spread of the virus. We cannot stress enough how important these methods are."

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called on "everybody to lift all non-UN multilateral or unilateral coercive measures and sanctions against developing countries", a remark for Washington for its sanctions against Iran and Venezuela. Iran, which is the hardest hit by COVID, has been writing to global capitals for removal of US Sanctions as it is impacting its measures to contain the pandemic.

United Nation Secretary-General briefed the council regarding the current situation saying that "this is the fight of a generation -- and the 'raison d’être of the United Nations itself."

He highlighted 8 risks emerging out of the crisis, which includes, the "threat of terrorism" which "remains alive" and "Terrorist groups may see a window of opportunity to strike while the attention of most governments is turned towards the pandemic."

Guterres highlighted the "weaknesses and lack of preparedness" exposed by the pandemic which may "provide a window onto how a bioterrorist attack might unfold – and may increase its risks" and fears that "Non-state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe."

Other things he highlighted as the impact of COVID, include erosion of public trust, stalling of conflict resolution efforts, increase in racism etc

The financial situation of the United Nations was also talked by UNSG who called it "perilous" and the body has "only enough cash to fund peacekeeping operations through the end of June and limited capacity to pay troop- and police-contributing countries."&nbsp;

This may impact India given that it is the largest contributor to the troop for UN peacekeeping.

After months of delay, The United Nations Security Council met on Thursday via video conference to discuss the COVID crisis but the meet resulted in no concrete outcomes.

After months of delay, The United Nations Security Council met on Thursday via video conference to discuss the COVID crisis but the meet resulted in no concrete outcomes. Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide The only thing UNSC could agree was on press elements post the meet. The statement said, UNSC "expressed their support for all efforts of the Secretary-General concerning the potential impact of COVID pandemic to conflict-affected countries" and "recalled the need for unity and solidarity with all those affected." Also Read: Over 100 doctors succumb to COVID-19 as Italy death toll crosses over 17,600 No support was seen for SG Antonio Guterres global call for a ceasefire and no word came on any resolution being adopted or a joint solution to the crisis also. The meet saw China saying no one should be made a scapegoat while calling for global solidarity. This comes even as the country come under increased criticism for hiding information on the coronavirus, whose first case was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Chinese envoy to UN Ambassador Zhang Jun said, "To overcome this global challenge, solidarity, cooperation, mutual support and assistance is what we need, while beggar-thy-neighbour or scapegoating will lead us nowhere. Any acts of stigmatization and politicization must be rejected." The US called for an analysis of the origins and timely sharing of health data, a point that China surely will note given how it has been keen to say while the first case might be from the country but origins might be different. Ambassador Kelly Craft, Permanent Representative of US to UN said, "The United States reiterates today the need for complete transparency and the timely sharing of public health data and information within the international community." Adding, "The most effective way to contain this pandemic is through accurate, science-based data collection and analysis of the origins, characteristics, and spread of the virus. We cannot stress enough how important these methods are." Meanwhile, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called on "everybody to lift all non-UN multilateral or unilateral coercive measures and sanctions against developing countries", a remark for Washington for its sanctions against Iran and Venezuela. Iran, which is the hardest hit by COVID, has been writing to global capitals for removal of US Sanctions as it is impacting its measures to contain the pandemic. United Nation Secretary-General briefed the council regarding the current situation saying that "this is the fight of a generation -- and the 'raison d’être of the United Nations itself." He highlighted 8 risks emerging out of the crisis, which includes, the "threat of terrorism" which "remains alive" and "Terrorist groups may see a window of opportunity to strike while the attention of most governments is turned towards the pandemic." Guterres highlighted the "weaknesses and lack of preparedness" exposed by the pandemic which may "provide a window onto how a bioterrorist attack might unfold – and may increase its risks" and fears that "Non-state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe." Other things he highlighted as the impact of COVID, include erosion of public trust, stalling of conflict resolution efforts, increase in racism etc The financial situation of the United Nations was also talked by UNSG who called it "perilous" and the body has "only enough cash to fund peacekeeping operations through the end of June and limited capacity to pay troop- and police-contributing countries." This may impact India given that it is the largest contributor to the troop for UN peacekeeping.

UNSC COVID meet ends with no concrete outcomes

Salman Khan on Friday thanked people for staying indoors and shared two pictures, first showing Bada Qabaristan`s (graveyard) gate which has been closed due to lockdown and the second was of an empty street in Mumbai. 
 
The actor thanked the people for listening to the guidelines and understanding the gravity of this situation amid the 21-day government-imposed lockdown in view of coronavirus outbreak.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wah ! Thank u for listening n understanding the gravity of this situation the country is in . God bless n protect each n every 1 . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/xjHXfWA8lX">pic.twitter.com/xjHXfWA8lX</a>
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeingSalmanKhan/status/1248310215985885185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 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 tweet by `Dabangg` actor came soon after the conclusion of Shab-e-Barat. 
 
Shab-e-Barat is observed as a day of forgiveness or atonement in Islam and leads to congregations at graveyards and religious places. The 54-year-old actor took to Twitter and wrote, "Wah! Thank u for listening n understanding the gravity of this situation the country is in. God bless n protect each n every 1. .#IndiaFightsCorona" 
 
Over the past few days, appeals were made to the Muslim community from several quarters to not venture out of their houses to pray on Shab-e-Barat in view of the COVID-19 lockdown. 
 
Earlier, the `Tiger Zinda Hai` star shared his lockdown experience in a video message with nephew Nirvaan and urged people to take the government`s advisory of self-isolation seriously amid the rising cases of coronavirus in the country.

&nbsp;

Salman Khan on Friday thanked people for staying indoors and shared two pictures, first showing Bada Qabaristan`s (graveyard) gate which has been closed due to lockdown and the second was of an empty street in Mumbai.

Salman Khan on Friday thanked people for staying indoors and shared two pictures, first showing Bada Qabaristan`s (graveyard) gate which has been closed due to lockdown and the second was of an empty street in Mumbai. The actor thanked the people for listening to the guidelines and understanding the gravity of this situation amid the 21-day government-imposed lockdown in view of coronavirus outbreak. Wah ! Thank u for listening n understanding the gravity of this situation the country is in . God bless n protect each n every 1 . .#IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/xjHXfWA8lX — Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) April 9, 2020 × The tweet by `Dabangg` actor came soon after the conclusion of Shab-e-Barat. Shab-e-Barat is observed as a day of forgiveness or atonement in Islam and leads to congregations at graveyards and religious places. The 54-year-old actor took to Twitter and wrote, "Wah! Thank u for listening n understanding the gravity of this situation the country is in. God bless n protect each n every 1. .#IndiaFightsCorona" Over the past few days, appeals were made to the Muslim community from several quarters to not venture out of their houses to pray on Shab-e-Barat in view of the COVID-19 lockdown. Earlier, the `Tiger Zinda Hai` star shared his lockdown experience in a video message with nephew Nirvaan and urged people to take the government`s advisory of self-isolation seriously amid the rising cases of coronavirus in the country.

Salman Khan thanks people for observing lockdown rules

Air pollution in the national capital region remained in the moderate category for last week, with a 63 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide poisonous gas.

The nationwide lockdown has pushed pollution levels in Delhi to a 5-year low. In March 2016 there was a total of 6 cities with good air quality index but now it has reached to 30 after the last month, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

India is currently under the biggest lockdown with around 130 crore people asked to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 199 lives and infected over 6,000 people in the country.

Since the lockdown was imposed, the air quality all around the country has shown drastic improvement due to eradication of local pollutants generated due to construction activities and vehicular traffic among others. &nbsp;

Indo Gangetic cities showed significant improvement in AQI values with levels moving from higher to the lower end of the category and 17 cities moving in 'satisfactory' category and seven cities in the 'good' category.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Air pollution in the national capital region remained in the moderate category for last week, with a 63 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide poisonous gas. The nationwide lockdown has pushed pollution levels in Delhi to a 5-year low.

Air pollution in the national capital region remained in the moderate category for last week, with a 63 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide poisonous gas. The nationwide lockdown has pushed pollution levels in Delhi to a 5-year low. In March 2016 there was a total of 6 cities with good air quality index but now it has reached to 30 after the last month, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. India is currently under the biggest lockdown with around 130 crore people asked to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 199 lives and infected over 6,000 people in the country. Since the lockdown was imposed, the air quality all around the country has shown drastic improvement due to eradication of local pollutants generated due to construction activities and vehicular traffic among others. Indo Gangetic cities showed significant improvement in AQI values with levels moving from higher to the lower end of the category and 17 cities moving in 'satisfactory' category and seven cities in the 'good' category. (With inputs from agencies)

Pollution in Delhi the lowest in the last 5 years

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, a bipartisan group of top US lawmakers have urged China to urgently shut down all of its operating wet markets as that has the potential to expose humans to health risks through the introduction of zoonotic disease.

A wet market sells fresh meat, fish, produce, and other perishable goods as distinguished from "dry markets". It gets its name from the floors being constantly wet from the spraying of fresh produce and cleaning of meat and seafood stalls.

"We write to urgently request that China immediately close all operating wet markets that have a potential to expose humans to health risks through the introduction of zoonotic disease into the human population," wrote the senators, in a letter to Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai.

A zoonotic disease is an illness that can be passed from an animal to a human.

Gao Fu, the director of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has acknowledged that "the origin of the new coronavirus is the wildlife sold illegally in a Wuhan (China) seafood market," they said.

A wet market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan is believed to be the source of the coronavirus pandemic that began in December last year, crossing from animals to humans.

"It is well documented that wet markets in China have been the source of a number of worldwide health problems, and their operation should cease immediately so as to protect the Chinese people and the international community from additional health risks," the senators wrote.

"Therefore, we are urging China to shut down all wet markets that allow for interactions between humans and wild animals that pose public health risks," the lawmakers concluded.

Prominent among the group of 11 Senators were Republican Mitt Romney, Republican Lindsey Graham, and Democratic Chris Coons.

"We understand and respect that wet markets are an important component to Chinese society and way of life, but we believe the current moment, which has disrupted everyday life around the world, calls for extreme precautions."

Last week, China published an official timeline that said that the novel coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan in late December where it was listed as "pneumonia of unknown cause".

The letter of the Senators comes after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health, called for the closing of these markets.

"They should shut down (wet markets) right away. I mean it boggles my mind when we have so many diseases that emanate out of that unusual human-animal interface that we don't just shut it down. I don't know what else has to happen to get us to appreciate that," he said.

"And I think that there are certain countries in which this is very commonplace. I would like to see the rest of the world really lean with a lot of pressure on those countries that have that because what we are going through right now is a direct result of that," Fauci said.

In the October 2006 issue of Current Opinions in Infectious Diseases, it was found that "in Chinese wet-markets, unique epicentres for transmission of potential viral pathogens, new genes may be acquired or existing genes modified through various mechanisms such as genetic reassortment, recombination, and mutation. The wet-markets, at closer proximity to humans, with high viral burden or strains of higher transmission efficiency, facilitate the transmission of the viruses to humans."

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, a bipartisan group of top US lawmakers have urged China to urgently shut down all of its operating wet markets as that has the potential to expose humans to health risks through the introduction of zoonotic disease.

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, a bipartisan group of top US lawmakers have urged China to urgently shut down all of its operating wet markets as that has the potential to expose humans to health risks through the introduction of zoonotic disease. A wet market sells fresh meat, fish, produce, and other perishable goods as distinguished from "dry markets". It gets its name from the floors being constantly wet from the spraying of fresh produce and cleaning of meat and seafood stalls. "We write to urgently request that China immediately close all operating wet markets that have a potential to expose humans to health risks through the introduction of zoonotic disease into the human population," wrote the senators, in a letter to Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai. A zoonotic disease is an illness that can be passed from an animal to a human. Gao Fu, the director of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has acknowledged that "the origin of the new coronavirus is the wildlife sold illegally in a Wuhan (China) seafood market," they said. A wet market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan is believed to be the source of the coronavirus pandemic that began in December last year, crossing from animals to humans. "It is well documented that wet markets in China have been the source of a number of worldwide health problems, and their operation should cease immediately so as to protect the Chinese people and the international community from additional health risks," the senators wrote. "Therefore, we are urging China to shut down all wet markets that allow for interactions between humans and wild animals that pose public health risks," the lawmakers concluded. Prominent among the group of 11 Senators were Republican Mitt Romney, Republican Lindsey Graham, and Democratic Chris Coons. "We understand and respect that wet markets are an important component to Chinese society and way of life, but we believe the current moment, which has disrupted everyday life around the world, calls for extreme precautions." Last week, China published an official timeline that said that the novel coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan in late December where it was listed as "pneumonia of unknown cause". The letter of the Senators comes after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health, called for the closing of these markets. "They should shut down (wet markets) right away. I mean it boggles my mind when we have so many diseases that emanate out of that unusual human-animal interface that we don't just shut it down. I don't know what else has to happen to get us to appreciate that," he said. "And I think that there are certain countries in which this is very commonplace. I would like to see the rest of the world really lean with a lot of pressure on those countries that have that because what we are going through right now is a direct result of that," Fauci said. In the October 2006 issue of Current Opinions in Infectious Diseases, it was found that "in Chinese wet-markets, unique epicentres for transmission of potential viral pathogens, new genes may be acquired or existing genes modified through various mechanisms such as genetic reassortment, recombination, and mutation. The wet-markets, at closer proximity to humans, with high viral burden or strains of higher transmission efficiency, facilitate the transmission of the viruses to humans."

Shut down wet markets immediately, US lawmakers urge china over COVID-19

India had reported it's first confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Thrissur district of Kerala 100 days ago, State chief minister tweeted today.

Since then the state has recorded 357 cases with only 2 deaths, said CM Pinarayi Vijayan. 
 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
100 Days of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> | Kerala Story 
 
It's been 100 days since the first case was reported. 
 
258 active cases 
97 recovered 
Total confirmed: 357 
Deaths: 2 
12710 samples tested 
 
Special COVID Hospital 
1251 Community Kitchens 
2808650 Individuals Served 
3676 Destitutes Rehabilitated
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi/status/1248449051890077702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 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 first patient was a student studying at Wuhan University, China and had recently returned to India.

Kerala had also reported the first case in the country where a child had been infected.

The 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pandemic that has concerned health experts world over started in China's Wuhan city early December last year and has claimed 95,766 lives.

India had reported it's first confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Thrissur district of Kerala 100 days ago, State chief minister tweeted today. Since then the state has recorded 357 cases with only 2 deaths, said CM Pinarayi Vijayan.

India had reported it's first confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Thrissur district of Kerala 100 days ago, State chief minister tweeted today. Since then the state has recorded 357 cases with only 2 deaths, said CM Pinarayi Vijayan. 100 Days of #COVID19 | Kerala Story It's been 100 days since the first case was reported. 258 active cases 97 recovered Total confirmed: 357 Deaths: 2 12710 samples tested Special COVID Hospital 1251 Community Kitchens 2808650 Individuals Served 3676 Destitutes Rehabilitated — Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) April 10, 2020 × The first patient was a student studying at Wuhan University, China and had recently returned to India. Kerala had also reported the first case in the country where a child had been infected. The 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pandemic that has concerned health experts world over started in China's Wuhan city early December last year and has claimed 95,766 lives.

It's been 100 days since the first coronavirus case was reported:  Pinarayi Vijayan

The Karnataka government is currently engaged in discussions with experts, specialists and other stakeholders to decide on its lockdown exit strategy and would take a final view by April 13, a key Minister said on Thursday.

“Day after tomorrow we have a VC (videoconference) with the Prime Minister,” Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K, who is in-charge of all matters related to COVID-19, noted when asked about the States strategy.

He said a task force of specialist doctors on Wednesday submitted its report to the government, giving its recommendations. “We are meeting lot of stakeholders of the society taking their views,” the Minister said, adding, the Cabinet would also hold discussions.

“Finally, day after tomorrow, after discussing with the Prime Minister during the VC, the government will take a view on this by April 13 or so. As of now, we have not taken any view on it. We are studying all the reports,” Sudhakar told PTI.

The Minister observed that the COVID-19 cases were slowly spiking in India but not multiplying the way they have in some other countries like Italy, Spain and the United States as the government had declared 21-day national lockdown early and taken other strict measures. “Let’s see for one week and see.”

“We need to fight this out collectively and by strictly following the quarantine methods and social distancing,” Sudhakar stressed. The Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had on Wednesday said 
his government was in favour of lifting lock-down in districts which remained free from COVID-19 after April 14 subject to approval from the Centre.

“If the Prime Minister suggests to States to take decision (on lock-down) based on the situation in their respective States, my position is to take a call (on roll-back) in districts free from COVID-19,” he had said. “This is to allow people to go about their business and move about within the district and not from one district to another, after April 14, after taking the approval of the Prime Minister.”

According to State officials, as many as 12 districts continue to remain free from COVID-19. The task force has recommended continuation of lockdown at “hot spots” beyond April 14. It has suggested that schools and colleges be shut till May 31, while non-air-conditioned shops can be opened.

Also, IT/BT companies, government offices providing essential services and factories can function with 50 per cent staff, the task force said in its recommendations for 15-day period after April 14.

The Karnataka government is currently engaged in discussions with experts, specialists and other stakeholders to decide on its lockdown exit strategy and would take a final view by April 13, a key Minister said on Thursday.

The Karnataka government is currently engaged in discussions with experts, specialists and other stakeholders to decide on its lockdown exit strategy and would take a final view by April 13, a key Minister said on Thursday. “Day after tomorrow we have a VC (videoconference) with the Prime Minister,” Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K, who is in-charge of all matters related to COVID-19, noted when asked about the States strategy. He said a task force of specialist doctors on Wednesday submitted its report to the government, giving its recommendations. “We are meeting lot of stakeholders of the society taking their views,” the Minister said, adding, the Cabinet would also hold discussions. “Finally, day after tomorrow, after discussing with the Prime Minister during the VC, the government will take a view on this by April 13 or so. As of now, we have not taken any view on it. We are studying all the reports,” Sudhakar told PTI. The Minister observed that the COVID-19 cases were slowly spiking in India but not multiplying the way they have in some other countries like Italy, Spain and the United States as the government had declared 21-day national lockdown early and taken other strict measures. “Let’s see for one week and see.” “We need to fight this out collectively and by strictly following the quarantine methods and social distancing,” Sudhakar stressed. The Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had on Wednesday said his government was in favour of lifting lock-down in districts which remained free from COVID-19 after April 14 subject to approval from the Centre. “If the Prime Minister suggests to States to take decision (on lock-down) based on the situation in their respective States, my position is to take a call (on roll-back) in districts free from COVID-19,” he had said. “This is to allow people to go about their business and move about within the district and not from one district to another, after April 14, after taking the approval of the Prime Minister.” According to State officials, as many as 12 districts continue to remain free from COVID-19. The task force has recommended continuation of lockdown at “hot spots” beyond April 14. It has suggested that schools and colleges be shut till May 31, while non-air-conditioned shops can be opened. Also, IT/BT companies, government offices providing essential services and factories can function with 50 per cent staff, the task force said in its recommendations for 15-day period after April 14.

Karnataka to finalise lockdown exit strategy by April 13

Eleven Indian nationals living in the United States have died of the coronavirus infection and 16 others tested positive with deadly COVID-19 virus.

Four of the victims are taxi drivers in New York and all Indians who have succumbed to the deadly infection in the US are male.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-4-lakh-infected-with-coronavirus-in-us-report-291455">Also read — Over 4 lakh infected with coronavirus in US: Report</a>

A total of 14,800 people have died due to coronavirus in the US and more than 4 lacs people are afflicted with it. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-coronavirus-outbreak-chinese-companies-eye-european-businesses-291401" hreflang="en">After coronavirus outbreak, Chinese companies eye European businesses</a>

New York City has emerged as the US epicentre for COVID-19 spurt, accounting for more than 6,000 deaths and over 1,38,000 cases of infections. New Jersey accounts for 1,500 fatalities and nearly 48,000 infections. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bernie-sanders-drops-out-of-us-presidential-race-biden-to-take-on-trump-in-2020-polls-291394" hreflang="en">Bernie Sanders drops out of US presidential race, Biden to take on Trump in 2020 polls</a>

The US death toll is approaching those of hard-hit Italy with more than 17,000 and Spain with more than 14,500.

President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he accused the World Health Organization of reacting slowly.

He questioned why the WHO had given "such a faulty recommendation," apparently referring to the UN body's advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China.

"They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier," he said.

Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to the ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency.

(With inputs from AFP)

Eleven Indian nationals living in the United States have died of the coronavirus infection and 16 others tested positive with deadly COVID-19 virus. Four of the victims are taxi drivers in New York and all Indians who have succumbed to the deadly infection in the US are male.

Eleven Indian nationals living in the United States have died of the coronavirus infection and 16 others tested positive with deadly COVID-19 virus. Four of the victims are taxi drivers in New York and all Indians who have succumbed to the deadly infection in the US are male. Also read — Over 4 lakh infected with coronavirus in US: Report A total of 14,800 people have died due to coronavirus in the US and more than 4 lacs people are afflicted with it. Also read: After coronavirus outbreak, Chinese companies eye European businesses New York City has emerged as the US epicentre for COVID-19 spurt, accounting for more than 6,000 deaths and over 1,38,000 cases of infections. New Jersey accounts for 1,500 fatalities and nearly 48,000 infections. Also read: Bernie Sanders drops out of US presidential race, Biden to take on Trump in 2020 polls The US death toll is approaching those of hard-hit Italy with more than 17,000 and Spain with more than 14,500. President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he accused the World Health Organization of reacting slowly. He questioned why the WHO had given "such a faulty recommendation," apparently referring to the UN body's advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China. "They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier," he said. Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to the ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency. (With inputs from AFP)

Eleven Indian-Americans die of coronavirus in US, 16 others test positive

Training his guns at the Centre over the Tablighi Jamaat’s congregation held in Delhi last month, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday questioned why the Union Home Ministry should not be held responsible for the spread of coronavirus from the religious meeting.

Deshmukh also alleged that National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Jamaat leader Maulana Saad at 2 am during the period when the congregation was held. He wondered the nature of the “secret” dialogue held between the two. Deshmukh also asked who sent Doval to meet Saad in the late night.

“Whether it was the NSA’s job or that of the Delhi Police Commissioner to reach out to the Jamaat members?” he asked.

The senior NCP leader raised eight questions while accusing the Central government of giving the Jamaat the permission to hold the prayer meeting, and charged it with having relations with the community. He said despite the Nizamuddin police station located near Markaz, yet the congregation was not stopped (in view of the COVID19 threat).

“Why did the Union Home Ministry give permission for organising the Tablighi Jamaat’s Ijtema at Nizamuddin in Delhi?” Deshmukh asked.

“Isn’t the Union Home Ministry responsible for the gathering on such a scale at the Markaz and subsequent spread of coronavirus to all other states?” he questioned.

The religious congregation held at the Nizamuddin Markaz had emerged as a prime catalyst for the spread of coronavirus infection across the country.

“Who sent NSA Doval to Markaz at 2 am and why? Is this the job of NSA or Delhi Police Commissioner?” Deshmukh asked and wondered about the “secret dialogue” the NSA had with Maulana Saad.

He also sought to know why Doval and Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava have not spoken on the issue.

“Where did Maulana Saad abscond the next day after meeting Doval? Where is he (Maulana) now? Who is related to them (Jamaat members)?” Deshmukh asked.

Charging the Centre with having relation with Tablighis, Deshmukh asked who will answer the questions he has raised.

Notably, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday asked who gave permission for the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin in New Delhi, which has emerged as one of the major Covid-19 hotspots in the country.

Training his guns at the Centre over the Tablighi Jamaat’s congregation held in Delhi last month, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday questioned why the Union Home Ministry should not be held responsible for the spread of coronavirus from the religious meeting.

Training his guns at the Centre over the Tablighi Jamaat’s congregation held in Delhi last month, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday questioned why the Union Home Ministry should not be held responsible for the spread of coronavirus from the religious meeting. Deshmukh also alleged that National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Jamaat leader Maulana Saad at 2 am during the period when the congregation was held. He wondered the nature of the “secret” dialogue held between the two. Deshmukh also asked who sent Doval to meet Saad in the late night. “Whether it was the NSA’s job or that of the Delhi Police Commissioner to reach out to the Jamaat members?” he asked. The senior NCP leader raised eight questions while accusing the Central government of giving the Jamaat the permission to hold the prayer meeting, and charged it with having relations with the community. He said despite the Nizamuddin police station located near Markaz, yet the congregation was not stopped (in view of the COVID19 threat). “Why did the Union Home Ministry give permission for organising the Tablighi Jamaat’s Ijtema at Nizamuddin in Delhi?” Deshmukh asked. “Isn’t the Union Home Ministry responsible for the gathering on such a scale at the Markaz and subsequent spread of coronavirus to all other states?” he questioned. The religious congregation held at the Nizamuddin Markaz had emerged as a prime catalyst for the spread of coronavirus infection across the country. “Who sent NSA Doval to Markaz at 2 am and why? Is this the job of NSA or Delhi Police Commissioner?” Deshmukh asked and wondered about the “secret dialogue” the NSA had with Maulana Saad. He also sought to know why Doval and Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava have not spoken on the issue. “Where did Maulana Saad abscond the next day after meeting Doval? Where is he (Maulana) now? Who is related to them (Jamaat members)?” Deshmukh asked. Charging the Centre with having relation with Tablighis, Deshmukh asked who will answer the questions he has raised. Notably, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday asked who gave permission for the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin in New Delhi, which has emerged as one of the major Covid-19 hotspots in the country.

Nizamuddin Markaz case: Maharashtra govt lays blame on MHA for allowing Tablighi Jamaat meet in Delhi

Why the US has been the hardest hit by the coronavirus&nbsp;

 
The United States' most populous city and the world's financial capital is now the world's coronavirus epicentre. New York's COVID-19 numbers have surpassed that of Spain's. What more, authorities have flagged the possibility of under-counting.

The city's hospitals are inundated and patients are now being treated at churches. Experts say that the curve may also be flattening but authorities are wary of striking a note too optimistic.

"Be careful of counting our chickens before they hatch. We haven't seen cases yet. We are in the midst of this. Don't start doing a retrospective like it's over because that's the attitude we have to avoid,'' New York governor Andrew Cuomo said.&nbsp;

The number of cases in the United States has crossed 4,35,000. The death toll is nearing 15,000. The US has been the hardest hit by the pandemic.

How is it coping?

US President Donald Trump's weapon of choice is denial. He says social distancing is working.

&nbsp;''What we've accomplished, if every American continues to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines, we can defeat the invisible enemy and save countless lives that we can do it much more quickly,'' he says.&nbsp;

The reality is--- thousands of Americans are flouting social distancing norms while frontline workers are being denied tests. That is, unless, they show severe symptoms.

What is the white house doing? Fixating over hydroxychloroquine.

According to the US media, the White House was warned about a possible pandemic as early as November 2019.

The good news is that the latest estimates show fewer projected deaths in the country. Americans are cheering each other up in tough times like these. Empathy and solidarity are helping them cope with the crisis.

Why the US has been the hardest hit by the coronavirus The United States' most populous city and the world's financial capital is now the world's coronavirus epicentre.

Why the US has been the hardest hit by the coronavirus The United States' most populous city and the world's financial capital is now the world's coronavirus epicentre. New York's COVID-19 numbers have surpassed that of Spain's. What more, authorities have flagged the possibility of under-counting. The city's hospitals are inundated and patients are now being treated at churches. Experts say that the curve may also be flattening but authorities are wary of striking a note too optimistic. "Be careful of counting our chickens before they hatch. We haven't seen cases yet. We are in the midst of this. Don't start doing a retrospective like it's over because that's the attitude we have to avoid,'' New York governor Andrew Cuomo said. The number of cases in the United States has crossed 4,35,000. The death toll is nearing 15,000. The US has been the hardest hit by the pandemic. How is it coping? US President Donald Trump's weapon of choice is denial. He says social distancing is working. ''What we've accomplished, if every American continues to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines, we can defeat the invisible enemy and save countless lives that we can do it much more quickly,'' he says. The reality is--- thousands of Americans are flouting social distancing norms while frontline workers are being denied tests. That is, unless, they show severe symptoms. What is the white house doing? Fixating over hydroxychloroquine. According to the US media, the White House was warned about a possible pandemic as early as November 2019. The good news is that the latest estimates show fewer projected deaths in the country. Americans are cheering each other up in tough times like these. Empathy and solidarity are helping them cope with the crisis.

US hardest hit by novel coronavirus

After months of delay, The United Nations security council will meet today via video conference 3 pm New York time or 12.30 am IST on Friday to discuss the COVID Crisis.

On the table will be two drafts, the French draft which has been discussed among the Permanent five members of UNSC and a Tunisian draft resolution put in place by elected members.

On April 2, under the new President of UNSC--the Dominican Republic for April, 9 elected members of the top UN body had requested for the meet. These members are Belgium, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Germany, Indonesia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam.

&nbsp;UN Secretary-General António Guterres will also join the meet via video conference and talk about his appeal for a global ceasefire, the COVID's impact on the UN including peacekeeping operations and humanitarian responses.&nbsp;

UNSG had in March issued an appeal for an immediate global ceasefire and had described the COVID pandemic as “the greatest test the world has faced since the formation of the United Nations”.

The meet could not happen last month under the presidency of China since the country was not very enthusiastic about the meet. UNSC sources told WION, that China believes that it can lead to the politicization of matter.&nbsp;

COVID's first case was reported in Wuhan China and since then it has spread across the world killing thousands of people and infecting lakhs. Bejing has been accused of hiding information and initial goof-ups that led to situation worsening.

After months of delay, The United Nations security council will meet today via video conference 3 pm New York time or 12.30 am IST on Friday to discuss the COVID Crisis.

After months of delay, The United Nations security council will meet today via video conference 3 pm New York time or 12.30 am IST on Friday to discuss the COVID Crisis. On the table will be two drafts, the French draft which has been discussed among the Permanent five members of UNSC and a Tunisian draft resolution put in place by elected members. On April 2, under the new President of UNSC--the Dominican Republic for April, 9 elected members of the top UN body had requested for the meet. These members are Belgium, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Germany, Indonesia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will also join the meet via video conference and talk about his appeal for a global ceasefire, the COVID's impact on the UN including peacekeeping operations and humanitarian responses. UNSG had in March issued an appeal for an immediate global ceasefire and had described the COVID pandemic as “the greatest test the world has faced since the formation of the United Nations”. The meet could not happen last month under the presidency of China since the country was not very enthusiastic about the meet. UNSC sources told WION, that China believes that it can lead to the politicization of matter. COVID's first case was reported in Wuhan China and since then it has spread across the world killing thousands of people and infecting lakhs. Bejing has been accused of hiding information and initial goof-ups that led to situation worsening.

UNSC to meet today on COVID-19; French, Tunisian drafts on the table

Cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable, according to a study published on Wednesday, prompting the WHO to say it will take a closer look at the transmission of the virus between humans and pets.

The study, published on the website of the journal Science, found that ferrets can also become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the scientific term for the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.

Dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus, however, the researchers found.

The study was aimed at identifying which animals are vulnerable to the virus so they can be used to test experimental vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 83,000 people worldwide since it emerged in China in December.

SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have spread from bats to humans. Except for a few reported infections in cats and dogs, there has not been strong evidence that pets can be carriers.

A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City who developed a dry cough and loss of appetite after contact with an infected zookeeper tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday.

The study, based on research conducted in China in January and February, found cats and ferrets highly susceptible to the virus when researchers attempted to infect the animals by introducing viral particles via the nose.

They also found cats can infect each other via respiratory droplets. Infected cats had a virus in the mouth, nose and small intestine. Kittens exposed to the virus had massive lesions in their lungs, nose and throat.

"Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in cats should be considered as an adjunct to the elimination of COVID-19 in humans," the authors wrote.

In ferrets, the virus was found in the upper respiratory tract but did not cause severe disease.

Antibody tests showed dogs were less likely to catch the virus, while inoculated pigs, chickens, and ducks were not found to have any strain of the virus.

"It's both interesting and not terribly surprising in the sense that with the original SARS epidemic, civet cats were implicated as one of the vectors that may have transmitted virus to humans," said Daniel Kuritzkes, head of infectious diseases at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital.

"What these data do provide is support for the recommendation that people who are with COVID-19 should be distancing themselves, not only from other household members but also from their household pets, so as not to transmit the virus to their pets, particularly to cats or other felines," he said.

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday it is working with its partners to look more closely at the role of pets in the health crisis.

Based on the evidence so far, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove told a news conference: "We don't believe that they are playing a role in transmission but we think that they may be able to be infected from an infected person."

The WHO's top emergencies expert Mike Ryan asked people not to retaliate against animals over the outbreak.

"They're beings in their own right and they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. They are victims like the rest of us," he said.

Cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable, according to a study published on Wednesday, prompting the WHO to say it will take a closer look at the transmission of the virus between humans and pets.

Cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable, according to a study published on Wednesday, prompting the WHO to say it will take a closer look at the transmission of the virus between humans and pets. The study, published on the website of the journal Science, found that ferrets can also become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the scientific term for the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. Dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus, however, the researchers found. The study was aimed at identifying which animals are vulnerable to the virus so they can be used to test experimental vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 83,000 people worldwide since it emerged in China in December. SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have spread from bats to humans. Except for a few reported infections in cats and dogs, there has not been strong evidence that pets can be carriers. A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City who developed a dry cough and loss of appetite after contact with an infected zookeeper tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday. The study, based on research conducted in China in January and February, found cats and ferrets highly susceptible to the virus when researchers attempted to infect the animals by introducing viral particles via the nose. They also found cats can infect each other via respiratory droplets. Infected cats had a virus in the mouth, nose and small intestine. Kittens exposed to the virus had massive lesions in their lungs, nose and throat. "Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in cats should be considered as an adjunct to the elimination of COVID-19 in humans," the authors wrote. In ferrets, the virus was found in the upper respiratory tract but did not cause severe disease. Antibody tests showed dogs were less likely to catch the virus, while inoculated pigs, chickens, and ducks were not found to have any strain of the virus. "It's both interesting and not terribly surprising in the sense that with the original SARS epidemic, civet cats were implicated as one of the vectors that may have transmitted virus to humans," said Daniel Kuritzkes, head of infectious diseases at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "What these data do provide is support for the recommendation that people who are with COVID-19 should be distancing themselves, not only from other household members but also from their household pets, so as not to transmit the virus to their pets, particularly to cats or other felines," he said. The World Health Organization said on Wednesday it is working with its partners to look more closely at the role of pets in the health crisis. Based on the evidence so far, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove told a news conference: "We don't believe that they are playing a role in transmission but we think that they may be able to be infected from an infected person." The WHO's top emergencies expert Mike Ryan asked people not to retaliate against animals over the outbreak. "They're beings in their own right and they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. They are victims like the rest of us," he said.

Cats can catch coronavirus, study finds, prompting WHO investigation

The United States on Wednesday surpassed 400,000 novel coronavirus cases, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The pandemic has now claimed the lives of at least 12,936 people in the United States, which leads the world in the number of confirmed infections with 401,116, by the Baltimore-based school's count.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-coronavirus-outbreak-chinese-companies-eye-european-businesses-291401" hreflang="en">After coronavirus outbreak, Chinese companies eye European businesses</a>

The 300,000-case milestone was passed on Saturday.

The US death toll is approaching those of hard-hit Italy with more than 17,000 and Spain with more than 14,500. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bernie-sanders-drops-out-of-us-presidential-race-biden-to-take-on-trump-in-2020-polls-291394" hreflang="en">Bernie Sanders drops out of US presidential race, Biden to take on Trump in 2020 polls</a>

President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he accused the World Health Organization of reacting slowly.

He questioned why the WHO had given "such a faulty recommendation," apparently referring to the UN body's advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China.

"They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier," he said.

Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to an ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency.

The United States on Wednesday surpassed 400,000 novel coronavirus cases, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. The pandemic has now claimed the lives of at least 12,936 people in the United States, which leads the world in the number of confirmed infections with 401,116, by the Baltimore-based school's count.

The United States on Wednesday surpassed 400,000 novel coronavirus cases, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. The pandemic has now claimed the lives of at least 12,936 people in the United States, which leads the world in the number of confirmed infections with 401,116, by the Baltimore-based school's count. Also read: After coronavirus outbreak, Chinese companies eye European businesses The 300,000-case milestone was passed on Saturday. The US death toll is approaching those of hard-hit Italy with more than 17,000 and Spain with more than 14,500. Also read: Bernie Sanders drops out of US presidential race, Biden to take on Trump in 2020 polls President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he accused the World Health Organization of reacting slowly. He questioned why the WHO had given "such a faulty recommendation," apparently referring to the UN body's advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China. "They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier," he said. Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to an ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency.

Over 4 lakh infected with coronavirus in US: Report

India has given the go-ahead to order for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)from 3 countries. These 3 countries are the US, Spain and Australia which had placed an order earlier.

US administration terms hydroxychloroquine as a game-changer drug to deal with the COVID crisis though there is still no consensus in the medical community on its use. India is the largest producer of Hydroxychloroquine.

US President has reacted to India giving a go-ahead to US Order for HCQ. In a tweet, he said, "Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends." Thanking "India and the Indian people" for the decision on HCQ he said, the action "will not be forgotten!" Lauding PM Modi, he said, "Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!"

Indian PM Modi and US President Donald Trump had spoken on 4th April and discussed the issue. It was followed by conversations between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Pompeo on 6th April and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun on 8 April.

Both sides discussed ways to increase counter COVID cooperation and ensuring the availability of essential medicines &amp; medical equipment and sharing of best practices/information.

EAM Jaishankar spoke to the foreign minister of Australia Marise Payne and Spanish foreign minister Arancha González on Wednesday on the COVID crisis including on HCQ. Spain had placed an order 2 months ago from India.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, India had announced that it will give licensed HCQ to neighbouring countries and nations badly impacted by the pandemic. On the export commitments that have been contracted, Ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "stock position could allow our" companies to meet them.

India has got requests from 30 countries for HCQ from every part of the globe including from Gulf and Malaysia.&nbsp;

India has given the go-ahead to order for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)from 3 countries. These 3 countries are the US, Spain and Australia which had placed an order earlier.

India has given the go-ahead to order for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)from 3 countries. These 3 countries are the US, Spain and Australia which had placed an order earlier. US administration terms hydroxychloroquine as a game-changer drug to deal with the COVID crisis though there is still no consensus in the medical community on its use. India is the largest producer of Hydroxychloroquine. US President has reacted to India giving a go-ahead to US Order for HCQ. In a tweet, he said, "Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends." Thanking "India and the Indian people" for the decision on HCQ he said, the action "will not be forgotten!" Lauding PM Modi, he said, "Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!" Indian PM Modi and US President Donald Trump had spoken on 4th April and discussed the issue. It was followed by conversations between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Pompeo on 6th April and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun on 8 April. Both sides discussed ways to increase counter COVID cooperation and ensuring the availability of essential medicines & medical equipment and sharing of best practices/information. EAM Jaishankar spoke to the foreign minister of Australia Marise Payne and Spanish foreign minister Arancha González on Wednesday on the COVID crisis including on HCQ. Spain had placed an order 2 months ago from India. Earlier this week, India had announced that it will give licensed HCQ to neighbouring countries and nations badly impacted by the pandemic. On the export commitments that have been contracted, Ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "stock position could allow our" companies to meet them. India has got requests from 30 countries for HCQ from every part of the globe including from Gulf and Malaysia.

COVID-19: India approves hydroxychloroquine orders from 3 countries

covid-19-1

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 19-1