India's ministry of home affairs today extended the lockdown period by another two weeks from May 4.

"After a comprehensive review and in view of the lockdown measures having led to significant gains in the COVID-19 situation in the country, MHA has issued an order under the Disaster Management&nbsp; Act, 2005 today to further extend the lockdown period of two weeks beyond May 4,"&nbsp;the notice said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-surge-in-chennai-most-asymptomatic-with-only-one-of-tamil-nadus-37-districts-in-green-zone-296120" hreflang="en">COVID-19 cases surge in Chennai, most asymptomatic with only one of Tamil Nadu’s 37 districts in Green Zone</a>

The lockdown in India which had come into effect on March 24 was extended till May 3 during an address to the nation by PM Modi. The current extension is now due to last till May 17.

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-could-lose-4-of-its-gdp-permanently-due-to-coronavirus-induced-lockdowns-296156" hreflang="en">India could lose 4% of its GDP permanently due to coronavirus-induced lockdowns</a>

"MHA also issued new guidelines to regulate different activities in this period based on the risk profiling of the districts of the country into Red(hotspot), Green and Orange Zones," the MHA said in a statement.

"The guidelines have permitted considerable relaxations in the districts falling in the Green and Orange Zones," it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-battle-drdo-develops-pu-coated-nylon-polyester-to-be-manufactured-in-india-296098" hreflang="en">COVID-19 battle: DRDO develops PU coated nylon &amp; polyester to be manufactured in India</a>

The MHA said classification of districts as Red Zones will take into account the total number of active cases, doubling rate of confirmed cases, the extent&nbsp;of testing, and surveillance feedback from the districts.

"Those districts which are neither defined as Red or Green shall be classified as Orange Zones."

"The classification of districts into Red, Green, and Orange will be shared by the ministry," it said, adding,"it would be shared on a weekly basis&nbsp;with States and Union Territories."

India's ministry of home affairs today extended the lockdown period by another two weeks from May 4. "After a comprehensive review and in view of the lockdown measures having led to significant gains in the COVID-19 situation in the country, MHA has issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 today to further extend the lockdown period of two weeks beyond May 4," the notice said.

India's ministry of home affairs today extended the lockdown period by another two weeks from May 4. "After a comprehensive review and in view of the lockdown measures having led to significant gains in the COVID-19 situation in the country, MHA has issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 today to further extend the lockdown period of two weeks beyond May 4," the notice said. Also read: COVID-19 cases surge in Chennai, most asymptomatic with only one of Tamil Nadu’s 37 districts in Green Zone The lockdown in India which had come into effect on March 24 was extended till May 3 during an address to the nation by PM Modi. The current extension is now due to last till May 17. Also read: India could lose 4% of its GDP permanently due to coronavirus-induced lockdowns "MHA also issued new guidelines to regulate different activities in this period based on the risk profiling of the districts of the country into Red(hotspot), Green and Orange Zones," the MHA said in a statement. "The guidelines have permitted considerable relaxations in the districts falling in the Green and Orange Zones," it said. Also read: COVID-19 battle: DRDO develops PU coated nylon & polyester to be manufactured in India The MHA said classification of districts as Red Zones will take into account the total number of active cases, doubling rate of confirmed cases, the extent of testing, and surveillance feedback from the districts. "Those districts which are neither defined as Red or Green shall be classified as Orange Zones." "The classification of districts into Red, Green, and Orange will be shared by the ministry," it said, adding,"it would be shared on a weekly basis with States and Union Territories."

COVID-19: India's home ministry extends lockdown by two weeks till May 17

Spy agencies across the world are targeting the American research organisations to find out about potential coronavirus vaccines.

In conversation with the BBC, Bill Evaning, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center claimed that the US government had warned medical research organisations of security risks and potential breaches.

Even though no data has been reportedly stolen yet, the UK has also reported similar activity.

The race is on

As COVID-19 continues to push societies into lockdowns, the race to develop and distribute the vaccine has amped up.

From private medical companies to government agencies, everyone is currently focused on eliminating the pandemic.

While domestic spy agencies are entrusted with the job of protecting local data, foreign actors may be interested in obtaining the information.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalist-jailed-for-15-years-as-chinese-government-intensifies-free-speech-clampdown-296111" hreflang="en">Journalist jailed for 15-years as Chinese government intensifies free-speech clampdown</a>

"We have been working with our industry and government folk here very closely to ensure they are protecting all the research and data as best they can," he told BBC.

He further added that foreign intelligence services, especially the Chinese Communist Party will try to get their hands on the information regarding a vaccine.

But he would not say whether there had been confirmed cases of stolen data.

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Operation Warp Speed

“Operation Warp Speed” is the codename for the US government’s coronavirus vaccine programme.

Once the vaccine is out, the country that came up with it will benefit its citizens first, and will then move on to global distribution.

"We've been in contact with every medical research organisation that is doing the research to be very, very vigilant," Mr Evanina added, while speaking to BBC.

Earlier, in mid-April, an FBI official had warned of “intrusions” into databases of institutions that are currently working on a coronavirus vaccine.

Given the current climate whereby thousands have died across countries, it would make sense why any country would want access to the vaccine programme.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delivery-services-are-being-used-to-transport-drugs-and-arms-claims-interpol-296093" hreflang="en">Delivery services are being used to transport drugs and arms, claims INTERPOL</a>

Just last month, the US assistant attorney general for national security John Demers expressed worries over Chinese intentions. It would be “beyond absurd” to believe that China would not be interested in such details, he had asserted.

In March, Canada’s Centre for Cyber Security had warned of similar attacks. “Sophisticated threat actors may attempt to steal the intellectual property of organisations engaged in research and development related to Covid-19”, it had asserted.

However, it is also amply possible for US and Western countries to be interested in Chinese data, especially pertaining to their “fudged numbers”.

Spy agencies across the world are targeting the American research organisations to find out about potential coronavirus vaccines. In conversation with the BBC, Bill Evaning, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center claimed that the US government had warned medical research organisations of security risks and potential breaches.

Spy agencies across the world are targeting the American research organisations to find out about potential coronavirus vaccines. In conversation with the BBC, Bill Evaning, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center claimed that the US government had warned medical research organisations of security risks and potential breaches. Even though no data has been reportedly stolen yet, the UK has also reported similar activity. The race is on As COVID-19 continues to push societies into lockdowns, the race to develop and distribute the vaccine has amped up. From private medical companies to government agencies, everyone is currently focused on eliminating the pandemic. While domestic spy agencies are entrusted with the job of protecting local data, foreign actors may be interested in obtaining the information. Also read: Journalist jailed for 15-years as Chinese government intensifies free-speech clampdown "We have been working with our industry and government folk here very closely to ensure they are protecting all the research and data as best they can," he told BBC. He further added that foreign intelligence services, especially the Chinese Communist Party will try to get their hands on the information regarding a vaccine. But he would not say whether there had been confirmed cases of stolen data. Operation Warp Speed “Operation Warp Speed” is the codename for the US government’s coronavirus vaccine programme. Once the vaccine is out, the country that came up with it will benefit its citizens first, and will then move on to global distribution. "We've been in contact with every medical research organisation that is doing the research to be very, very vigilant," Mr Evanina added, while speaking to BBC. Earlier, in mid-April, an FBI official had warned of “intrusions” into databases of institutions that are currently working on a coronavirus vaccine. Given the current climate whereby thousands have died across countries, it would make sense why any country would want access to the vaccine programme. Also read: Delivery services are being used to transport drugs and arms, claims INTERPOL Just last month, the US assistant attorney general for national security John Demers expressed worries over Chinese intentions. It would be “beyond absurd” to believe that China would not be interested in such details, he had asserted. In March, Canada’s Centre for Cyber Security had warned of similar attacks. “Sophisticated threat actors may attempt to steal the intellectual property of organisations engaged in research and development related to Covid-19”, it had asserted. However, it is also amply possible for US and Western countries to be interested in Chinese data, especially pertaining to their “fudged numbers”.

Cyber spies are targetting ongoing COVID-19 vaccination research programmes across the world

As White House economic reopening guidance expired on Thursday after two weeks in a place, half of all U.S. states forged ahead with easing restrictions on restaurants, retail and other businesses in hopes of reviving coronavirus-stricken commerce.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-new-zealand-taiwan-and-finland-have-kept-coronavirus-at-bay-295902">Also Read: How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay</a>

The enormous pressure on states to reopen, despite a lack of wide-scale virus testing and other precautions urged by health experts, was highlighted in new Labor Department data showing some 30 million Americans seeking unemployment benefits since March 21.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-not-man-made-or-genetically-modified-us-intelligence-community-295906">Coronavirus not man-made or genetically modified: US intelligence community</a> 
 
The jobless toll amounts to more than 18.4% of the U.S. working-age population, a level not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Physical separation of people - by closing schools, businesses and other places of social gatherings - remains the chief weapon against a highly contagious respiratory virus with no vaccine and no cure.

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But as economic pain grows to historic proportions, agitation to relax stay-at-home orders and mandatory workplace restrictions has mounted, especially in regions where the spread of the coronavirus appeared to be waning.

For the second time in two weeks, hundreds of protesters - including armed militia group members - thronged Michigan's state Capitol in Lansing demanding an end to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home orders.

The latest protest was sparked by the Democratic governor's request, ignored by Republican lawmakers, to extend emergency powers she had invoked in a state hard hit by both the virus and closures to combat it.

WHITE HOUSE STEPS BACK

Weeks after insisting he had "total" authority to decide when and how to reopen the nation's economy, President Donald Trump has largely left it to each governor to decide on a state-by-state basis.

Although the White House declined to extend its April 16 reopening guidance, which recommended an economic restart in stages only after strict safeguards are put in place, medical experts said those conditions remained unmet and that acting prematurely risked a resurgence of the outbreak.

Safely lifting social distancing rules, they insisted, will require vastly expanded virus screening and the means to trace close social contacts of infected people so they too can be tested and isolated.

"You can't just leap over things to a situation where you're really tempting (the virus) to rebound. That's the thing I get concerned about," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told NBC's "Today" show.

About two dozen states, mostly in the South, the Midwest and mountain West, have moved to relax restrictions since Georgia led the way late last week. Texas and Florida, among others this week, outlined plans for doing so in the days ahead.

But no companies are required to reopen, and it was not clear how many business owners and their employees would return to work, and how many patrons would venture back into stores and restaurants.

The number of coronavirus cases is still climbing in many parts of the country, although peaks appear to have been reached in New York state, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, and other places.

Pennsylvania, Kansas, Wisconsin, Virginia, Arizona, Minnesota and Nebraska all reported a record number of new cases on Thursday, though greater testing could account for some of the increases, revealing infections already present but undetected.

Several states, including New Jersey, Texas, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, New Mexico and the District of Columbia, posted new highs in their daily death tolls.

The number of known infections for the nation as a whole has climbed well past 1 million confirmed cases, including at least 62,000 deaths, well beyond the number of Americans killed in the Vietnam War.

PATCHWORK

In the latest of a patchwork of announcements across the country in recent days, Florida on Wednesday became one of the largest states to ease some of the restrictions that have crippled business activity.

"There is a light at the end of the tunnel," Governor Ron DeSantis said as he unveiled his phase-one plan due to start on Monday to relax the mandatory workplace closures and stay-at-home orders imposed four weeks ago.

Texas unveiled a similar reopening strategy to take effect on Friday. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy plans to allow state parks and golf courses to reopen on Saturday. After a White House visit on Thursday, he said the federal government was giving his state 550,000 coronavirus testing kits, along with 750,000 swabs to take samples, marking a "huge step" toward his goal of doubling New Jersey's testing capacity by late May.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the closure of beaches and parks in Orange County, south of Los Angeles, after crowds jammed the popular shoreline last weekend.

Newsom, a Democrat, has said that curbside retail, manufacturing and other "lower-risk workplaces" should reopen in California within weeks as testing and contact-tracing improve.

In one of the first major reopenings anticipated in U.S. sports, NASCAR announced its auto racing competition would return with 10 races at its North and South Carolina tracks in mid- to late-May.

Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York said his state would hire thousands of workers to trace the contacts of people who test positive for the coronavirus. He also announced a halt to New York City subway service from 1 to 5 a.m. to disinfect trains.

As White House economic reopening guidance expired on Thursday after two weeks in a place, half of all U.S. states forged ahead with easing restrictions on restaurants, retail and other businesses in hopes of reviving coronavirus-stricken commerce.

As White House economic reopening guidance expired on Thursday after two weeks in a place, half of all U.S. states forged ahead with easing restrictions on restaurants, retail and other businesses in hopes of reviving coronavirus-stricken commerce. Also Read: How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay The enormous pressure on states to reopen, despite a lack of wide-scale virus testing and other precautions urged by health experts, was highlighted in new Labor Department data showing some 30 million Americans seeking unemployment benefits since March 21. Coronavirus not man-made or genetically modified: US intelligence community The jobless toll amounts to more than 18.4% of the U.S. working-age population, a level not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Physical separation of people - by closing schools, businesses and other places of social gatherings - remains the chief weapon against a highly contagious respiratory virus with no vaccine and no cure. But as economic pain grows to historic proportions, agitation to relax stay-at-home orders and mandatory workplace restrictions has mounted, especially in regions where the spread of the coronavirus appeared to be waning. For the second time in two weeks, hundreds of protesters - including armed militia group members - thronged Michigan's state Capitol in Lansing demanding an end to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home orders. The latest protest was sparked by the Democratic governor's request, ignored by Republican lawmakers, to extend emergency powers she had invoked in a state hard hit by both the virus and closures to combat it. WHITE HOUSE STEPS BACK Weeks after insisting he had "total" authority to decide when and how to reopen the nation's economy, President Donald Trump has largely left it to each governor to decide on a state-by-state basis. Although the White House declined to extend its April 16 reopening guidance, which recommended an economic restart in stages only after strict safeguards are put in place, medical experts said those conditions remained unmet and that acting prematurely risked a resurgence of the outbreak. Safely lifting social distancing rules, they insisted, will require vastly expanded virus screening and the means to trace close social contacts of infected people so they too can be tested and isolated. "You can't just leap over things to a situation where you're really tempting (the virus) to rebound. That's the thing I get concerned about," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told NBC's "Today" show. About two dozen states, mostly in the South, the Midwest and mountain West, have moved to relax restrictions since Georgia led the way late last week. Texas and Florida, among others this week, outlined plans for doing so in the days ahead. But no companies are required to reopen, and it was not clear how many business owners and their employees would return to work, and how many patrons would venture back into stores and restaurants. The number of coronavirus cases is still climbing in many parts of the country, although peaks appear to have been reached in New York state, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, and other places. Pennsylvania, Kansas, Wisconsin, Virginia, Arizona, Minnesota and Nebraska all reported a record number of new cases on Thursday, though greater testing could account for some of the increases, revealing infections already present but undetected. Several states, including New Jersey, Texas, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, New Mexico and the District of Columbia, posted new highs in their daily death tolls. The number of known infections for the nation as a whole has climbed well past 1 million confirmed cases, including at least 62,000 deaths, well beyond the number of Americans killed in the Vietnam War. PATCHWORK In the latest of a patchwork of announcements across the country in recent days, Florida on Wednesday became one of the largest states to ease some of the restrictions that have crippled business activity. "There is a light at the end of the tunnel," Governor Ron DeSantis said as he unveiled his phase-one plan due to start on Monday to relax the mandatory workplace closures and stay-at-home orders imposed four weeks ago. Texas unveiled a similar reopening strategy to take effect on Friday. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy plans to allow state parks and golf courses to reopen on Saturday. After a White House visit on Thursday, he said the federal government was giving his state 550,000 coronavirus testing kits, along with 750,000 swabs to take samples, marking a "huge step" toward his goal of doubling New Jersey's testing capacity by late May. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the closure of beaches and parks in Orange County, south of Los Angeles, after crowds jammed the popular shoreline last weekend. Newsom, a Democrat, has said that curbside retail, manufacturing and other "lower-risk workplaces" should reopen in California within weeks as testing and contact-tracing improve. In one of the first major reopenings anticipated in U.S. sports, NASCAR announced its auto racing competition would return with 10 races at its North and South Carolina tracks in mid- to late-May. Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York said his state would hire thousands of workers to trace the contacts of people who test positive for the coronavirus. He also announced a halt to New York City subway service from 1 to 5 a.m. to disinfect trains.

Half of US states easing coronavirus restrictions as jobless numbers grow

People across the United Kingdom joined in a round of applause on Thursday (April 30) to thank National Health Service (NHS) staff and key workers on the front line of the coronavirus crisis.

Millions around UK pay tribute to key workers with applause

A Chinese developer of artificial intelligence and augmented reality technology for manufacturing and gaming applications has found a new focus in the midst of a global pandemic.

A pair of glasses that enable wearer to "see" people's temperature

British World War Two veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has become a national hero after raising millions for the health service, celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday (April 30) with a promotion, military flypasts and a message from the prime minister.

Cake-makers get creative to celebrate Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday

Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts join a whole host of celebrities uniting in one global, 24-hour livestreamed event on Friday (May 1) to celebrate acts of humanity and provided guidance and solidarity in the coronavirus times.

Oprah, Julia Roberts and others 'Call to Unite' in 24-hour global livestream event

A Paris bakery losing 40 percent of its trade during the coronavirus lockdown is staying alive thanks to their French customers' love for baguettes and weakness for pastries.

Baguettes boost spirits for Paris bakery battered by lockdown

For patients in the critical care unit of Chile's San Borja Arriaran Hospital, recovery means long and lonely days in quarantine, cut off from contact with friends and family due to the coronavirus pandemic. But one critical care nurse is bringing tears of joy and moments of happiness to some of those patients through a pen pal letter writing program she started for them.

Pen pal letters bring joy to patients cut off from visits due to coronavirus restrictions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin revealed Thursday that he tested positive for coronavirus and will self-isolate to protect other cabinet members. COVID-19 cases are surging constantly in Russia.

Russia reports massive surge in COVID-19 cases, Russian PM tests positive as well

The International Criminal Police Organisation, more commonly known as INTERPOL has recently reported information claiming that food delivery services across the world are being used to transport drugs across the world.

As almost all of the world is still currently under lockdown, delivery services have witnessed a surge in terms of demand, as people have been advised against venturing outside unless absolutely necessary.

INTERPOL data claims to have received reports from police forces in Ireland, Malaysia, Spain, and Britain whereby many delivery agents tried to transport drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, and ecstasy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/from-drugs-to-life-saving-paraphernalia-how-the-dark-web-is-capitalising-on-pandemic-panic-291049" hreflang="en">From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic!</a>

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, as movement of people and goods remains largely suspended, there has been a surge in demand for home delivery of essential items.

Just last month, the Spanish National Police arrested seven people who were masquerading as food delivery drivers in Alicante and Valencia.

As part of their delivery set up to deliver cocaine and marijuana, they were using motorcycles and cars. Many of these drugs were hidden in delivery backpacks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/novel-coronavirus-may-spread-for-at-least-another-18-months-says-study-296079" hreflang="en">Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study</a>

Ireland recently recovered over 8 kgs of cocaine alongside two handguns in pizza boxes, the INTERPOL statement added.

The agency further said that it’s possible that delivery partners may be unaware of the consignments being shipped, or they may be complicit. However, in cases whereby suspects were disguised as delivery drivers, complicity wasn’t a question.

According to Reuters, Latin American drug cartels have dispatched shipments of cocaine to Europe in the last few weeks.

The International Criminal Police Organisation, more commonly known as INTERPOL has recently reported information claiming that food delivery services across the world are being used to transport drugs across the world.

The International Criminal Police Organisation, more commonly known as INTERPOL has recently reported information claiming that food delivery services across the world are being used to transport drugs across the world. As almost all of the world is still currently under lockdown, delivery services have witnessed a surge in terms of demand, as people have been advised against venturing outside unless absolutely necessary. INTERPOL data claims to have received reports from police forces in Ireland, Malaysia, Spain, and Britain whereby many delivery agents tried to transport drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, and ecstasy. Also read: From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic! Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, as movement of people and goods remains largely suspended, there has been a surge in demand for home delivery of essential items. Just last month, the Spanish National Police arrested seven people who were masquerading as food delivery drivers in Alicante and Valencia. As part of their delivery set up to deliver cocaine and marijuana, they were using motorcycles and cars. Many of these drugs were hidden in delivery backpacks. Also read: Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study Ireland recently recovered over 8 kgs of cocaine alongside two handguns in pizza boxes, the INTERPOL statement added. The agency further said that it’s possible that delivery partners may be unaware of the consignments being shipped, or they may be complicit. However, in cases whereby suspects were disguised as delivery drivers, complicity wasn’t a question. According to Reuters, Latin American drug cartels have dispatched shipments of cocaine to Europe in the last few weeks.

Delivery services are being used to transport drugs and arms, claims INTERPOL

Wuhan, once the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus and home to over 11 million people is now teeming with life. As shops start to reopen, people are out and about again. The first case of coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, which was then sealed off from the rest of the country.

One thing the Chinese love is their street food! And Wuhan is famous for one such delicacy which is not found elsewhere - noodles.

But these are not&nbsp;simple noodles. The alkaline noodles are made with sesame sauce, spring onions, turnips, and a variety of spices. The South China Morning Post reported that over half of the city’s population consumes these noodles everyday.

The noodles, though mostly found in Wuhan, are also accessible across Hubei province.&nbsp;The noodles are soft and chewy, and rich in carbohydrates.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/china-claims-zero-covid-19-cases-in-wuhan-all-patients-discharged-in-wuhan-294910/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These hot dry noodles are one of the most highly revelled food dishes in China. Others include Beijing zhajiangmian (soybean paste noodles), Shanxi sliced noodles, Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles and Sichuan dan dan noodles.

Cailinji is the the most famous hot dry noodle brand in Wuhan. After being cooked, the noodles are swivelled around in cold water, and then the delicacy is greeted with a coating of oil. This particular style was introduced by the Cai family of Wuhan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/after-wuhan-fears-of-second-coronavirus-wave-in-chinas-northeast-294018" hreflang="en">After Wuhan, fears of second coronavirus wave in China's northeast</a>

The unique ingredient in these noodles is the sesame paste.

As the South China Morning reported,&nbsp;these noodles were sold by Cai Mingwei in 1928, who saw that most shops were discarding sesame paste after pressing the oil.

Until 1950, the noodles were called “sesame sauce noodles”. Cai registered the name “hot dry noodles” in that year.

Owing to the noodles’ popularity, the Hubei government came up with a set of rules that must be followed while making such noodles. According to the decree, sesame must make up 50 per cent of the sauce, which also mandatorily must include peanut sauce, soybean flour, and vegetable oil.

The alkaline value of the noodles is set by the government between pH value of 7.2 to 9.2.

Wuhan, once the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus and home to over 11 million people is now teeming with life. As shops start to reopen, people are out and about again.

Wuhan, once the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus and home to over 11 million people is now teeming with life. As shops start to reopen, people are out and about again. The first case of coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, which was then sealed off from the rest of the country. One thing the Chinese love is their street food! And Wuhan is famous for one such delicacy which is not found elsewhere - noodles. But these are not simple noodles. The alkaline noodles are made with sesame sauce, spring onions, turnips, and a variety of spices. The South China Morning Post reported that over half of the city’s population consumes these noodles everyday. The noodles, though mostly found in Wuhan, are also accessible across Hubei province. The noodles are soft and chewy, and rich in carbohydrates. These hot dry noodles are one of the most highly revelled food dishes in China. Others include Beijing zhajiangmian (soybean paste noodles), Shanxi sliced noodles, Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles and Sichuan dan dan noodles. Cailinji is the the most famous hot dry noodle brand in Wuhan. After being cooked, the noodles are swivelled around in cold water, and then the delicacy is greeted with a coating of oil. This particular style was introduced by the Cai family of Wuhan. Also read: After Wuhan, fears of second coronavirus wave in China's northeast The unique ingredient in these noodles is the sesame paste. As the South China Morning reported, these noodles were sold by Cai Mingwei in 1928, who saw that most shops were discarding sesame paste after pressing the oil. Until 1950, the noodles were called “sesame sauce noodles”. Cai registered the name “hot dry noodles” in that year. Owing to the noodles’ popularity, the Hubei government came up with a set of rules that must be followed while making such noodles. According to the decree, sesame must make up 50 per cent of the sauce, which also mandatorily must include peanut sauce, soybean flour, and vegetable oil. The alkaline value of the noodles is set by the government between pH value of 7.2 to 9.2.

Hot and dry: The noodles that kick-started the economy of Wuhan!

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

Surge in cancers deaths due to disruptions in health services

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

WION Exclusive: Estonian envoy to India speaks with WION

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

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

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.2 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

COVID-19 has now infected 3,257,520 people worldwide and 233,405 &nbsp;people have been killed due to this pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-not-man-made-or-genetically-modified-us-intelligence-community-295906">Also read |&nbsp;Coronavirus not man-made or genetically modified: US intelligence community</a>

Around 1,014,809 people of that tally have recovered.

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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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-coronavirus-spreads-to-russias-secret-nuclear-cities-295663">Also read: Now, coronavirus spreads to Russia's 'secret' nuclear cities</a>

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

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.

As the pandemic spreads in the US, the country's economy is likely to face its worst crisis since the Great Depression.

Millions of US citizens have lost their jobs and consumer spending has seen its biggest decline in 40 years.

Meanwhile, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said he tested positive for coronavirus and will self-isolate to protect other cabinet members, promising to be in constant contact "on all the main issues."

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.2 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 3,257,520 people worldwide and 233,405 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.2 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 3,257,520 people worldwide and 233,405 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Also read | Coronavirus not man-made or genetically modified: US intelligence community Around 1,014,809 people of that tally have recovered. 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. Also read: Now, coronavirus spreads to Russia's 'secret' nuclear cities The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. 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. As the pandemic spreads in the US, the country's economy is likely to face its worst crisis since the Great Depression. Millions of US citizens have lost their jobs and consumer spending has seen its biggest decline in 40 years. Meanwhile, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said he tested positive for coronavirus and will self-isolate to protect other cabinet members, promising to be in constant contact "on all the main issues."

Coronavirus global death toll passes 230,000; confirmed recoveries hit 1 million

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

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

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

Coronavirus could cause these five skin conditions: Study

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

US to investigate 'what China was hiding in Wuhan'

South Korea on Thursday reported no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since February, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.

KCDC reported four new infections, all imported cases, taking the national tally to 10,765. The death toll rose by one to 247, while 9,059 have been discharged.

Of the total, 1,065 were imported cases, where more than 90% were Koreans, according to a KCDC statement.

The health authorities also concluded no local transmission occurred from a parliamentary election this month, where authorities took safety measures, including requiring voters to wear masks and plastic gloves when casting ballots.

“Twenty-nine million voters participated in the April 15 parliamentary election ... Not one case related to the election has been reported during the 14 days of the incubation period,” Yoon Tae-ho, director general for public health policy, told a briefing.

Yoon thanked staff and voters, who disinfected polling stations across the country and maintained 1 metre (40 inches) distance between each other.

A clinical expert panel on Wednesday also concluded that recovered coronavirus patients who later test positive for the virus again were not “reactivated” or reinfected, but were false positives.

The head of the committee said the false positives were due to technical limits of PCR testing. The country has so far reported 292 such cases.

After grappling with the first major outbreak outside China, South Korea has largely managed to bring the outbreak under control without major disruptions with a massive testing campaign and intensive contact tracing.

South Korea on Thursday reported no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since February, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.

South Korea on Thursday reported no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since February, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. KCDC reported four new infections, all imported cases, taking the national tally to 10,765. The death toll rose by one to 247, while 9,059 have been discharged. Of the total, 1,065 were imported cases, where more than 90% were Koreans, according to a KCDC statement. The health authorities also concluded no local transmission occurred from a parliamentary election this month, where authorities took safety measures, including requiring voters to wear masks and plastic gloves when casting ballots. “Twenty-nine million voters participated in the April 15 parliamentary election ... Not one case related to the election has been reported during the 14 days of the incubation period,” Yoon Tae-ho, director general for public health policy, told a briefing. Yoon thanked staff and voters, who disinfected polling stations across the country and maintained 1 metre (40 inches) distance between each other. A clinical expert panel on Wednesday also concluded that recovered coronavirus patients who later test positive for the virus again were not “reactivated” or reinfected, but were false positives. The head of the committee said the false positives were due to technical limits of PCR testing. The country has so far reported 292 such cases. After grappling with the first major outbreak outside China, South Korea has largely managed to bring the outbreak under control without major disruptions with a massive testing campaign and intensive contact tracing.

South Korea: No new domestic coronavirus cases, no transmission from election

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

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

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

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

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.2 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

COVID-19 has now infected 3,190,743 &nbsp;people worldwide and 227,368 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-hammered-us-economy-in-first-quarter-295600">Also read: Coronavirus hammered US economy in first quarter</a>

Around 972,170 people of that tally have recovered.

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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-coronavirus-spreads-to-russias-secret-nuclear-cities-295663">Also read: Now, coronavirus spreads to Russia's 'secret' nuclear cities</a> 
 
The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

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 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday reported 1,005,147 cases of new coronavirus, an increase of 23,901 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 2,247 to 57,505.

The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET on April 28, compared with its count a day earlier.&nbsp;

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.2 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 3,190,743 people worldwide and 227,368 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.2 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 3,190,743 people worldwide and 227,368 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Also read: Coronavirus hammered US economy in first quarter Around 972,170 people of that tally have recovered. 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. Also read: Now, coronavirus spreads to Russia's 'secret' nuclear cities The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. 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 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday reported 1,005,147 cases of new coronavirus, an increase of 23,901 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 2,247 to 57,505. The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET on April 28, compared with its count a day earlier.

Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.2 million, death toll at 227,368

Czechs parked their cars to watch plays and film screenings in Prague as the country eases out of a lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus infection.

Czechs park up for drive-in theatre, cinema as lockdown eases

Donning blue protective suits, stoles and crosses, a group of Filipino Catholic priests have been roaming around Metro Manila's poorest communities in hopes of giving hope to the people amid a government-enforced lockdown.

Priests bring faith to Philippines amid lockdown

Syrian Maen Khadour has taken to urban gardening on his Damascus rooftop, now filled with young trees and canisters turned into pots where eggplants, onions, lettuce, parsley, rocca and spinach grow.

Urban gardening on a Damascus rooftop during coronavirus lockdown, Ramadan

Covid-19 is expected to cause global energy emissions to fall a record eight percent this year due to an unprecedented drop in demand for coal, oil and gas, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.

The IEA's Global Energy Review was based on an analysis of electricity demand over more than 100 days, during which much of the world has entered lockdown in a bid to control the pandemic.

It predicted that global energy demand would fall six percent in 2020 -- seven times more than during the 2008 financial crisis and the biggest year-on-year drop since World War II.

This would be the equivalent of losing the entire energy demand of India, the world's third-largest power consumer, the IEA said.

Advanced economies are set to see the biggest declines, with demand in the United States down nine percent and an 11-percent fall in the European Union likely.

"This is a historic shock to the entire energy world," said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.

"The plunge in demand for nearly all major fuels is staggering, especially for coal, oil and gas."

With consumption falling, the IEA said it had noticed a "major shift" to low-carbon sources of power, such as wind and solar, which are set to make up 40 percent of global electricity generation -- six percentage points more than coal.

Coal and natural gas "are finding themselves increasingly squeezed between low overall power demand and increasing output from renewables," the report said.

Natural gas demand is set to fall five percent in 2020 after a decade of uninterrupted growth.

Following a 2018 peak, coal-fired power generation is set to fall more than 10 percent this year.

Overall, energy-related carbon emissions are set to fall by almost eight percent, reaching their lowest level since 2010.

If this plays out this would be by far the largest annual decrease on record, more than six times larger than the 2009 fall precipitated by the global financial crisis.

The United Nations says CO2 emissions must fall by 7.6 percent annually through to 2030 in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.6 Farenheit), the most ambitious temperature cap of the Paris climate accord.

Until COVID-19 struck, emissions had been rising year on year.

Reacting to the IEA's report, Richard Black, Director of the Britain-based Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said how the global economy recovered in the long term from the pandemic would be key for the climate.

"In recent weeks there have been robust promises from national leaders and calls from businesses for post-coronavirus stimulus packages to accelerate the clean energy transition," Black said.

"If these pledges come good... then the crisis could come to be seen as a genuine turning point for world energy markets."

Covid-19 is expected to cause global energy emissions to fall a record eight percent this year due to an unprecedented drop in demand for coal, oil and gas, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.

Covid-19 is expected to cause global energy emissions to fall a record eight percent this year due to an unprecedented drop in demand for coal, oil and gas, the International Energy Agency said Thursday. The IEA's Global Energy Review was based on an analysis of electricity demand over more than 100 days, during which much of the world has entered lockdown in a bid to control the pandemic. It predicted that global energy demand would fall six percent in 2020 -- seven times more than during the 2008 financial crisis and the biggest year-on-year drop since World War II. This would be the equivalent of losing the entire energy demand of India, the world's third-largest power consumer, the IEA said. Advanced economies are set to see the biggest declines, with demand in the United States down nine percent and an 11-percent fall in the European Union likely. "This is a historic shock to the entire energy world," said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. "The plunge in demand for nearly all major fuels is staggering, especially for coal, oil and gas." With consumption falling, the IEA said it had noticed a "major shift" to low-carbon sources of power, such as wind and solar, which are set to make up 40 percent of global electricity generation -- six percentage points more than coal. Coal and natural gas "are finding themselves increasingly squeezed between low overall power demand and increasing output from renewables," the report said. Natural gas demand is set to fall five percent in 2020 after a decade of uninterrupted growth. Following a 2018 peak, coal-fired power generation is set to fall more than 10 percent this year. Overall, energy-related carbon emissions are set to fall by almost eight percent, reaching their lowest level since 2010. If this plays out this would be by far the largest annual decrease on record, more than six times larger than the 2009 fall precipitated by the global financial crisis. The United Nations says CO2 emissions must fall by 7.6 percent annually through to 2030 in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.6 Farenheit), the most ambitious temperature cap of the Paris climate accord. Until COVID-19 struck, emissions had been rising year on year. Reacting to the IEA's report, Richard Black, Director of the Britain-based Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said how the global economy recovered in the long term from the pandemic would be key for the climate. "In recent weeks there have been robust promises from national leaders and calls from businesses for post-coronavirus stimulus packages to accelerate the clean energy transition," Black said. "If these pledges come good... then the crisis could come to be seen as a genuine turning point for world energy markets."

Covid-19 to cause record emissions fall in 2020: International Energy Agency

British Airways is set to cut more than a quarter of its jobs due to the coronavirus crisis, forecasting that passenger numbers will take years to return to 2019 levels. British Airways has 45,000 employees, including 16,500 cabin crew and 3,900 pilots, according to its website.

British Airways plans to cut up to 12,000 jobs | COVID-19 Pandemic

Watch today in 'WION In Focus': Some Stories Related To Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.

WION In Focus: Some Stories Related To Coronavirus Pandemic

US President Donald Trump doubled down on China for failing to tame the coronavirus at its very origin, saying it has led to 184 countries "going through hell", as several American lawmakers demanded steps to reduce dependence on Beijing for manufacturing and minerals. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-us-top-1-million-death-toll-at-57266-295419">ALSO READ: Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266</a>

Trump has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy" and launched an investigation against it. He has also indicated that the US may be looking at "a lot more money" in damages from China than the USD 140 billion being sought by Germany from Beijing for the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-will-coronavirus-end-in-us-uk-france-india-study-predicts-dates-month-295324">When will COVID-19 end in US, UK, France, India? Study predicts dates &amp; month</a>

Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-586-covid-19-deaths-in-last-24-hours-death-toll-crosses-21600-295396">Also read |&nbsp;UK reports 586 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours; death toll crosses 21,600</a>

"It's in 184 countries, as you hear me say often. It's hard to believe. It's inconceivable," Trump told reporters at White House Tuesday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-covid-19-death-toll-tops-vietnam-war-fatalities-cases-surpass-one-million-295433/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It should have been stopped at the source, which was China. It should have been stopped very much at the source, but it wasn't. And now we have 184 countries going through hell."

The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally. The largest number of them are in the US: nearly 59,000 deaths and over one million infections.

The massive outbreak in the US has put Trump under increasing pressure from American lawmakers to decrease US dependence on Beijing and they have also sought compensation from China.

Senator Ted Cruz and his colleagues have urged Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to support the development of a fully domestic supply chain of rare earth and other minerals that are critical for manufacturing defence technologies and supporting national security.

"It is clear that our dependence on China for vital rare earths threatens our US manufacturing and defence-industrial base. As the October 2018 Defence Industrial Base Report states: 'China represents a significant and growing risk to the supply of materials deemed strategic and critical to US national security.' [...] Ensuring a US supply of domestically sourced rare earths will reduce our vulnerability to supply disruptions that poses a grave risk to our military readiness," the Senators wrote.

The US is 100 per cent import-dependent for rare earths as well as 13 other metals and minerals on the US Government Critical Minerals List and more than 75 per cent import reliant for an additional 10 minerals.

Congressman Brian Mast on Tuesday introduced legislation to hold China accountable for its "coronavirus deception". The resolution would empower the US to withhold payments on debts owed to China equal to the costs incurred by the US in response to COVID-19.

"China's total lack of transparency and mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak has cost tens of thousands of lives, millions of jobs and left untold economic destruction. Congress must hold China accountable for their cover-up and force them to pay back the taxpayer dollars that have been spent as a result," Mast said.

Cruz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced his intention to introduce legislation to cut off Hollywood studios from the assistance they receive from the Department of Defence if those studios censor their films for screening in China.

This legislation is part of Sen. Cruz's comprehensive push to combat China's growing influence over what Americans see and hear, which includes legislation targeting information warfare from the Chinese Communist Party across higher education, sports, films, radio broadcasts, and more.

Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera and Congressman Ted S. Yoho, both members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will lead a bipartisan virtual Special Order to highlight the importance of US global leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If we abdicate our place as a leader in global health, there is another country eager to take the reins. China has not been subtle in asserting itself on global health issues, and often not for the benefit of other nations. China's recent coronavirus debacle should be evidence enough that their communist regime cannot be trusted to lead with accountability, transparency, or pragmatism, traits that are essential when fighting widespread disease," Yoho said.

"As for how China would fare as a global health leader, look no further than the disastrous initial response by the WHO to coronavirus, one that was clearly influenced by Beijing. Information was slow-walked, warnings from nations like Taiwan were ignored at crucial turning points, and cooperation with outside health experts was spurned until it was too late. And it has resulted in the largest public health disaster the world has seen in over a century," he said.

In an interview to Fox News, Senator Marco Rubio alleged that if China had acted when those warnings were being made, instead of silencing the people that were talking about it, they could have limited the spread.

"So there was no doubt that that was a deliberate decision made on their part. The one way to hold them accountable is to do what we should be doing anyway. That is moving the means of production to become less and less dependent upon them. What you're going to see after this pandemic is that more and more countries are going to prioritize their healthcare manufacturing capabilities and other industries," he said.

US President Donald Trump doubled down on China for failing to tame the coronavirus at its very origin, saying it has led to 184 countries "going through hell", as several American lawmakers demanded steps to reduce dependence on Beijing for manufacturing and minerals.

US President Donald Trump doubled down on China for failing to tame the coronavirus at its very origin, saying it has led to 184 countries "going through hell", as several American lawmakers demanded steps to reduce dependence on Beijing for manufacturing and minerals. ALSO READ: Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266 Trump has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy" and launched an investigation against it. He has also indicated that the US may be looking at "a lot more money" in damages from China than the USD 140 billion being sought by Germany from Beijing for the pandemic. Also read: When will COVID-19 end in US, UK, France, India? Study predicts dates & month Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases. Also read | UK reports 586 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours; death toll crosses 21,600 "It's in 184 countries, as you hear me say often. It's hard to believe. It's inconceivable," Trump told reporters at White House Tuesday. "It should have been stopped at the source, which was China. It should have been stopped very much at the source, but it wasn't. And now we have 184 countries going through hell." The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally. The largest number of them are in the US: nearly 59,000 deaths and over one million infections. The massive outbreak in the US has put Trump under increasing pressure from American lawmakers to decrease US dependence on Beijing and they have also sought compensation from China. Senator Ted Cruz and his colleagues have urged Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to support the development of a fully domestic supply chain of rare earth and other minerals that are critical for manufacturing defence technologies and supporting national security. "It is clear that our dependence on China for vital rare earths threatens our US manufacturing and defence-industrial base. As the October 2018 Defence Industrial Base Report states: 'China represents a significant and growing risk to the supply of materials deemed strategic and critical to US national security.' [...] Ensuring a US supply of domestically sourced rare earths will reduce our vulnerability to supply disruptions that poses a grave risk to our military readiness," the Senators wrote. The US is 100 per cent import-dependent for rare earths as well as 13 other metals and minerals on the US Government Critical Minerals List and more than 75 per cent import reliant for an additional 10 minerals. Congressman Brian Mast on Tuesday introduced legislation to hold China accountable for its "coronavirus deception". The resolution would empower the US to withhold payments on debts owed to China equal to the costs incurred by the US in response to COVID-19. "China's total lack of transparency and mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak has cost tens of thousands of lives, millions of jobs and left untold economic destruction. Congress must hold China accountable for their cover-up and force them to pay back the taxpayer dollars that have been spent as a result," Mast said. Cruz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced his intention to introduce legislation to cut off Hollywood studios from the assistance they receive from the Department of Defence if those studios censor their films for screening in China. This legislation is part of Sen. Cruz's comprehensive push to combat China's growing influence over what Americans see and hear, which includes legislation targeting information warfare from the Chinese Communist Party across higher education, sports, films, radio broadcasts, and more. Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera and Congressman Ted S. Yoho, both members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will lead a bipartisan virtual Special Order to highlight the importance of US global leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. "If we abdicate our place as a leader in global health, there is another country eager to take the reins. China has not been subtle in asserting itself on global health issues, and often not for the benefit of other nations. China's recent coronavirus debacle should be evidence enough that their communist regime cannot be trusted to lead with accountability, transparency, or pragmatism, traits that are essential when fighting widespread disease," Yoho said. "As for how China would fare as a global health leader, look no further than the disastrous initial response by the WHO to coronavirus, one that was clearly influenced by Beijing. Information was slow-walked, warnings from nations like Taiwan were ignored at crucial turning points, and cooperation with outside health experts was spurned until it was too late. And it has resulted in the largest public health disaster the world has seen in over a century," he said. In an interview to Fox News, Senator Marco Rubio alleged that if China had acted when those warnings were being made, instead of silencing the people that were talking about it, they could have limited the spread. "So there was no doubt that that was a deliberate decision made on their part. The one way to hold them accountable is to do what we should be doing anyway. That is moving the means of production to become less and less dependent upon them. What you're going to see after this pandemic is that more and more countries are going to prioritize their healthcare manufacturing capabilities and other industries," he said.

'184 countries going through hell': Trump blames China for coronavirus spread

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday restrictions on citizens' movements would be lifted and more shops allowed to reopen from May 4 in a gradual easing of a lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Greece to ease COVID-19 lockdown from May 4 | Coronavirus Pandemic

In this segment of WION, we bring you report on two twin brothers both killed by pandemics but 100 years apart.

Two twin brothers killed by two pandemics | COVID-19 Pandemic | WION News

The U.S. Air Force's elite flying squad, the Thunderbirds, and the Navy's Blue Angels, flew over New York and New Jersey on Tuesday (April 28) to thank first responders, military personnel and essential workers who have been on the frontlines of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Military jets flyover New York City in formation to thank first responders

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