In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes.

And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters.

Both Democrats and Republicans are reaching out to Indians and making special promises to win their report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-movement-takes-political-colour-as-us-elections-near-317335">Black Lives Matter movement takes political colour as US elections near</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

Let's understand how Democrats and Republicans are trying to lure these voters.&nbsp;

Democrats in favour of H-1B

The Democrats want to hit US President Donald Trump where it hurts the most and that is why they picked up the issue of H-1B vias.

Trump has put a freeze on them and the Democrats have promised to bring it back.&nbsp;

The Democrats say Trump's visa freeze is illegal, chaotic and reckless and believes that programs like H-1B help the American economy.

Out of 65 thousand such visas allotted each year, almost 70 per cent is given to Indians, making them the largest beneficiaries.&nbsp;

Republicans selling the golden ticket

The Republicans, on the other hand, are selling Indians the golden ticket to America: the green card.&nbsp;

Senator Mike Lee has raised the issue in the US Congress. He was arguing in favour of removing the cap.&nbsp;

Lee said that the limits on the green card punish the Indian immigrants.&nbsp;

"If you are born anywhere else, anywhere else other than China, let's say in Ghana, Sweden, Indonesia, basically any other country other than India, your application will be considered immediately. This sort of discrimination is simply inconsistent with the principles of a merit-based immigration system and with our founding principles," Lee said.

He said that the green card waitlist for Indians runs into 200 years.

This argument is true as for many Indians, the green card queue may last longer than their lifetimes.&nbsp;

Currently, only 140,000 green cards are issued every year. More than 200,000 Indians have filed petitions for permanent residency in the US.

Skilled Indian workers make up 75 per cent of the backlog.

Over 700,000 of them are in the line of march, suggesting it's a broken system.&nbsp;

As of 2016, there were over four million people of Indian origin in the US, out of this, close to 1.8 million are of voting age.&nbsp;

This suggests that Indians is the third-largest block of voters within the Asian community alone.

The issue of visas is dear to this community as well as to the New Delhi-Washington relations.

So it's not a surprise anymore that Indian Americans will get special attention in the elections this year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes. And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters.

In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes. And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters. Both Democrats and Republicans are reaching out to Indians and making special promises to win their report. Also read | Black Lives Matter movement takes political colour as US elections near Let's understand how Democrats and Republicans are trying to lure these voters. Democrats in favour of H-1B The Democrats want to hit US President Donald Trump where it hurts the most and that is why they picked up the issue of H-1B vias. Trump has put a freeze on them and the Democrats have promised to bring it back. The Democrats say Trump's visa freeze is illegal, chaotic and reckless and believes that programs like H-1B help the American economy. Out of 65 thousand such visas allotted each year, almost 70 per cent is given to Indians, making them the largest beneficiaries. Republicans selling the golden ticket The Republicans, on the other hand, are selling Indians the golden ticket to America: the green card. Senator Mike Lee has raised the issue in the US Congress. He was arguing in favour of removing the cap. Lee said that the limits on the green card punish the Indian immigrants. "If you are born anywhere else, anywhere else other than China, let's say in Ghana, Sweden, Indonesia, basically any other country other than India, your application will be considered immediately. This sort of discrimination is simply inconsistent with the principles of a merit-based immigration system and with our founding principles," Lee said. He said that the green card waitlist for Indians runs into 200 years. This argument is true as for many Indians, the green card queue may last longer than their lifetimes. Currently, only 140,000 green cards are issued every year. More than 200,000 Indians have filed petitions for permanent residency in the US. Skilled Indian workers make up 75 per cent of the backlog. Over 700,000 of them are in the line of march, suggesting it's a broken system. As of 2016, there were over four million people of Indian origin in the US, out of this, close to 1.8 million are of voting age. This suggests that Indians is the third-largest block of voters within the Asian community alone. The issue of visas is dear to this community as well as to the New Delhi-Washington relations. So it's not a surprise anymore that Indian Americans will get special attention in the elections this year.

Democrats, Republicans eye support of Indian Americans

Ten insurgents were killed in clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday, the first time authorities have confirmed direct fighting since a recent ceasefire expired.

According to defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman, two clashes broke out Wednesday in the eastern province of Ghazni.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-grand-assembly-to-decide-fate-of-taliban-prisoners-on-friday-318105">Afghan grand assembly to decide fate of Taliban prisoners on Friday</a>

Aman told AFP that 10 Taliban insurgents had been killed.&nbsp;

"Their attacks were repelled and they suffered casualties," Aman said.

Waheedullah Jumazada, spokesman for the Ghazni provincial governor, confirmed the two clashes.&nbsp;

In one attack near Ghazni city, Afghan forces called in an air strike when Taliban fighters raided an army base housing about 300 government troops.

The Taliban and government forces agreed a three-day truce to mark the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha which started last Friday.

The truce came ahead of expected peace talks between the Taliban and Kabul aimed at ending the 19-year-old conflict that has ravaged the country. 
&nbsp;

Ten insurgents were killed in clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday, the first time authorities have confirmed direct fighting since a recent ceasefire expired.

Ten insurgents were killed in clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday, the first time authorities have confirmed direct fighting since a recent ceasefire expired. According to defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman, two clashes broke out Wednesday in the eastern province of Ghazni. Also read | Afghan grand assembly to decide fate of Taliban prisoners on Friday Aman told AFP that 10 Taliban insurgents had been killed. "Their attacks were repelled and they suffered casualties," Aman said. Waheedullah Jumazada, spokesman for the Ghazni provincial governor, confirmed the two clashes. In one attack near Ghazni city, Afghan forces called in an air strike when Taliban fighters raided an army base housing about 300 government troops. The Taliban and government forces agreed a three-day truce to mark the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha which started last Friday. The truce came ahead of expected peace talks between the Taliban and Kabul aimed at ending the 19-year-old conflict that has ravaged the country.

Afghanistan: 10 Taliban terrorists killed as clashes resume post Eid ceasefire

Trump is not well!&nbsp;

Have you seen a video with this title on YouTube? Have you come across a hashtag like this on your Twitter feed?

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-once-again-speaks-in-favour-of-reopening-schools-317915">Donald Trump once again speaks in favour of reopening schools</a>

This is promoted by a group known as the Lincoln Project, an organisation against US President Donald Trump.

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-lincoln-projects-information-war-against-trump-317950/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">It is a well-funded project of former Republicans, with the sole aim to put an end to "Trumpism".&nbsp;</div>

The Lincoln Project is waging an information war against Trump on social media.

It tweets mocking Trump's leadership, uploads videos that question the US president's intelligence and patriotism, and releases ads raising concerns about Trump's physical fitness and mental health.

The attacks are sharp, slick and scathing and better than what the Joe Biden campaign has ever produced.&nbsp;

In the last six months, this group has released a series of videos criticising everything that Trump does.

In May, it released a video titled 'Mourning in America', which was a one minute clip filled with attacks on Trump's management of the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

The video received over three million views.&nbsp;

In June, a video called 'Bounty' was released that questioned US intelligence reports that Russia offered bounties for the killing of American soldiers in Afghanistan.

The video received a million views.&nbsp;

Its latest release is titled 'wake up', a comic satire.

It's about a coma victim who kills himself after hearing about Trump's last three years in office.&nbsp;

The video was released just three days ago, but it has already got over three million views.&nbsp;

These posts can be described as trolling, but it actually is designed to help Biden win elections.&nbsp;

An op-ed was published by the Washington Post in April and its title said: 'We've never backed a Democrat for President. But Trump must be defeated'.

This extensive piece was written by members of this group and was propaganda against Trump.&nbsp;

This piece was published four months ago, but in this time period, the support for this group has increased to an unimaginable level.&nbsp;

Over 10,000 people attended a virtual town hall by this group last month and another 80,000 people watched the event on a live stream.&nbsp;

Also, American billionaires are funding this group, from media magnates to Silicon Valley investors.&nbsp;

The funding of the group is increasing and now it's expanding its operations.&nbsp;

It is targetting Trump's supporters in tight Senate races, states like Alaska, Maine and Montana.&nbsp;

Hoardings, commercials, videos are a part of a long list of mediums used by this group to slam Trump.&nbsp;

Already, its top-notch propaganda has gone inside the minds of thousands of American voters.

But will the group be able to put Trump out of office? In three months, we will have an answer to this.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Trump is not well! Have you seen a video with this title on YouTube? Have you come across a hashtag like this on your Twitter feed? Also read | Donald Trump once again speaks in favour of reopening schools This is promoted by a group known as the Lincoln Project, an organisation against US President Donald Trump.

Trump is not well! Have you seen a video with this title on YouTube? Have you come across a hashtag like this on your Twitter feed? Also read | Donald Trump once again speaks in favour of reopening schools This is promoted by a group known as the Lincoln Project, an organisation against US President Donald Trump. Watch | It is a well-funded project of former Republicans, with the sole aim to put an end to "Trumpism". The Lincoln Project is waging an information war against Trump on social media. It tweets mocking Trump's leadership, uploads videos that question the US president's intelligence and patriotism, and releases ads raising concerns about Trump's physical fitness and mental health. The attacks are sharp, slick and scathing and better than what the Joe Biden campaign has ever produced. In the last six months, this group has released a series of videos criticising everything that Trump does. In May, it released a video titled 'Mourning in America', which was a one minute clip filled with attacks on Trump's management of the coronavirus outbreak. The video received over three million views. In June, a video called 'Bounty' was released that questioned US intelligence reports that Russia offered bounties for the killing of American soldiers in Afghanistan. The video received a million views. Its latest release is titled 'wake up', a comic satire. It's about a coma victim who kills himself after hearing about Trump's last three years in office. The video was released just three days ago, but it has already got over three million views. These posts can be described as trolling, but it actually is designed to help Biden win elections. An op-ed was published by the Washington Post in April and its title said: 'We've never backed a Democrat for President. But Trump must be defeated'. This extensive piece was written by members of this group and was propaganda against Trump. This piece was published four months ago, but in this time period, the support for this group has increased to an unimaginable level. Over 10,000 people attended a virtual town hall by this group last month and another 80,000 people watched the event on a live stream. Also, American billionaires are funding this group, from media magnates to Silicon Valley investors. The funding of the group is increasing and now it's expanding its operations. It is targetting Trump's supporters in tight Senate races, states like Alaska, Maine and Montana. Hoardings, commercials, videos are a part of a long list of mediums used by this group to slam Trump. Already, its top-notch propaganda has gone inside the minds of thousands of American voters. But will the group be able to put Trump out of office? In three months, we will have an answer to this.

The Lincoln Project: Former Republicans join hands to oust Donald Trump

The United States President Donald Trump has once again argued in favour of opening nation's schools, saying most parts of the US is "doing well".

"Cases up because of BIG Testing! Much of our Country is doing very well. Open the Schools!," Trump said, in a tweet.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-global-cases-cross-18-million-mark-death-toll-now-at-687930-317756">COVID-19: Global cases cross 18 million mark; death toll now at 687,930&nbsp;</a>

The US president is insisting for long about the reopening of schools and his latest remarks came after the country in the last 24 hours recorded 47,508 new coronavirus cases, taking the overall infections tally to 4,665,002.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-give-tiktoks-chinese-owner-45-days-to-agree-sale-317737">Trump to give TikTok's Chinese owner 45 days to agree sale</a>

The US is the world's hardest-hit country by far, and there has been a huge debate on whether the schools be reopened.&nbsp;

On July 25, the US's top health body has advised the reopening schools and issued a set of guidelines to implement the measure.&nbsp;

"We owe it to our nation's children to take personal responsibility to do everything we can to lower the levels of COVID-19, so they can go back to school safely," &nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Robert Redfield had said.&nbsp;

Experts are divided when it comes to this issue, with some saying the risk of children contracting COVID-19 is low and insisting going to schools will lead to the betterment of mental health and social development.

However, some children have developed what doctors are describing as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) after exposure to coronavirus.

The United States President Donald Trump has once again argued in favour of opening nation's schools, saying most parts of the US is "doing well". "Cases up because of BIG Testing!

The United States President Donald Trump has once again argued in favour of opening nation's schools, saying most parts of the US is "doing well". "Cases up because of BIG Testing! Much of our Country is doing very well. Open the Schools!," Trump said, in a tweet. Also read | COVID-19: Global cases cross 18 million mark; death toll now at 687,930 The US president is insisting for long about the reopening of schools and his latest remarks came after the country in the last 24 hours recorded 47,508 new coronavirus cases, taking the overall infections tally to 4,665,002. Also read | Trump to give TikTok's Chinese owner 45 days to agree sale The US is the world's hardest-hit country by far, and there has been a huge debate on whether the schools be reopened. On July 25, the US's top health body has advised the reopening schools and issued a set of guidelines to implement the measure. "We owe it to our nation's children to take personal responsibility to do everything we can to lower the levels of COVID-19, so they can go back to school safely," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Robert Redfield had said. Experts are divided when it comes to this issue, with some saying the risk of children contracting COVID-19 is low and insisting going to schools will lead to the betterment of mental health and social development. However, some children have developed what doctors are describing as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) after exposure to coronavirus.

Donald Trump once again speaks in favour of reopening schools

After the protests in Portland and the response to it by the federal police force garnered criticism from across the country, the US President Donald Trump has said the US agents will not leave the city "until there is safety".

Trump has taken on Twitter to express that according to him the Governor of Oregon was not doing her job properly.

He added that if she fails to do her job of arresting the "Anarchists &amp; Agitators in Portland", the the federal government will do it for her.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon, isn’t doing her job. She must clear out, and in some cases arrest, the Anarchists &amp; Agitators in Portland. If she can’t do it, the Federal Government will do it for her. We will not be leaving until there is safety!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1288826742539464707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon, isn’t doing her job. She must clear out, and in some cases arrest, the Anarchists &amp; Agitators in Portland. If she can’t do it, the Federal Government will do it for her. We will not be leaving until there is safety!” Trump tweeted.

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The tweet has come a day after&nbsp;one day after the state and his administration reached a deal to phase out a federal law enforcement presence.

The presence of federal force in Portland protests attracted a lot of criticism from the general public as well as political and defence experts, who stressed that this was unnecessary and, in some ways, illegal.

After the protests in Portland and the response to it by the federal police force garnered criticism from across the country, the US President Donald Trump has said the US agents will not leave the city "until there is safety".

After the protests in Portland and the response to it by the federal police force garnered criticism from across the country, the US President Donald Trump has said the US agents will not leave the city "until there is safety". Trump has taken on Twitter to express that according to him the Governor of Oregon was not doing her job properly. He added that if she fails to do her job of arresting the "Anarchists & Agitators in Portland", the the federal government will do it for her. Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon, isn’t doing her job. She must clear out, and in some cases arrest, the Anarchists & Agitators in Portland. If she can’t do it, the Federal Government will do it for her. We will not be leaving until there is safety! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2020 × “Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon, isn’t doing her job. She must clear out, and in some cases arrest, the Anarchists & Agitators in Portland. If she can’t do it, the Federal Government will do it for her. We will not be leaving until there is safety!” Trump tweeted. × The tweet has come a day after one day after the state and his administration reached a deal to phase out a federal law enforcement presence. The presence of federal force in Portland protests attracted a lot of criticism from the general public as well as political and defence experts, who stressed that this was unnecessary and, in some ways, illegal.

Trump asks Federal agents to stay in Portland till city is safe; criticises Oregon governor

Republican senator Tom Cotton, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate for 2024 US elections, described slavery as a "necessary evil" to slam an initiative by a leading US daily.

"As the Founding Fathers said, it was the necessary evil upon which the union was built, but the union was built in a way, as Lincoln said, to put slavery on the course to its ultimate extinction," Cotton, in an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-protests-turn-ugly-in-us-as-texas-reports-one-death-316068">Black Lives Matter protests turn ugly in US as Texas reports one death</a>

Cotton made the remarks against the New York Times 1619 Project, an initiative to reframe US history from around August 1619, when the slave ships were first arrived on the American soil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-war-against-american-voters-could-cost-him-reelection-316359">Trump's war against American voters could cost him reelection</a>

On Thursday, Cotton introduced a legislation that aims to cut off federal money to teach 1619 Project in primary and secondary schools.&nbsp;

In the interview, Cotton also said the history of slavery, its impact and role should be studied on the basis of the "development of our country", adding otherwise we can't "understand our country".

He also said the 1619 Project calls US "at root, a systematically racist country to the core and irredeemable. I reject that root and branch."

When the news broke out, Cotton called it "fake" and argued that his comments were referring to the founders of the US.&nbsp;

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This is the definition of fake news. 
 
I said that *the Founders viewed slavery as a necessary evil* and described how they put the evil institution on the path to extinction, a point frequently made by Lincoln. <a href="https://t.co/SaWTTlMO7w">https://t.co/SaWTTlMO7w</a>
— Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCottonAR/status/1287489209469734915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I said that *the Founders viewed slavery as a necessary evil*," Cotton wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

Republican senator Tom Cotton, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate for 2024 US elections, described slavery as a "necessary evil" to slam an initiative by a leading US daily.

Republican senator Tom Cotton, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate for 2024 US elections, described slavery as a "necessary evil" to slam an initiative by a leading US daily. "As the Founding Fathers said, it was the necessary evil upon which the union was built, but the union was built in a way, as Lincoln said, to put slavery on the course to its ultimate extinction," Cotton, in an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published on Sunday. Also read | Black Lives Matter protests turn ugly in US as Texas reports one death Cotton made the remarks against the New York Times 1619 Project, an initiative to reframe US history from around August 1619, when the slave ships were first arrived on the American soil. Also read | Trump's war against American voters could cost him reelection On Thursday, Cotton introduced a legislation that aims to cut off federal money to teach 1619 Project in primary and secondary schools. In the interview, Cotton also said the history of slavery, its impact and role should be studied on the basis of the "development of our country", adding otherwise we can't "understand our country". He also said the 1619 Project calls US "at root, a systematically racist country to the core and irredeemable. I reject that root and branch." When the news broke out, Cotton called it "fake" and argued that his comments were referring to the founders of the US. This is the definition of fake news. I said that *the Founders viewed slavery as a necessary evil* and described how they put the evil institution on the path to extinction, a point frequently made by Lincoln. https://t.co/SaWTTlMO7w — Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) July 26, 2020 × "I said that *the Founders viewed slavery as a necessary evil*," Cotton wrote on Twitter.

Republican senator Tom Cotton describes slavery as 'necessary evil'

In a tit-for-tat diplomacy, China has asked the United States to close its consulate in Chengdu after Washington shut down Beijing's consulate in Houston.&nbsp;

The US has accused China of snooping through the Houston consulate and now China is retaliating on similar grounds.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-us-consulate-in-chengdu-interfered-in-our-internal-affairs-china-315732">People in US consulate in Chengdu interfered in our internal affairs: China</a>

Chengdu, which lies in Sichuan province, is a hub for China's commercial expansion into Central Asia.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-houston-consulate-was-hub-of-spying-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-315582">'China's Houston consulate was hub of spying': US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-houston-consulate-was-hub-of-spying-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-315582">&nbsp;</a>

The region has been a valuable outpost for the US too as reports suggest it is from this consulate that Washington used to gather information about Xinjiang and Tibet.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-consulate-war-why-china-shut-down-the-chengdu-consulate-315816/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Xinjiang and Tibet have been in international focus after China began crackdowns in these regions.&nbsp;

Chinese celebrated the decision to shut down Chengdu consulate and it was the&nbsp;top trending topic on Weibo, Chinese version of a social-media website similar to Twitter.&nbsp;

Chinese state media CCTV posted an image with the text: "retaliation".

Hot pots are a popular food in Chengdu and now some users on social media are suggesting that the American consulate could be turned into a hotspot restaurant.&nbsp;

Several people were seen outside the consulate, who apparently wanted to see if the US will burn any documents.&nbsp;

Earlier, Chinese diplomats had burnt some documents in Houston following the announcment by the US.&nbsp;

The Americans didn't burn any documents, but some crackers were set off.&nbsp;

The US has been given 72 hours to shut down the consulate and the country is not looking to buckle, in fact, it seems, US is willing to take on China. &nbsp;

In recent weeks, the US has sanctioned Chinese officials, cut off access to the American technology and challenged Beijing on the South China Sea.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State, who has constantly ramped up pressure on China, today described the Asian giant a "frankenstein" and declared that Washington will lead the fight against the Communist Party.&nbsp;

Washington and Beijing are battling on several fronts, be it defence, trade, technology and human rights and the closure of the American consulate suggests that the tussle is all set to intensify.&nbsp;

In a tit-for-tat diplomacy, China has asked the United States to close its consulate in Chengdu after Washington shut down Beijing's consulate in Houston. The US has accused China of snooping through the Houston consulate and now China is retaliating on similar grounds.

In a tit-for-tat diplomacy, China has asked the United States to close its consulate in Chengdu after Washington shut down Beijing's consulate in Houston. The US has accused China of snooping through the Houston consulate and now China is retaliating on similar grounds. Also read | People in US consulate in Chengdu interfered in our internal affairs: China Chengdu, which lies in Sichuan province, is a hub for China's commercial expansion into Central Asia. Also read | 'China's Houston consulate was hub of spying': US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo The region has been a valuable outpost for the US too as reports suggest it is from this consulate that Washington used to gather information about Xinjiang and Tibet. Watch | Xinjiang and Tibet have been in international focus after China began crackdowns in these regions. Chinese celebrated the decision to shut down Chengdu consulate and it was the top trending topic on Weibo, Chinese version of a social-media website similar to Twitter. Chinese state media CCTV posted an image with the text: "retaliation". Hot pots are a popular food in Chengdu and now some users on social media are suggesting that the American consulate could be turned into a hotspot restaurant. Several people were seen outside the consulate, who apparently wanted to see if the US will burn any documents. Earlier, Chinese diplomats had burnt some documents in Houston following the announcment by the US. The Americans didn't burn any documents, but some crackers were set off. The US has been given 72 hours to shut down the consulate and the country is not looking to buckle, in fact, it seems, US is willing to take on China. In recent weeks, the US has sanctioned Chinese officials, cut off access to the American technology and challenged Beijing on the South China Sea. US Secretary of State, who has constantly ramped up pressure on China, today described the Asian giant a "frankenstein" and declared that Washington will lead the fight against the Communist Party. Washington and Beijing are battling on several fronts, be it defence, trade, technology and human rights and the closure of the American consulate suggests that the tussle is all set to intensify.

With announcement on Chengdu consulate closure, US, China battle set to intensify

Once again, the United States, the land of the free is in turmoil.&nbsp;

Protests have resurfaced in many parts of the country, but the flashpoint is the city of Portland.&nbsp;

In Portland, the protests against police brutality never really died down and the demonstrations are continuing for 56 consecutive nights.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-announces-surge-of-federal-forces-to-crime-plagued-us-cities-315259">Donald Trump announces ‘surge’ of federal forces to crime-plagued US cities</a>

And now the demonstrations are turning violent.&nbsp;Security forces are tear-gassing and clubbing demonstrators.&nbsp;

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The Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler is standing alongside the protesters.

The mayor, who is also a Democrat and is conducting regular "listening sessions" for the protesters, was tear-gassed too along with the demonstrators.&nbsp;

Wheeler was seen coughing, but still, he couldn't win the support of protesters as they believe he was only there for cameras.&nbsp;

This signals how protesters want to stay away from political support.&nbsp;

The American media is describing the pushback by the security forces, a federal crackdown.&nbsp;

The security officials are housed at the Justice Center in Portland and are showing no signs of retreating.&nbsp;

They are stepping out of the building at regular intervals and tossing smoke bombs and tear gas shells at the protesters.&nbsp;

Their deployment has triggered a national debate over civil liberties, but President Donald Trump is in no mood to concede.

Trump is calling the protests and anti-police crusade, and is justifying his decision by accusing "extreme politicians" of fanning the flames.&nbsp;

The US president has launched a plan, known as "Operation Legend", in which federal agents are sent to tackle violence in any city that sees the slightest of protest in the coming days.&nbsp;

Under this operation, federal law enforcement agents, which includes the FBI and US Marshals Service, will help local police in combat what Trump calls as a surge in violent crime.&nbsp;

Over the recent weeks, the White House is only focussing on incidents of crime and not on the cause of protests.&nbsp;

For Trump, every protester is either a criminal, a political tool, a left-radical or a terrorist. But when it comes to racial discrimination and police brutality, he deflects all questions.&nbsp;

A similar strategy is followed by the US president every time he was asked about his response to the pandemic.&nbsp;

However, now he has had a change of heart, at least as far as the coronavirus outbreak is concerned.&nbsp;

He no longer considers coronavirus as just a flu. He wears a mask wherever he goes,&nbsp;

"Wear it in the hospital. Weat it when you're in a group. Wear it in the elevator. Wear it when there are people around." Trump said.

Trump took six months to say this, however, better late than never.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Once again, the United States, the land of the free is in turmoil. Protests have resurfaced in many parts of the country, but the flashpoint is the city of Portland.

Once again, the United States, the land of the free is in turmoil. Protests have resurfaced in many parts of the country, but the flashpoint is the city of Portland. In Portland, the protests against police brutality never really died down and the demonstrations are continuing for 56 consecutive nights. Also read | Donald Trump announces ‘surge’ of federal forces to crime-plagued US cities And now the demonstrations are turning violent. Security forces are tear-gassing and clubbing demonstrators. The Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler is standing alongside the protesters. The mayor, who is also a Democrat and is conducting regular "listening sessions" for the protesters, was tear-gassed too along with the demonstrators. Wheeler was seen coughing, but still, he couldn't win the support of protesters as they believe he was only there for cameras. This signals how protesters want to stay away from political support. The American media is describing the pushback by the security forces, a federal crackdown. The security officials are housed at the Justice Center in Portland and are showing no signs of retreating. They are stepping out of the building at regular intervals and tossing smoke bombs and tear gas shells at the protesters. Their deployment has triggered a national debate over civil liberties, but President Donald Trump is in no mood to concede. Trump is calling the protests and anti-police crusade, and is justifying his decision by accusing "extreme politicians" of fanning the flames. The US president has launched a plan, known as "Operation Legend", in which federal agents are sent to tackle violence in any city that sees the slightest of protest in the coming days. Under this operation, federal law enforcement agents, which includes the FBI and US Marshals Service, will help local police in combat what Trump calls as a surge in violent crime. Over the recent weeks, the White House is only focussing on incidents of crime and not on the cause of protests. For Trump, every protester is either a criminal, a political tool, a left-radical or a terrorist. But when it comes to racial discrimination and police brutality, he deflects all questions. A similar strategy is followed by the US president every time he was asked about his response to the pandemic. However, now he has had a change of heart, at least as far as the coronavirus outbreak is concerned. He no longer considers coronavirus as just a flu. He wears a mask wherever he goes, "Wear it in the hospital. Weat it when you're in a group. Wear it in the elevator. Wear it when there are people around." Trump said. Trump took six months to say this, however, better late than never.

Mask-clad Donald Trump continues clampdown on protesters

The US has arrested 3 Chinese nationals and have charged them over visa fraud for allegedly lying about their affiliations with the Chinese army. A fourth research association has been declared fugitive by the FBI which is investigating the market. Watch report.

3 Chinese nationals arrested over visa fraud: Fugitive researcher hiding in consulate | World News

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed&nbsp;US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The video is their in-person encounter amid the coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States the most with over 142,000 fatalities and infections nearing 4 million.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-calls-trump-first-racist-president-of-the-united-states-315267">Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States</a>

The full video will be put out on social media on Thursday, but teasers shared by Biden's campaign showed the duo wearing masks and sitting well away from each other to maintain social distancing.&nbsp;

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Every day I hear from folks who tell me how important health care is to their families — well, it's deeply personal for President <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarackObama</a> and me, too. I'll fight to protect and build on Obamacare and make sure everyone gets the care they need. 
 
Watch our conversation: <a href="https://t.co/ZyrBmLrjCJ">pic.twitter.com/ZyrBmLrjCJ</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1286254983961165826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-barack-obama-helps-raise-11-million-for-joe-biden-in-online-fundraiser-308128">Former US President Barack Obama helps raise $11 million for Joe Biden in online fundraiser</a>

In the snippets, Obama and Biden, Democratic nominee for presidential election, discussed the much-talked about health care law and and blamed Trump for creating rifts in the American society and his response to the pandemic.&nbsp;

"Can you imagine standing up when you were president and saying, 'It's not my responsibility, I take no responsibility'", Biden said. &nbsp;

In another excerpt, Biden hit out at Trump launching his 2016 campaign at Trump Tower, saying, "He ran by deliberately dividing people from the moment he came down that escalator, and I think people are now going, 'I don't want my kid growing up that way.'"

The former president responded that he had confidence in Biden's "heart and your character, and the fact that you are going to be able to reassemble the kind of government that cares about people and brings people together."

In another snippet, Biden referred to health insurance issues in the country where he talked about his son Beau's death, adding he was" thinking to myself, what would happen if his insurance company was able to come in, which they could have done before we passed Obamacare and said, 'You have outrun your insurance.'"

"I couldn't be prouder of what we got done... Twenty million people have health insurance that didn't have it because of what we did," Obama responded.&nbsp;

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed US President Donald Trump.

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed US President Donald Trump. The video is their in-person encounter amid the coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States the most with over 142,000 fatalities and infections nearing 4 million. Also read | Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States The full video will be put out on social media on Thursday, but teasers shared by Biden's campaign showed the duo wearing masks and sitting well away from each other to maintain social distancing. Every day I hear from folks who tell me how important health care is to their families — well, it's deeply personal for President @BarackObama and me, too. I'll fight to protect and build on Obamacare and make sure everyone gets the care they need. Watch our conversation: pic.twitter.com/ZyrBmLrjCJ — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 23, 2020 × Also read | Former US President Barack Obama helps raise $11 million for Joe Biden in online fundraiser In the snippets, Obama and Biden, Democratic nominee for presidential election, discussed the much-talked about health care law and and blamed Trump for creating rifts in the American society and his response to the pandemic. "Can you imagine standing up when you were president and saying, 'It's not my responsibility, I take no responsibility'", Biden said. In another excerpt, Biden hit out at Trump launching his 2016 campaign at Trump Tower, saying, "He ran by deliberately dividing people from the moment he came down that escalator, and I think people are now going, 'I don't want my kid growing up that way.'" The former president responded that he had confidence in Biden's "heart and your character, and the fact that you are going to be able to reassemble the kind of government that cares about people and brings people together." In another snippet, Biden referred to health insurance issues in the country where he talked about his son Beau's death, adding he was" thinking to myself, what would happen if his insurance company was able to come in, which they could have done before we passed Obamacare and said, 'You have outrun your insurance.'" "I couldn't be prouder of what we got done... Twenty million people have health insurance that didn't have it because of what we did," Obama responded.

Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration

The Taliban on Thursday said they would begin peace talks with the Afghan government after Eid if prisoner swap agreement gets completed.&nbsp;

We are "ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-to-fight-them-again-15-year-old-afghan-girl-who-killed-taliban-terrorists-315451">'Ready to fight them again': 15-year-old Afghan girl who killed Taliban terrorists</a>

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1/2 
The Islamic Emirate is ready to release all remaining prisoners of the other side before the eve of Eid al-Adha provided they release our prisoners as per our list already delivered to them. Likely, IEA is ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid
— Suhail Shaheen (@suhailshaheen1) <a href="https://twitter.com/suhailshaheen1/status/1286307090278092800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed.
— Suhail Shaheen (@suhailshaheen1) <a href="https://twitter.com/suhailshaheen1/status/1286307092136103944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Suhail added that the terrorist group are ready to release the remaining members of Afghan forces if Kabul freed all the members from their group "as per the list already delivered".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday condemned Afghan forces' aistrikes against Taliban, which killed eight civilians, including children in Herat on Wednesday.

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1/4 The last 24 hours have been very violent in Afghanistan with many losing their lives. 
 
In Herat, photos and eyewitness accounts suggest many civilians including children are among the victims of an Afghan airstrike. We condemn the attack and support an investigation.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1286073851374436352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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3/4 The Afghan people want an immediate start of peace negotiations and a settlement that is in their best interest. More graves will not bring negotiations forward.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1286073854864044034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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4/4 Rather than setting the process back, we urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1286073856608935938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close," he further said on Twitter.

The US is withdrawing its troops from the country to honour its commitments of the agreement it signed with the terror group in February.&nbsp;

As per the agreement signed between US and Taliban, the Afghan government will release 5,000 Taliban members and the terror group will free 1,000 Afghan security personnel.&nbsp;

Afghanistan government and Taliban have signalled peace talks on multiple occasions but escalating violence by both the sides have hampered any development.&nbsp;

The Taliban on Thursday said they would begin peace talks with the Afghan government after Eid if prisoner swap agreement gets completed. We are "ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter.

The Taliban on Thursday said they would begin peace talks with the Afghan government after Eid if prisoner swap agreement gets completed. We are "ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter. Also read | 'Ready to fight them again': 15-year-old Afghan girl who killed Taliban terrorists 1/2 The Islamic Emirate is ready to release all remaining prisoners of the other side before the eve of Eid al-Adha provided they release our prisoners as per our list already delivered to them. Likely, IEA is ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid — Suhail Shaheen (@suhailshaheen1) July 23, 2020 × 2/2 in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed. — Suhail Shaheen (@suhailshaheen1) July 23, 2020 × Suhail added that the terrorist group are ready to release the remaining members of Afghan forces if Kabul freed all the members from their group "as per the list already delivered". Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday condemned Afghan forces' aistrikes against Taliban, which killed eight civilians, including children in Herat on Wednesday. 1/4 The last 24 hours have been very violent in Afghanistan with many losing their lives. In Herat, photos and eyewitness accounts suggest many civilians including children are among the victims of an Afghan airstrike. We condemn the attack and support an investigation. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) July 22, 2020 × 3/4 The Afghan people want an immediate start of peace negotiations and a settlement that is in their best interest. More graves will not bring negotiations forward. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) July 22, 2020 × 4/4 Rather than setting the process back, we urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) July 22, 2020 × "We urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close," he further said on Twitter. The US is withdrawing its troops from the country to honour its commitments of the agreement it signed with the terror group in February. As per the agreement signed between US and Taliban, the Afghan government will release 5,000 Taliban members and the terror group will free 1,000 Afghan security personnel. Afghanistan government and Taliban have signalled peace talks on multiple occasions but escalating violence by both the sides have hampered any development.

Ready for talks with Afghan government if prisoner swap is completed: Taliban

The hardest-hit country from coronavirus, the United States, on an average sees 2,600 new coronavirus cases every hour, according to a tally.

The tally compiled by Reuters also says that this rate in the US is the highest in the world.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blames-anti-racism-protests-mexico-travellers-for-surge-in-covid-cases-315388">Trump blames anti-racism protests, Mexico travellers for surge in COVID cases</a>

In the latest figures provided by Johns Hopkins University, the US has reported more than 63,000 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-us-reports-over-63000-cases-as-country-toll-nears-4-million-315265">Coronavirus: US reports over 63,000 cases as country toll nears 4 million</a>

The US is coming close to report 4 million COVID-19 infections and the nationwide death toll stands at 142,942.&nbsp;

The US, which reported its first case on January 21, reached the mark of 1 million cases in 98 days and just 43 days to add another million. In only 27 days, the country went from 2 million cases to 3 million.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has often clashed with state governors over measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus, incluing lockdown and mask-wearing guidelines.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump also shifted his tone over wearing of masks and in recent times he has even started donning it in public, but also urging people to use one.&nbsp;

The US ranks second in the top 20 worst-hit countries with the most number of cases per capita, recording 120 infections per 10,000 people.&nbsp;

The hardest-hit country from coronavirus, the United States, on an average sees 2,600 new coronavirus cases every hour, according to a tally. The tally compiled by Reuters also says that this rate in the US is the highest in the world.

The hardest-hit country from coronavirus, the United States, on an average sees 2,600 new coronavirus cases every hour, according to a tally. The tally compiled by Reuters also says that this rate in the US is the highest in the world. Also read | Trump blames anti-racism protests, Mexico travellers for surge in COVID cases In the latest figures provided by Johns Hopkins University, the US has reported more than 63,000 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday. Also read | Coronavirus: US reports over 63,000 cases as country toll nears 4 million The US is coming close to report 4 million COVID-19 infections and the nationwide death toll stands at 142,942. The US, which reported its first case on January 21, reached the mark of 1 million cases in 98 days and just 43 days to add another million. In only 27 days, the country went from 2 million cases to 3 million. The Trump administration has often clashed with state governors over measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus, incluing lockdown and mask-wearing guidelines. President Donald Trump also shifted his tone over wearing of masks and in recent times he has even started donning it in public, but also urging people to use one. The US ranks second in the top 20 worst-hit countries with the most number of cases per capita, recording 120 infections per 10,000 people.

Worst-hit US sees 2,600 coronavirus cases every hour

The United States of America continues to be the worst-hit coronavirus country in the world. Close to 4 million people have been affected and 150,000 people have lost their lives. Watch report.

Donald Trump to resume daily COVID-19 briefing: Long queues for testing in Texas, Florida

Imagine yourself walking on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, US and coming across a nice refrigerator stored with milk, fruit, vegetables, chicken, and other items which can be taken for free.

The idea looks crazy but you will find several of these "community refrigerators" in Los Angeles, which are placed outside to help the needy and the people who are hard hit economically because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump</a>

There are no lines, no forms and are kept unlocked so that people can take as much food 24*7 as they want without any hassle.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-very-hard-test-trump-keeps-bragging-about-acing-is-actually-very-simple-314592">The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple</a>

"If you need to empty the fridge, no one will judge you. If you need to take one tomato, or you only put one tomato in there, do it," Marina Vergara, an organiser for LA Community Fridges, said, reported AFP.

Vergara, whose initiative has set up seven such appliances, adds that that the concept came to make "this kind of aid more accessible".

New York came up with the idea of these kind of fridges which can be used any time of the day and people could either take or donate food.&nbsp;

The fridges are creatively painted and some people also put shoes and clothing inside them.&nbsp;

California was amongst the first states to impose lockdown to prevent the virus spread, but in recent weeks, the state is witnessing huge infections, particularly in Los Angeles county.&nbsp;

Los Angeles has also very high levels of homelessness and economic woes brought in by the coronavirus pandemic has added insult to the injury.&nbsp;

Vergara, who started this initiative with an organisation called Reach for the Top, which helps the homeless, explained how some people are ashamed to go to food banks and added immigrants fear doing them increase risk of deportation.&nbsp;

"In a lot of communities, it strips away your pride," Vergara said, who aims to set up more of these refrigerators.&nbsp;

She believes her efforts bring "the freedom of being able to go to a community fridge at any time, whether it's five in the morning or five in the evening."

Imagine yourself walking on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, US and coming across a nice refrigerator stored with milk, fruit, vegetables, chicken, and other items which can be taken for free.

Imagine yourself walking on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, US and coming across a nice refrigerator stored with milk, fruit, vegetables, chicken, and other items which can be taken for free. The idea looks crazy but you will find several of these "community refrigerators" in Los Angeles, which are placed outside to help the needy and the people who are hard hit economically because of the pandemic. Also read | Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump There are no lines, no forms and are kept unlocked so that people can take as much food 24*7 as they want without any hassle. Also read | The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple "If you need to empty the fridge, no one will judge you. If you need to take one tomato, or you only put one tomato in there, do it," Marina Vergara, an organiser for LA Community Fridges, said, reported AFP. Vergara, whose initiative has set up seven such appliances, adds that that the concept came to make "this kind of aid more accessible". New York came up with the idea of these kind of fridges which can be used any time of the day and people could either take or donate food. The fridges are creatively painted and some people also put shoes and clothing inside them. California was amongst the first states to impose lockdown to prevent the virus spread, but in recent weeks, the state is witnessing huge infections, particularly in Los Angeles county. Los Angeles has also very high levels of homelessness and economic woes brought in by the coronavirus pandemic has added insult to the injury. Vergara, who started this initiative with an organisation called Reach for the Top, which helps the homeless, explained how some people are ashamed to go to food banks and added immigrants fear doing them increase risk of deportation. "In a lot of communities, it strips away your pride," Vergara said, who aims to set up more of these refrigerators. She believes her efforts bring "the freedom of being able to go to a community fridge at any time, whether it's five in the morning or five in the evening."

How community fridges in Los Angeles are helping coronavirus-hit people

US President Donald Trump has found a new addiction, apart from Twitter.&nbsp;

It's called Goya and the US president just loves it.&nbsp;

But what&nbsp;is Goya? It is a hispanic-owned company that sells food products in the United States and many hispanic countries. Its propular product includes a can of black beans, which Trump likes a lot.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-tweet-support-for-goya-foods-amid-boycott-campaign-313622">Trumps tweet support for Goya Foods amid boycott campaign</a>

Trump recently posted an image of these products from his Instagram handle, in which you can see a range of Goya products lined on a desk at the White House.&nbsp;

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<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/p/CCrAzKiBFUQ/?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 President Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump)</a> on <time datetime="2020-07-15T18:02:35+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 15, 2020 at 11:02am PDT</time>
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The question is why Trump has suddenly started endorsing this product.&nbsp;

Apparently, his love for Goya began after a political endorsement by the Chief Executive of Goya Foods.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-is-trump-endorsing-goya-foods-313866/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He recently praised Trump at an event at the White House, calling his leadership a "blessing".

"We pray for our president. Not everybody agrees though," the CEO said, a statement that triggered a backlash in the social media.&nbsp;

#BoycottGoya started trending on social media, an high-profile people like Congresswoman Alexandria Cortez, artist Lin-Manuel Miranda and former US presidential candidate Julian Castro started supporting it.&nbsp;

All these prominent personalities have hispanic roots.&nbsp;

A lot of Americans actually started boycotting Goya products. And it is then, when Trump himself started supporting the brand.&nbsp;

Trump has blamed radical left for this boycott.&nbsp;

"Goya foods is doing great, the radical left smear machine backfired...people are buying like crazy," Trump tweeted.

However, people whom he is referring to probably his family.&nbsp;

Trump's daughter also put out a picture of herself holding a can of Goya black beans.

The Trumps do know how to sell a product. The question is: Can they do this being in the position they hold?

Can the president of the US endorse commercial products? Is Ivanka misusing her official position as a senior advisor too the US president by endorsing a can of beans.&nbsp;

The law says both of them can very much do that. But critics question the ethics.

Since the 1970s, the US Justice Department has emphasised on the importance of presidents acting as though all the rules applies to them. Most US presidents have historically divested their conflicting financial interests or placed them in blind trusts.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
But what former US presidents did was voluntarily.&nbsp;

Norms, ethics are not just for Trump. His very first act as president was to breach all such norms.&nbsp;

He made it absolutely clear that he won't divest financial interests, which means he can still run his businesses while in office.&nbsp;

He can buy out any casion in Vegas, invest in Florida's golf resorts and certainly endorse Goya products.&nbsp;

No law can prevent the US president from doing that.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Trump's support is declining amongst the Americans and he should probably focus on selling himself than a can of black beans.&nbsp;

The US elections are less than a month away and he has removed his campaign manager Brad Parscale.&nbsp;

Can a difference in campaign chief change Trump's fate.&nbsp;

Time will tell, soon enough.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has found a new addiction, apart from Twitter. It's called Goya and the US president just loves it. But what is Goya? It is a hispanic-owned company that sells food products in the United States and many hispanic countries.

US President Donald Trump has found a new addiction, apart from Twitter. It's called Goya and the US president just loves it. But what is Goya? It is a hispanic-owned company that sells food products in the United States and many hispanic countries. Its propular product includes a can of black beans, which Trump likes a lot. Also read | Trumps tweet support for Goya Foods amid boycott campaign Trump recently posted an image of these products from his Instagram handle, in which you can see a range of Goya products lined on a desk at the White House. View this post on Instagram A post shared by President Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump) on Jul 15, 2020 at 11:02am PDT × The question is why Trump has suddenly started endorsing this product. Apparently, his love for Goya began after a political endorsement by the Chief Executive of Goya Foods. He recently praised Trump at an event at the White House, calling his leadership a "blessing". "We pray for our president. Not everybody agrees though," the CEO said, a statement that triggered a backlash in the social media. #BoycottGoya started trending on social media, an high-profile people like Congresswoman Alexandria Cortez, artist Lin-Manuel Miranda and former US presidential candidate Julian Castro started supporting it. All these prominent personalities have hispanic roots. A lot of Americans actually started boycotting Goya products. And it is then, when Trump himself started supporting the brand. Trump has blamed radical left for this boycott. "Goya foods is doing great, the radical left smear machine backfired...people are buying like crazy," Trump tweeted. However, people whom he is referring to probably his family. Trump's daughter also put out a picture of herself holding a can of Goya black beans. The Trumps do know how to sell a product. The question is: Can they do this being in the position they hold? Can the president of the US endorse commercial products? Is Ivanka misusing her official position as a senior advisor too the US president by endorsing a can of beans. The law says both of them can very much do that. But critics question the ethics. Since the 1970s, the US Justice Department has emphasised on the importance of presidents acting as though all the rules applies to them. Most US presidents have historically divested their conflicting financial interests or placed them in blind trusts. But what former US presidents did was voluntarily. Norms, ethics are not just for Trump. His very first act as president was to breach all such norms. He made it absolutely clear that he won't divest financial interests, which means he can still run his businesses while in office. He can buy out any casion in Vegas, invest in Florida's golf resorts and certainly endorse Goya products. No law can prevent the US president from doing that. Meanwhile, Trump's support is declining amongst the Americans and he should probably focus on selling himself than a can of black beans. The US elections are less than a month away and he has removed his campaign manager Brad Parscale. Can a difference in campaign chief change Trump's fate. Time will tell, soon enough.

What's behind Donald Trump's recent love affair with Goya

China's top businessmen and entrepreneurs, including Alibaba (BABA) founder Jack Ma, could face serious consequences if the Trump administration decides to ban all members of Chinese Communist&nbsp;Party (CCP) from entering their nation.

Earlier a report said US could impose a travel ban that could potentially affect more than 90 million people from China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-the-biggest-human-rights-abuser-says-china-on-trump-administrations-visa-sanction-on-huawei-employees-313692">US is the biggest human rights abuser, says China on Trump administration's visa sanction on Huawei employees</a>

Several wealthy businessmen from China, like Dalian Wanda Group founder Wang Jianlin and BYD founder Wang Chuanfu could be impacted from this ban as they all are members of the Communist Party. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mulls-travel-ban-on-92-million-members-of-communist-party-of-china-report-313607">US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report</a>

While Wanda, owns the world's biggest movie theater chain, AMC, Chuanfu-founded BYD is China's leading e-car company.&nbsp;

"China's rich and powerful are almost all party members," Willy Lam, adjunct professor at the Center for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, reported CNN.&nbsp;

A study published last year revealed more than half of 8,000 entrepreneurs surveyed said they were the members of the CCP.&nbsp;

Also, a ban like this this could create serious hurdles for Chinese businesses as many trade on the stock exchanges in the US.&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday said such ban if implemented would be "pathetic".&nbsp;

The relations between Beijing and Washington hit rock-bottom after they ended a long trade tussle, when US President Donald Trump blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak.

Hong Kong security law and issue of Chinese telecom giant Huawei also severely affected the ties of the US and China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China's top businessmen and entrepreneurs, including Alibaba (BABA) founder Jack Ma, could face serious consequences if the Trump administration decides to ban all members of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from entering their nation.

China's top businessmen and entrepreneurs, including Alibaba (BABA) founder Jack Ma, could face serious consequences if the Trump administration decides to ban all members of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from entering their nation. Earlier a report said US could impose a travel ban that could potentially affect more than 90 million people from China. Also read | US is the biggest human rights abuser, says China on Trump administration's visa sanction on Huawei employees Several wealthy businessmen from China, like Dalian Wanda Group founder Wang Jianlin and BYD founder Wang Chuanfu could be impacted from this ban as they all are members of the Communist Party. Also read | US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report While Wanda, owns the world's biggest movie theater chain, AMC, Chuanfu-founded BYD is China's leading e-car company. "China's rich and powerful are almost all party members," Willy Lam, adjunct professor at the Center for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, reported CNN. A study published last year revealed more than half of 8,000 entrepreneurs surveyed said they were the members of the CCP. Also, a ban like this this could create serious hurdles for Chinese businesses as many trade on the stock exchanges in the US. Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday said such ban if implemented would be "pathetic". The relations between Beijing and Washington hit rock-bottom after they ended a long trade tussle, when US President Donald Trump blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak. Hong Kong security law and issue of Chinese telecom giant Huawei also severely affected the ties of the US and China.

Chinese billionaires, including Jack Ma could be barred from US with travel ban

A new survey published on Thursday has shown that nearly 42 per cent Germans believe China would replace US as the leading global superpower in the next few decades.&nbsp;

According to the survey conducted by the UK-based YouGov polling institute, only 14 per cent feel that US would retain its position as the superior superpower.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-the-biggest-human-rights-abuser-says-china-on-trump-administrations-visa-sanction-on-huawei-employees-313692">US is the biggest human rights abuser, says China on Trump administration's visa sanction on Huawei employees</a>

As many as 4,054 people, who were of 18 years of age and above were participated in the survey, in which they were asked: "Which country, the US or China, will be more powerful in the course of the next 50 years, in your opinion?"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mulls-travel-ban-on-92-million-members-of-communist-party-of-china-report-313607">US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report</a>

Nearly 23 per cent people were unsure and 22 per cent did not give any response to the question.&nbsp;

Interestingly, opinions differed on the basis of party loyalty, for example, supporters of the Left Party predicted China's dominance (54 per cent), while business-friendly Free Democrats and environmentalist Greens believed US will retain its supremacy (54 per cent).&nbsp;

The supporters of far-right Alternative for Germany surprisingly did not favour the US and only 17 per cent predicted US's supremeacy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A new survey published on Thursday has shown that nearly 42 per cent Germans believe China would replace US as the leading global superpower in the next few decades.

A new survey published on Thursday has shown that nearly 42 per cent Germans believe China would replace US as the leading global superpower in the next few decades. According to the survey conducted by the UK-based YouGov polling institute, only 14 per cent feel that US would retain its position as the superior superpower. Also read | US is the biggest human rights abuser, says China on Trump administration's visa sanction on Huawei employees As many as 4,054 people, who were of 18 years of age and above were participated in the survey, in which they were asked: "Which country, the US or China, will be more powerful in the course of the next 50 years, in your opinion?" Also read | US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report Nearly 23 per cent people were unsure and 22 per cent did not give any response to the question. Interestingly, opinions differed on the basis of party loyalty, for example, supporters of the Left Party predicted China's dominance (54 per cent), while business-friendly Free Democrats and environmentalist Greens believed US will retain its supremacy (54 per cent). The supporters of far-right Alternative for Germany surprisingly did not favour the US and only 17 per cent predicted US's supremeacy.

Many Germans predict China to replace US as next superpower: Survey

Following a lot of criticism for Tulsa rally last month, US President Donald Trump will conduct an outdoor campaign rally in New Hampshire, his team announced on Sunday.&nbsp;

The "Make America Great Again" rally will be held on July 11 in Portsmouth, his campaign team said in a statement, reported AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-coronavirus-will-sort-of-just-disappear-even-as-us-sets-new-record-for-cases-310291">Trump says coronavirus will 'sort of just disappear' even as US sets new record for cases</a>

It also said all attendees would be provided "ample access to hand sanitiser" and face masks that "they are strongly encouraged to wear".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-supporters-slam-ivanka-for-wearing-face-mask-310837">Trump supporters slam Ivanka for wearing face mask</a>

Earlier, the US president held a rally on June 20 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was severely criticised as coronavirus prevention measures, such as social distancing and wearing a face mask were flouted.&nbsp;

Despite Trump's claims of over a million people requesting tickets for Tulsa rally, images showed the stadium filled less than a third of its capacity.&nbsp;

Trump is facing severe backlash in the US due to his response to the coronavirus outbreak and anti-racism protests and is trailing for weeks behind his Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Though there are calls to keep caution while interpreting poll trends, experts have noted that Biden's lead over Trump is far more than Hillary Clinton had against Trump at this point ahead of the 2016 polls.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Following a lot of criticism for Tulsa rally last month, US President Donald Trump will conduct an outdoor campaign rally in New Hampshire, his team announced on Sunday.

Following a lot of criticism for Tulsa rally last month, US President Donald Trump will conduct an outdoor campaign rally in New Hampshire, his team announced on Sunday. The "Make America Great Again" rally will be held on July 11 in Portsmouth, his campaign team said in a statement, reported AFP. Also read | Trump says coronavirus will 'sort of just disappear' even as US sets new record for cases It also said all attendees would be provided "ample access to hand sanitiser" and face masks that "they are strongly encouraged to wear". Also read | Trump supporters slam Ivanka for wearing face mask Earlier, the US president held a rally on June 20 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was severely criticised as coronavirus prevention measures, such as social distancing and wearing a face mask were flouted. Despite Trump's claims of over a million people requesting tickets for Tulsa rally, images showed the stadium filled less than a third of its capacity. Trump is facing severe backlash in the US due to his response to the coronavirus outbreak and anti-racism protests and is trailing for weeks behind his Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden. Though there are calls to keep caution while interpreting poll trends, experts have noted that Biden's lead over Trump is far more than Hillary Clinton had against Trump at this point ahead of the 2016 polls.

Donald Trump to hold outdoor campaign rally in New Hampshire

The United States continues to struggle with a fresh spike in coronavirus cases as the country recorded 39,379 new cases in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University on Sunday.&nbsp;

The US also saw 234 new fatalities, taking the total toll to 129,891 as overall cases stand at 2,876,143.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-commissioner-declines-to-defend-trumps-claim-that-99-of-covid-19-cases-are-harmless-310915">US FDA commissioner declines to defend Trump's claim that 99% of COVID-19 cases are 'harmless'</a>

The latest figures are a part of a new surge in infections and include a high of 57,683 on Friday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-6-million-people-have-recovered-from-covid-19-globally-johns-hopkins-university-310952">Over 6 million people have recovered from COVID-19 globally: Johns Hopkins University</a>

The drop witnessed on Sunday could be because of less reporting on the July 4th national holiday weekend.

By a massive margin, the US has suffered the most from the coronavirus pandemic and struggled to contain the infections and deaths.&nbsp;

In recent days, 15 states have confirmed a record increase in COVID-19 infections, which forced many towns and cities to cancel traditional Independence Day fireworks.&nbsp;

In three out of the last four days, Florida recorded over 10,000 cases, including a jump of 10,059 on Sunday, which is more than the highest daily tally witnessed by any European country when they witnessed the peak of the outbreak.&nbsp;

California, Texas, and Arizona are also witnessing a surge in cases, and Midwest states that once had low infections tally are seeing an uptick, such as Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa, according to a Reuters analysis.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

The United States continues to struggle with a fresh spike in coronavirus cases as the country recorded 39,379 new cases in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University on Sunday.

The United States continues to struggle with a fresh spike in coronavirus cases as the country recorded 39,379 new cases in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University on Sunday. The US also saw 234 new fatalities, taking the total toll to 129,891 as overall cases stand at 2,876,143. Also read | US FDA commissioner declines to defend Trump's claim that 99% of COVID-19 cases are 'harmless' The latest figures are a part of a new surge in infections and include a high of 57,683 on Friday. Also read | Over 6 million people have recovered from COVID-19 globally: Johns Hopkins University The drop witnessed on Sunday could be because of less reporting on the July 4th national holiday weekend. By a massive margin, the US has suffered the most from the coronavirus pandemic and struggled to contain the infections and deaths. In recent days, 15 states have confirmed a record increase in COVID-19 infections, which forced many towns and cities to cancel traditional Independence Day fireworks. In three out of the last four days, Florida recorded over 10,000 cases, including a jump of 10,059 on Sunday, which is more than the highest daily tally witnessed by any European country when they witnessed the peak of the outbreak. California, Texas, and Arizona are also witnessing a surge in cases, and Midwest states that once had low infections tally are seeing an uptick, such as Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa, according to a Reuters analysis. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Coronavirus US update: Nearly 40,000 new cases bring tally close to 3 million

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner".&nbsp;

"India needs to be a partner in the region for our safety's sake and quite frankly for theirs," Biden said when asked about the relations between both countries during a virtual fundraiser event, reported PTI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-george-w-bush-administration-officials-to-back-biden-says-report-309882">Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report</a>

Calling India and US "natural partners", the former vice president also said that their strategic partnership was "high priority in the Obama-Biden administration and will be a high priority if I''m elected president". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joe-biden-campaign-names-indian-american-as-digital-chief-of-staff-309835">Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff</a>

On the US elections, Biden added that it would be the most important poll of a lifetime, saying that country's character is at stake.

Biden also slammed US President Donald Trump for his response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he ignored warnings when the outbreak started and failed to protect the country.&nbsp;

He said that Trump, throughout his tenure, undermined the "very core pillars of ours, what I would argue, moral and economic strength".

"I really do believe that our country is crying out for leadership and maybe even more important, some healing. Today, we have an enormous opportunity not only to rebuild but to build back better than before. To build a better future. That's what America does," Biden added.&nbsp;

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner".

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner". "India needs to be a partner in the region for our safety's sake and quite frankly for theirs," Biden said when asked about the relations between both countries during a virtual fundraiser event, reported PTI. Also read | Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report Calling India and US "natural partners", the former vice president also said that their strategic partnership was "high priority in the Obama-Biden administration and will be a high priority if I''m elected president". Also read | Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff On the US elections, Biden added that it would be the most important poll of a lifetime, saying that country's character is at stake. Biden also slammed US President Donald Trump for his response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he ignored warnings when the outbreak started and failed to protect the country. He said that Trump, throughout his tenure, undermined the "very core pillars of ours, what I would argue, moral and economic strength". "I really do believe that our country is crying out for leadership and maybe even more important, some healing. Today, we have an enormous opportunity not only to rebuild but to build back better than before. To build a better future. That's what America does," Biden added.

India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden

More than half a million people have lost their lives due to coronavirus, according to the figures by Johns Hopkins University on Monday.&nbsp;

According to the tracker, the United States accounts for over one-fourth of the total deaths worldwide, with 125,763 fatalities, followed by Brazil with 57,070, and 43,634 in the UK.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-australia-witnesses-record-spike-in-months-amid-fears-of-second-wave-309265">COVID-19: Australia witnesses record spike in months amid fears of second wave</a>

The overall infections have surpassed 10 million-mark, with the US having 2.5 million cases alone.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-records-259105-covid-19-infections-in-seven-days-309282">Brazil records 259,105 COVID-19 infections in seven days</a>

The number of infections is surging in Brazil and India, with over 1.3 million and 5 million cases respectively.&nbsp;

Europe, which was earlier an epicentre of the virus, has over 2.6 million cases, but the daily figures have come down significantly.&nbsp;

The US, which was on its way to reopening its economy, is also seeing a jump in new infections in big states such as Florida and California.&nbsp;

California had earlier asked some areas to reimpose stay-at-home orders and now ordered bars in Los Angeles and six other counties to shut down.&nbsp;

Florida Governor said there had been an "explosion" in new cases after the state notched a record 9,585 infections in 24 hours.

China, from where the virus originated, has imposed a strict lockdown, impacting half a million people, in a province near capital Beijing after a cluster leading to a surge in cases.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs) 
&nbsp;

More than half a million people have lost their lives due to coronavirus, according to the figures by Johns Hopkins University on Monday. According to the tracker, the United States accounts for over one-fourth of the total deaths worldwide, with 125,763 fatalities, followed by Brazil with 57,070, and 43,634 in the UK.

More than half a million people have lost their lives due to coronavirus, according to the figures by Johns Hopkins University on Monday. According to the tracker, the United States accounts for over one-fourth of the total deaths worldwide, with 125,763 fatalities, followed by Brazil with 57,070, and 43,634 in the UK. Also read | COVID-19: Australia witnesses record spike in months amid fears of second wave The overall infections have surpassed 10 million-mark, with the US having 2.5 million cases alone. Also read | Brazil records 259,105 COVID-19 infections in seven days The number of infections is surging in Brazil and India, with over 1.3 million and 5 million cases respectively. Europe, which was earlier an epicentre of the virus, has over 2.6 million cases, but the daily figures have come down significantly. The US, which was on its way to reopening its economy, is also seeing a jump in new infections in big states such as Florida and California. California had earlier asked some areas to reimpose stay-at-home orders and now ordered bars in Los Angeles and six other counties to shut down. Florida Governor said there had been an "explosion" in new cases after the state notched a record 9,585 infections in 24 hours. China, from where the virus originated, has imposed a strict lockdown, impacting half a million people, in a province near capital Beijing after a cluster leading to a surge in cases. (With agency inputs)

More than 500,000 dead from coronavirus; one-fourth in US

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments.&nbsp;

"What I see in the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement is a political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police, that would tear down monuments, that would press a radical left agenda," Pence said in an interview to CBS.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tweets-then-deletes-video-of-a-man-chanting-white-power-wh-defends-309218">Trump tweets, then deletes, video of a man chanting 'white power'; WH defends</a>

Highlighting that "all lives matter", he also added that George Floyd's death was inexcusable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-issues-wanted-poster-for-people-who-vandalized-statues-308903">Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues</a>

The vice president said that he cherishes "the progress that we have made toward a more perfect union for African Americans throughout our history". Pence said that African American leaders have made it clear to the US administration "they want law and order" and "peace in our streets".&nbsp;

Black Lives Matter movement has gained prominence first in the US and then worldwide after the death of George Floyd, an African American, in Minneapolis, US after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes.&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments.

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments. "What I see in the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement is a political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police, that would tear down monuments, that would press a radical left agenda," Pence said in an interview to CBS. Also read | Trump tweets, then deletes, video of a man chanting 'white power'; WH defends Highlighting that "all lives matter", he also added that George Floyd's death was inexcusable. Also read | Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues The vice president said that he cherishes "the progress that we have made toward a more perfect union for African Americans throughout our history". Pence said that African American leaders have made it clear to the US administration "they want law and order" and "peace in our streets". Black Lives Matter movement has gained prominence first in the US and then worldwide after the death of George Floyd, an African American, in Minneapolis, US after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes.

Black Lives Matter political agenda of radical left: Mike Pence

The United States in the last 24 hours witnessed 840 deaths from the novel coronavirus, according to the data from Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, the seventh consecutive day where the daily death toll was below 1,000.&nbsp;

Despite this encouraging fall in deaths, the number of new cases continues to remain around 20,000 on a daily basis, with six states recording their highest number of coronavirus infections.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-wave-of-coronavirus-in-the-us-six-states-record-most-cases-ever-306544">Second-wave of coronavirus in the US? Six states record most cases ever!</a>

The outbreak has moved from the previous epicentre New York and the northeast and spread widely in the south and the west.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/12-per-cent-of-americans-may-not-need-coronavirus-vaccine-us-officials-306411">12 per cent of Americans may not need coronavirus vaccine: US officials</a>

However, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the country would not close businesses again, saying "we won't have to do that," in an interview with Fox News Channel.

Trump also is going ahead with his plans to hold a large election rally in Oklahoma, which is among the six states witnessing record cases.

The US still remains the worst-affected country with COVID-19 by a large margin, with more than 117,000 deaths and 2.1 million positive cases.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, America's top health expert, Anthony Fauci said that the nation is "still in the first wave" of coronavirus cases and deaths, adding that he would not personally visit Trump's political rally in Oklahoma.&nbsp;

The United States in the last 24 hours witnessed 840 deaths from the novel coronavirus, according to the data from Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, the seventh consecutive day where the daily death toll was below 1,000.

The United States in the last 24 hours witnessed 840 deaths from the novel coronavirus, according to the data from Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, the seventh consecutive day where the daily death toll was below 1,000. Despite this encouraging fall in deaths, the number of new cases continues to remain around 20,000 on a daily basis, with six states recording their highest number of coronavirus infections. Also read | Second-wave of coronavirus in the US? Six states record most cases ever! The outbreak has moved from the previous epicentre New York and the northeast and spread widely in the south and the west. Also read | 12 per cent of Americans may not need coronavirus vaccine: US officials However, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the country would not close businesses again, saying "we won't have to do that," in an interview with Fox News Channel. Trump also is going ahead with his plans to hold a large election rally in Oklahoma, which is among the six states witnessing record cases. The US still remains the worst-affected country with COVID-19 by a large margin, with more than 117,000 deaths and 2.1 million positive cases. Meanwhile, America's top health expert, Anthony Fauci said that the nation is "still in the first wave" of coronavirus cases and deaths, adding that he would not personally visit Trump's political rally in Oklahoma.

Coronavirus: US records less than 1,000 deaths for seventh day in a row

As many as 687 people died of the novel coronavirus in the United States in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm (0030 GMT) on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

With the latest figures, the death toll stands at 118,381 out of 2,187,876 overall cases in the US, which is the hardest-hit by the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-model-predicts-200000-coronavirus-deaths-in-us-306716">White House model predicts 200,000 coronavirus deaths in US</a>

The latest tally suggests that this is the eighth day in which the daily coronavirus deaths in the country have been fewer than 1,000.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-witnesses-shortage-of-coins-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-306688">United States witnesses shortage of coins amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

However, nearly 20 states in the country are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases as the epicentre has now moved from New York and the country's Northeast to the South and West.&nbsp;

But the country's top infectious expert, Anthony Fauci on Thursday said that lockdown would not be necessary on states which are reporting a large number of cases.&nbsp;

"I don't think we're going to be talking about going back to lockdown," Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, said.

"I think we're going to be talking about trying to better control those areas of the country that seem to be having a surge of cases."

As many as 687 people died of the novel coronavirus in the United States in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm (0030 GMT) on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

As many as 687 people died of the novel coronavirus in the United States in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm (0030 GMT) on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. With the latest figures, the death toll stands at 118,381 out of 2,187,876 overall cases in the US, which is the hardest-hit by the pandemic. Also read | White House model predicts 200,000 coronavirus deaths in US The latest tally suggests that this is the eighth day in which the daily coronavirus deaths in the country have been fewer than 1,000. Also read | United States witnesses shortage of coins amid coronavirus pandemic However, nearly 20 states in the country are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases as the epicentre has now moved from New York and the country's Northeast to the South and West. But the country's top infectious expert, Anthony Fauci on Thursday said that lockdown would not be necessary on states which are reporting a large number of cases. "I don't think we're going to be talking about going back to lockdown," Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, said. "I think we're going to be talking about trying to better control those areas of the country that seem to be having a surge of cases."

US: Nearly 700 died from coronavirus in last 24 hours

Paying their tributes to Indian soldiers who were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the US Embassy on Friday said that the bravery of military personnel would not be forgotten.

"The US Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten," US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said in a tweet.

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The U.S. Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/gtGR4gSxoG">https://t.co/gtGR4gSxoG</a>
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1273853571465801728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/new-delhis-message-to-china-indicates-a-change-in-the-strategy-307046">New Delhi's message to China indicates a change in the strategy</a>&nbsp;

As many as 20 members of the Indian Army were killed in the Galwan Valley late on Monday, the biggest military confrontation in more than five decades, which escalated the tensions between both the countries.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-should-india-do-now-to-fight-chinas-provocations-306750">What should India do now to fight China's provocations?</a>

Meanwhile, on Thursday, superior military officers of both the countries held a dialogue for the third consecutive day on the disegngagement of troops as well as restoring normalcy in the region part of the dispute.

The incident in Galwan Valley is the biggest face-off between both the two countries after the 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost nearly 80 soldiers while over 300 troops of China were killed.&nbsp;

The border situation between both the countries deteriorated in the beginning of May when nearly 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the banks of Pangong Tso in Ladakh. A similar clash followed in north Sikkim on May 9.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Paying their tributes to Indian soldiers who were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the US Embassy on Friday said that the bravery of military personnel would not be forgotten.

Paying their tributes to Indian soldiers who were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the US Embassy on Friday said that the bravery of military personnel would not be forgotten. "The US Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten," US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said in a tweet. The U.S. Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten. #USIndia https://t.co/gtGR4gSxoG — Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) June 19, 2020 × Also read | New Delhi's message to China indicates a change in the strategy As many as 20 members of the Indian Army were killed in the Galwan Valley late on Monday, the biggest military confrontation in more than five decades, which escalated the tensions between both the countries. Also read | What should India do now to fight China's provocations? Meanwhile, on Thursday, superior military officers of both the countries held a dialogue for the third consecutive day on the disegngagement of troops as well as restoring normalcy in the region part of the dispute. The incident in Galwan Valley is the biggest face-off between both the two countries after the 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost nearly 80 soldiers while over 300 troops of China were killed. The border situation between both the countries deteriorated in the beginning of May when nearly 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the banks of Pangong Tso in Ladakh. A similar clash followed in north Sikkim on May 9.

Indian soldiers bravery and courage will not be forgotten: US

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday.

"What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-freed-taliban-prisoners-seek-return-to-battlefield-304988">Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield</a>

"We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said. "We're at that number now."&nbsp;

Under the February deal reached with the Taliban, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July.

The agreement calls for all US and foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda on New York and Washington.&nbsp;

McKenzie stressed that while the goal of a complete withdrawal by May 2021 was "aspirational," it was also conditional.

It is a "conditions-based approach," the general said, and "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan."

"We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of ISIS," McKenzie said of the Islamic State group.

"What we need to see is what they're going to do against al-Qaeda," he said of the group responsible for 9/11. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words."&nbsp;

"And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he said. "The jury is still very much out."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday.

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday. "What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute. Also read | Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield "We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said. "We're at that number now." Under the February deal reached with the Taliban, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July. The agreement calls for all US and foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda on New York and Washington. McKenzie stressed that while the goal of a complete withdrawal by May 2021 was "aspirational," it was also conditional. It is a "conditions-based approach," the general said, and "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan." "We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of ISIS," McKenzie said of the Islamic State group. "What we need to see is what they're going to do against al-Qaeda," he said of the group responsible for 9/11. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words." "And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he said. "The jury is still very much out." President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.

We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The justice department said that Bolton moved forward with the book's release ahead of the completion of the national security review process, and "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

On Wednesday too, Trump made similar claims, accusing the ex-NSA of breaking the law by divulging "highly classified information".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-government-files-lawsuit-to-prevent-publication-of-boltons-book-306373">Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book</a> 
&nbsp; 
Bolton's new book has made stunning claims about Trump and excerpts of it are leaked in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal.

One of the highlights of these claims was that Trump pleaded to China to help him win re-election.&nbsp;

The ex-NSA mentioned the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump last June, in which the former "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win".&nbsp;

The leaks also said that the US president favoured dictators and praised Xi for China's internment camps.&nbsp;

Bolton was a part of Trump administration but resigned from the office of NSA last September after spending 17 months due to his disagreements with Trump.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday.

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday. The justice department said that Bolton moved forward with the book's release ahead of the completion of the national security review process, and "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book." Also read | Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton On Wednesday too, Trump made similar claims, accusing the ex-NSA of breaking the law by divulging "highly classified information". Also read | Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book Bolton's new book has made stunning claims about Trump and excerpts of it are leaked in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. One of the highlights of these claims was that Trump pleaded to China to help him win re-election. The ex-NSA mentioned the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump last June, in which the former "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win". The leaks also said that the US president favoured dictators and praised Xi for China's internment camps. Bolton was a part of Trump administration but resigned from the office of NSA last September after spending 17 months due to his disagreements with Trump.

Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book

Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

"The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters, as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-galwan-valley-has-become-the-flashpoint-in-india-china-conflict-once-again-306607">Why Galwan Valley has become the flashpoint in India-China conflict once again?</a>

"We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-border-dispute-what-happened-in-nathu-la-in-1967-306590">India-China border dispute: What happened in Nathu La in 1967</a>

As many as 20 Indian Army personnel were killed following a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley late on Monday.&nbsp;

The situation remains on the boil as this was the first time after the war in 1962 that soldiers of two Asian giants were killed in clashes on the India-China border in Ladakh.&nbsp;

The White House official also rejected the idea of the US acting as a mediator, which US President Donald Trump intended a few weeks ago.&nbsp;

"No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there," McEnany said. 
&nbsp;

Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation.

Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation. "The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters, as quoted by PTI. Also read | Why Galwan Valley has become the flashpoint in India-China conflict once again? "We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that." Also read | India-China border dispute: What happened in Nathu La in 1967 As many as 20 Indian Army personnel were killed following a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley late on Monday. The situation remains on the boil as this was the first time after the war in 1962 that soldiers of two Asian giants were killed in clashes on the India-China border in Ladakh. The White House official also rejected the idea of the US acting as a mediator, which US President Donald Trump intended a few weeks ago. "No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there," McEnany said.

Donald Trump aware of India-China face-off: White House

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-emergency-order-to-block-release-of-john-boltons-book-306708">Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book</a>

The former NSA has said that US President Donald Trump pleaded to China to help him in his re-election when he met his Chinese counterpart last year in June.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

Trump "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win", one of the excerpts of the book said.&nbsp;

Earlier today, the US filed an emergency order to block the release of the book, claiming that Bolton "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book."

The book also claimed that Trump favoured dictators and backed Xi for China's internment camps.&nbsp;

Bolton, who was a part of the Trump administration for 17 months, resigned from the office of NSA last September due to his disagreements with the US president.&nbsp;

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times.

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times. Also read | Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book The former NSA has said that US President Donald Trump pleaded to China to help him in his re-election when he met his Chinese counterpart last year in June. Also read | Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton Trump "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win", one of the excerpts of the book said. Earlier today, the US filed an emergency order to block the release of the book, claiming that Bolton "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book." The book also claimed that Trump favoured dictators and backed Xi for China's internment camps. Bolton, who was a part of the Trump administration for 17 months, resigned from the office of NSA last September due to his disagreements with the US president.

China has no intention to interfere in US election

The world is already experiencing new and interesting trends coming up in what is often-described as COVID-era. And in several countries, especially in the United States, one such trend that is being observed is cycling.&nbsp;

In the US, bicycle stocks in the stores of Walmart and Target are getting emptied, and independent sellers are also seeing a huge spike in sales.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hybrid-cars-produce-more-co2-than-older-vehicles-in-uk-study-283365">Hybrid cars produce more CO2 than older vehicles in UK: Study</a>

In the last two months, bicycle sales in the US saw its biggest jump since the oil crisis in the 1970s, said Jay Townley, who observes cycling industry trends at Human Powered Solutions, reported AP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-wants-petrol-diesel-vehicles-out-by-2035-proposes-switching-to-hybrid-vehicles-278805">UK wants petrol &amp; diesel vehicles out by 2035, proposes switching to hybrid vehicles</a> 
&nbsp; 
"People quite frankly have panicked, and they’re buying bikes like toilet paper," he added, referring to the panic buying witnessed during the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Countries around the world witnessed this trend as public transport remains a threat, increasing coronavirus transmissions.&nbsp;

In Manila and Rome, several bike lanes were installed to accommodate rising interest in cycling, while in London, authorities are seeking a ban on cars from some central thoroughfares.

Bike shop owners in the Philippine capital say demand is more than it was at Christmas. Bicycle sales are booming in Italy due to government incentives, which includes a 500-euro ($575) "bici bonus", offering rebate for up to 60% of the cost of a bike. &nbsp;

However, Townley added that the surging demand has also caused a shortage in the stock as 90 per cent&nbsp;of its cycles come from China, which witnessed a production hit due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Experts believe a boom in the sale of cycles can be because of multiple reasons, which include restrictions on public transport, a fitness alternative due to the shutdown of gyms, and keeping children due to stay-at-home orders.

Not just traditional cycles, electric cycles are also getting popular in the times of coronavirus.&nbsp;

Taco Carlier, co-founder of VanMoof, a Dutch e-bike manufacturer, said that since the pandemic began, he is seeing an "unlimited demand", leading to a 10-week order backlog for its commuter electric bikes, which generally used to take a day's time for delivery.&nbsp;

VanMoof's sales rose by 138 per cent in the US and 184 per cent in Britain in the February-April period compared to last year, with significant gains in other European countries.&nbsp;

Carlier said that they have increased their production, but adds, that they still would require two-three months to meet the demand.&nbsp;

The world is already experiencing new and interesting trends coming up in what is often-described as COVID-era. And in several countries, especially in the United States, one such trend that is being observed is cycling.

The world is already experiencing new and interesting trends coming up in what is often-described as COVID-era. And in several countries, especially in the United States, one such trend that is being observed is cycling. In the US, bicycle stocks in the stores of Walmart and Target are getting emptied, and independent sellers are also seeing a huge spike in sales. Also read | Hybrid cars produce more CO2 than older vehicles in UK: Study In the last two months, bicycle sales in the US saw its biggest jump since the oil crisis in the 1970s, said Jay Townley, who observes cycling industry trends at Human Powered Solutions, reported AP. Also read | UK wants petrol & diesel vehicles out by 2035, proposes switching to hybrid vehicles "People quite frankly have panicked, and they’re buying bikes like toilet paper," he added, referring to the panic buying witnessed during the start of the pandemic. Countries around the world witnessed this trend as public transport remains a threat, increasing coronavirus transmissions. In Manila and Rome, several bike lanes were installed to accommodate rising interest in cycling, while in London, authorities are seeking a ban on cars from some central thoroughfares. Bike shop owners in the Philippine capital say demand is more than it was at Christmas. Bicycle sales are booming in Italy due to government incentives, which includes a 500-euro ($575) "bici bonus", offering rebate for up to 60% of the cost of a bike. However, Townley added that the surging demand has also caused a shortage in the stock as 90 per cent of its cycles come from China, which witnessed a production hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. Experts believe a boom in the sale of cycles can be because of multiple reasons, which include restrictions on public transport, a fitness alternative due to the shutdown of gyms, and keeping children due to stay-at-home orders. Not just traditional cycles, electric cycles are also getting popular in the times of coronavirus. Taco Carlier, co-founder of VanMoof, a Dutch e-bike manufacturer, said that since the pandemic began, he is seeing an "unlimited demand", leading to a 10-week order backlog for its commuter electric bikes, which generally used to take a day's time for delivery. VanMoof's sales rose by 138 per cent in the US and 184 per cent in Britain in the February-April period compared to last year, with significant gains in other European countries. Carlier said that they have increased their production, but adds, that they still would require two-three months to meet the demand.

'Buying bikes like toilet paper': Coronavirus causes a surge in bicycle sales

At a time when countries across the globe are pushing their efforts to find a vaccine to treat novel coronavirus, an institute in US is experimenting with the saliva of mosquitoes to build a vaccine that can help in protecting against all the pathogens that insects transmit into humans.&nbsp;

The study led by Jessica Manning and conducted by US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases focuses on saliva protein of mosquitoes to build a universal vaccine that can resist malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, West Nile, Mayaro viruses, yellow fever, and any other related disease that may emerge.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-global-vaccine-mission-secures-74-billion-india-joins-uks-mission-303478">COVID 19: Global vaccine mission secures $7.4 billion; India joins UK's mission</a>

The Lancet, on Thursday, published the results of the first-ever clinical trial of a mosquito spit study in humans.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-for-covid-19-vaccine-china-wants-to-act-god-in-a-world-deep-in-pain-304359">Race for Covid-19 vaccine: China wants to act god in a world deep in pain</a>

It said that the vaccine was safe and activated antibody and cellular responses.

In the phase 1 trial of the vaccine, 49 health people were chosen and were randomly assigned to receive one of two versions of the vaccine or a placebo.&nbsp;

After a few weeks, mosquitoes were placed on the arms of the participants where their immune response to the mosquito saliva protein was seen.&nbsp;

However, pathogens were not involved in this trial.&nbsp;

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Malaria alone is responsible for deaths of over 400,000 people each year.&nbsp;

Underdeveloped and developing nations generally contribute to deaths from&nbsp;this disease.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought focus on the research and vaccines of infectious disease, and one of the main concerns are pathogens spread by mosquitoes.&nbsp;

At a time when countries across the globe are pushing their efforts to find a vaccine to treat novel coronavirus, an institute in US is experimenting with the saliva of mosquitoes to build a vaccine that can help in protecting against all the pathogens that insects transmit into humans.

At a time when countries across the globe are pushing their efforts to find a vaccine to treat novel coronavirus, an institute in US is experimenting with the saliva of mosquitoes to build a vaccine that can help in protecting against all the pathogens that insects transmit into humans. The study led by Jessica Manning and conducted by US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases focuses on saliva protein of mosquitoes to build a universal vaccine that can resist malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, West Nile, Mayaro viruses, yellow fever, and any other related disease that may emerge. Also read | COVID 19: Global vaccine mission secures $7.4 billion; India joins UK's mission The Lancet, on Thursday, published the results of the first-ever clinical trial of a mosquito spit study in humans. Also read | Race for Covid-19 vaccine: China wants to act god in a world deep in pain It said that the vaccine was safe and activated antibody and cellular responses. In the phase 1 trial of the vaccine, 49 health people were chosen and were randomly assigned to receive one of two versions of the vaccine or a placebo. After a few weeks, mosquitoes were placed on the arms of the participants where their immune response to the mosquito saliva protein was seen. However, pathogens were not involved in this trial. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Malaria alone is responsible for deaths of over 400,000 people each year. Underdeveloped and developing nations generally contribute to deaths from this disease. The coronavirus outbreak has brought focus on the research and vaccines of infectious disease, and one of the main concerns are pathogens spread by mosquitoes.

US institute develops vaccine from mosquito spit that could prevent next epidemic