Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday.

Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal signed in February, Kabul has pledged to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners in a swap that would see the insurgents release 1,000 Afghan security force captives.

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>

Once the swap is done, the two sides have pledged to begin peace talks that could end nearly 19 years of war.

Kabul has already released 3,000 prisoners, with the remainder due to be freed shortly, Ghani said.

"The remaining commitment -- my colleagues and I have made the decision to release an additional 2,000 prisoners within a very short period. We will announce the date soon," Ghani said in a video interview with a Washington think tank.&nbsp;

Ghani, who this year started his second term after a bitterly contested election that was marred with fraud claims, complained that the Taliban had not been transparent about how many Afghan soldiers they still hold.&nbsp;

"The number keeps shifting. We need clarity regarding the fate of those that are with them and assurance that the last person remaining with them is released," Ghani told the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and the US Institute for Peace.&nbsp;

Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter the prisoner release so far was "a positive step" and marked "good progress".

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US negotiator on Afghanistan, also called the latest developments "very positive" and said that intra-Afghan talks appeared closer than ever.

"All sides must work to get to the negotiations table ASAP and prevent spoilers from undermining the process and betraying the hopes and yearning of Afghan people for peace," he wrote on Twitter.

The Taliban and Afghan security forces observed a three-day ceasefire last month and have generally reduced violence across Afghanistan since then in an attempt to set the stage for peace talks.

Ghani said he would elaborate the next steps in the peace process next week and called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" to provide food and medical assistance during the coronavirus crisis.

"In terms of reduction of violence, there has been (one) but the casualty figures still average around 60-70 a day. The number of fatalities unfortunately are averaging 30," he said.

Ghani did not say if the casualties were civilians, fighters or a combination.

Ghani said women would form an important part of eventual peace negotiating teams.

Under the US-Taliban deal, American and foreign forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan over the coming months.

Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday.

Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday. Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal signed in February, Kabul has pledged to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners in a swap that would see the insurgents release 1,000 Afghan security force captives. Also read | Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield Once the swap is done, the two sides have pledged to begin peace talks that could end nearly 19 years of war. Kabul has already released 3,000 prisoners, with the remainder due to be freed shortly, Ghani said. "The remaining commitment -- my colleagues and I have made the decision to release an additional 2,000 prisoners within a very short period. We will announce the date soon," Ghani said in a video interview with a Washington think tank. Ghani, who this year started his second term after a bitterly contested election that was marred with fraud claims, complained that the Taliban had not been transparent about how many Afghan soldiers they still hold. "The number keeps shifting. We need clarity regarding the fate of those that are with them and assurance that the last person remaining with them is released," Ghani told the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and the US Institute for Peace. Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter the prisoner release so far was "a positive step" and marked "good progress". Zalmay Khalilzad, the US negotiator on Afghanistan, also called the latest developments "very positive" and said that intra-Afghan talks appeared closer than ever. "All sides must work to get to the negotiations table ASAP and prevent spoilers from undermining the process and betraying the hopes and yearning of Afghan people for peace," he wrote on Twitter. The Taliban and Afghan security forces observed a three-day ceasefire last month and have generally reduced violence across Afghanistan since then in an attempt to set the stage for peace talks. Ghani said he would elaborate the next steps in the peace process next week and called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" to provide food and medical assistance during the coronavirus crisis. "In terms of reduction of violence, there has been (one) but the casualty figures still average around 60-70 a day. The number of fatalities unfortunately are averaging 30," he said. Ghani did not say if the casualties were civilians, fighters or a combination. Ghani said women would form an important part of eventual peace negotiating teams. Under the US-Taliban deal, American and foreign forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan over the coming months.

Afghan President says Taliban prisoner release to be completed soon

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. &nbsp;

"The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-new-government-completed-as-remaining-ministries-filled-303869">Iraq's new government completed as remaining ministries filled</a>

The statement further said that Washington does not intend to establish "permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-soldiers-unlikely-to-be-prosecuted-over-iraq-war-crimes-302601">British soldiers unlikely to be prosecuted over Iraq war crimes</a>

Iraq, on its part, committed to protecting bases housing US troops after several rocket attacks blamed on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups.&nbsp;

Earlier, David Schenker, the top US diplomat in the Arab denied any talks of troop withdrawal in the initial talks and added that Iraq promised of protecting US diplomatic and military facilities. &nbsp;

The announcement comes after both the countries on Thursday held their first strategic dialogue in more than a decade, months after Iraqi lawmakers pushed for the removal of US forces from the region in the wake of a US drone strike which killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The killing of Soleimani, a much-revered commander both in Iran and Iraq, worsened relations between Iran and the US. &nbsp;

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. "The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said.

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. "The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said. Also read | Iraq's new government completed as remaining ministries filled The statement further said that Washington does not intend to establish "permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq." Also read | British soldiers unlikely to be prosecuted over Iraq war crimes Iraq, on its part, committed to protecting bases housing US troops after several rocket attacks blamed on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups. Earlier, David Schenker, the top US diplomat in the Arab denied any talks of troop withdrawal in the initial talks and added that Iraq promised of protecting US diplomatic and military facilities. The announcement comes after both the countries on Thursday held their first strategic dialogue in more than a decade, months after Iraqi lawmakers pushed for the removal of US forces from the region in the wake of a US drone strike which killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The killing of Soleimani, a much-revered commander both in Iran and Iraq, worsened relations between Iran and the US.

US vows to reduce troops from Iraq in coming months

The United States is still battling the coronavirus crisis, whose end is nowhere near, and the massive protests across the country have further jolted the country. At a time when the world's most powerful country, started showing improvement in tackling COVID-19 crisis, a black man was killed brutality while in police custody, which has triggered the country into a total mess. A lot of commentators are saying that protests of such nature were not seen in recent history.&nbsp;

From every nook and corner, people are demanding justice for George Floyd.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-going-to-change-the-world-george-floyd-hailed-at-funeral-304921">'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral</a>

If one looks closely at US history, at various junctures, there has been some reference to this name: George, and there are three of them that America may possibly never forget.

George Floyd

George Floyd was an African-American, who was killed on May 25 after a police officer kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, US. The entire incident was recorded in a video that showed Floyd pleading, "I can't breathe". Floyd was arrested on May 25 for allegedly using fake notes to buy cigarettes. According to the police statement, Floyd refused arrest which forced a cop to pin him down.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-the-pain-says-george-floyds-brother-in-first-congressional-hearing-since-his-death-304892">'Stop the pain', says George Floyd's brother in first congressional hearing since his death</a>

In the US, minorities have often complaint of unequal treatment and injustices, police brutality, and all of it got triggered with the killing of Floyd. The "Black Lives Matter" movement is getting global support, with countries like the UK, Canada, France, South Korea, and many others denouncing racism. In the US too, more than two weeks have passed since his killing, still, the anger of people from all walks of life has not doused.&nbsp;

George W Bush

The son of former US president George HW Bush, Bush junior, was the 43rd President of the US. It is a great achievement that both father-son became presidents of the US, but what Bush junior did during his presidency has historical significance. It was early days for Bush when the 9/11 terror attacks jolted the entire nation. This was America's worst terror incident, where more than 3,000 people were killed after two planes crashed into twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York.&nbsp;

What followed was a war on Afghanistan and Iraq. The Bush administration, in an attempt to oust Osama bin Laden and his terror group al-Qaeda, the perpetrators of the 2001 attacks, from Afghanistan took the help of the Taliban. However, later along with its allies, the US overthrew the Taliban and al-Qaeda from Afghanistan in 2011. Despite establishing democracy in Afghanistan, the US couldn't eliminate the Taliban from the region and for 18 years, both Washington and the militant group kept fighting against each other. Apart from several thousands of civilians who became victims of this conflict, thousands of American soldiers died too and only this year, a truce was established. However, the Taliban's extremist activities and control have only risen and the region finds itself still in chaos.&nbsp;

In 2003, Bush accused Saddam Hussein's Iraq of carrying what he described as "weapons of mass destruction". The US successfully invaded Iraq, however, no such weapons as claimed by US administration were found. Also, in 2003, when the US mission was almost successful, about 200 US troops were killed. By 2008, in the last year of Bush junior, about 4,000 US soldiers got killed in attacks by insurgents, militants based in Iraq.&nbsp;

Both Iraq and Afghanistan, which saw American intervention under Bush, are still struggling to attain normalcy, and an end to attacks, massive unemployment, and economic woes don't seem near. When Bush was exiting office, the US also saw its worst recession since the Great Depression in 1929.&nbsp;

George Washington

Known as the 'Father of his (our) country', George Washington was the first president of the US. Born in 1732, Washington successfully led the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775-83), which made him a national hero. The US is currently fighting a war against racism, and history tells us that slavery played a role in it. Washington was born in an affluent family and his family owned slaves. At the time of this death, Washington owned some 300 slaves. However, it is well-documented that Washington was against the idea of slavery and in his will mentioned that his slaves be freed after his wife's death. However, his wife freed all their slaves after Washington's death in 1799.&nbsp;

After the 1783 war, Washington played a crucial role in bringing the common union of all the states and was also chosen to head the committee to draft the Constitution. His leadership, love for peace, convinced all the delegates that Washington will be the right person to lead the union.&nbsp;

Washington was reluctant at first, but later fought the elections that were held on January 7, 1989. The rest is history. Washington wanted the US to run with strength, dignity, and on its national identity. And during his eight years of presidency, he ensured that he acted what he preached. The country remained neutral in conflicts between different nations. During his tenure, five more states got included in the union.&nbsp;

Washington declined a third term and in his farewell address talked on his vision of the nation, which he believed should focus on unity, patriotism, and neutrality. Over 220 years have passed since this address, however, still, Washington's wisdom has the potential to strengthen the nation that is in the middle of great unrest.&nbsp;

The United States is still battling the coronavirus crisis, whose end is nowhere near, and the massive protests across the country have further jolted the country.

The United States is still battling the coronavirus crisis, whose end is nowhere near, and the massive protests across the country have further jolted the country. At a time when the world's most powerful country, started showing improvement in tackling COVID-19 crisis, a black man was killed brutality while in police custody, which has triggered the country into a total mess. A lot of commentators are saying that protests of such nature were not seen in recent history. From every nook and corner, people are demanding justice for George Floyd. Also read | 'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral If one looks closely at US history, at various junctures, there has been some reference to this name: George, and there are three of them that America may possibly never forget. George Floyd George Floyd was an African-American, who was killed on May 25 after a police officer kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, US. The entire incident was recorded in a video that showed Floyd pleading, "I can't breathe". Floyd was arrested on May 25 for allegedly using fake notes to buy cigarettes. According to the police statement, Floyd refused arrest which forced a cop to pin him down. Also read | 'Stop the pain', says George Floyd's brother in first congressional hearing since his death In the US, minorities have often complaint of unequal treatment and injustices, police brutality, and all of it got triggered with the killing of Floyd. The "Black Lives Matter" movement is getting global support, with countries like the UK, Canada, France, South Korea, and many others denouncing racism. In the US too, more than two weeks have passed since his killing, still, the anger of people from all walks of life has not doused. George W Bush The son of former US president George HW Bush, Bush junior, was the 43rd President of the US. It is a great achievement that both father-son became presidents of the US, but what Bush junior did during his presidency has historical significance. It was early days for Bush when the 9/11 terror attacks jolted the entire nation. This was America's worst terror incident, where more than 3,000 people were killed after two planes crashed into twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York. What followed was a war on Afghanistan and Iraq. The Bush administration, in an attempt to oust Osama bin Laden and his terror group al-Qaeda, the perpetrators of the 2001 attacks, from Afghanistan took the help of the Taliban. However, later along with its allies, the US overthrew the Taliban and al-Qaeda from Afghanistan in 2011. Despite establishing democracy in Afghanistan, the US couldn't eliminate the Taliban from the region and for 18 years, both Washington and the militant group kept fighting against each other. Apart from several thousands of civilians who became victims of this conflict, thousands of American soldiers died too and only this year, a truce was established. However, the Taliban's extremist activities and control have only risen and the region finds itself still in chaos. In 2003, Bush accused Saddam Hussein's Iraq of carrying what he described as "weapons of mass destruction". The US successfully invaded Iraq, however, no such weapons as claimed by US administration were found. Also, in 2003, when the US mission was almost successful, about 200 US troops were killed. By 2008, in the last year of Bush junior, about 4,000 US soldiers got killed in attacks by insurgents, militants based in Iraq. Both Iraq and Afghanistan, which saw American intervention under Bush, are still struggling to attain normalcy, and an end to attacks, massive unemployment, and economic woes don't seem near. When Bush was exiting office, the US also saw its worst recession since the Great Depression in 1929. George Washington Known as the 'Father of his (our) country', George Washington was the first president of the US. Born in 1732, Washington successfully led the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775-83), which made him a national hero. The US is currently fighting a war against racism, and history tells us that slavery played a role in it. Washington was born in an affluent family and his family owned slaves. At the time of this death, Washington owned some 300 slaves. However, it is well-documented that Washington was against the idea of slavery and in his will mentioned that his slaves be freed after his wife's death. However, his wife freed all their slaves after Washington's death in 1799. After the 1783 war, Washington played a crucial role in bringing the common union of all the states and was also chosen to head the committee to draft the Constitution. His leadership, love for peace, convinced all the delegates that Washington will be the right person to lead the union. Washington was reluctant at first, but later fought the elections that were held on January 7, 1989. The rest is history. Washington wanted the US to run with strength, dignity, and on its national identity. And during his eight years of presidency, he ensured that he acted what he preached. The country remained neutral in conflicts between different nations. During his tenure, five more states got included in the union. Washington declined a third term and in his farewell address talked on his vision of the nation, which he believed should focus on unity, patriotism, and neutrality. Over 220 years have passed since this address, however, still, Washington's wisdom has the potential to strengthen the nation that is in the middle of great unrest.

Three Georges America can possibly never forget

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, quoting unnamed administration officials.

"That could bar any new H-1B holder outside the country from coming to work until the suspension is lifted, though visa holders already in the country are unlikely to be affected,"&nbsp;the daily reported.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Such a decision by the Trump administration is likely to have an adverse impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home during the coronavirus pandemic.

The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals.

"The administration is currently evaluating a wide range of options, formulated by career experts, to protect American workers and job seekers especially disadvantaged and underserved citizens but no decisions of any kind have been made,"&nbsp;White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

In addition to the H-1B visas, the suspension could apply to the H-2B visa for short-term seasonal workers, the J-1 visa for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs and the L-1 visa for internal company transfers, the financial daily reported.

Meanwhile, the US Chambers of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue on Thursday wrote a letter to Trump, expressing concern over his reported move on temporary work visas.

"As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs. To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world," Donohue wrote in a letter to Trump.

According to The Hill newspaper, Donohue said that American businesses need L-1 visa holders, who have a work visa valid for a relatively short amount of time, for necessary expertise.

He noted the importance of H-1B visa holders, who have a work visa valid for multiple years, for various industries, including technology, accounting and manufacturers, the newspaper said.

"Policies that would, for example, impose wide-ranging bans on the entry of nonimmigrant workers or impose burdensome new regulatory requirements on businesses that employ foreign nationals would undermine that access to talent and in the process, undercut our economy's ability to grow and create jobs,"&nbsp;Donohue added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report. The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, quoting unnamed administration officials. "That could bar any new H-1B holder outside the country from coming to work until the suspension is lifted, though visa holders already in the country are unlikely to be affected," the daily reported. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. Such a decision by the Trump administration is likely to have an adverse impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home during the coronavirus pandemic. The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals. "The administration is currently evaluating a wide range of options, formulated by career experts, to protect American workers and job seekers especially disadvantaged and underserved citizens but no decisions of any kind have been made," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. In addition to the H-1B visas, the suspension could apply to the H-2B visa for short-term seasonal workers, the J-1 visa for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs and the L-1 visa for internal company transfers, the financial daily reported. Meanwhile, the US Chambers of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue on Thursday wrote a letter to Trump, expressing concern over his reported move on temporary work visas. "As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs. To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world," Donohue wrote in a letter to Trump. According to The Hill newspaper, Donohue said that American businesses need L-1 visa holders, who have a work visa valid for a relatively short amount of time, for necessary expertise. He noted the importance of H-1B visa holders, who have a work visa valid for multiple years, for various industries, including technology, accounting and manufacturers, the newspaper said. "Policies that would, for example, impose wide-ranging bans on the entry of nonimmigrant workers or impose burdensome new regulatory requirements on businesses that employ foreign nationals would undermine that access to talent and in the process, undercut our economy's ability to grow and create jobs," Donohue added.

Fresh worry for Indian professionals as US considering suspending H-1B, other visas to tackle US unemployment

After US President Donald Trump threatened the International Criminal Court (ICC) of sanctions if they carry out investigations against US troops, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed his support for this move on Thursday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-us-imposes-sanctions-on-icc-officials-305222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This court is politicised and obsessed with carrying out a headhunt against Israel and the United States as well as other democratic countries that respect human rights, but turns a blind eye to the world's worst human rights offenders, including the terrorist regime in Iran," Netanyahu said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-authorises-sanctions-over-icc-afghanistan-war-crimes-case-305171">Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case</a>

Earlier on Thursday, Trump passed an executive order to block all property and assets in the US of anyone involved in investigating or prosecuting American forces.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US administration would not let its forces be "threatened by a kangaroo court".

The Trump administration has been furious with ICC over its probe into alleged atrocities in Afghanistan, the longest-running war of the US.&nbsp;

In December 2019, when Hague-based court's chief prosecutor said of opening a full probe into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian regions, sharp reactions were seen from Israel and the US.

Both the US and Israel, its main Middle East ally, have refused to sign up to the ICC since its formation in 2002.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

After US President Donald Trump threatened the International Criminal Court (ICC) of sanctions if they carry out investigations against US troops, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed his support for this move on Thursday.

After US President Donald Trump threatened the International Criminal Court (ICC) of sanctions if they carry out investigations against US troops, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed his support for this move on Thursday. Watch | "This court is politicised and obsessed with carrying out a headhunt against Israel and the United States as well as other democratic countries that respect human rights, but turns a blind eye to the world's worst human rights offenders, including the terrorist regime in Iran," Netanyahu said. Also read | Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case Earlier on Thursday, Trump passed an executive order to block all property and assets in the US of anyone involved in investigating or prosecuting American forces. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US administration would not let its forces be "threatened by a kangaroo court". The Trump administration has been furious with ICC over its probe into alleged atrocities in Afghanistan, the longest-running war of the US. In December 2019, when Hague-based court's chief prosecutor said of opening a full probe into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian regions, sharp reactions were seen from Israel and the US. Both the US and Israel, its main Middle East ally, have refused to sign up to the ICC since its formation in 2002. (With inputs from AFP)

Benjamin Netanyahu backs Donald Trump's threat to impose sanctions on ICC

The coronavirus infections in the United States topped two million on Wednesday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

With over 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours, the latest figures also revealed that more than 112,900 people died in the country of COVID-19.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/george-floyds-brother-testifies-before-house-says-im-tired-of-the-pain-304906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US continues to witness nearly 20,000 new cases of COVID-19 every day, and is finding it hard to lower this number.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-hold-first-campaign-rally-since-covid-19-outbreak-in-us-304970">Trump to hold first campaign rally since COVID-19 outbreak in US</a>

The US is the worst-hit country from coronavirus and a leading health expert on Wednesday said that if appropriate actions are not taken, the death toll in the country could exceed 200,000 by September.&nbsp;

"Even if we don’t have increasing cases, even if we keep things flat, it’s reasonable to expect that we’re going to hit 200,000 deaths sometime during the month of September," Ashish Jha, the head of Harvard’s Global Health Institute, told CNN, in an interview.&nbsp;

All the 50 US states have begun taking steps to open up and resume normal activities, however, 21 states have reported an uptick in the new cases, according to The New York Times.

Also, since Memorial Day (May 25), nine states have reported an increase in the number of patients hospitalised.&nbsp;

In Texas and North Carolina, there are presently more coronavirus patients hospitalised than there were a month ago.&nbsp;

The coronavirus infections in the United States topped two million on Wednesday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. With over 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours, the latest figures also revealed that more than 112,900 people died in the country of COVID-19.

The coronavirus infections in the United States topped two million on Wednesday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. With over 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours, the latest figures also revealed that more than 112,900 people died in the country of COVID-19. Watch | The US continues to witness nearly 20,000 new cases of COVID-19 every day, and is finding it hard to lower this number. Also read | Trump to hold first campaign rally since COVID-19 outbreak in US The US is the worst-hit country from coronavirus and a leading health expert on Wednesday said that if appropriate actions are not taken, the death toll in the country could exceed 200,000 by September. "Even if we don’t have increasing cases, even if we keep things flat, it’s reasonable to expect that we’re going to hit 200,000 deaths sometime during the month of September," Ashish Jha, the head of Harvard’s Global Health Institute, told CNN, in an interview. All the 50 US states have begun taking steps to open up and resume normal activities, however, 21 states have reported an uptick in the new cases, according to The New York Times. Also, since Memorial Day (May 25), nine states have reported an increase in the number of patients hospitalised. In Texas and North Carolina, there are presently more coronavirus patients hospitalised than there were a month ago.

Over 2 million now infected with coronavirus in US

Amazon on Wednesday banned police on using its facial recognition technology for one year, urging the government to bring stronger laws in this period for the software's ethical use.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-anti-racism-protests-stories-of-injustice-304661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The moratorium comes after critics and racial justice groups' repeated calls to Amazon to stop providing police and immigration officials with tools that can be used to target people based on race.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-takes-down-statues-of-king-leopold-ii-after-anti-racist-protests-304880">Belgium takes down statues of King Leopold II after anti-racist protests</a>

"We're implementing a one-year moratorium on police use of Amazon's facial recognition technology," the e-commerce giant said in a blog post.&nbsp;

"We hope this one-year moratorium might give Congress enough time to implement appropriate rules, and we stand ready to help if requested."

Earlier this week, various racial justice groups launched an online petition calling for Amazon to end all ties with police and US immigration officials.&nbsp;

The petition, in particular, targetted Amazon Web Services cloud-computing unit's "Rekognition" facial recognition technology and Ring surveillance cameras used for home security.

"Amazon needs to examine its structural role in the systemic oppression of black people," Media Justice campaign strategies director Myaisha Hayes said. &nbsp;

Describing these tools as Amazon's "surveillance empire", the petitioners said that they could be used to target people by race, making the company complicit in such misuse.&nbsp;

However, the Seattle-based company said that organisations such as the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children will be able to continue using Rekognition for assistance in rescuing human trafficking victims and reuniting missing children with their families.

Amazon said that there should be tougher regulations to govern the ethical use of facial recognition technology, adding that "Congress appears ready to take on this challenge."

This announcement came after the US, in recent days, is witnessing widespread unrest, caused by the death of George Floyd, a black man, in police custody, after a cop kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amazon on Wednesday banned police on using its facial recognition technology for one year, urging the government to bring stronger laws in this period for the software's ethical use.

Amazon on Wednesday banned police on using its facial recognition technology for one year, urging the government to bring stronger laws in this period for the software's ethical use. Watch | The moratorium comes after critics and racial justice groups' repeated calls to Amazon to stop providing police and immigration officials with tools that can be used to target people based on race. Also read | Belgium takes down statues of King Leopold II after anti-racist protests "We're implementing a one-year moratorium on police use of Amazon's facial recognition technology," the e-commerce giant said in a blog post. "We hope this one-year moratorium might give Congress enough time to implement appropriate rules, and we stand ready to help if requested." Earlier this week, various racial justice groups launched an online petition calling for Amazon to end all ties with police and US immigration officials. The petition, in particular, targetted Amazon Web Services cloud-computing unit's "Rekognition" facial recognition technology and Ring surveillance cameras used for home security. "Amazon needs to examine its structural role in the systemic oppression of black people," Media Justice campaign strategies director Myaisha Hayes said. Describing these tools as Amazon's "surveillance empire", the petitioners said that they could be used to target people by race, making the company complicit in such misuse. However, the Seattle-based company said that organisations such as the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children will be able to continue using Rekognition for assistance in rescuing human trafficking victims and reuniting missing children with their families. Amazon said that there should be tougher regulations to govern the ethical use of facial recognition technology, adding that "Congress appears ready to take on this challenge." This announcement came after the US, in recent days, is witnessing widespread unrest, caused by the death of George Floyd, a black man, in police custody, after a cop kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

Amazon bans police from using facial recognition software

A US report on religious freedom has voiced concerns over the treatment of minorities in China, especially to Uighurs of northwest Xinjiang province, Christians, Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong practitioners.

The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Report, released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said that in China people have the freedom to practice a faith of their choice, but the state protection is limited to "normal religious activities" and it does not define "normal."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/religious-freedom-severely-restricted-in-pakistan-uscirf-report-296733">Religious freedom severely restricted in Pakistan: USCIRF report</a> 
&nbsp; 
It further said that the government of Xi Jinping "continued to exercise control over religion and restrict the activities and personal freedom of religious adherents that is perceived as threatening state or CCP interests", according to religious groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international media reports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-uscirf-which-accused-india-of-violating-religious-freedom-295662">India slams USCIRF which accused India of violating religious freedom</a>&nbsp;

Since 2017, Beijing has detained over a million Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Hui, and members of other Islamic groups, as well as Uighur Christians, and sent them to in specially built or converted internment camps in Xinjiang, the report said.&nbsp;

In a lengthy section explaining China’s record, the State Department cited instances of people being arrested, sent to psychiatric wards, and physically abused because of their religious beliefs.&nbsp;

"The Chinese Communist Party is now ordering religious organizations to obey CCP leadership and infused communist doctrine into the teachings and practice of their faith," Pompeo said, in the press conference held to mark the report's release. &nbsp;

"The mass detentions of Uighurs in Xinjiang continues. So does the repression of Tibetans and Buddhists and Falun Gong and Christians."

This&nbsp;annual report has placed China under "country of particular concern"&nbsp;on religion since 1999.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A US report on religious freedom has voiced concerns over the treatment of minorities in China, especially to Uighurs of northwest Xinjiang province, Christians, Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong practitioners.

A US report on religious freedom has voiced concerns over the treatment of minorities in China, especially to Uighurs of northwest Xinjiang province, Christians, Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong practitioners. The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Report, released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said that in China people have the freedom to practice a faith of their choice, but the state protection is limited to "normal religious activities" and it does not define "normal." Also read | Religious freedom severely restricted in Pakistan: USCIRF report It further said that the government of Xi Jinping "continued to exercise control over religion and restrict the activities and personal freedom of religious adherents that is perceived as threatening state or CCP interests", according to religious groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international media reports. Also read | India slams USCIRF which accused India of violating religious freedom Since 2017, Beijing has detained over a million Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Hui, and members of other Islamic groups, as well as Uighur Christians, and sent them to in specially built or converted internment camps in Xinjiang, the report said. In a lengthy section explaining China’s record, the State Department cited instances of people being arrested, sent to psychiatric wards, and physically abused because of their religious beliefs. "The Chinese Communist Party is now ordering religious organizations to obey CCP leadership and infused communist doctrine into the teachings and practice of their faith," Pompeo said, in the press conference held to mark the report's release. "The mass detentions of Uighurs in Xinjiang continues. So does the repression of Tibetans and Buddhists and Falun Gong and Christians." This annual report has placed China under "country of particular concern" on religion since 1999.

US report voices concerns over minorities treatment in China

Amid much criticism on handling coronavirus crisis and ongoing protests in the United States, President Donald Trump witnessed a sharp drop in his approval ratings as support for prospective Democratic candidate Joe Biden rose considerably, according to the latest CNN poll.

According to the latest survey, Biden's support grew to 55 per cent, while only 41 per cent of voters backing Trump.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-a-threat-to-american-democracy-colin-powell-picks-biden-304124">Trump is a threat to American democracy: Colin Powell picks Biden</a>

This is a 14 per cent lead for Biden, who in the last poll was ahead by 7 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-formally-clinches-us-democratic-nomination-303760">Joe Biden formally clinches US Democratic nomination|</a>

After the results were out, Trump once again slammed CNN, calling their polls "fake" in a tweet.&nbsp;

"CNN Polls are as Fake as their Reporting. Same numbers, and worse, against Crooked Hillary. The Dems would destroy America," Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

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CNN Polls are as Fake as their Reporting. Same numbers, and worse, against Crooked Hillary. The Dems would destroy America!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1269974605059555328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He later tweeted that he has 96 per cent approval ratings in the Republic party.

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96% Approval Rating in the Republican Party. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1269978005931282433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The poll also found that only 38 per cent of respondents approved the way Trump handled the presidency, while a majority of these participants, 57 per cent, disapproved.&nbsp;

In May, Trump's approval ratings according to CNN stood at 45 per cent.&nbsp;

Recently, the US president was slammed by several US celebrities, politicians, including his former defense secretary, who accused Trump of trying to "divide" Americans.&nbsp;

Colin Powell, who served as US's chief military officer and top diplomat under Republican presidents, on Sunday said that he would vote for Biden.&nbsp;

Retired military officials remain tight-lipped generally but the breaking point was broken when Trump threatened to use the active-duty military to silence protests in cities across the US. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid much criticism on handling coronavirus crisis and ongoing protests in the United States, President Donald Trump witnessed a sharp drop in his approval ratings as support for prospective Democratic candidate Joe Biden rose considerably, according to the latest CNN poll.

Amid much criticism on handling coronavirus crisis and ongoing protests in the United States, President Donald Trump witnessed a sharp drop in his approval ratings as support for prospective Democratic candidate Joe Biden rose considerably, according to the latest CNN poll. According to the latest survey, Biden's support grew to 55 per cent, while only 41 per cent of voters backing Trump. Also read | Trump is a threat to American democracy: Colin Powell picks Biden This is a 14 per cent lead for Biden, who in the last poll was ahead by 7 per cent. Also read | Joe Biden formally clinches US Democratic nomination| After the results were out, Trump once again slammed CNN, calling their polls "fake" in a tweet. "CNN Polls are as Fake as their Reporting. Same numbers, and worse, against Crooked Hillary. The Dems would destroy America," Trump tweeted. CNN Polls are as Fake as their Reporting. Same numbers, and worse, against Crooked Hillary. The Dems would destroy America! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2020 × He later tweeted that he has 96 per cent approval ratings in the Republic party. 96% Approval Rating in the Republican Party. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2020 × The poll also found that only 38 per cent of respondents approved the way Trump handled the presidency, while a majority of these participants, 57 per cent, disapproved. In May, Trump's approval ratings according to CNN stood at 45 per cent. Recently, the US president was slammed by several US celebrities, politicians, including his former defense secretary, who accused Trump of trying to "divide" Americans. Colin Powell, who served as US's chief military officer and top diplomat under Republican presidents, on Sunday said that he would vote for Biden. Retired military officials remain tight-lipped generally but the breaking point was broken when Trump threatened to use the active-duty military to silence protests in cities across the US.

Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey

World's Oldest Democracy is the often-used adjective for the United States of America, a country where freedom of expression is one of the strongest pillars.&nbsp;

However, what happens to this freedom when Americans express their protest against racial killing? These protesters are branded as&nbsp;terrorists. The same word is used for people like Osama bin Laden and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrible-pandemic-largely-through-weve-made-every-decision-correctly-says-trump-303695">Horrible pandemic largely through, we've made every decision correctly, says Trump</a>

Trump retweeted a letter from John Dowd, his former attorney. It was addressed to Trump's first defense secretary Jim Mattis, and said: "The phony protesters near Lafayette Park were not peaceful and are not real".

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I thought this letter from respected retired Marine and Super Star lawyer, John Dowd, would be of interest to the American People. Read it! <a href="https://t.co/I5tjysckZh">pic.twitter.com/I5tjysckZh</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1268675068814659584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"They are terrorists using idle hate filled students to burn and destroy."

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-world-environment-day-5-videos-you-cannot-miss-303724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It went on to say that the protesters were "abusing and disrespecting the police when the police were preparing for the area for the 1900 curfew".&nbsp;

For the unversed, protesters were violently dispersed from the park near the White House in Washington, US on Monday. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Trump's tweets and retweets are a story in itself, but here's a fact-check.&nbsp;

Many videos from Monday's protest show two things: firstly, there was tension and secondly, no violence was reported.&nbsp;

Protesters recently across the country have turned violent, where there were many incidents of arson and looting, all of which require condemning.&nbsp;

However, the Monday protests near the WH park were not among the violent ones until police entered the scene. Protesters were hit by rubber bullets, sprayed tear gas shells, and journalists were attacked.&nbsp;

All of this happened at 6:30 pm local time, thirty minutes before the curfew was imposed. &nbsp;

It was a perfect photo-op for Trump with a Bible. US President was to visit a church and that is why protesters were shooed away from the park.&nbsp;

Earlier this week too, Trump made a reference to the word terror.&nbsp;

"Here in the nation's capital, the Lincoln Memorial and the World War Two Memorial have been vandalized. One of our most historic churches was set ablaze. A federal officer in California, an African-American enforcement hero, was shot and killed. These are not acts of peaceful protests. These are acts of domestic terror. The destruction of innocent life and the spilling of innocent blood is an offense to humanity and a crime against God," Trump had said on Tuesday.

Nothing justifies vandalism and the ones committed this must be brought to books just as the murderers of Geroge Floyd.&nbsp;

However, calling protesters as terrorists is also not justified.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

World's Oldest Democracy is the often-used adjective for the United States of America, a country where freedom of expression is one of the strongest pillars. However, what happens to this freedom when Americans express their protest against racial killing?

World's Oldest Democracy is the often-used adjective for the United States of America, a country where freedom of expression is one of the strongest pillars. However, what happens to this freedom when Americans express their protest against racial killing? These protesters are branded as terrorists. The same word is used for people like Osama bin Laden and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Also read | Horrible pandemic largely through, we've made every decision correctly, says Trump Trump retweeted a letter from John Dowd, his former attorney. It was addressed to Trump's first defense secretary Jim Mattis, and said: "The phony protesters near Lafayette Park were not peaceful and are not real". I thought this letter from respected retired Marine and Super Star lawyer, John Dowd, would be of interest to the American People. Read it! pic.twitter.com/I5tjysckZh — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020 × "They are terrorists using idle hate filled students to burn and destroy." Watch | It went on to say that the protesters were "abusing and disrespecting the police when the police were preparing for the area for the 1900 curfew". For the unversed, protesters were violently dispersed from the park near the White House in Washington, US on Monday. Trump's tweets and retweets are a story in itself, but here's a fact-check. Many videos from Monday's protest show two things: firstly, there was tension and secondly, no violence was reported. Protesters recently across the country have turned violent, where there were many incidents of arson and looting, all of which require condemning. However, the Monday protests near the WH park were not among the violent ones until police entered the scene. Protesters were hit by rubber bullets, sprayed tear gas shells, and journalists were attacked. All of this happened at 6:30 pm local time, thirty minutes before the curfew was imposed. It was a perfect photo-op for Trump with a Bible. US President was to visit a church and that is why protesters were shooed away from the park. Earlier this week too, Trump made a reference to the word terror. "Here in the nation's capital, the Lincoln Memorial and the World War Two Memorial have been vandalized. One of our most historic churches was set ablaze. A federal officer in California, an African-American enforcement hero, was shot and killed. These are not acts of peaceful protests. These are acts of domestic terror. The destruction of innocent life and the spilling of innocent blood is an offense to humanity and a crime against God," Trump had said on Tuesday. Nothing justifies vandalism and the ones committed this must be brought to books just as the murderers of Geroge Floyd. However, calling protesters as terrorists is also not justified.

Can Donald Trump justify branding protesters as terrorists?

A clinical trial considered the "gold standard" for clinical investigation has concluded that "no benefit" of hydroxychloroquine was found on patients hospitalised with the coronavirus, researchers said on Friday.

"We have concluded that there is no beneficial effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients hospitalised with COVID-19," the statement from the chief investigators in the Recovery trial said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-study-says-trump-backed-hydroxychloroquine-no-better-than-placebo-303250">New study says Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine no better than placebo</a>

The statement added that this trial that was run by the University of Oxford would stop "with immediate effect".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-temporary-pause-who-to-resume-hydroxychloroquine-trials-303045">After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials</a>

Hydroxychloroquine, a drug to treat malaria and was backed consistently by US President Donald Trump, with White House recently announcing that Trump took the drugs without complaining of any side-effects.&nbsp;

The study included 1,542 patients who were randomly given hydroxychloroquine. Their data was compared with 3,132 patients who were given standard hospital care.&nbsp;

The researchers said, "no significant difference" in mortality was noticed after 28 days between the two groups.

Also, no evidence suggested that the anti-malarial drug would shorten the hospitalisation period.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the &nbsp;World Health Organization (WHO) restarted its trials that were temporarily stopped because of a now-retracted study in The Lancet medical journal.

(With inputs from AFP)

A clinical trial considered the "gold standard" for clinical investigation has concluded that "no benefit" of hydroxychloroquine was found on patients hospitalised with the coronavirus, researchers said on Friday.

A clinical trial considered the "gold standard" for clinical investigation has concluded that "no benefit" of hydroxychloroquine was found on patients hospitalised with the coronavirus, researchers said on Friday. "We have concluded that there is no beneficial effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients hospitalised with COVID-19," the statement from the chief investigators in the Recovery trial said. Also read | New study says Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine no better than placebo The statement added that this trial that was run by the University of Oxford would stop "with immediate effect". Also read | After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials Hydroxychloroquine, a drug to treat malaria and was backed consistently by US President Donald Trump, with White House recently announcing that Trump took the drugs without complaining of any side-effects. The study included 1,542 patients who were randomly given hydroxychloroquine. Their data was compared with 3,132 patients who were given standard hospital care. The researchers said, "no significant difference" in mortality was noticed after 28 days between the two groups. Also, no evidence suggested that the anti-malarial drug would shorten the hospitalisation period. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) restarted its trials that were temporarily stopped because of a now-retracted study in The Lancet medical journal. (With inputs from AFP)

Major trial says 'no benefit' of Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine

After the United States said that it will suspend Chinese flights entering the country, Beijing announced the resumption of foreign airline services, providing relief to US carriers.&nbsp;

The qualified foreign airlines currently barred from operating in&nbsp;China will be allowed once-per-week flights into a city of their choice from June 8, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/domestic-passenger-flights-to-resume-on-monday-mumbai-airport-to-deal-with-50-per-day-300798">Domestic passenger flights to resume on Monday; Mumbai airport to deal with 50 per day</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

This latest relaxation came after CAAC limited the foreign airline services based on their activity from March 12.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-resumes-domestic-flights-partially-as-nation-wide-lockdown-eased-299067">Pakistan resumes domestic flights partially as nation-wide lockdown eased</a>

Earlier, the US announced that it would not allow flights coming from China into its country from June 16 in a move to pressurise Beijing letting airlines from the US operate.&nbsp;

However, the move required a nod of US President Donald Trump, who has accused China of mishandling coronavirus pandemic and slammed its actions directed towards Hong Kong.

The Chinese aviation agency also said that routes whose passengers all test negative for three successive weeks will be given an additional flight each week.&nbsp;

In late March, China said that domestic and foreign carriers could not run more than one weekly flight on one route and could not fly any more than the number of flights they were operating on March 12.&nbsp;

The relations between both the nations have reached a new low and Trump on May 29 announced the US terminating ties with World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the global health agency of having biases&nbsp;towards China, despite the US being its largest donor.&nbsp;

After the United States said that it will suspend Chinese flights entering the country, Beijing announced the resumption of foreign airline services, providing relief to US carriers.

After the United States said that it will suspend Chinese flights entering the country, Beijing announced the resumption of foreign airline services, providing relief to US carriers. The qualified foreign airlines currently barred from operating in China will be allowed once-per-week flights into a city of their choice from June 8, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement. Also read | Domestic passenger flights to resume on Monday; Mumbai airport to deal with 50 per day This latest relaxation came after CAAC limited the foreign airline services based on their activity from March 12. Also read | Pakistan resumes domestic flights partially as nation-wide lockdown eased Earlier, the US announced that it would not allow flights coming from China into its country from June 16 in a move to pressurise Beijing letting airlines from the US operate. However, the move required a nod of US President Donald Trump, who has accused China of mishandling coronavirus pandemic and slammed its actions directed towards Hong Kong. The Chinese aviation agency also said that routes whose passengers all test negative for three successive weeks will be given an additional flight each week. In late March, China said that domestic and foreign carriers could not run more than one weekly flight on one route and could not fly any more than the number of flights they were operating on March 12. The relations between both the nations have reached a new low and Trump on May 29 announced the US terminating ties with World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the global health agency of having biases towards China, despite the US being its largest donor.

China eases foreign flight curbs following US suspension of passenger planes

As US President Donald Trump continues to back the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment to novel coronavirus, a new study has claimed that the drug does not avoid infection in a statistically meaningful way.&nbsp;

The study led by a team at the University of Minnesota has also claimed that hydroxychloroquine is no significantly better than a placebo when it comes to coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-temporary-pause-who-to-resume-hydroxychloroquine-trials-303045">After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials</a>

Meanwhile, the White House said that President Trump remains healthy and free of any side-effects of hydroxychloroquine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-panning-use-of-hydroxychloroquine-against-coronavirus-faces-new-questions-302785">Study panning use of hydroxychloroquine against coronavirus faces new questions</a>

As many as 821 people across the United States and Canada were part of this study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Adults who were part of this study were those who came in contact with someone who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 for more than 10 minutes at a distance of six feet (about two meters) or less.

At least 719 people out of the total 821, were put under the category of "high-risk" exposure because they wore neither a face mask nor an eye shield at the time of their contact and were closer to a distance of two feet with the infected patient for more than 10 minutes.&nbsp;

The remaining people belonged to the "moderate-risk" category as they covered themselves with masks, but not with eyewear.&nbsp;

The participants were randomly given hydroxychloroquine, &nbsp;rheumatoid arthritis and lupus -- or a placebo, within four days of their exposure to the virus.&nbsp;

About 107 participants developed COVID-19 in the 14-day period.&nbsp;

Among those who received the anti-malarial drug, 49 developed COVID-19 or compatible symptoms such as fever or cough, while those who took a placebo, 58 of them developed coronavirus symptoms.&nbsp;

Two people in each group were hospitalised, however, none of the infected persons died.&nbsp;

Also, the participants that took HCQ had a higher rate of reporting side-effects such as nausea and stomach pain, which was 40 %, while the placebo's side effects were 17 %.&nbsp;

"This randomized trial did not demonstrate a significant benefit of hydroxychloroquine as postexposure prophylaxis for COVID-19," the authors of the study wrote. 
&nbsp;

As US President Donald Trump continues to back the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment to novel coronavirus, a new study has claimed that the drug does not avoid infection in a statistically meaningful way.

As US President Donald Trump continues to back the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment to novel coronavirus, a new study has claimed that the drug does not avoid infection in a statistically meaningful way. The study led by a team at the University of Minnesota has also claimed that hydroxychloroquine is no significantly better than a placebo when it comes to coronavirus. Also read | After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials Meanwhile, the White House said that President Trump remains healthy and free of any side-effects of hydroxychloroquine. Also read | Study panning use of hydroxychloroquine against coronavirus faces new questions As many as 821 people across the United States and Canada were part of this study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Adults who were part of this study were those who came in contact with someone who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 for more than 10 minutes at a distance of six feet (about two meters) or less. At least 719 people out of the total 821, were put under the category of "high-risk" exposure because they wore neither a face mask nor an eye shield at the time of their contact and were closer to a distance of two feet with the infected patient for more than 10 minutes. The remaining people belonged to the "moderate-risk" category as they covered themselves with masks, but not with eyewear. The participants were randomly given hydroxychloroquine, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus -- or a placebo, within four days of their exposure to the virus. About 107 participants developed COVID-19 in the 14-day period. Among those who received the anti-malarial drug, 49 developed COVID-19 or compatible symptoms such as fever or cough, while those who took a placebo, 58 of them developed coronavirus symptoms. Two people in each group were hospitalised, however, none of the infected persons died. Also, the participants that took HCQ had a higher rate of reporting side-effects such as nausea and stomach pain, which was 40 %, while the placebo's side effects were 17 %. "This randomized trial did not demonstrate a significant benefit of hydroxychloroquine as postexposure prophylaxis for COVID-19," the authors of the study wrote.

New study says Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine no better than placebo

US President Donald Trump appears as the first result of suggested accounts when users type "racist" into Twitter's people search, it emerged Wednesday.&nbsp;

The result, reported by the British news outlet The Independent and verified by AFP, highlights the intense discord around the president.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-long-silence-former-defence-secy-mattis-denounces-trump-and-military-response-to-crisis-303128">After long silence, former defence secy Mattis denounces Trump and military response to crisis</a>

Trump has more than 80 million followers, although there is much dispute about how many of them are genuine, active human Twitter users.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-riots-over-floyds-killing-intensifies-more-than-4000-protesters-arrested-303118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Analysts said the news suggests Trump opponents, more than critics of any other Twitter account, have been labeling him as racist, although the social media giant itself did not confirm this was the case.

Trump has been facing heightened criticism for his comments during protests over police brutality but has always dismissed suggestions that he is racist. &nbsp;

Twitter offered little in the way of explanation, pointing out only that its search algorithms may reflect what is happening on the platform.

Trump, in the midst of a heated war with social media over what he claims is bias, recently signed an executive order calling for more oversight of internet platforms, a move which could prove difficult to enforce.

Greg Sterling, a contributing editor at the website Search Engine Land, said the result suggests that "so many people are using the words 'racist' or 'racism' to respond to or describe Donald Trump, or there's a concerted effort to associate Trump's account with those terms."

Evidently, it is also possible that a large number of supporters defending Trump from charges of racism would also use the word 'racist' in their replies.&nbsp;

Sterling said Twitter's ranking algorithm for individual tweets "uses a variety of signals, including how recently the tweet was published, its relevance (personalization), user engagement with the tweet, the presence of rich media (such as video or images) and several other variables."

The analyst noted however that in 2007, a concerted effort known as "Google bombing" was able to manipulate search results for then-president George W. Bush to associate him with the term "miserable failure" on the search engine until the flaw was corrected.

Kjerstin Thorson, a Michigan State University politics and social media professor, said it would require a detailed analysis to understand the reasons for the association of Trump and racism.

But Thorson said "it's not unlikely this could be an accurate representation of what people are saying" on Twitter and that bias is probably not a factor.

"The platforms have gone out of their way to avoid any appearance of bias," she said.

US President Donald Trump appears as the first result of suggested accounts when users type "racist" into Twitter's people search, it emerged Wednesday. The result, reported by the British news outlet The Independent and verified by AFP, highlights the intense discord around the president.

US President Donald Trump appears as the first result of suggested accounts when users type "racist" into Twitter's people search, it emerged Wednesday. The result, reported by the British news outlet The Independent and verified by AFP, highlights the intense discord around the president. Also read | After long silence, former defence secy Mattis denounces Trump and military response to crisis Trump has more than 80 million followers, although there is much dispute about how many of them are genuine, active human Twitter users. Watch | Analysts said the news suggests Trump opponents, more than critics of any other Twitter account, have been labeling him as racist, although the social media giant itself did not confirm this was the case. Trump has been facing heightened criticism for his comments during protests over police brutality but has always dismissed suggestions that he is racist. Twitter offered little in the way of explanation, pointing out only that its search algorithms may reflect what is happening on the platform. Trump, in the midst of a heated war with social media over what he claims is bias, recently signed an executive order calling for more oversight of internet platforms, a move which could prove difficult to enforce. Greg Sterling, a contributing editor at the website Search Engine Land, said the result suggests that "so many people are using the words 'racist' or 'racism' to respond to or describe Donald Trump, or there's a concerted effort to associate Trump's account with those terms." Evidently, it is also possible that a large number of supporters defending Trump from charges of racism would also use the word 'racist' in their replies. Sterling said Twitter's ranking algorithm for individual tweets "uses a variety of signals, including how recently the tweet was published, its relevance (personalization), user engagement with the tweet, the presence of rich media (such as video or images) and several other variables." The analyst noted however that in 2007, a concerted effort known as "Google bombing" was able to manipulate search results for then-president George W. Bush to associate him with the term "miserable failure" on the search engine until the flaw was corrected. Kjerstin Thorson, a Michigan State University politics and social media professor, said it would require a detailed analysis to understand the reasons for the association of Trump and racism. But Thorson said "it's not unlikely this could be an accurate representation of what people are saying" on Twitter and that bias is probably not a factor. "The platforms have gone out of their way to avoid any appearance of bias," she said.

Search 'racist' on Twitter and Donald Trump will be the top result

The country worst-hit from novel coronavirus, the United States recorded 598 new deaths on Sunday, taking the overall toll to 104,356, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 1,788,762, far more than any other country. as per the tally at 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Monday).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curfew-imposed-in-40-cities-including-washington-dc-as-protests-spread-across-us-302235">Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US</a>

The US is far from recovering from the virus and protests, violence in the last few days over the killing of a black man allegedly by a police officer has rocked the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-truck-drives-into-george-floyd-protests-in-minneapolis-driver-handed-over-to-police-302238">Tanker truck drives into George Floyd protests in Minneapolis; driver handed over to police</a>

Major cities in the country were put under curfew as violence escalated across the country, with several reports of arson, looting, vandalism, and clashes between police and protesters.&nbsp;

The protests erupted after last Monday a shocking video surfaced which showed an unarmed black man George Floyd getting killed in Minneapolis by a police officer who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.&nbsp;

Initially, the demonstrations were limited to Minneapolis, but afterward, it reached across the country, where protesters demanded justice for the black man.

However, large-scale incidents of violence, looting, and building set on fire were also reported, which led to the imposition of curfew in many areas.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after cutting off ties with World Health Organization, US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that he will skip the G7 meeting scheduled for June, saying that it's an "outdated group of countries".

Trump said he would invite Russia, South Korea, Australia, and India to attend the G7 Summit in the fall.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

The country worst-hit from novel coronavirus, the United States recorded 598 new deaths on Sunday, taking the overall toll to 104,356, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally.

The country worst-hit from novel coronavirus, the United States recorded 598 new deaths on Sunday, taking the overall toll to 104,356, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 1,788,762, far more than any other country. as per the tally at 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Monday). Also read | Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US The US is far from recovering from the virus and protests, violence in the last few days over the killing of a black man allegedly by a police officer has rocked the country. Also read | Tanker truck drives into George Floyd protests in Minneapolis; driver handed over to police Major cities in the country were put under curfew as violence escalated across the country, with several reports of arson, looting, vandalism, and clashes between police and protesters. The protests erupted after last Monday a shocking video surfaced which showed an unarmed black man George Floyd getting killed in Minneapolis by a police officer who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Initially, the demonstrations were limited to Minneapolis, but afterward, it reached across the country, where protesters demanded justice for the black man. However, large-scale incidents of violence, looting, and building set on fire were also reported, which led to the imposition of curfew in many areas. Meanwhile, after cutting off ties with World Health Organization, US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that he will skip the G7 meeting scheduled for June, saying that it's an "outdated group of countries". Trump said he would invite Russia, South Korea, Australia, and India to attend the G7 Summit in the fall. (With inputs from AFP)

US records nearly 600 new coronavirus deaths as Minneapolis killing intensifies violence across country

At a time when the United States is burning because of the unrest triggered by the murder of a black man, several theories are being floated over who instigated violence, arson, looting, and vandalism.&nbsp;

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who earlier blamed white supremacists and outsiders to create chaos on the state, on Sunday said, "We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day".

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We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/1267132906595631104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A senior police official in New York City said that anarchists had planned to start the mischief even before the protests erupted, through encrypted communication to raise bail money and recruit medics, New York Times reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-nearly-600-new-coronavirus-deaths-as-minneapolis-killing-intensifies-violence-across-country-302256">US records nearly 600 new coronavirus deaths as Minneapolis killing intensifies violence across country</a>

"They prepared to commit property damage and directed people who were following them that this should be done selectively and only in wealthier areas or at high-end stores run by corporate entities," the cop told reporters in a telephone briefing.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curfew-imposed-in-40-cities-including-washington-dc-as-protests-spread-across-us-302235">Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US</a>

However, Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s attorney general suggested that nobody still knows who instigated or committed the act on NBC’s 'Meet the Press'.

"There’s been a lot of videotape taken by demonstrators of people who are very suspicious, who really did start breaking windows," he said.

The Trump administration blamed the radical left-wing organisation Antifa for the chaos and aims to declare it as a terrorist organisation.

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The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1267129644228247552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Antifa, a short name for ant-fascist, has earlier also been accused of vandalism.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At a time when the United States is burning because of the unrest triggered by the murder of a black man, several theories are being floated over who instigated violence, arson, looting, and vandalism.

At a time when the United States is burning because of the unrest triggered by the murder of a black man, several theories are being floated over who instigated violence, arson, looting, and vandalism. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who earlier blamed white supremacists and outsiders to create chaos on the state, on Sunday said, "We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day". We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day. — Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 31, 2020 × A senior police official in New York City said that anarchists had planned to start the mischief even before the protests erupted, through encrypted communication to raise bail money and recruit medics, New York Times reported. Also read | US records nearly 600 new coronavirus deaths as Minneapolis killing intensifies violence across country "They prepared to commit property damage and directed people who were following them that this should be done selectively and only in wealthier areas or at high-end stores run by corporate entities," the cop told reporters in a telephone briefing. Also read | Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US However, Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s attorney general suggested that nobody still knows who instigated or committed the act on NBC’s 'Meet the Press'. "There’s been a lot of videotape taken by demonstrators of people who are very suspicious, who really did start breaking windows," he said. The Trump administration blamed the radical left-wing organisation Antifa for the chaos and aims to declare it as a terrorist organisation. The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2020 × Antifa, a short name for ant-fascist, has earlier also been accused of vandalism.

White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US

Journalists covering nationwide protests over the death of a black man at police hands in Minneapolis have found themselves under attack, by police and at times by protesters.

The arrest and handcuffing Friday of a black CNN journalist by police in Minneapolis -- even as he was reporting live on camera following the death of George Floyd -- may have drawn the widest coverage.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curfew-imposed-in-40-cities-including-washington-dc-as-protests-spread-across-us-302235">Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US</a>

The journalist, Omar Jimenez, was released an hour later after the Minnesota governor personally intervened.

But there have been several other serious incidents across the country, notably in Louisville, Kentucky, where a riot-squad policeman fired what appeared to be pepper-spray pellets at a local TV crew filming the scene.

"I'm getting shot!" Kaitlin Rust, a reporter with local TV channel WAVE-3, cried out on camera.&nbsp;

And in Minneapolis, freelance journalist Linda Tirado was struck in the left eye by a rubber bullet fired by police, and said later on Twitter that she had permanently lost vision in that eye.

"Authorities in cities across the US need to instruct police not to target journalists and ensure they can report safely on the protests without fear of injury or retaliation,” said a statement from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Members of the media have also come under attack by protesters. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, photographer Ian Smith said he was subjected to a beating until other demonstrators came to his defense.

In Atlanta, the headquarters of news network CNN was attacked Friday by several dozen people. Someone in the crowd lobbed a flash grenade into the building's lobby as police stood guard there.

And on Saturday morning, a Fox News journalist who was reporting from a position in front of the White House was pummeled and chased by demonstrators until police intervened.&nbsp;

"If you are a protester, do what you feel is right, but don’t stop us from doing what we know is the job we have to do for the public. Please do not target, intimidate, humiliate or block our efforts," said a statement from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).&nbsp;

President Donald Trump has frequently targeted the news media as a source of what he calls "fake news," claiming without evidence that the media invent stories intended to harm him.

Following the attack on the CNN building in Atlanta, the president retweeted a supporter's post that seemed to gloat about the incident: "In an ironic twist of fate, CNN HQ is being attacked by the very riots they promoted as noble &amp; just. Oops.”

He has regularly denounced the press as "enemies of the people," and has often singled out CNN as a favorite target.

Media critics and commentators say such language can have the effect, at least among fringe elements, of encouraging violence against journalists.

Journalists covering nationwide protests over the death of a black man at police hands in Minneapolis have found themselves under attack, by police and at times by protesters.

Journalists covering nationwide protests over the death of a black man at police hands in Minneapolis have found themselves under attack, by police and at times by protesters. The arrest and handcuffing Friday of a black CNN journalist by police in Minneapolis -- even as he was reporting live on camera following the death of George Floyd -- may have drawn the widest coverage. Also read | Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US The journalist, Omar Jimenez, was released an hour later after the Minnesota governor personally intervened. But there have been several other serious incidents across the country, notably in Louisville, Kentucky, where a riot-squad policeman fired what appeared to be pepper-spray pellets at a local TV crew filming the scene. "I'm getting shot!" Kaitlin Rust, a reporter with local TV channel WAVE-3, cried out on camera. And in Minneapolis, freelance journalist Linda Tirado was struck in the left eye by a rubber bullet fired by police, and said later on Twitter that she had permanently lost vision in that eye. "Authorities in cities across the US need to instruct police not to target journalists and ensure they can report safely on the protests without fear of injury or retaliation,” said a statement from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Members of the media have also come under attack by protesters. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, photographer Ian Smith said he was subjected to a beating until other demonstrators came to his defense. In Atlanta, the headquarters of news network CNN was attacked Friday by several dozen people. Someone in the crowd lobbed a flash grenade into the building's lobby as police stood guard there. And on Saturday morning, a Fox News journalist who was reporting from a position in front of the White House was pummeled and chased by demonstrators until police intervened. "If you are a protester, do what you feel is right, but don’t stop us from doing what we know is the job we have to do for the public. Please do not target, intimidate, humiliate or block our efforts," said a statement from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). President Donald Trump has frequently targeted the news media as a source of what he calls "fake news," claiming without evidence that the media invent stories intended to harm him. Following the attack on the CNN building in Atlanta, the president retweeted a supporter's post that seemed to gloat about the incident: "In an ironic twist of fate, CNN HQ is being attacked by the very riots they promoted as noble & just. Oops.” He has regularly denounced the press as "enemies of the people," and has often singled out CNN as a favorite target. Media critics and commentators say such language can have the effect, at least among fringe elements, of encouraging violence against journalists.

Journalists covering US protests face the ire of police, demonstrators

The United States, which has already seen the worst of coronavirus crisis and still struggling to contain the deaths and infections, is now seeing widespread violence following the death of an unarmed black man in Minneapolis.

And in such a tense situation, where on one hand, incidents of police brutality are reported, there are also stories where the cops are leading by an example to let protesters continue peaceful demonstrations and helping them too.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-nearly-600-new-coronavirus-deaths-as-minneapolis-killing-intensifies-violence-across-country-302256">US records nearly 600 new coronavirus deaths as Minneapolis killing intensifies violence across country</a>

A Twitter user posted a video reportedly of Georgia where protesters were shouting slogans, 'Walk with us', and the cops were seen marching peacefully with the crowd.&nbsp;

A similar video was also shared in which New Jersey police were seen walking with the protesters.

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In New Jersey police have literally started marching with protesters.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BLACK_LIVES_MATTER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BLACK_LIVES_MATTER</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/w6FJ3qowUG">pic.twitter.com/w6FJ3qowUG</a>
— Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaPotash/status/1266895422397779968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Another video is gaining a lot of attention where policemen were seen kneeling down on the ground and shaking hands with people in Oakland, California.&nbsp;

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It’s a start.. ✊🏾This just happened live, Oakland,CA <a href="https://t.co/Ufeait0ovP">pic.twitter.com/Ufeait0ovP</a>
— Maria (@mmaarriiaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmaarriiaab/status/1267325971163561984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Take a look at these posts shared by users showing the soft side of the police.&nbsp;

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Genesee County Sheriff (Flint, Michigan) Chris Swanson put down his helmet and baton and asked protesters how he could help. 
 
The protesters chanted "walk with us" so the Sheriff joined — and walked alongside the protesters in solidarity. 
 
Leadership.🌎❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Vs3941C2o8">pic.twitter.com/Vs3941C2o8</a>
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) <a href="https://twitter.com/RexChapman/status/1267107339833925634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, several reports also claimed of police's high-handed actions, most recently of the two NYPD cars ramming into a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn.&nbsp;

In Atlanta, policemen implementing a curfew stopped two college students driving a car, shot Tasers at them,and dragged them out of their vehicle, the New York Times reported.&nbsp;

The protests erupted in Minneapolis and then spread across the country after a video surfaced last Monday that showed a black man George Floyd pleading as a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes following which Floyd was killed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States, which has already seen the worst of coronavirus crisis and still struggling to contain the deaths and infections, is now seeing widespread violence following the death of an unarmed black man in Minneapolis.

The United States, which has already seen the worst of coronavirus crisis and still struggling to contain the deaths and infections, is now seeing widespread violence following the death of an unarmed black man in Minneapolis. And in such a tense situation, where on one hand, incidents of police brutality are reported, there are also stories where the cops are leading by an example to let protesters continue peaceful demonstrations and helping them too. Also read | US records nearly 600 new coronavirus deaths as Minneapolis killing intensifies violence across country A Twitter user posted a video reportedly of Georgia where protesters were shouting slogans, 'Walk with us', and the cops were seen marching peacefully with the crowd. A similar video was also shared in which New Jersey police were seen walking with the protesters. In New Jersey police have literally started marching with protesters.#BLACK_LIVES_MATTER pic.twitter.com/w6FJ3qowUG — Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) May 31, 2020 × Another video is gaining a lot of attention where policemen were seen kneeling down on the ground and shaking hands with people in Oakland, California. It’s a start.. ✊🏾This just happened live, Oakland,CA pic.twitter.com/Ufeait0ovP — Maria (@mmaarriiaab) June 1, 2020 × Take a look at these posts shared by users showing the soft side of the police. Genesee County Sheriff (Flint, Michigan) Chris Swanson put down his helmet and baton and asked protesters how he could help. The protesters chanted "walk with us" so the Sheriff joined — and walked alongside the protesters in solidarity. Leadership.🌎❤️ pic.twitter.com/Vs3941C2o8 — Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) May 31, 2020 × However, several reports also claimed of police's high-handed actions, most recently of the two NYPD cars ramming into a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn. In Atlanta, policemen implementing a curfew stopped two college students driving a car, shot Tasers at them,and dragged them out of their vehicle, the New York Times reported. The protests erupted in Minneapolis and then spread across the country after a video surfaced last Monday that showed a black man George Floyd pleading as a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes following which Floyd was killed.

Amid widespread anger over police brutality, some cops win hearts in US

The Indian government clarified no conversation has taken place between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after the latter said he spoke to PM on India-China tensions, according to sources. Sources in New Delhi said the late conversation between the 2 took place on 4th April and that was on the issue of hydroxychloroquine.&nbsp;

US President on Thursday said, he "did speak to Prime Minister Modi. He's not -- he's not in a good mood about what's going on with China."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-not-in-a-good-mood-trump-says-about-indo-china-border-dispute-301676">PM Modi not in a good mood: Trump says about Indo-China border dispute</a>

Calling the India China standoff as a "big conflict", President said, "Two countries with 1.4 billion people. Two countries with very powerful militaries. And India is not happy, and probably China is not happy."

Meanwhile, govt sources again reiterated that have made it "clear that we are directly in touch with the Chinese through established mechanisms and diplomatic contacts".

Trump earlier said, "If they -- if they thought it would help if I were the mediator or the arbiter, I would do that".

Earlier on Wednesday, he tweeted, "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!"

In the past, the US President has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan with New Delhi rejecting it saying all issues can be resolved bilaterally.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Indian government clarified no conversation has taken place between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after the latter said he spoke to PM on India-China tensions, according to sources.

The Indian government clarified no conversation has taken place between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after the latter said he spoke to PM on India-China tensions, according to sources. Sources in New Delhi said the late conversation between the 2 took place on 4th April and that was on the issue of hydroxychloroquine. US President on Thursday said, he "did speak to Prime Minister Modi. He's not -- he's not in a good mood about what's going on with China." Also read | PM Modi not in a good mood: Trump says about Indo-China border dispute Calling the India China standoff as a "big conflict", President said, "Two countries with 1.4 billion people. Two countries with very powerful militaries. And India is not happy, and probably China is not happy." Meanwhile, govt sources again reiterated that have made it "clear that we are directly in touch with the Chinese through established mechanisms and diplomatic contacts". Trump earlier said, "If they -- if they thought it would help if I were the mediator or the arbiter, I would do that". Earlier on Wednesday, he tweeted, "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!" In the past, the US President has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan with New Delhi rejecting it saying all issues can be resolved bilaterally.

No recent conversation between PM Narendra Modi and President Trump: Sources

US President Donald Trump said he will speak on Friday in a press conference on China amid Beijing-Washington tiff, developments in Hong Kong, and the coronavirus fallout.&nbsp;

"We'll be announcing tomorrow what we're doing with respect to China," Trump told journalists on Thursday, saying "we're not happy with China", without providing details on the course of action. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100000-deaths-very-sad-milestone-says-trump-on-coronavirus-fatalities-301661">100,000 deaths very sad milestone, says Trump on coronavirus fatalities</a>

After Trump's statements, Wall Street closed lower, finishing a three-day streak.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-in-hong-kong-china-passes-security-law-301658">Amid protests in Hong Kong, China passes security law</a>

Trump's press conference will come on the same day that Britain and the United States want the UN Security Council to meet informally behind closed doors to discuss the situation in Hong Kong, as per diplomatic sources.

The US president's comments came on a day when China approved a security law that threatens to curb Hong Kong's freedom and autonomy.&nbsp;

The US-China relations hit a new low after Trump blamed China for its response to coronavirus and Washington slamming Beijing for its authoritarian measures in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

US-based The New York Times reported that the US is considering annulling visas for thousands of Chinese graduate students studying at US universities who have ties to educational institutions back home with links to China's military.

Trump has been critical of China over coronavirus that originated from China and spread worldwide and affected the US the most with over 100,000 deaths.&nbsp;

However, critics of the US president blame him and his administration for the lackluster response to the crisis that has thrown unimaginable economic and health challenges to the world's biggest economy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said he will speak on Friday in a press conference on China amid Beijing-Washington tiff, developments in Hong Kong, and the coronavirus fallout.

US President Donald Trump said he will speak on Friday in a press conference on China amid Beijing-Washington tiff, developments in Hong Kong, and the coronavirus fallout. "We'll be announcing tomorrow what we're doing with respect to China," Trump told journalists on Thursday, saying "we're not happy with China", without providing details on the course of action. Also read | 100,000 deaths very sad milestone, says Trump on coronavirus fatalities After Trump's statements, Wall Street closed lower, finishing a three-day streak. Also read | Amid protests in Hong Kong, China passes security law Trump's press conference will come on the same day that Britain and the United States want the UN Security Council to meet informally behind closed doors to discuss the situation in Hong Kong, as per diplomatic sources. The US president's comments came on a day when China approved a security law that threatens to curb Hong Kong's freedom and autonomy. The US-China relations hit a new low after Trump blamed China for its response to coronavirus and Washington slamming Beijing for its authoritarian measures in Hong Kong. US-based The New York Times reported that the US is considering annulling visas for thousands of Chinese graduate students studying at US universities who have ties to educational institutions back home with links to China's military. Trump has been critical of China over coronavirus that originated from China and spread worldwide and affected the US the most with over 100,000 deaths. However, critics of the US president blame him and his administration for the lackluster response to the crisis that has thrown unimaginable economic and health challenges to the world's biggest economy.

Donald Trump to hold press conference today on China

Undoubtedly, a handshake with the US president is a big deal as many consider the man most powerful on Earth. However, due to coronavirus fears, US President Donald Trump is advised not to handshake.&nbsp;

The advice came after a delegation of Brazilian president recently met Trump in the US and some of the officials after the trip were tested positive with COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-takes-coronavirus-test-as-us-extends-travel-ban-to-uk-ireland-286444">Donald Trump takes coronavirus test as US extends travel ban to UK, Ireland</a>

But, handshakes were all around the White House on Friday when Trump met business leaders at a press conference on tackling the novel virus's outbreak.

After Trump himself declared a national emergency and asked people to take "common-sense measures" to avoid infection, &nbsp;he shook hands with other speakers in the podium.&nbsp;

However, Bruce Greenstein, CEO of the home healthcare provider LHC, does manage to avoid the handshake.&nbsp;

Greenstein, instead gave the US president an elbow bump, to which Trump said, "I like that. That's good."

Trump, 73, was grilled on whether he would be tested after meeting a Brazilian official who is now infected with the novel coronavirus.

He initially said that on advice of White House doctors, "I don't have any of the symptoms."&nbsp;

But, he later said, "I didn't say I wasn't going to be tested" and that he "most likely" would be, "fairly soon."

Many critics have lashed out at Trump for his late response and downplaying the pandemic. &nbsp;

In the US, 51 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to a tally by John Hopkins University.&nbsp;

Undoubtedly, a handshake with the US president is a big deal as many consider the man most powerful on Earth. However, due to coronavirus fears, US President Donald Trump is advised not to handshake.

Undoubtedly, a handshake with the US president is a big deal as many consider the man most powerful on Earth. However, due to coronavirus fears, US President Donald Trump is advised not to handshake. The advice came after a delegation of Brazilian president recently met Trump in the US and some of the officials after the trip were tested positive with COVID-19. Also read: Donald Trump takes coronavirus test as US extends travel ban to UK, Ireland But, handshakes were all around the White House on Friday when Trump met business leaders at a press conference on tackling the novel virus's outbreak. After Trump himself declared a national emergency and asked people to take "common-sense measures" to avoid infection, he shook hands with other speakers in the podium. However, Bruce Greenstein, CEO of the home healthcare provider LHC, does manage to avoid the handshake. Greenstein, instead gave the US president an elbow bump, to which Trump said, "I like that. That's good." Trump, 73, was grilled on whether he would be tested after meeting a Brazilian official who is now infected with the novel coronavirus. He initially said that on advice of White House doctors, "I don't have any of the symptoms." But, he later said, "I didn't say I wasn't going to be tested" and that he "most likely" would be, "fairly soon." Many critics have lashed out at Trump for his late response and downplaying the pandemic. In the US, 51 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to a tally by John Hopkins University.

Donald Trump continues to handshake despite White House medical advice

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it.

The tankers are carrying fuel for&nbsp;gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time.

The tanker&nbsp;passed north of the neighboring dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago before entering the country's waters, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-probes-mexican-european-firms-over-venezuela-oil-trading-299111">Also read:&nbsp;FBI probes Mexican, European firms over Venezuela oil trading</a>

According to government sources, the tanker, named Fortune, is carrying a total of 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela.

The shipment has caused a diplomatic stir between Venezuela, Iran and the US. Venezuela is facing an acute shortage of oil due to a nearly complete breakdown of&nbsp;OPEC nation's 1.3 million barrel-per-day refining network.

A Washington spokesperson said he was unaware of any operations related to the Iranian cargoes, and the US will be considering measures in response.

However, few days ago Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Washington about retaliation&nbsp;any problems were caused for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela, a local news agency had reported.

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it. The tankers are carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time.

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it. The tankers are carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time. The tanker passed north of the neighboring dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago before entering the country's waters, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon. Also read: FBI probes Mexican, European firms over Venezuela oil trading According to government sources, the tanker, named Fortune, is carrying a total of 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela. The shipment has caused a diplomatic stir between Venezuela, Iran and the US. Venezuela is facing an acute shortage of oil due to a nearly complete breakdown of OPEC nation's 1.3 million barrel-per-day refining network. A Washington spokesperson said he was unaware of any operations related to the Iranian cargoes, and the US will be considering measures in response. However, few days ago Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Washington about retaliation any problems were caused for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela, a local news agency had reported.

Iranian tankers carrying 1.53 million barrels fuel enter US waterways despite warnings

Online learning may be fun but not when students have paid a fortune for a campus experience. Students of at least 26 US universities have sued their schools. Also read: Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll They are demanding a partial refund of tuition and campus fee.

Online learning may be fun but not when students have paid a fortune for a campus experience. Students of at least 26 US universities have sued their schools. Also read: Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll They are demanding a partial refund of tuition and campus fee. They claim - online learning compromises on the quality of education. Also read: Pompeo has no evidence, says China on coronavirus origin in lab What these students paid for was campus learning. They paid for the infrastructure, the labs, the libraries, and the gyms. But now--- they are all sitting behind their computer screens. Sure the students are earning term credits. But a college experience is not limited to that. College is about inter-personal experiences. Interaction with faculty and classmates building contacts. Students are frustrated with online classes. Some point out that the lectures are not live. Professors often pre-record videos and there are no discussions. Lawsuits have hit some Ivy League schools like Brown, Colombia and Cornell. Public schools too have not been spared. Students have sued the University of Purdue, Colorado and the University of Chicago. Most of these schools argue that the classes may be online--- but the professors remain the same. Some schools 'have' returned portions of housing and dining fees. But the majority of them refuse to refund tuition or campus fees. Colleges say the coronavirus has posed financial strains in their systems. Some estimate losses up to $1 billion a year. Is the pandemic ushering in the end of big universities? If Harvard was granted $9 million for coronavirus aid alone imagine how much money the United States pumps into the campus every year? It may be impossible to continue this supply of funds. Not with an impending recession. Plus these institutions have been caught in controversies. A 2019 scandal exposed how admission to these campuses are not always based on merit. Fewer foreign students Top universities are likely to also see a downturn in student enrollment. The coronavirus has instilled a sense of fear in people. Would foreign students want a return to campus? The trend of foreign education was ushered in by globalisation. It was nurtured by a stable global economy, accessible students loans, job availability and friendly visa policies. The pandemic is hammering all of these. So, will top universities be the collateral damage in the post-pandemic world?

Students sue top US universities over switch to online courses

Coronavirus deaths in the United States jumped by 1,435 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total toll to more than 66,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

The coronavirus cases in the country are more than 1.1 million, which includes 66,224 deaths as of 8:30 pm on Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), as per the tally.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-remdesivir-as-several-states-ease-lockdown-296248">US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown</a>

The US is the worst-hit country by the virus and the other severely-affected nations are far behind.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-europe-top-15-million-report-296285">Coronavirus cases in Europe top 1.5 million: Report</a>

Earlier on Friday, Texas became the latest and largest state to ease lockdown measures despite recording its highest single-day deaths.&nbsp;

The pressure of reopening is mounting on several US states as anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in many parts, including California, where authorities had re-closed beaches from Friday after crowds flocked to the shoreline last weekend.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths in the United States jumped by 1,435 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total toll to more than 66,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Coronavirus deaths in the United States jumped by 1,435 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total toll to more than 66,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The coronavirus cases in the country are more than 1.1 million, which includes 66,224 deaths as of 8:30 pm on Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), as per the tally. Also read | US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown The US is the worst-hit country by the virus and the other severely-affected nations are far behind. Also read | Coronavirus cases in Europe top 1.5 million: Report Earlier on Friday, Texas became the latest and largest state to ease lockdown measures despite recording its highest single-day deaths. The pressure of reopening is mounting on several US states as anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in many parts, including California, where authorities had re-closed beaches from Friday after crowds flocked to the shoreline last weekend.

US sees 1,435 new coronavirus deaths; total toll over 66,000

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease.

The approval is the latest step in a global push to find viable treatments and a vaccine for the coronavirus, which has left half of humanity under some form of lockdown, hammered the world economy, and infected more than 3.3 million people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-nears-65000-in-us-as-malls-theatres-open-in-texas-296215">Coronavirus death toll nears 65,000 in US as malls, theatres open in Texas</a>

Remdesivir, an antiviral drug initially developed to treat Ebola, was given the green light on Friday after a major trial found that it boosted recovery in serious COVID-19 patients.

"It's really a very promising situation," President Donald Trump said on Friday at the White House, where he was joined by Daniel O'Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences, which developed Remdesivir.

Remdesivir incorporates itself into the virus's genome, short-circuiting its replication process.

The drug approval came as the US leaders struggled with growing pressure from citizens wearying of stay-at-home orders.

With about 1.1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, nearly 65,000 of them fatal, the United States has the highest tolls of any country, and Trump is keen for a turnaround as the world's largest economy reels with tens of millions left jobless.

"Hopefully, we're going to come in below that 100,000 lives lost, which is a horrible number nevertheless," said Trump, after suggesting earlier in the week the country could expect 60,000 or 70,000 fatalities.

Texas became the largest US state yet to ease curbs, while anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in several states -- including California, where officials had re-closed beaches beginning Friday to avoid a repeat of last weekend when crowds flocked to the shoreline.

There were protests in 11 cities in California -- where more than 50,000 coronavirus cases have been reported -- with people chanting against the lockdown.

In Huntington Beach, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Los Angeles, several thousand people rallied to denounce Governor Gavin Newsom's beach shutdown order.

"It was the straw that broke the camel's back," protester Monica Beilhard fumed.

"It was uncalled for, unnecessary and people out here are making that known," she said. "And we're also very much saying enough is enough, we have the right to work... and it's time for the governor to allow the healthy to be able to get back to business."

'Slow, phased' reopening&nbsp;

Like the United States, governments around the world are struggling to balance the immense political and economic pressure to ease lockdowns with the need for public health measures against the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 236,000 people.

Several European countries, including Austria, have begun to ease restrictions with authorities in some of the hardest-hit parts like Spain reporting signs that the pandemic there was slowing.

Britain announced that it had hit its target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests a day, a step toward eventually lifting lockdown rules in the UK -- which this week overtook Spain to record the world's third-highest death toll.

Ireland, however, extended its lockdown by two weeks to May 18, with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar saying the nation will reopen "in a slow, phased, staged way" after that.

Meanwhile in South Asia, India announced that the lockdown on its 1.3 billion people -- the world's biggest -- would continue for two more weeks from May 4.

The virus restrictions also put a damper on May Day celebrations worldwide on Friday, with many labor unions delaying their rallies and some holding online events, while a determined few hit the streets in face masks in defiance of lockdown orders.

In Cuba's capital Havana, where around a million workers and their families take part in the annual May Day march, the image of Che Guevara gazed down on an eerily silent Revolution Square.

Sharp rhetoric &nbsp;

May Day carried extra significance this year because of the staggering number of people put out of work by the pandemic, with the global economy in a tailspin and facing its worst downturn since the Great Depression.

Stock markets tumbled again on Friday after President Trump's unproven allegation that the virus may have come from a lab in Wuhan -- the central Chinese city where the disease first emerged late last year.

Beijing has rejected the accusation, and scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans.

The White House has accused Chinese authorities of mishandling the outbreak, "slow-walking" coronavirus data, and putting the US lives at risk.

The disease overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure when it hit the United States, putting immense pressure on doctors, nurses, and emergency responders.

Some US medics relied on past experience in other countries to fight the virus.

David Callaway, a doctor, and academic who has worked in the past on diseases in conflict-hit nations such as South Sudan and Iraq, said he found overseas epidemics easier to handle in some ways.

"Family and loved ones, you can put them in a box and you use them as a source of motivation and inspiration when things get rough, but you know they are safe," he told AFP.

"A pandemic at home, you know that your family and your loved ones are still at risk, their lives hang on the line."

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease.

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease. The approval is the latest step in a global push to find viable treatments and a vaccine for the coronavirus, which has left half of humanity under some form of lockdown, hammered the world economy, and infected more than 3.3 million people. Also read | Coronavirus death toll nears 65,000 in US as malls, theatres open in Texas Remdesivir, an antiviral drug initially developed to treat Ebola, was given the green light on Friday after a major trial found that it boosted recovery in serious COVID-19 patients. "It's really a very promising situation," President Donald Trump said on Friday at the White House, where he was joined by Daniel O'Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences, which developed Remdesivir. Remdesivir incorporates itself into the virus's genome, short-circuiting its replication process. The drug approval came as the US leaders struggled with growing pressure from citizens wearying of stay-at-home orders. With about 1.1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, nearly 65,000 of them fatal, the United States has the highest tolls of any country, and Trump is keen for a turnaround as the world's largest economy reels with tens of millions left jobless. "Hopefully, we're going to come in below that 100,000 lives lost, which is a horrible number nevertheless," said Trump, after suggesting earlier in the week the country could expect 60,000 or 70,000 fatalities. Texas became the largest US state yet to ease curbs, while anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in several states -- including California, where officials had re-closed beaches beginning Friday to avoid a repeat of last weekend when crowds flocked to the shoreline. There were protests in 11 cities in California -- where more than 50,000 coronavirus cases have been reported -- with people chanting against the lockdown. In Huntington Beach, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Los Angeles, several thousand people rallied to denounce Governor Gavin Newsom's beach shutdown order. "It was the straw that broke the camel's back," protester Monica Beilhard fumed. "It was uncalled for, unnecessary and people out here are making that known," she said. "And we're also very much saying enough is enough, we have the right to work... and it's time for the governor to allow the healthy to be able to get back to business." 'Slow, phased' reopening Like the United States, governments around the world are struggling to balance the immense political and economic pressure to ease lockdowns with the need for public health measures against the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 236,000 people. Several European countries, including Austria, have begun to ease restrictions with authorities in some of the hardest-hit parts like Spain reporting signs that the pandemic there was slowing. Britain announced that it had hit its target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests a day, a step toward eventually lifting lockdown rules in the UK -- which this week overtook Spain to record the world's third-highest death toll. Ireland, however, extended its lockdown by two weeks to May 18, with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar saying the nation will reopen "in a slow, phased, staged way" after that. Meanwhile in South Asia, India announced that the lockdown on its 1.3 billion people -- the world's biggest -- would continue for two more weeks from May 4. The virus restrictions also put a damper on May Day celebrations worldwide on Friday, with many labor unions delaying their rallies and some holding online events, while a determined few hit the streets in face masks in defiance of lockdown orders. In Cuba's capital Havana, where around a million workers and their families take part in the annual May Day march, the image of Che Guevara gazed down on an eerily silent Revolution Square. Sharp rhetoric May Day carried extra significance this year because of the staggering number of people put out of work by the pandemic, with the global economy in a tailspin and facing its worst downturn since the Great Depression. Stock markets tumbled again on Friday after President Trump's unproven allegation that the virus may have come from a lab in Wuhan -- the central Chinese city where the disease first emerged late last year. Beijing has rejected the accusation, and scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans. The White House has accused Chinese authorities of mishandling the outbreak, "slow-walking" coronavirus data, and putting the US lives at risk. The disease overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure when it hit the United States, putting immense pressure on doctors, nurses, and emergency responders. Some US medics relied on past experience in other countries to fight the virus. David Callaway, a doctor, and academic who has worked in the past on diseases in conflict-hit nations such as South Sudan and Iraq, said he found overseas epidemics easier to handle in some ways. "Family and loved ones, you can put them in a box and you use them as a source of motivation and inspiration when things get rough, but you know they are safe," he told AFP. "A pandemic at home, you know that your family and your loved ones are still at risk, their lives hang on the line."

US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown

As many as 1,883 new coronavirus deaths were recorded in the United States in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to about 65,000.

According to the coronavirus tally of Johns Hopkins University, more than 1.1 million people have so far tested positive with coronavirus as of 8:30 pm Friday (0030 GMT Saturday).&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-beijing-biden-trump-strategy-to-stay-in-white-house-296175">Target Beijing &amp; Biden - Trump strategy to stay in White House</a>

The US has witnessed 64,789 deaths from coronavirus, a jump of three per cent from a day earlier.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-hes-seen-evidence-coronavirus-originated-in-chinese-lab-295950">Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab</a>

The country has seen the most number of COVId-19 deaths and infections and the nations preceeding are far behind, reflecting the severity of crisis in the US.&nbsp;

The latest figures came after Texas became the latest state in the US to ease lockdown measures despite witnessing highest single-day deaths.&nbsp;

Stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums and libraries were allowed to function with 25 per cent of occupancy in the largest US state.&nbsp;

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, said in a tweet that "Texans should continue to practice social distancing" and follow health guidelines.

On Thursday, Texas reported 50 coronavirus deaths, the most since the outbreak began and 1,000 cases, the highest single-day figures since April 10.&nbsp;

Over 29,200 COVID-19 cases are confirmed in Texas, including 816 deaths, as per state health officials.&nbsp;

According to federal guidelines, the number of cases need to fall for 14 consecutive days for lockdown to be relaxed, however, a number of states in the country have bypassed it.&nbsp;

As many as 1,883 new coronavirus deaths were recorded in the United States in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to about 65,000. According to the coronavirus tally of Johns Hopkins University, more than 1.

As many as 1,883 new coronavirus deaths were recorded in the United States in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to about 65,000. According to the coronavirus tally of Johns Hopkins University, more than 1.1 million people have so far tested positive with coronavirus as of 8:30 pm Friday (0030 GMT Saturday). Also read | Target Beijing & Biden - Trump strategy to stay in White House The US has witnessed 64,789 deaths from coronavirus, a jump of three per cent from a day earlier. Also read | Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab The country has seen the most number of COVId-19 deaths and infections and the nations preceeding are far behind, reflecting the severity of crisis in the US. The latest figures came after Texas became the latest state in the US to ease lockdown measures despite witnessing highest single-day deaths. Stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums and libraries were allowed to function with 25 per cent of occupancy in the largest US state. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, said in a tweet that "Texans should continue to practice social distancing" and follow health guidelines. On Thursday, Texas reported 50 coronavirus deaths, the most since the outbreak began and 1,000 cases, the highest single-day figures since April 10. Over 29,200 COVID-19 cases are confirmed in Texas, including 816 deaths, as per state health officials. According to federal guidelines, the number of cases need to fall for 14 consecutive days for lockdown to be relaxed, however, a number of states in the country have bypassed it.

Coronavirus death toll nears 65,000 in US as malls, theatres open in Texas

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks.&nbsp;

The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-and-bitter-rival-abdullah-reach-tentative-agreement-296157">Afghan President Ghani and bitter rival Abdullah reach 'tentative' agreement</a>

It said that RS issued a short statement, saying the Taliban had stepped up attacks in March, after the signing of the US-Taliban deal which intended to end American troops' presence in Afghanistan and work towards establishing peace and stability in the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bombing-in-kabul-province-kills-three-wounds-15-295535">Suicide bombing in Kabul province kills three, wounds 15</a>

"Between March 1 and 31, the Taliban refrained from attacks against coalition forces; however they increased attacks against (Afghan forces) to levels above seasonal norms," RS said, as per the report.&nbsp;

The RS mission previously shared data on "enemy-initiated attacks", which helped in evaluating the strength of the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

RS told SIGAR that it decided to restrict information because enemy attacks were now a "critical part" of discussions "regarding ongoing political negotiations between the US and the Taliban"

However, SIGAR told Pentagon that the data might be released in the future.&nbsp;

Pentagon supported the decision to withhold data, citing ongoing talks.

"So the decision was that we're working toward a better solution and a better place for Afghanistan and that the sharing of that information would not... move the ball forward," the spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, said.&nbsp;

"The level of violence by the Taliban is unacceptably high," he said, hinting that a diplomatic solution will possibly not end the crisis.&nbsp;

In the week ahead of February 29, when deal was signed in Doha, violence dropped in Afghanistan, however, after the signing, the Taliban immediately resumed assaults on Afghan forces.&nbsp;

During the deal negotiations, the Taliban committed to stop targetting foreign troops, but no such provision was made for Afghan forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks. The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures.

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks. The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures. Also read | Afghan President Ghani and bitter rival Abdullah reach 'tentative' agreement It said that RS issued a short statement, saying the Taliban had stepped up attacks in March, after the signing of the US-Taliban deal which intended to end American troops' presence in Afghanistan and work towards establishing peace and stability in the region. Also read | Suicide bombing in Kabul province kills three, wounds 15 "Between March 1 and 31, the Taliban refrained from attacks against coalition forces; however they increased attacks against (Afghan forces) to levels above seasonal norms," RS said, as per the report. The RS mission previously shared data on "enemy-initiated attacks", which helped in evaluating the strength of the Taliban and other insurgent groups. RS told SIGAR that it decided to restrict information because enemy attacks were now a "critical part" of discussions "regarding ongoing political negotiations between the US and the Taliban" However, SIGAR told Pentagon that the data might be released in the future. Pentagon supported the decision to withhold data, citing ongoing talks. "So the decision was that we're working toward a better solution and a better place for Afghanistan and that the sharing of that information would not... move the ball forward," the spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, said. "The level of violence by the Taliban is unacceptably high," he said, hinting that a diplomatic solution will possibly not end the crisis. In the week ahead of February 29, when deal was signed in Doha, violence dropped in Afghanistan, however, after the signing, the Taliban immediately resumed assaults on Afghan forces. During the deal negotiations, the Taliban committed to stop targetting foreign troops, but no such provision was made for Afghan forces. (With inputs from AFP)

NATO withholds key information on Taliban attacks, says US watchdog

A day after witnessing three weeks' lowest coronavirus daily death toll, the United States recorded 2,494 new deaths in the past 24 hours, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

With the latest figures, the overall death count has spiked to 53,511 with 936,293 confirmed cases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-row-hits-uk-govt-as-virus-death-toll-nears-20000-294768">Political row hits UK govt as virus death toll nears 20,000</a>

Both in terms of the number of coronavirus positive cases and deaths, the US remains the worst-hit country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-evidence-that-people-recovered-from-coronavirus-wont-get-reinfected-who-294745">No evidence that people recovered from coronavirus won't get reinfected: WHO</a>

Earlier on Friday, there was some respite as the daily death toll dropped to 1,258, lowest in three weeks.&nbsp;

In the US, Georgia ignored warnings from top medical experts and opened businesses on Friday that include hairdressers, nail salons, and bowling alleys.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump gave mixed signals after developments in Georgia, saying that the opening of "spas, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, &amp; barber shops should take a little slower path."&nbsp;

He, however, later told Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican to do "what is right" for the people of Georgia.&nbsp;

Several Georgians were seen at the beaches after the decision.&nbsp;

In southern California too, thousands went to beaches, flouting stay at home policies to contain the spread of coronavirus.&nbsp;

A day after witnessing three weeks' lowest coronavirus daily death toll, the United States recorded 2,494 new deaths in the past 24 hours, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

A day after witnessing three weeks' lowest coronavirus daily death toll, the United States recorded 2,494 new deaths in the past 24 hours, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University. With the latest figures, the overall death count has spiked to 53,511 with 936,293 confirmed cases. Also read | Political row hits UK govt as virus death toll nears 20,000 Both in terms of the number of coronavirus positive cases and deaths, the US remains the worst-hit country. Also read | No evidence that people recovered from coronavirus won't get reinfected: WHO Earlier on Friday, there was some respite as the daily death toll dropped to 1,258, lowest in three weeks. In the US, Georgia ignored warnings from top medical experts and opened businesses on Friday that include hairdressers, nail salons, and bowling alleys. President Donald Trump gave mixed signals after developments in Georgia, saying that the opening of "spas, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, & barber shops should take a little slower path." He, however, later told Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican to do "what is right" for the people of Georgia. Several Georgians were seen at the beaches after the decision. In southern California too, thousands went to beaches, flouting stay at home policies to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000

World leaders on Friday pledged to speed up work on tests, drugs, and vaccines to treat novel coronavirus and share them with the rest of the countries, but the United States did not participate in the initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp;

The virtual conference aimed to accelerate the development of safe and effective drugs, tests, and vaccines to prevent, diagnose, and treat the virus and ensure equal access to treatments for rich and poor.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-over-50000-fatalities-us-witnesses-lowest-coronavirus-death-toll-in-three-weeks-294668">With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks</a>

"We are facing a common threat which we can only defeat with a common approach," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said as he opened the conference.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-france-due-to-coroanvirus-crosses-22200-hospitalizations-fall-294650">Death toll in France due to coroanvirus crosses 22,200; hospitalizations fall</a>

"Experience has told us that even when tools are available they have not been equally available to all. We cannot allow that to happen."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said for "global public good", the vaccine should be produced and distributed in all parts of the world.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron urged all G7 and G20 nations to back the initiative, adding "the fight against COVID-19 is a common human good and there should be no division in order to win this battle."

Earlier, US Mission in Geneva confirmed to Reuters that the country would not participate in the meet.&nbsp;

"Although the United States was not in attendance at the meeting in question, there should be no doubt about our continuing determination to lead on global health matters, including the current COVID crisis," a spokesperson of the mission said.&nbsp;

The US has been critical of WHO for its slow response to the pandemic and "China-centric" approach. US President Donald Trump, a few days ago, also froze the funding to the global health organization.&nbsp;

The virtual meet was attended by several nations from Asia, the Middle East, and Americas, but big countries like India, China, and Russia gave it a miss.&nbsp;

 
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World leaders on Friday pledged to speed up work on tests, drugs, and vaccines to treat novel coronavirus and share them with the rest of the countries, but the United States did not participate in the initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO).

World leaders on Friday pledged to speed up work on tests, drugs, and vaccines to treat novel coronavirus and share them with the rest of the countries, but the United States did not participate in the initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO). The virtual conference aimed to accelerate the development of safe and effective drugs, tests, and vaccines to prevent, diagnose, and treat the virus and ensure equal access to treatments for rich and poor. Also read | With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks "We are facing a common threat which we can only defeat with a common approach," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said as he opened the conference. Also read | Death toll in France due to coroanvirus crosses 22,200; hospitalizations fall "Experience has told us that even when tools are available they have not been equally available to all. We cannot allow that to happen." German Chancellor Angela Merkel said for "global public good", the vaccine should be produced and distributed in all parts of the world. French President Emmanuel Macron urged all G7 and G20 nations to back the initiative, adding "the fight against COVID-19 is a common human good and there should be no division in order to win this battle." Earlier, US Mission in Geneva confirmed to Reuters that the country would not participate in the meet. "Although the United States was not in attendance at the meeting in question, there should be no doubt about our continuing determination to lead on global health matters, including the current COVID crisis," a spokesperson of the mission said. The US has been critical of WHO for its slow response to the pandemic and "China-centric" approach. US President Donald Trump, a few days ago, also froze the funding to the global health organization. The virtual meet was attended by several nations from Asia, the Middle East, and Americas, but big countries like India, China, and Russia gave it a miss.

World leaders unite to accelerate COVID-19 tests, vaccine; US stays away from WHO initiative

The United States on Friday witnessed its lowest novel coronavirus daily death toll in three weeks with 1,258 new deaths, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

With the new fatalities, the overall COVID-19 death toll in the US stands at 51,017, as per the tracker.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-speaking-sarcastically-says-trump-on-his-injecting-disinfectants-comment-294649">Was speaking 'sarcastically', says Trump on his injecting disinfectants comment</a>

The US is by the far the worst-affected country from the pandemic, both in terms of infections and deaths. The country has witnessed 890,000 coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-to-launch-who-covid-19-plan-but-us-wont-take-part-294566">World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part</a>

Health experts said that the sharp drop from 3,176 deaths on Thursday should be continued for a longer period for the country to enter into the declining phase.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, netizens on Thursday took a dig at President Donald Trump's suggestion of using industrial cleaners to treat COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

"Is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?" Trump said in a televised briefing.&nbsp;

"It sounds interesting to me."

Also, the US state of Georgia on Friday opened some businesses, that include gyms, hair salons and tattoo parlors.&nbsp;

Georgia, which is governed by Republican Brian Kemp, has over 22,000 COVID-19 cases, including 892 deaths.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday witnessed its lowest novel coronavirus daily death toll in three weeks with 1,258 new deaths, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

The United States on Friday witnessed its lowest novel coronavirus daily death toll in three weeks with 1,258 new deaths, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University. With the new fatalities, the overall COVID-19 death toll in the US stands at 51,017, as per the tracker. Also read | Was speaking 'sarcastically', says Trump on his injecting disinfectants comment The US is by the far the worst-affected country from the pandemic, both in terms of infections and deaths. The country has witnessed 890,000 coronavirus cases. Also read | World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part Health experts said that the sharp drop from 3,176 deaths on Thursday should be continued for a longer period for the country to enter into the declining phase. Meanwhile, netizens on Thursday took a dig at President Donald Trump's suggestion of using industrial cleaners to treat COVID-19 patients. "Is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?" Trump said in a televised briefing. "It sounds interesting to me." Also, the US state of Georgia on Friday opened some businesses, that include gyms, hair salons and tattoo parlors. Georgia, which is governed by Republican Brian Kemp, has over 22,000 COVID-19 cases, including 892 deaths.

With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks

NASA engineers have designed new technologies, including a ventilator for the treatment of novel coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

New high-pressure devices called VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally) have been designed to treat COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. These devices are designed by engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, US and are now waiting for approval from the Food and Drug Administrations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hopes-grow-for-antibody-tests-but-experts-urge-caution-294686">Hopes grow for antibody tests, but experts urge caution</a>

"COVID-19 patients --- their lungs are not compliant, so you need high pressure and this is a high pressure ventilator," JPL's Dave Gallagher told US President Donald Trump at a White House meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-warns-against-use-of-donald-trump-backed-hydroxychloroquine-to-treat-coronavirus-294682">US FDA warns against use of Donald Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus</a>

He also said that these ventilators used special parts and therefore would not hamper&nbsp;the production chain of traditional ventilators.&nbsp;

Other devices designed by NASA, include AMBUstat that will utilize technology that had been used in sterilizing spacecrafts to disinfect bigger areas inside of schools, prisons, and businesses.

(With Reuters inputs)

NASA engineers have designed new technologies, including a ventilator for the treatment of novel coronavirus patients. New high-pressure devices called VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally) have been designed to treat COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms.

NASA engineers have designed new technologies, including a ventilator for the treatment of novel coronavirus patients. New high-pressure devices called VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally) have been designed to treat COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. These devices are designed by engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, US and are now waiting for approval from the Food and Drug Administrations. Also read | Hopes grow for antibody tests, but experts urge caution "COVID-19 patients --- their lungs are not compliant, so you need high pressure and this is a high pressure ventilator," JPL's Dave Gallagher told US President Donald Trump at a White House meeting. Also read | US FDA warns against use of Donald Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus He also said that these ventilators used special parts and therefore would not hamper the production chain of traditional ventilators. Other devices designed by NASA, include AMBUstat that will utilize technology that had been used in sterilizing spacecrafts to disinfect bigger areas inside of schools, prisons, and businesses. (With Reuters inputs)

NASA designs special ventilator for coronavirus patients