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

Months after China raised Kashmir issue at the behest of Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council informally, Hong Kong issue was raked up by US and UK at the council informally much to the chagrin of Bejing.

US and UK raised Hong Kong issue at the top UN body after China passed a new security law which gives Beijing more control over the region.&nbsp;This was&nbsp;the first time Hong Kong was raked up at the council since the UN came to existence in 1945.

China had raised Kashmir on August 19, 2019, in a closed-door informal meet after New Delhi removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.&nbsp;

The Chinese mission in UN in a strongly worded statement said, "Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China and Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference.''

Back then, India had also asked China and Pakistan not to raise internal matter Kashmir at the world body.

Hong Kong issue was raised by Washington and London under "Any other business" in a closed-door session. Discussing under "Any other business", it is not placed on the council's formal agenda, much like how the matter was raised by China under Security Council agenda item 'India Pakistan Question'.

Much like what New Delhi said back then, it was Bejing repeating the same sentences word by word. The Chinese mission to UN in a series of tweet said, "attempt of US and UK to discuss the Hong Kong issue in UNSC failed" since "no agreement, no open video conference meet, no formal discussions by members and no outcome" happened.

August 2019 saw Kashmir being raised in the same manner, informally, with no outcome, no agreement but Pakistan who had insisted for it had turned a blind eye to it and termed it as "diplomatic victory".

US Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft at the meet on Friday in which Hong Kong was raised said, "Are we going to allow the Chinese Communist Party to violate international law and force its will on the people of Hong Kong who look to us to preserve their way of life and their freedoms?"

Chargé d'affaires of UK's mission to UN Ambassador Jonathan Allen said, "This legislation risks curtailing the freedoms that China has undertaken to uphold as a matter of international law."

In 1997 when British handed over Hong Kong to China, the territory has been governed under “one country, two systems” and under 1984 joint British-China declaration high degree of autonomy will be given to Hong Kong for 50 years after the handover.&nbsp;

The Declaration has been registered with the UN. Though details of the new law passed by Bejing is not known, it can bypass the parliament of Hong Kong and thus erode the established “one country, two systems” principle. 
&nbsp;

Months after China raised Kashmir issue at the behest of Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council informally, Hong Kong issue was raked up by US and UK at the council informally much to the chagrin of Bejing.

Months after China raised Kashmir issue at the behest of Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council informally, Hong Kong issue was raked up by US and UK at the council informally much to the chagrin of Bejing. US and UK raised Hong Kong issue at the top UN body after China passed a new security law which gives Beijing more control over the region. This was the first time Hong Kong was raked up at the council since the UN came to existence in 1945. China had raised Kashmir on August 19, 2019, in a closed-door informal meet after New Delhi removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Chinese mission in UN in a strongly worded statement said, "Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China and Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference.'' Back then, India had also asked China and Pakistan not to raise internal matter Kashmir at the world body. Hong Kong issue was raised by Washington and London under "Any other business" in a closed-door session. Discussing under "Any other business", it is not placed on the council's formal agenda, much like how the matter was raised by China under Security Council agenda item 'India Pakistan Question'. Much like what New Delhi said back then, it was Bejing repeating the same sentences word by word. The Chinese mission to UN in a series of tweet said, "attempt of US and UK to discuss the Hong Kong issue in UNSC failed" since "no agreement, no open video conference meet, no formal discussions by members and no outcome" happened. August 2019 saw Kashmir being raised in the same manner, informally, with no outcome, no agreement but Pakistan who had insisted for it had turned a blind eye to it and termed it as "diplomatic victory". US Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft at the meet on Friday in which Hong Kong was raised said, "Are we going to allow the Chinese Communist Party to violate international law and force its will on the people of Hong Kong who look to us to preserve their way of life and their freedoms?" Chargé d'affaires of UK's mission to UN Ambassador Jonathan Allen said, "This legislation risks curtailing the freedoms that China has undertaken to uphold as a matter of international law." In 1997 when British handed over Hong Kong to China, the territory has been governed under “one country, two systems” and under 1984 joint British-China declaration high degree of autonomy will be given to Hong Kong for 50 years after the handover. The Declaration has been registered with the UN. Though details of the new law passed by Bejing is not known, it can bypass the parliament of Hong Kong and thus erode the established “one country, two systems” principle.

US, UK rake up Hong Kong issue at UNSC, months after China raised Kashmir

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he has directed his administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment, in response to a new security law pushed by Beijing.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he has directed his administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment, in response to a new security law pushed by Beijing. ''China has replaced its promise of one country, two systems with one country, one system. Therefore, I am directing my administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment,'' Trump said. Chinese government's move against Hong Kong is the latest in a series of measures that are diminishing the city's longstanding and very proud status. This is a tragedy for the people of Hong Kong, people of China & indeed the people of the world: US President Donald Trump Accusing China of conducting illicit espionage to steal America's industrial secrets, Trump announced the suspension of entry of certain foreign nationals from China, identified as potential security risks. ''For years government of China has conducted illicit espionage to steal our industrial secrets. Today I'll issue a proclamation to better secure our nation's vital university research and suspend entry of certain foreign nationals from China, identified as potential security risks,'' Trump said. Trump further said that the US would be revising the State Department's travel advisory for Hong Kong to reflect the increased danger of surveillance and punishment by the Chinese state security apparatus.

Trump orders elimination of special treatment for Hong Kong to punish China

Despite the World Health Organization dropping hydroxychloroquine from its study into experimental coronavirus treatments, a White House official said that the US president is feeling "absolutely great" after taking a two-week dose of the drug.

The official also added that Trump said he would take the anti-malarial drug again if he is exposed to the deadly virus again.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-france-italy-and-belgium-ban-usage-of-hydroxychloroquine-301449">COVID 19: France, Italy and Belgium ban usage of hydroxychloroquine</a>

Hydroxychloroquine, which was earlier described as a "game-changer" by Trump to treat COVID-19 is still not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-el-salvadors-president-says-he-is-taking-hydroxychloroquine-301318">After Trump, El Salvador's President says he is taking hydroxychloroquine</a>

"I went to him just before coming out here and I asked him that. And he said, 'he's feeling perfect', he is 'feeling absolutely great' after taking this regimen. And, he would take it again if he thought that he was exposed," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnaney said on Thursday when asked how Trump felt after taking the anti-malarial drug.&nbsp;

She also said that several experts have highlighted the prophylaxis use of hydroxychloroquine.&nbsp;

One such paper by Tina Hesman Saey author at ScienceNews.Org talks about nearly 200 clinical trials around the world, including 28 involving healthcare workers, she said.

"In fact, at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan, 3,000 healthcare workers are taking it as part of a trial. And there's some really excellent information there about the use of prophylaxis for this," McEnaney said.

On Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the health agency's executive group decided to temporarily pause the use of hydroxychloroquine within the solidarity trial to review its safety.&nbsp;

The director-general said the decision is taken after a paper published in Lancet showing people using this drug are a higher risk of death and heart-related problems.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Despite the World Health Organization dropping hydroxychloroquine from its study into experimental coronavirus treatments, a White House official said that the US president is feeling "absolutely great" after taking a two-week dose of the drug.

Despite the World Health Organization dropping hydroxychloroquine from its study into experimental coronavirus treatments, a White House official said that the US president is feeling "absolutely great" after taking a two-week dose of the drug. The official also added that Trump said he would take the anti-malarial drug again if he is exposed to the deadly virus again. Also read | COVID 19: France, Italy and Belgium ban usage of hydroxychloroquine Hydroxychloroquine, which was earlier described as a "game-changer" by Trump to treat COVID-19 is still not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also read | After Trump, El Salvador's President says he is taking hydroxychloroquine "I went to him just before coming out here and I asked him that. And he said, 'he's feeling perfect', he is 'feeling absolutely great' after taking this regimen. And, he would take it again if he thought that he was exposed," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnaney said on Thursday when asked how Trump felt after taking the anti-malarial drug. She also said that several experts have highlighted the prophylaxis use of hydroxychloroquine. One such paper by Tina Hesman Saey author at ScienceNews.Org talks about nearly 200 clinical trials around the world, including 28 involving healthcare workers, she said. "In fact, at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan, 3,000 healthcare workers are taking it as part of a trial. And there's some really excellent information there about the use of prophylaxis for this," McEnaney said. On Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the health agency's executive group decided to temporarily pause the use of hydroxychloroquine within the solidarity trial to review its safety. The director-general said the decision is taken after a paper published in Lancet showing people using this drug are a higher risk of death and heart-related problems. (With PTI inputs)

Donald Trump feeling 'absolutely great' after taking hydroxychloroquine: White House official

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

At a time when the US President is being criticised for his response to the Coronavirus outbreak - Donald Trump has offered to mediate, again. President Trump says the US is ready to 'mediate or arbitrate' in the India- China border dispute. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Trump keeps making mediation offers.

Gravitas: Donald Trump offers to mediate, again

Walt Disney World, the world's largest theme park, could begin opening in phases starting on July 11 if plans win approval from Florida's governor, Walt Disney Co executives said during a webcast meeting in Florida on Wednesday (May 27).

Disney lays out plans to reopen Florida theme park in July

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

US President Donald Trump and ultra-conservative Pakistani religious scholars may have more in common than either would want to admit: a belief that the congregation is an essential pillar of prayer irrespective of public health concerns.

Trump, however, may wish that he had the kind of less polarised and/or more compliant audience that Pakistani clerics address.

Scores of religious leaders and groups in the United States have sought to protect their communities by advocating virtual rather than physical congregation at the time of a pandemic in which the coronavirus has yet to be brought under control.

Religious authorities in much of the Muslim world, Pakistan being the exception that proves the rule, have heeded government instructions and medical and public health advice.

That advice ranged from the closure of mosques to bans on social gatherings that precluded traditional iftar meals breaking the Ramadan fast and celebrations of this week’s end of the holy month to Saudi Arabia’s suspension of the umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca and possibly the haj too.

Leaving aside the question, whether he has the legal power to do so, Trump vowed to overrule governors who refused to open houses of worship, noting that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) had issued guidelines that included physical distancing.

The move designed to play to Trump’s Evangelist voter base received a mixed reception among American faith communities.

It appealed to those segments of the community with an unqualified belief in God’s ability and will to protect and that often are steeped in notions of Christian manhood that have deep roots in American Evangelism and were boosted by the 9/11 attacks on New York’s World Trade Towers and the Pentagon in Washington.

Trump’s recognition of prayer as an “essential” societal activity further drew a line intended to give houses of worship autonomy in an environment in which state intrusion into people’s lives has expanded greatly in a bid to fight the pandemic.

In that sense, the president was fighting a battle similar to that of Pakistani Sunni and Shia Muslim leaders who rejected a total closure of mosques but were willing to accept guidance on issues such as physical distancing.

The leaders see mosques “as spaces where you cultivate and express a communal religious identity that is very central to…their vision of the Pakistani state,” said a Pakistani Islamic scholar.

The clerics’ determination to retain control of religious spaces was reinforced by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s flip flops that resembled Trump’s zig-zags.

Khan initially sought to appeal to religious circles by meeting in the early days of the pandemic with Maulana Tariq Jameel, a leader of Tablighi Jamaat, who initially denied the contagious aspect of the virus.

Jameel reversed course and embraced physical distancing after his movement’s mass gatherings in Pakistan, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia turned into super-spreaders of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Khan’s government further complicated issues by initially agreeing with religious leaders on a division of labour that would have empowered the clerics to advise their followers to stay at home, avoid congregational prayer and maintain physical distancing and then jumping the gun to announce the measures without coordination.

Mosques in major Pakistani cities were packed in recent days, despite religious leaders paying lip service to physical distancing, in a reflection of the degree to which ultra-conservatism has woven itself into the fabric of Pakistani society and in stark contrast to Saudi Arabia’s pre-emptive response to the health crisis.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled against government lockdowns, suggesting that the coronavirus was not a pandemic. Religious leaders have since backed away from their acceptance of physical distancing, demanding that the advice be abandoned.

Trump’s recognition of prayer as essential aligned itself with notions of concepts of religious freedom promoted by his administration, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the lead, that in effect serves to legitimize discrimination against minorities of various stripes.

Few doubt that Trump made his move with an eye on the US presidential election in November. Trump was embarking on a road on which mainstream ultra-conservative Pakistani clerics were also travelling.

The clerics remained silent when Ahmadis, a sect viewed as a heretic by mainstream Muslims, were excluded from a national commission created by the government earlier this month to promote religious tolerance and counter persecution of minorities.

Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry barred the inclusion of Ahmadis, who are among Pakistan’s most discriminated minorities, on grounds that they did not qualify as a minority and refuse to recognize the country’s constitution.

A 1974 amendment of the constitution bars Ahmadis from identifying themselves as Muslims because they do not recognize Mohammed as the last prophet.

Compared to the polarising environment that Trump operates in and likes to entrench, Pakistani clerics have it a lot easier. Except for liberals and human rights activists, few in Pakistan are willing to stand up for Ahmadi rights.

Moreover, the government shied away from imposing its will on the religious establishment during the pandemic as did the military, which built quarantine centres in various cities and helped local authorities implement a lockdown.

Pakistan lacks truly influential, more liberal religious voices in the mould of for example Reverend Curtiss DeYoung, CEO of the Minnesota Council of Churches that groups African-American denominations, the mainline church and the Greek Orthodox Church.

“We listen to communities of colour, and many of our congregations’ people are engaged in representing refugees and immigrants, African-Americans, Latinos, even seniors, they're saying, why the urgency?” DeYoung said in response to Trump’s push.

“They're…directly affected. They're actually afraid in many cases to go into group gatherings...We feel that we need to make our decisions based on good science and the recommendations of our health department,” the reverend added.

DeYoung was joined by his Muslim counterparts in contrast to their Pakistani brethren.

"American Muslim scholars and community leaders have already determined that mosques will not be open in the near future because of the health concerns brought on by the pandemic. That's a determination for them to make not for the president to make,” said Ibrahim Hooper, communications director of the Council on American–Islamic Relations, the largest US Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization.

To be sure, the United States and Pakistan are vastly different countries. Pakistan has been hard hit by the pandemic with 55,657 cases of infection to date and 1,155 deaths. Yet, that is a far cry from the United States’ 1,613,324 cases and 96,659 deaths.

Pakistan, nonetheless, saw its number of cases quadruple during the month of Ramadan and the rate of new infections jump by 30 per cent in the last week as the holy month neared its end.

Yet, when it comes to employing religion to entrench power at the cost of striking a balance between faith and science, Trump and Pakistani religious scholars share the kind of opportunism and worldview that serve their short-term interests irrespective of the cost to human life and potentially to already battered economies.

(The article is co-authored by Tehmina Qureshi. Tehmina is a multi-platform journalist and editorial writer at Dawn, Pakistan’s leading English-language newspaper)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump and ultra-conservative Pakistani religious scholars may have more in common than either would want to admit: a belief that the congregation is an essential pillar of prayer irrespective of public health concerns.

US President Donald Trump and ultra-conservative Pakistani religious scholars may have more in common than either would want to admit: a belief that the congregation is an essential pillar of prayer irrespective of public health concerns. Trump, however, may wish that he had the kind of less polarised and/or more compliant audience that Pakistani clerics address. Scores of religious leaders and groups in the United States have sought to protect their communities by advocating virtual rather than physical congregation at the time of a pandemic in which the coronavirus has yet to be brought under control. Religious authorities in much of the Muslim world, Pakistan being the exception that proves the rule, have heeded government instructions and medical and public health advice. That advice ranged from the closure of mosques to bans on social gatherings that precluded traditional iftar meals breaking the Ramadan fast and celebrations of this week’s end of the holy month to Saudi Arabia’s suspension of the umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca and possibly the haj too. Leaving aside the question, whether he has the legal power to do so, Trump vowed to overrule governors who refused to open houses of worship, noting that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) had issued guidelines that included physical distancing. The move designed to play to Trump’s Evangelist voter base received a mixed reception among American faith communities. It appealed to those segments of the community with an unqualified belief in God’s ability and will to protect and that often are steeped in notions of Christian manhood that have deep roots in American Evangelism and were boosted by the 9/11 attacks on New York’s World Trade Towers and the Pentagon in Washington. Trump’s recognition of prayer as an “essential” societal activity further drew a line intended to give houses of worship autonomy in an environment in which state intrusion into people’s lives has expanded greatly in a bid to fight the pandemic. In that sense, the president was fighting a battle similar to that of Pakistani Sunni and Shia Muslim leaders who rejected a total closure of mosques but were willing to accept guidance on issues such as physical distancing. The leaders see mosques “as spaces where you cultivate and express a communal religious identity that is very central to…their vision of the Pakistani state,” said a Pakistani Islamic scholar. The clerics’ determination to retain control of religious spaces was reinforced by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s flip flops that resembled Trump’s zig-zags. Khan initially sought to appeal to religious circles by meeting in the early days of the pandemic with Maulana Tariq Jameel, a leader of Tablighi Jamaat, who initially denied the contagious aspect of the virus. Jameel reversed course and embraced physical distancing after his movement’s mass gatherings in Pakistan, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia turned into super-spreaders of the coronavirus. Khan’s government further complicated issues by initially agreeing with religious leaders on a division of labour that would have empowered the clerics to advise their followers to stay at home, avoid congregational prayer and maintain physical distancing and then jumping the gun to announce the measures without coordination. Mosques in major Pakistani cities were packed in recent days, despite religious leaders paying lip service to physical distancing, in a reflection of the degree to which ultra-conservatism has woven itself into the fabric of Pakistani society and in stark contrast to Saudi Arabia’s pre-emptive response to the health crisis. Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled against government lockdowns, suggesting that the coronavirus was not a pandemic. Religious leaders have since backed away from their acceptance of physical distancing, demanding that the advice be abandoned. Trump’s recognition of prayer as essential aligned itself with notions of concepts of religious freedom promoted by his administration, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the lead, that in effect serves to legitimize discrimination against minorities of various stripes. Few doubt that Trump made his move with an eye on the US presidential election in November. Trump was embarking on a road on which mainstream ultra-conservative Pakistani clerics were also travelling. The clerics remained silent when Ahmadis, a sect viewed as a heretic by mainstream Muslims, were excluded from a national commission created by the government earlier this month to promote religious tolerance and counter persecution of minorities. Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry barred the inclusion of Ahmadis, who are among Pakistan’s most discriminated minorities, on grounds that they did not qualify as a minority and refuse to recognize the country’s constitution. A 1974 amendment of the constitution bars Ahmadis from identifying themselves as Muslims because they do not recognize Mohammed as the last prophet. Compared to the polarising environment that Trump operates in and likes to entrench, Pakistani clerics have it a lot easier. Except for liberals and human rights activists, few in Pakistan are willing to stand up for Ahmadi rights. Moreover, the government shied away from imposing its will on the religious establishment during the pandemic as did the military, which built quarantine centres in various cities and helped local authorities implement a lockdown. Pakistan lacks truly influential, more liberal religious voices in the mould of for example Reverend Curtiss DeYoung, CEO of the Minnesota Council of Churches that groups African-American denominations, the mainline church and the Greek Orthodox Church. “We listen to communities of colour, and many of our congregations’ people are engaged in representing refugees and immigrants, African-Americans, Latinos, even seniors, they're saying, why the urgency?” DeYoung said in response to Trump’s push. “They're…directly affected. They're actually afraid in many cases to go into group gatherings...We feel that we need to make our decisions based on good science and the recommendations of our health department,” the reverend added. DeYoung was joined by his Muslim counterparts in contrast to their Pakistani brethren. "American Muslim scholars and community leaders have already determined that mosques will not be open in the near future because of the health concerns brought on by the pandemic. That's a determination for them to make not for the president to make,” said Ibrahim Hooper, communications director of the Council on American–Islamic Relations, the largest US Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. To be sure, the United States and Pakistan are vastly different countries. Pakistan has been hard hit by the pandemic with 55,657 cases of infection to date and 1,155 deaths. Yet, that is a far cry from the United States’ 1,613,324 cases and 96,659 deaths. Pakistan, nonetheless, saw its number of cases quadruple during the month of Ramadan and the rate of new infections jump by 30 per cent in the last week as the holy month neared its end. Yet, when it comes to employing religion to entrench power at the cost of striking a balance between faith and science, Trump and Pakistani religious scholars share the kind of opportunism and worldview that serve their short-term interests irrespective of the cost to human life and potentially to already battered economies. (The article is co-authored by Tehmina Qureshi. Tehmina is a multi-platform journalist and editorial writer at Dawn, Pakistan’s leading English-language newspaper) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What do Donald Trump and ultra-conservative Pakistani clerics have in common?

The Chinese government has not left anybody in doubt about its ambitious target of dominating the world at any cost. Chinese government has been suppressing freedom of speech, taking away the rights of citizens of Hong Kong in an authoritarian manner and aggressively occupying the territory of neighbours.

China is now aggressively claiming a territorial right in the South China Sea and Senkaku island. The Chinese government says that Taiwan is part of its territory and objects to any recognition given to Taiwan by any other country.

Further, China is trying to enforce its dominance over small and weak countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others, by extending loans, which these countries cannot afford to repay in the foreseeable future.

Viewing China’s methods and targets, one does not find much of difference between today’s Chinese government and Hitler’s Germany. Several countries in the world are gradually realizing that checking China’s ambition is as necessary, as checking Hitler’s ambition that caused World War II.

However, the supporters of China claim that US government too should be accused of trying to dominate the world and it has sent troops to several countries such as Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and others to enforce its domination. There is an element of truth in this as the American government seem to think that it has the duty to police the world.

In any case, on careful analysis of the scenario and judiciously comparing the domination desire of China and the US, one cannot but see a subtle difference between both these countries.

While China believes in ruthless elimination of opponents both inside and outside and wants to occupy territories of other countries by coercion or force, the US does not indulge in such acts of suppression of human rights or occupying territory of other countries.

The US has not concealed its desire that freedom of speech and democratic procedures should prevail in all regions in the world. On many occasions, the US has fought against totalitarian regimes, religious extremists, and terrorist groups and has paid a high price by losing American lives.

The US may have the ambition to dominate the world and ensure its authority as a superpower, but it has no ambition of territorial expansions that China has.

All said and done, if the world were to choose between US&nbsp;and China, it would inevitably come to the conclusion that world domination by the US&nbsp;is a lesser evil than the world domination by China.

Unlike China, the citizens of US&nbsp;have the right to criticise the decisions of the government, launch protests against human rights violation, if any and exercise their franchise once in four years to change the party in power, if it would act against the wishes of the people. By such a process, the conscience of the US&nbsp;largely remains intact and the US government is vulnerable to the pressure of public opinion.

On the other hand, China has a totalitarian regime and no citizen can survive in China if he would criticise the Chinese President or question the decision of the Chinese government. To this extent, it is a dictatorial regime in China which can be termed as an uncivilized form of governance.

The fact is that the USA holds the superpower status for several decades now.&nbsp;Of course, there has been criticism against the US government by some section of world opinion, but most of such critics belong to religious extremist groups and motivated communist&nbsp;forces, whose economic and administrative policies have totally failed to deliver the goods.

China achieving superpower status and establishing its authority across the world with the least consideration for value systems and sentiments of people, is the worst thing that can happen to the civilisation.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The Chinese government has not left anybody in doubt about its ambitious target of dominating the world at any cost. Chinese government has been suppressing freedom of speech, taking away the rights of citizens of Hong Kong in an authoritarian manner and aggressively occupying the territory of neighbours.

The Chinese government has not left anybody in doubt about its ambitious target of dominating the world at any cost. Chinese government has been suppressing freedom of speech, taking away the rights of citizens of Hong Kong in an authoritarian manner and aggressively occupying the territory of neighbours. China is now aggressively claiming a territorial right in the South China Sea and Senkaku island. The Chinese government says that Taiwan is part of its territory and objects to any recognition given to Taiwan by any other country. Further, China is trying to enforce its dominance over small and weak countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others, by extending loans, which these countries cannot afford to repay in the foreseeable future. Viewing China’s methods and targets, one does not find much of difference between today’s Chinese government and Hitler’s Germany. Several countries in the world are gradually realizing that checking China’s ambition is as necessary, as checking Hitler’s ambition that caused World War II. However, the supporters of China claim that US government too should be accused of trying to dominate the world and it has sent troops to several countries such as Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and others to enforce its domination. There is an element of truth in this as the American government seem to think that it has the duty to police the world. In any case, on careful analysis of the scenario and judiciously comparing the domination desire of China and the US, one cannot but see a subtle difference between both these countries. While China believes in ruthless elimination of opponents both inside and outside and wants to occupy territories of other countries by coercion or force, the US does not indulge in such acts of suppression of human rights or occupying territory of other countries. The US has not concealed its desire that freedom of speech and democratic procedures should prevail in all regions in the world. On many occasions, the US has fought against totalitarian regimes, religious extremists, and terrorist groups and has paid a high price by losing American lives. The US may have the ambition to dominate the world and ensure its authority as a superpower, but it has no ambition of territorial expansions that China has. All said and done, if the world were to choose between US and China, it would inevitably come to the conclusion that world domination by the US is a lesser evil than the world domination by China. Unlike China, the citizens of US have the right to criticise the decisions of the government, launch protests against human rights violation, if any and exercise their franchise once in four years to change the party in power, if it would act against the wishes of the people. By such a process, the conscience of the US largely remains intact and the US government is vulnerable to the pressure of public opinion. On the other hand, China has a totalitarian regime and no citizen can survive in China if he would criticise the Chinese President or question the decision of the Chinese government. To this extent, it is a dictatorial regime in China which can be termed as an uncivilized form of governance. The fact is that the USA holds the superpower status for several decades now. Of course, there has been criticism against the US government by some section of world opinion, but most of such critics belong to religious extremist groups and motivated communist forces, whose economic and administrative policies have totally failed to deliver the goods. China achieving superpower status and establishing its authority across the world with the least consideration for value systems and sentiments of people, is the worst thing that can happen to the civilisation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Superpower marathon: Here's how China's strategy is different from the US

President Donald Trump paid tribute to fallen members of the American military on Monday (May 25) to mark Memorial Day while defending his decision to spend most of the holiday weekend playing golf as the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus outbreak neared 100,000.

Trump honors fallen war heroes on Memorial Day

Donald Trump's administration in the United States has discussed either to conduct a nuclear test explosion. if conducted this would be the country's first nuclear test explosion since the year 1990. Watch report.

Possible fallouts of nuclear tests by US: Experts warn against nuclear test

Coronavirus cases in the US are growing. More than 93,000 Americans have died. But, President Donald Trump says US topping the world in Coronavirus cases is a 'badge of honour'. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how protests against the Trump administration are growing.

Gravitas: Trump is 'proud' of the high number of Covid cases in US

Millions of cicadas are set to emerge in the United States after spending 17 years underground.

Cicadas, which come out periodically will start showing up across the southwestern parts of the United States like Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

This was witnessed earlier in 2003 and 2004, with some areas witnessing the recurrence in 2013, the BBC reported.

The projected number of insects per acre of land is currently 1.5 million, which could fluctuate.

<h6><img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b1e3cb4-469b-40e4-abeb-0e66b439a075" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_6.jpg" /> 
A child holds up a cicada in Alexandria, Virginia 14 May 2004&nbsp;| AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Living most of their lives underground as “nymphs”, cicadas are the longest-living insects in the world.

Cicadas survive underground by feeding on the roots of trees for over 12 to 17 years, which varies according to the species.

Classified as 15 “broods”, the current brood (Brood IX) is showing up this year as part of their 17-year cycle.

The nymphs grow out to create mud tubes “cicada huts” and through this permeate out of the soil, after which they mate.

<h6><img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c42333b-66e7-428f-ad6a-d3e48e6babaa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-4_3.jpg" /> 
5 year old Chase Harrison holds up a cicada he caught near his home in Alexandria, Virginia 14 May 2004 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The cicadas do not harm humans and are consumed by animals and birds as food.

However, the cicadas are capable of causing damage to trees. In their short lifespan of two to four weeks, adult cicadas attack trees like apple, peach, cherry, and pear.

The females lay eggs on vines.&nbsp;The male cicadas sing by vibrating their membranes on their stomach in a bid to attract females.

Millions of cicadas are set to emerge in the United States after spending 17 years underground. Cicadas, which come out periodically will start showing up across the southwestern parts of the United States like Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

Millions of cicadas are set to emerge in the United States after spending 17 years underground. Cicadas, which come out periodically will start showing up across the southwestern parts of the United States like Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. This was witnessed earlier in 2003 and 2004, with some areas witnessing the recurrence in 2013, the BBC reported. The projected number of insects per acre of land is currently 1.5 million, which could fluctuate. A child holds up a cicada in Alexandria, Virginia 14 May 2004 | AFP Living most of their lives underground as “nymphs”, cicadas are the longest-living insects in the world. Cicadas survive underground by feeding on the roots of trees for over 12 to 17 years, which varies according to the species. Classified as 15 “broods”, the current brood (Brood IX) is showing up this year as part of their 17-year cycle. The nymphs grow out to create mud tubes “cicada huts” and through this permeate out of the soil, after which they mate. 5 year old Chase Harrison holds up a cicada he caught near his home in Alexandria, Virginia 14 May 2004 | AFP The cicadas do not harm humans and are consumed by animals and birds as food. However, the cicadas are capable of causing damage to trees. In their short lifespan of two to four weeks, adult cicadas attack trees like apple, peach, cherry, and pear. The females lay eggs on vines. The male cicadas sing by vibrating their membranes on their stomach in a bid to attract females.

Cicadas to swarm southwestern US after 17 years

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

The United States recorded a further 1,127 deaths from COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing its total to 97,048 since the global pandemic began, news agency AFP said quoting tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The country has also officially logged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-governors-to-reopen-places-of-worship-immediately-300499">1,621,658 cases </a>of the virus, far more than any other nation, the tracker kept by the Baltimore-based university showed at 8:30 pm, the report added.

Meanwhile, the global number of novel coronavirus cases has passed 5.25 million with more than 339,000 deaths, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 1900 GMT Saturday.

Since the outbreak first emerged in China in December, 5,260,970 cases have been recorded across 196 countries and territories, with 339,758 deaths attributed to the virus.

The latest figures mean recorded cases worldwide have doubled in a month, with 250,000 new cases recorded in less than three days.

(With inputs from AFP)

The United States recorded a further 1,127 deaths from COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing its total to 97,048 since the global pandemic began, news agency AFP said quoting tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The United States recorded a further 1,127 deaths from COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing its total to 97,048 since the global pandemic began, news agency AFP said quoting tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. The country has also officially logged 1,621,658 cases of the virus, far more than any other nation, the tracker kept by the Baltimore-based university showed at 8:30 pm, the report added. Meanwhile, the global number of novel coronavirus cases has passed 5.25 million with more than 339,000 deaths, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 1900 GMT Saturday. Since the outbreak first emerged in China in December, 5,260,970 cases have been recorded across 196 countries and territories, with 339,758 deaths attributed to the virus. The latest figures mean recorded cases worldwide have doubled in a month, with 250,000 new cases recorded in less than three days. (With inputs from AFP)

US records 1,127 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours: Johns Hopkins

The Trump administration discussed last week whether to conduct its first nuclear test explosion since 1992, the Washington Post reported late on Friday, citing a senior official and two former officials familiar with the matter.

The Trump administration discussed last week whether to conduct its first nuclear test explosion since 1992, the Washington Post reported late on Friday, citing a senior official and two former officials familiar with the matter. The topic surfaced at a meeting of senior officials representing the top national security agencies after accusations from the administration that Russia and China are conducting low-yield nuclear tests, the Washington Post said. The meeting, however, did not conclude with any agreement to conduct a nuclear test. A decision was ultimately made to take other measures in response to threats posed by Russia and China and avoid a resumption of testing, the report added. US officials could not be reached immediately for comment. (With inputs from Reuters)

US discussed conducting its first nuclear test in decades: Report

Brazil overtook Russia Friday as the country with the second-highest number of coronavirus infections worldwide behind the United States, as the Americas emerged as a new epicenter of the pandemic.

Brazil overtook Russia Friday as the country with the second-highest number of coronavirus infections worldwide behind the United States, as the Americas emerged as a new epicenter of the pandemic. Brazil recorded 1,001 daily coronavirus deaths on Friday, taking total deaths to 21,048, according to the Health Ministry. The surge came as the World Health Organization declared South America "a new epicenter" of the pandemic. "Clearly there is a concern across many of those countries, but clearly the most affected is Brazil at this point," said WHO emergencies director Mike Ryan. Brazil's death toll is currently the sixth-highest in the world, behind the United States, Britain, Italy, Spain and France. But the crisis is not expected to peak in Brazil until June. The country of 210 million people has had a disjointed response to the pandemic. In Sao Paulo, the worst hit city, aerial video showed rows of open plots at the Formosa Cemetery as it rushed to keep up with demand. Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has been widely criticized for his handling of the outbreak and is at the center too of a deepening political crisis. Since the outbreak began, Bolsonaro has lost two health ministers, after pressuring them to promote the early use of anti-malarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. Several high-profile public health experts have also left. Many have been replaced by soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things around us. The restaurants and bars that were crowd pullers earlier are implementing never before seen measures of social distancing. Watch report.

New York: Mannequins to maintain social distancing in restaurants

U.S. President Donald Trump became tongue tied as he tried to convey the negative results of his latest test for COVID-19 on Thursday (May 21).

Donald Trump says he tested 'positively toward negative' on latest coronavirus test

Two rescued manatees were released back into the sea off the Florida Keys on Wednesday (May 20) after having been rehabilitated by rescue volunteers.

Rescued manatees released after rehab

Protests have flared up in the United States against the government's policies to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

Protesters held a mock funeral procession in Washington DC on Wednesday, with 'body bags' laid out in front of the White House to denounce the government response to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The protest was staged by the family members of those who lost their lives to coronavirus.

Furthermore, hundreds of truck drivers have been protesting outside the White House for over a week. They are protesting against the lack of transparency in their wages. A group of truck drivers even interrupted President Trump's press conference on May 15.&nbsp;

The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States has exceeded 1.5 million,&nbsp;with as many 95,000 fatalities reported in the country so far.

Meanwhile, Trump administration has awarded a contract worth up to $812 million to a new US company to manufacture drugs and drug ingredients to fight COVID-19 on American soil, aiming to end dependence on other countries.

There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for COVID-19 being tested by pharmaceutical giants across the world, with governments, drugmakers and researchers working on around 100 programmes and experts predicting a safe and effective means of preventing the disease could take 12 to 18 months to develop. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Protests have flared up in the United States against the government's policies to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Protesters held a mock funeral procession in Washington DC on Wednesday, with 'body bags' laid out in front of the White House to denounce the government response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Protests have flared up in the United States against the government's policies to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Protesters held a mock funeral procession in Washington DC on Wednesday, with 'body bags' laid out in front of the White House to denounce the government response to the coronavirus pandemic. The protest was staged by the family members of those who lost their lives to coronavirus. Furthermore, hundreds of truck drivers have been protesting outside the White House for over a week. They are protesting against the lack of transparency in their wages. A group of truck drivers even interrupted President Trump's press conference on May 15. The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States has exceeded 1.5 million, with as many 95,000 fatalities reported in the country so far. Meanwhile, Trump administration has awarded a contract worth up to $812 million to a new US company to manufacture drugs and drug ingredients to fight COVID-19 on American soil, aiming to end dependence on other countries. There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for COVID-19 being tested by pharmaceutical giants across the world, with governments, drugmakers and researchers working on around 100 programmes and experts predicting a safe and effective means of preventing the disease could take 12 to 18 months to develop. (With inputs from Reuters)

Protesters stage mock funeral procession outside White House

After several lawsuits were filed against the US in China - the Chinese state media is threatening the Americans. Reports say China and Russia plan to initiate a probe into US labs. Beijing is also mulling punitive counter measures. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese state media threatens US with counter lawsuits

On Monday, the WHO will hold a vote to determine whether Taiwan should be allowed to participate as an observer. Which way will India vote? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why India must consider a shift in its stand, and back Taiwan.

Gravitas: Will India vote in favour of Taiwan on Monday?

The US has claimed that China is trying to steal American research on Covid-19. Now, an American researcher has been arrested - allegedly for failing to disclose his ties to China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Why is America arresting researchers with links to China

The Coronavirus outbreak has put US President Donald Trump's re-election bid in jeopardy. With less than 180 days left in the US election, President Trump has begun blaming Former President Barack Obama. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: Coronavirus outbreak: Why is Trump blaming Obama?

US President Donald Trump has said that he is pleased that the United States tops the list in terms of coronavirus cases in the world. On Monday, Donald Trump said he views it as "badge of honour".

Donald Trump views highest COVID-19 cases as 'Badge of Honour'

A park in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn has installed social distancing circles to help people enjoy the outdoors while respecting the latest coronavirus guidelines.

Circles drawn in Brooklyn park to foster social distancing

US President: So when we have a lot of cases, I don't look at that as a bad thing

Restaurants are turning to new delivery methods as quarantine continues with robots filling in some roles to increase distance between people.

Automated delivery drives restaurant changes during pandemic

China's foreign ministry said on Saturday the United States needed to stop the "unreasonable suppression" of Chinese companies like Huawei, and a Chinese newspaper said the government was ready to retaliate against Washington.

The Trump administration on Friday moved to block global chip supplies to blacklisted telecoms equipment company Huawei Technologies, spurring fears of Chinese retaliation and hammering shares of US producers of chipmaking equipment.

China will firmly defend its companies' legal rights, the foreign ministry said in a statement in response to Reuters' questions on whether Beijing would take retaliatory measures against the United States.

China's Global Times newspaper on Saturday quoted a source close to the Chinese government as saying that Beijing was ready to take a series of countermeasures against the United States, such as putting US companies on an "unreliable entity list" and imposing restrictions on US companies such as Apple Inc, Cisco Systems Inc and Qualcomm Inc.

The newspaper, published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party, said the source also mentioned halting the purchase of Boeing Co airplanes.

"China will take forceful countermeasures to protect its own legitimate rights" if the United States moves forward with the plan to change rules and bar essential suppliers of chips, including Taiwan-based TSMC, from selling chips to Huawei, the Global Times quoted the source as saying.

Tensions between the world's two largest economies have spiked in recent weeks, with officials on both sides suggesting a hard-won deal that defused a bitter 18-month trade war could be abandoned months after it was signed in January.

In addition to the move on Huawei, the US Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, which oversees billions in federal retirement dollars, this week also said it would indefinitely delay plans to invest in some Chinese companies that are under scrutiny in Washington.

 
&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry said on Saturday the United States needed to stop the "unreasonable suppression" of Chinese companies like Huawei, and a Chinese newspaper said the government was ready to retaliate against Washington.

China's foreign ministry said on Saturday the United States needed to stop the "unreasonable suppression" of Chinese companies like Huawei, and a Chinese newspaper said the government was ready to retaliate against Washington. The Trump administration on Friday moved to block global chip supplies to blacklisted telecoms equipment company Huawei Technologies, spurring fears of Chinese retaliation and hammering shares of US producers of chipmaking equipment. China will firmly defend its companies' legal rights, the foreign ministry said in a statement in response to Reuters' questions on whether Beijing would take retaliatory measures against the United States. China's Global Times newspaper on Saturday quoted a source close to the Chinese government as saying that Beijing was ready to take a series of countermeasures against the United States, such as putting US companies on an "unreliable entity list" and imposing restrictions on US companies such as Apple Inc, Cisco Systems Inc and Qualcomm Inc. The newspaper, published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party, said the source also mentioned halting the purchase of Boeing Co airplanes. "China will take forceful countermeasures to protect its own legitimate rights" if the United States moves forward with the plan to change rules and bar essential suppliers of chips, including Taiwan-based TSMC, from selling chips to Huawei, the Global Times quoted the source as saying. Tensions between the world's two largest economies have spiked in recent weeks, with officials on both sides suggesting a hard-won deal that defused a bitter 18-month trade war could be abandoned months after it was signed in January. In addition to the move on Huawei, the US Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, which oversees billions in federal retirement dollars, this week also said it would indefinitely delay plans to invest in some Chinese companies that are under scrutiny in Washington.

China asks United States to stop 'unreasonable suppression' of Huawei

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