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

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has once again hit out at China as the war of words between the two sides rages on over the COVID-19 Pandemic. Watch report.

Mike Pompeo hits out at China: COVID-19 originated in Wuhan lab

Backing US President Donald Trump's assertion, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the Coronavirus was made in a lab. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about how the fight between the US and China is escalating.

Gravitas: Pompeo says Coronavirus was made in a lab

The US has sent its bombers back to the base in Guam. Meanwhile, Japan is building a hypersonic missile. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about this military posturing.

Gravitas: Military posturing during a pandemic

Are six medical supplies companies profiteering from the Coronavirus outbreak in the US? A program created by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is now under the scanner of lawmakers.

Gravitas: Is a 'medical cartel' controlling coronavirus supplies in the US?

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo backed President Donald Trump's assertion that coronavirus had originated in a research lab in Wuhan. China state broadcaster CCTV hit back fiercely. Watch report.

Chinese state media CCTV: 'Wuhan lab theory hype completely fake'

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

China has published a short animation titled "Once Upon a Virus" mocking the U.S. response to the new coronavirus using Lego-like figures to represent the two countries.

Washington and Beijing are locked in a war of words over the origins of the disease, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-beijing-biden-trump-strategy-to-stay-in-white-house-296175">confident the coronavirus</a> may have originated in a Chinese virology lab, but declined to describe the evidence.

In the animation posted online by China's official Xinhua news agency, red curtains open to reveal a stage featuring Lego-like figures in the form of a terracotta warrior wearing a face mask and the Statue of Liberty.

"We discovered a new virus," says the warrior.

"So what?" replies the Statue of Liberty. "It's only a flu."

As the warrior issues warnings about the virus and counts off the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-passes-230000-confirmed-recoveries-hit-1-million-295999">grim milestones</a> in China's outbreak, the Statue of Liberty replies dismissively with echoes of Trump's press conferences in which he played down the severity of the illness.

"Are you listening to yourselves?" asks the warrior as the statue begins to turn red with fever and gets hooked up to an intravenous drip.

"We are always correct, even though we contradict ourselves," the statue replies.

"That's what I love about you Americans, your consistency," says the warrior.

The United States and other countries have accused China of misleading the world about the severity of the outbreak, and there are growing calls for an international inquiry into the origins of the virus.

In an interview with Reuters, Trump said he believes China’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic is proof that Beijing “will do anything they can” to make him lose his re-election bid in November.

China has published a short animation titled "Once Upon a Virus" mocking the U.S. response to the new coronavirus using Lego-like figures to represent the two countries.

China has published a short animation titled "Once Upon a Virus" mocking the U.S. response to the new coronavirus using Lego-like figures to represent the two countries. Washington and Beijing are locked in a war of words over the origins of the disease, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was confident the coronavirus may have originated in a Chinese virology lab, but declined to describe the evidence. In the animation posted online by China's official Xinhua news agency, red curtains open to reveal a stage featuring Lego-like figures in the form of a terracotta warrior wearing a face mask and the Statue of Liberty. "We discovered a new virus," says the warrior. "So what?" replies the Statue of Liberty. "It's only a flu." As the warrior issues warnings about the virus and counts off the grim milestones in China's outbreak, the Statue of Liberty replies dismissively with echoes of Trump's press conferences in which he played down the severity of the illness. "Are you listening to yourselves?" asks the warrior as the statue begins to turn red with fever and gets hooked up to an intravenous drip. "We are always correct, even though we contradict ourselves," the statue replies. "That's what I love about you Americans, your consistency," says the warrior. The United States and other countries have accused China of misleading the world about the severity of the outbreak, and there are growing calls for an international inquiry into the origins of the virus. In an interview with Reuters, Trump said he believes China’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic is proof that Beijing “will do anything they can” to make him lose his re-election bid in November.

'Once Upon a Virus': China mocks US coronavirus response in Lego-like animation

Retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the former head of US forces in Afghanistan, is planning to deploy tech originally developed to counter ISIS propaganda in service of a domestic political goal — to combat online efforts to promote President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Democrats employ tech to combat online efforts to promote Trump’s handling of pandemic

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

US President Donald Trump has now targetted to reopen US economy as soon as possible even as the coronavirus death toll in the country is rising. Watch report.

Trump plans to reopen the economy ASAP: Coronavirus death toll nears 62,000

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has praised India for lifting the export bans on critical medical supplies including pharmaceuticals used to treat COVID-19. Watch report.

Mike Pompeo praises India's efforts for lifting export restrictions

In the United States, nearly 60,000 deaths and a million confirmed cases of coronavirus are rising. The people are now questioning Donald Trump's response to the crisis. Watch report.

Testing times for Trump administration: Do Americans trust their President?

Two years back, the US President Donald Trump began a trade war with China, it led to unavoidable frictions that have now snowballed into a full-blown diplomatic crisis.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic is making it worse with the US President Donald Trump openly pitting America against China.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;President has become relatively consistent, and increasingly sharp in his criticism of China. 
 
According to reports, the US intelligence community has been given specific instructions. The Trump administration has set up task forces and it wants them to probe China and the WHO.

The US President wants investigators to find out the critical information that China failed to share and how much that has cost the world.

Three agencies are said to have received these instructions: The National Security Agency; The Defence Intelligence Agency; The Central Intelligence Agency.

The White House wants the investigators to explore every possible source of information.

On Wednesday, Trump called the WHO a pipe organ for China. "It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said.

Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO. "We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," he added.

Now Donald Trump has his own reasons to go after China and the WHO. The US Presidential election is scheduled&nbsp;in November. And as the coronavirus death toll rises, his ratings will suffer. 
 
Trump said he believes Beijing wants his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, to win the race to ease the pressure Trump has placed on China over trade and other issues.

Beijing should take the blame for the coronavirus spread, but so should Trump for refusing to take the pandemic seriously.

Trump is upping the ante against Beijing in more ways that one which includes cutting off funding for research in China.

And it's not just the President who is taking on China, other American lawmakers are at it too. The US Congress is mulling a "Counter-China" fund.

A Republican lawmaker is pushing a bill that will create a dedicated defence fund worth $6 billion. The aim of this fund will be to boost America's deterrence against China in the pacific.

Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases.

The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally.&nbsp;

Two years back, the US President Donald Trump began a trade war with China, it led to unavoidable frictions that have now snowballed into a full-blown diplomatic crisis.

Two years back, the US President Donald Trump began a trade war with China, it led to unavoidable frictions that have now snowballed into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. The coronavirus pandemic is making it worse with the US President Donald Trump openly pitting America against China. The US President has become relatively consistent, and increasingly sharp in his criticism of China. According to reports, the US intelligence community has been given specific instructions. The Trump administration has set up task forces and it wants them to probe China and the WHO. The US President wants investigators to find out the critical information that China failed to share and how much that has cost the world. Three agencies are said to have received these instructions: The National Security Agency; The Defence Intelligence Agency; The Central Intelligence Agency. The White House wants the investigators to explore every possible source of information. On Wednesday, Trump called the WHO a pipe organ for China. "It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said. Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO. "We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," he added. Now Donald Trump has his own reasons to go after China and the WHO. The US Presidential election is scheduled in November. And as the coronavirus death toll rises, his ratings will suffer. Trump said he believes Beijing wants his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, to win the race to ease the pressure Trump has placed on China over trade and other issues. Beijing should take the blame for the coronavirus spread, but so should Trump for refusing to take the pandemic seriously. Trump is upping the ante against Beijing in more ways that one which includes cutting off funding for research in China. And it's not just the President who is taking on China, other American lawmakers are at it too. The US Congress is mulling a "Counter-China" fund. A Republican lawmaker is pushing a bill that will create a dedicated defence fund worth $6 billion. The aim of this fund will be to boost America's deterrence against China in the pacific. Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases. The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally.

Has the US-China cold war now begun?

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik are having a baby, according to entertainment website TMZ on Tuesday (April 28).

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik are expecting a baby – TMZ

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus.

However, looming large on the horizon is a potential rift with the United States as a result of the kingdom’s price war with Russia that contributed to the collapse of oil markets and an existential crisis for America’s shale industry.

US President Donald Trump is believed to be weighing a ban on import of Saudi oil in a bid to force the kingdom to reroute tankers carrying some 40 million barrels of crude to the United States.

More fundamentally, Prince Mohammed has put the kingdom’s relationship with the United States at risk without having any real alternative options at a time that an agreement among oil producers to cut production amounts to at best a timeout in a price war that is all about market share.

The price war has further strained Saudi Arabia’s ties to the US Congress, already troubled by the war in Yemen, the kingdom’s record of human rights abuse, and the killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Saudi judiciary reforms in the past week, including abolishing flogging as a legal punishment and death sentences for people who committed crimes as minors, constituted an effort to respond to criticism but were unlikely to turn the tide.

Speaking for Congressmen representing US shale states, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer warned that “Saudi Arabia’s next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable.”

Salvaging Saudi-US relations may be Prince Mohammed’s only option.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to have taken kindly to a reported shouting match in a phone call with the crown prince at the outset of the price war.

Signalling that the production cuts are a ceasefire rather than an end to the war, Saudi Arabia and Russia continue to fight it out on oil markets with the kingdom undercutting Russia with discounts and special offers, according to a Reuters investigation.

Strained relations did not prevent the two countries from moving forward with an agreement on Russian wheat sales to the kingdom. A first Russian shipment of 60,000 tons set sail for Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

Irrespective of the state of Saudi-Russian relations, Russia’s call for replacing the US defence umbrella in the Gulf with a multi-lateral security arrangement that would involve the United States, as well as China, Europe, and India, is a skeleton with no flesh.

Russia has neither the wherewithal nor the will to shoulder responsibility for Gulf security. Nor do others, envisioned by Russia as a participant in a revised Gulf security arrangement.

The proposal, moreover, is a stillborn baby as long as Saudi Arabia refuses to engage with Iran with no pre-conditions. The kingdom has so far used the pandemic to harden fault lines with the Islamic Republic, casting aside opportunities to build bridges with goodwill gestures.

Similarly, China has no appetite for a major military role in the Middle East despite having established its first foreign military base in Djibouti and contributing to anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

Equally troubling for Prince Mohammed is the fact that he cannot be certain that China would be able to maintain its neutrality if US-Iranian tensions were to explode into an all-out war given that when the chips are down Iran may be of greater strategic significance to Beijing.

Iran’s geography, demography, and highly educated population give it a leg up in its competition with Saudi Arabia for Chinese favour. So does the fact that China and Iran see each other as bookends at both ends of Asia with a civilizational history that goes back thousands of years.

Iran, moreover, plays a pivotal role in Belt and Road-related efforts to link China to Europe by a rail that would traverse Central Asia and the Islamic Republic and end the expensive and time-consuming process of having to transfer goods to ships at one end of the Caspian Sea and loading them back onto a train on the Caspian’s opposite shore.

Prince Mohammed’s maneuvering to strike a balance in securing Saudi Arabia’s place in a world of contentious big power relationships is reflected in coverage by the kingdom’s tightly controlled media of Chinese and US efforts to combat the pandemic.

Andrew Leber, a student of Saudi policymaking, noted that “China’s mixed record in boosting its image in Riyadh is a reminder that soft-power competition is not a zero-sum game. Even as Saudi outlets have grown more willing to air criticisms of China, some have derided the efforts of President Donald Trump and his administration to blame COVID-19 on Beijing.”

Leber’s analysis of Saudi media coverage suggests that Prince Mohammed is seeking to keep all doors open.

It will, however, take a lot more than vacillating media coverage and reform of the kingdom’s penal code to polish Saudi Arabia’s tarnished image in the United States and level the playing field with Iran when it comes to China.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(First Published on <a href="https://insidearabia.com/saudi-arabias-problems-not-just-a-pandemic-and-economics-but-geopolitics-too/">The Inside Arabia)</a>

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus. However, looming large on the horizon is a potential rift with the United States as a result of the kingdom’s price war with Russia that contributed to the collapse of oil markets and an existential crisis for America’s shale industry. US President Donald Trump is believed to be weighing a ban on import of Saudi oil in a bid to force the kingdom to reroute tankers carrying some 40 million barrels of crude to the United States. More fundamentally, Prince Mohammed has put the kingdom’s relationship with the United States at risk without having any real alternative options at a time that an agreement among oil producers to cut production amounts to at best a timeout in a price war that is all about market share. The price war has further strained Saudi Arabia’s ties to the US Congress, already troubled by the war in Yemen, the kingdom’s record of human rights abuse, and the killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Saudi judiciary reforms in the past week, including abolishing flogging as a legal punishment and death sentences for people who committed crimes as minors, constituted an effort to respond to criticism but were unlikely to turn the tide. Speaking for Congressmen representing US shale states, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer warned that “Saudi Arabia’s next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable.” Salvaging Saudi-US relations may be Prince Mohammed’s only option. Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to have taken kindly to a reported shouting match in a phone call with the crown prince at the outset of the price war. Signalling that the production cuts are a ceasefire rather than an end to the war, Saudi Arabia and Russia continue to fight it out on oil markets with the kingdom undercutting Russia with discounts and special offers, according to a Reuters investigation. Strained relations did not prevent the two countries from moving forward with an agreement on Russian wheat sales to the kingdom. A first Russian shipment of 60,000 tons set sail for Saudi Arabia earlier this month. Irrespective of the state of Saudi-Russian relations, Russia’s call for replacing the US defence umbrella in the Gulf with a multi-lateral security arrangement that would involve the United States, as well as China, Europe, and India, is a skeleton with no flesh. Russia has neither the wherewithal nor the will to shoulder responsibility for Gulf security. Nor do others, envisioned by Russia as a participant in a revised Gulf security arrangement. The proposal, moreover, is a stillborn baby as long as Saudi Arabia refuses to engage with Iran with no pre-conditions. The kingdom has so far used the pandemic to harden fault lines with the Islamic Republic, casting aside opportunities to build bridges with goodwill gestures. Similarly, China has no appetite for a major military role in the Middle East despite having established its first foreign military base in Djibouti and contributing to anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. Equally troubling for Prince Mohammed is the fact that he cannot be certain that China would be able to maintain its neutrality if US-Iranian tensions were to explode into an all-out war given that when the chips are down Iran may be of greater strategic significance to Beijing. Iran’s geography, demography, and highly educated population give it a leg up in its competition with Saudi Arabia for Chinese favour. So does the fact that China and Iran see each other as bookends at both ends of Asia with a civilizational history that goes back thousands of years. Iran, moreover, plays a pivotal role in Belt and Road-related efforts to link China to Europe by a rail that would traverse Central Asia and the Islamic Republic and end the expensive and time-consuming process of having to transfer goods to ships at one end of the Caspian Sea and loading them back onto a train on the Caspian’s opposite shore. Prince Mohammed’s maneuvering to strike a balance in securing Saudi Arabia’s place in a world of contentious big power relationships is reflected in coverage by the kingdom’s tightly controlled media of Chinese and US efforts to combat the pandemic. Andrew Leber, a student of Saudi policymaking, noted that “China’s mixed record in boosting its image in Riyadh is a reminder that soft-power competition is not a zero-sum game. Even as Saudi outlets have grown more willing to air criticisms of China, some have derided the efforts of President Donald Trump and his administration to blame COVID-19 on Beijing.” Leber’s analysis of Saudi media coverage suggests that Prince Mohammed is seeking to keep all doors open. It will, however, take a lot more than vacillating media coverage and reform of the kingdom’s penal code to polish Saudi Arabia’s tarnished image in the United States and level the playing field with Iran when it comes to China. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (First Published on The Inside Arabia)

Saudi Arabia is coping with not just coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout but geopolitical issues too

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

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

Opera singer Victoria Robertson is accustomed to performing on stages much bigger than the five foot wide front porch of her San Diego home. But with concert venues closed and work at a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic, she decided to make the most of it.

San Diego opera singer swaps concert stage for front porch amid coronavirus lockdown

Millions of Americans who have been thrown out of work during the coronavirus pandemic have been unable to register for unemployment benefits since the US economy entered a free fall, according to a poll released on Tuesday.

Millions of Americans who have been thrown out of work during the coronavirus pandemic have been unable to register for unemployment benefits since the US economy entered a free fall, according to a poll released on Tuesday. The left-leaning Economic Policy Institute found in an online poll that for every 10 people who have successfully filed unemployment claims, three or four people have been unable to register and another two people have not tried to apply at a time of acute economic crisis. Official US statistics show that 26.5 million people have applied for unemployment benefits since mid-March, wiping out all of the jobs gained during the longest employment boom in US history. EPI's survey indicates that an additional 8.9 million to 13.9 million people have been shut out of the system, said Ben Zipperer, the study's lead author. "This study validates the anecdotes and news reports we're seeing about people having trouble filing for benefits they need and deserve," Zipperer said. Idled workers say they have encountered downed websites and clogged phone lines, as the state governments that administer the program have been overwhelmed by applicants. "It's a shame how you work for so many years and then when you need it, you can't get it," said Jim Hewes, 48, who said he was unable to file a claim online for more than two weeks after he was furloughed from his job at an Orlando, Florida, second-hand store in March. Hewes said he mailed off a paper application on April 9 but had not heard back from the state. "It's almost set up to fail. It was made complicated so people would get discouraged and give up," he said. EPI surveyed 24,607 U.S. adult internet users using Google Surveys between April 13 and April 24. The poll has a confidence interval, an indicator of accuracy, of plus or minus 1%. Some 9.4% of poll respondents said they had successfully applied for unemployment benefits, while 3.4% said they tried but could not get through. A further 1.9% said they did not apply because the process was too difficult. Still no payments for many States like New Jersey and Georgia have struggled to find staffers who know how to update computer systems that run on decades-old technology. Others that have moved to newer technology have also encountered technical woes. States have also had to incorporate enhanced federal benefits that provide an extra $600 per week and extend coverage to Uber drivers and other independent contractors. On top of that, many states entered the crisis with fewer workers to handle unemployment claims as an improving economy had allowed them to cut staff. States had the equivalent of 26,360 full-time workers in their unemployment offices in the 2018 fiscal year, according to the U.S. Labor Department, down 30% from staffing levels during the peak of the Great Recession in 2009 and 2010. Many Americans who managed to file claims have yet to receive payments weeks after they lost their jobs. Labor Department statistics show that 71% who apply are getting payments, although that figure varies significantly by state. Florida, for example, said on Saturday it had sent payments to roughly one in five of those who had successfully submitted claims. Among those waiting are Rachel Alvarez, 44, who says she now hides snacks in her bedroom so her three children cannot eat them too quickly. The former restaurant server in Naples, Florida, says she has run through her savings since she was laid off on March 25. "I have nothing," she said. "As much as I don't want my kids to see me stress out, each one has seen me cry."

Millions of Americans locked out of unemployment system, survey finds

US President Donald Trump has now said that he will not hold daily press briefings anymore. Trump lashed out at US media and said that the daily briefing was simply not worth the time and effort. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: US President cancels his pandemic briefing

Latest surveys show that Joe Biden, who has rarely stepped out of his house in weeks is ahead of Donald Trump in the crucial states. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump trails Joe Biden in key battleground states

The new reports bring unknown facts to light, suggesting the COVID-19 could be spreading in the United States since December. Watch this video to know more.

Facts suggest coronavirus spreading in US since December 2019

US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for&nbsp;suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant. While he backtracked on his statement saying he was being sarcastic, he has yet again made the news with another tweet.

POTUS, on Saturday, missed a White House briefing stating it is 'not worth the time and effort'. Once again concentrating on the issue of fake news, in his&nbsp;tweet he mentioned that the 'Lamestream Media' only asks hostile questions and refuses to report the truth.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, &amp; then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately. They get record ratings, &amp; the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time &amp; effort!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1254168730898173953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-us-witnesses-nearly-2500-deaths-in-last-24-hours-toll-over-53000-294797">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000</a>

He took the decision of missing the White House briefing after he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting coronavirus patients can be treated by shining ultraviolet light inside their bodies, or with injecting them with household disinfectant.

"Then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-to-provide-500000-free-halal-meals-during-ramzan-294414">Also read:&nbsp;New York City to provide 5,00,000 free halal meals during Ramzan</a>

Later, in a press conference on Thursday, Trump&nbsp;said he was being "sarcastic" and did not mean it. That press briefing was cut short to 19 minutes and no questions were accepted from the media.

The next day, on Saturday, he tweeted about not attending press briefing. The tweet did not garner a lot of positive replies, as people feel that he is running away from answering valid questions of Americans and media.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
You consider the softest softball a hostile question. 
 
eg: “What do you say to Americans who are scared?” <a href="https://t.co/Q4ggUjronw">pic.twitter.com/Q4ggUjronw</a>
— Helen Kennedy (@HelenKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/HelenKennedy/status/1254177993083121665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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United States of America is one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus&nbsp;with over 956,000 confirmed positive cases, and a death toll of 53,928.&nbsp;

Even with high death tolls, some southern states like Georgia decided to ignore warnings from top medical experts and opened businesses on Friday. People were later seen flocking to beaches.

US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant.

US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant. While he backtracked on his statement saying he was being sarcastic, he has yet again made the news with another tweet. POTUS, on Saturday, missed a White House briefing stating it is 'not worth the time and effort'. Once again concentrating on the issue of fake news, in his tweet he mentioned that the 'Lamestream Media' only asks hostile questions and refuses to report the truth. What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately. They get record ratings, & the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time & effort! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2020 × Also read: Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000 He took the decision of missing the White House briefing after he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting coronavirus patients can be treated by shining ultraviolet light inside their bodies, or with injecting them with household disinfectant. "Then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," he said. Also read: New York City to provide 5,00,000 free halal meals during Ramzan Later, in a press conference on Thursday, Trump said he was being "sarcastic" and did not mean it. That press briefing was cut short to 19 minutes and no questions were accepted from the media. The next day, on Saturday, he tweeted about not attending press briefing. The tweet did not garner a lot of positive replies, as people feel that he is running away from answering valid questions of Americans and media. You consider the softest softball a hostile question. eg: “What do you say to Americans who are scared?” pic.twitter.com/Q4ggUjronw — Helen Kennedy (@HelenKennedy) April 25, 2020 × United States of America is one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus with over 956,000 confirmed positive cases, and a death toll of 53,928. Even with high death tolls, some southern states like Georgia decided to ignore warnings from top medical experts and opened businesses on Friday. People were later seen flocking to beaches.

Not worth the time: US President Donald Trump says about media briefings after backtracking on his controversial comment

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

The U.S. President has suggested that researchers should try inserting 'disinfectant' into the bodies of Coronavirus patients. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why Trump's idea is dangerous and irresponsible.

Gravitas: Outrage over Donald Trump's 'disinfectant' idea

With the U.S. coronavirus death toll topping 51,000 and nearly one in six workers out of a job, Georgia, Oklahoma and several other states took tentative steps at reopening businesses on Friday, despite disapproval from President Donald Trump and medical experts.

Fitness clubs, hair salons, tattoo parlours and some other workplaces were allowed to open their doors by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, disregarding warnings from public health officials that easing restrictions too soon could lead to more infections and deaths.

Georgia, one of several states in the Deep South that waited until early April to mandate restrictions imposed weeks before across much of the rest of the country to curb the outbreak, has become a flashpoint in the debate over how and when the nation should return to work.

While the COVID-19 illness is killing thousands of Americans daily, stay-at-home orders and business closures have thrown more than 26 million people out of work, a level of unemployment not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

"We've been hurting real bad," said Lester Crowell, co-owner and manager of the Three-13 hair salon in suburban Atlanta, which reopened after 33 days. "I had to dip into my own bank account to keep the lights on here."

A dozen customers lined up outside the salon, each standing 6 feet apart. Before they could enter, staff members took their temperatures and asked if anyone had a cough, a recent fever or a housemate who had been sick or quarantined.

Despite the lost revenue, not all eligible merchants in Georgia jumped at the chance to resume business. Shay Cannon, owner of Liberty Tattoo in Atlanta, said he would reopen in May by appointment only and did not foresee a return to normal until June or later.

"We're just watching the numbers and doing what seems right to us," Cannon told Reuters.

The U.S. death toll from COVID-19, the highest in the world, surpassed 51,000 on Friday, having doubled in 10 days, according to a Reuters tally, and the number of Americans known to be infected surpassed 900,000.

Other states reopening&nbsp;

Georgia was not alone in reopening.

Oklahoma was permitting some retailers to resume business on Friday, Florida began reopening its beaches a week ago, South Carolina started easing restrictions on Monday, and other states will follow suit next week.

Trump, who had staked his November re-election on the nation's booming economy before the pandemic, has given mixed signals about when and how the country should begin to get back to work.

Last Friday, a day after the White House issued federal guidelines urging a gradual, cautious approach advocated by health experts, he called for several Democratic governors to "liberate" their states from economic restrictions. But in a reversal this week, he publicly criticized fellow Republican Kemp's moves to reopen Georgia.

Late on Thursday, Trump sparked fresh confusion over prospects for COVID-19 treatments, suggesting scientists should investigate whether patients might be cured by ingesting disinfectants or being bathed in ultraviolet light.

The comments prompted doctors, health experts and manufacturers of bleach to warn the public not to drink or inject disinfectant. On Friday, Trump said his remarks were meant as sarcasm.

U.S. Representative Doug Collins, a Georgia Republican, said restarting commerce on Friday was sending mixed messages.

"Everyone's supposed to be staying home, but yet we're opening up these businesses," Collins told Fox News. He cited the guidelines calling for states to register a two-week decline in coronavirus cases before easing restrictions, and said parts of Georgia were still struggling to treat patients.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose state has been the worst hit by the virus, said reopening the economy prematurely in any U.S. state was a danger to others.

With the U.S. coronavirus death toll topping 51,000 and nearly one in six workers out of a job, Georgia, Oklahoma and several other states took tentative steps at reopening businesses on Friday, despite disapproval from President Donald Trump and medical experts.

With the U.S. coronavirus death toll topping 51,000 and nearly one in six workers out of a job, Georgia, Oklahoma and several other states took tentative steps at reopening businesses on Friday, despite disapproval from President Donald Trump and medical experts. Fitness clubs, hair salons, tattoo parlours and some other workplaces were allowed to open their doors by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, disregarding warnings from public health officials that easing restrictions too soon could lead to more infections and deaths. Georgia, one of several states in the Deep South that waited until early April to mandate restrictions imposed weeks before across much of the rest of the country to curb the outbreak, has become a flashpoint in the debate over how and when the nation should return to work. While the COVID-19 illness is killing thousands of Americans daily, stay-at-home orders and business closures have thrown more than 26 million people out of work, a level of unemployment not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. "We've been hurting real bad," said Lester Crowell, co-owner and manager of the Three-13 hair salon in suburban Atlanta, which reopened after 33 days. "I had to dip into my own bank account to keep the lights on here." A dozen customers lined up outside the salon, each standing 6 feet apart. Before they could enter, staff members took their temperatures and asked if anyone had a cough, a recent fever or a housemate who had been sick or quarantined. Despite the lost revenue, not all eligible merchants in Georgia jumped at the chance to resume business. Shay Cannon, owner of Liberty Tattoo in Atlanta, said he would reopen in May by appointment only and did not foresee a return to normal until June or later. "We're just watching the numbers and doing what seems right to us," Cannon told Reuters. The U.S. death toll from COVID-19, the highest in the world, surpassed 51,000 on Friday, having doubled in 10 days, according to a Reuters tally, and the number of Americans known to be infected surpassed 900,000. Other states reopening Georgia was not alone in reopening. Oklahoma was permitting some retailers to resume business on Friday, Florida began reopening its beaches a week ago, South Carolina started easing restrictions on Monday, and other states will follow suit next week. Trump, who had staked his November re-election on the nation's booming economy before the pandemic, has given mixed signals about when and how the country should begin to get back to work. Last Friday, a day after the White House issued federal guidelines urging a gradual, cautious approach advocated by health experts, he called for several Democratic governors to "liberate" their states from economic restrictions. But in a reversal this week, he publicly criticized fellow Republican Kemp's moves to reopen Georgia. Late on Thursday, Trump sparked fresh confusion over prospects for COVID-19 treatments, suggesting scientists should investigate whether patients might be cured by ingesting disinfectants or being bathed in ultraviolet light. The comments prompted doctors, health experts and manufacturers of bleach to warn the public not to drink or inject disinfectant. On Friday, Trump said his remarks were meant as sarcasm. U.S. Representative Doug Collins, a Georgia Republican, said restarting commerce on Friday was sending mixed messages. "Everyone's supposed to be staying home, but yet we're opening up these businesses," Collins told Fox News. He cited the guidelines calling for states to register a two-week decline in coronavirus cases before easing restrictions, and said parts of Georgia were still struggling to treat patients. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose state has been the worst hit by the virus, said reopening the economy prematurely in any U.S. state was a danger to others.

As US coronavirus death toll tops 51,000, handful of states move toward reopening

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

By Anshu Dubey

Dr. Uma Madhusudana a doctor hailing from Mysuru and practicing at the South Windsor Hospital in Connecticut, US made it to the headlines across the globe on Tuesday after she was given a 100-car salute by Americans for her extraordinary service rendered during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The video of the applaud went viral on social media in no time that exhibited an entourage of people driving their cars. Dr. Uma could also be seen standing in her front yard and waving at the parade.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-we-have-placed-order-of-95-lakhs-covid-19-test-kits-to-south-korea-indian-envoy-294667">EXCLUSIVE: We have placed order of 9.5 lakhs COVID-19 test kits to South Korea: Indian envoy</a> 
&nbsp; 
In an exclusive chat with WION, Dr. Uma spoke about her experiences as a frontline warrior fighting day in and out against the pandemic, shared her fears, and a message to all healthcare workers fighting the battle in India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Here are excerpts from the interview:

WION: In these times of stress and strife it was one of those visuals where humanity, reverence and gratitude all rolled into one which brought smiles to everyone who witnessed the video. What did you feel and what was going through your mind?

Dr. Uma: First of all I would like to thank the South Windsor town where I live who organised this for the frontline workers and I was fortunate to be one of them. It was really overwhelming, emotional and so much of gratitude, appreciation, love, and care for all of us and when this video went viral I was thinking why, but I did see that the same thing got replicated in one of the cities in India referring to this video and now I feel even more good about this. 
&nbsp; 
WION: The kind and scale of toll COVID-19 has taken, can you sum up your experience as an expert and the message that you have for people in India which is getting into seemingly the most critical and serious phase now? 
&nbsp; 
Dr. Uma: The effects of COVID-19 has been far-reaching on many levels. It has jeopardized the nation's health, economy, everything. So I would say social distancing is the way to go to contain this disease and also to be abiding by the govt rules of social distancing, handwashing and not touching the face, wearing masks. All of this is very important so that we can together prevent the spread of this disease.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: Several frontline health workers would want to hear from you in India on how to cope and deal with this contagion and handle themselves and the patients under such stressful circumstances. Your message to them?

Dr. Uma: My message to the healthcare or the frontline workers would be that this is the stage that is filled with fear and anxiety but I feel we are the ones who are chosen to be in the frontline battle. Hence the most important thing is that we need to be confident about what we are doing. Protection is very important, so protect yourself with proper PPEs, handwashing, wearing masks and I would like to stress on emotional and mental health. Mental health is such a big component when we are going through this COVID-19 for all the frontline workers. For example, I work at Heart for Healthcare, we have a support system where we can call in since we can't express our feelings to our families, as they are stressed too for us going to work every day and returning. Hence we need a support system where we can share counselling, which may be a very big part at this point in time. Do exercises, yoga, watch TV, whatever you can de-stress with. It is very very important that we stay physically and mentally healthy to work as a team and come out strong.&nbsp;

It's not just about me, it's for all the frontline workers &nbsp;and it's a big shout out to all of them risking their lives on the frontline 
&nbsp;

By Anshu Dubey Dr. Uma Madhusudana a doctor hailing from Mysuru and practicing at the South Windsor Hospital in Connecticut, US made it to the headlines across the globe on Tuesday after she was given a 100-car salute by Americans for her extraordinary service rendered during the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Anshu Dubey Dr. Uma Madhusudana a doctor hailing from Mysuru and practicing at the South Windsor Hospital in Connecticut, US made it to the headlines across the globe on Tuesday after she was given a 100-car salute by Americans for her extraordinary service rendered during the COVID-19 outbreak. The video of the applaud went viral on social media in no time that exhibited an entourage of people driving their cars. Dr. Uma could also be seen standing in her front yard and waving at the parade. Also read | EXCLUSIVE: We have placed order of 9.5 lakhs COVID-19 test kits to South Korea: Indian envoy In an exclusive chat with WION, Dr. Uma spoke about her experiences as a frontline warrior fighting day in and out against the pandemic, shared her fears, and a message to all healthcare workers fighting the battle in India. Here are excerpts from the interview: WION: In these times of stress and strife it was one of those visuals where humanity, reverence and gratitude all rolled into one which brought smiles to everyone who witnessed the video. What did you feel and what was going through your mind? Dr. Uma: First of all I would like to thank the South Windsor town where I live who organised this for the frontline workers and I was fortunate to be one of them. It was really overwhelming, emotional and so much of gratitude, appreciation, love, and care for all of us and when this video went viral I was thinking why, but I did see that the same thing got replicated in one of the cities in India referring to this video and now I feel even more good about this. WION: The kind and scale of toll COVID-19 has taken, can you sum up your experience as an expert and the message that you have for people in India which is getting into seemingly the most critical and serious phase now? Dr. Uma: The effects of COVID-19 has been far-reaching on many levels. It has jeopardized the nation's health, economy, everything. So I would say social distancing is the way to go to contain this disease and also to be abiding by the govt rules of social distancing, handwashing and not touching the face, wearing masks. All of this is very important so that we can together prevent the spread of this disease. WION: Several frontline health workers would want to hear from you in India on how to cope and deal with this contagion and handle themselves and the patients under such stressful circumstances. Your message to them? Dr. Uma: My message to the healthcare or the frontline workers would be that this is the stage that is filled with fear and anxiety but I feel we are the ones who are chosen to be in the frontline battle. Hence the most important thing is that we need to be confident about what we are doing. Protection is very important, so protect yourself with proper PPEs, handwashing, wearing masks and I would like to stress on emotional and mental health. Mental health is such a big component when we are going through this COVID-19 for all the frontline workers. For example, I work at Heart for Healthcare, we have a support system where we can call in since we can't express our feelings to our families, as they are stressed too for us going to work every day and returning. Hence we need a support system where we can share counselling, which may be a very big part at this point in time. Do exercises, yoga, watch TV, whatever you can de-stress with. It is very very important that we stay physically and mentally healthy to work as a team and come out strong. It's not just about me, it's for all the frontline workers and it's a big shout out to all of them risking their lives on the frontline

EXCLUSIVE: Indian origin doctor, who received grand reception in US, says health workers should remain 'confident'

Chinese agents are amplifying fake news in America and causing panic. Last month, posts like these went viral in the United States.&nbsp;

The coronavirus was quickly spreading. Several people received this message. It says America will go into a "mandatory quarantine" or a "national lockdown". &nbsp;

There are several versions of this message. But, all of them say pretty much the same thing. There will be a lockdown in the United States, enforced by the military.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Stock up on what you need. And a request to forward the message to friends and family.&nbsp;

<img alt="mm," data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09ea491b-7bf6-4136-bb80-1952aa22ebdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/corona_natguard.jpg" /> 
 
&nbsp;The message spread like wildfire. Americans would understand the full import of this idiom.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On March 16, the US National Security Council put out a tweet.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
They clearly said there will be "no national lockdown".&nbsp;

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Text message rumors of a national <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/quarantine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#quarantine</a> are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov</a> has and will continue to post the latest guidance on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a>
— NSC (@WHNSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHNSC/status/1239398218292748292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The top national security body of the US president had to step in to handle a case of fake news. That's how serious the issue had become. The situation was alarming.&nbsp;

US intelligence agencies launched an investigation. &nbsp;On Wednesday, the New York Times published this story.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
American officials have evidence to believe that Chinese agents were involved. They pushed misinformation and fake news on different platforms.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The source or the origin of disinformation is not yet clear.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
But, American officials believe that Chinese operatives amplified fake messages. And this is what triggered panic among American citizens.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The United States is a regular target of disinformation campaigns now. The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how social media platforms can be compromised and misused.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;But, this campaign was much more sophisticated. Reports suggest Chinese agents used text messages and encrypted messaging apps.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Applications like WhatsApp. Since they are encrypted it's much harder for intelligence agencies to track them.&nbsp;

China has denied these charges. They called the report "complete nonsense". The United States and China are locked in an information war.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
America blames china for supplying "bad information" and China is hitting back with some rather crude remarks. 
&nbsp; 
In China's case, its actions to cover up the coronavirus outbreak certainly speak much louder than all the stories it's spinning.

Chinese agents are amplifying fake news in America and causing panic. Last month, posts like these went viral in the United States. The coronavirus was quickly spreading.

Chinese agents are amplifying fake news in America and causing panic. Last month, posts like these went viral in the United States. The coronavirus was quickly spreading. Several people received this message. It says America will go into a "mandatory quarantine" or a "national lockdown". There are several versions of this message. But, all of them say pretty much the same thing. There will be a lockdown in the United States, enforced by the military. Stock up on what you need. And a request to forward the message to friends and family. The message spread like wildfire. Americans would understand the full import of this idiom. On March 16, the US National Security Council put out a tweet. They clearly said there will be "no national lockdown". Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus — NSC (@WHNSC) March 16, 2020 × The top national security body of the US president had to step in to handle a case of fake news. That's how serious the issue had become. The situation was alarming. US intelligence agencies launched an investigation. On Wednesday, the New York Times published this story. American officials have evidence to believe that Chinese agents were involved. They pushed misinformation and fake news on different platforms. The source or the origin of disinformation is not yet clear. But, American officials believe that Chinese operatives amplified fake messages. And this is what triggered panic among American citizens. The United States is a regular target of disinformation campaigns now. The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how social media platforms can be compromised and misused. But, this campaign was much more sophisticated. Reports suggest Chinese agents used text messages and encrypted messaging apps. Applications like WhatsApp. Since they are encrypted it's much harder for intelligence agencies to track them. China has denied these charges. They called the report "complete nonsense". The United States and China are locked in an information war. America blames china for supplying "bad information" and China is hitting back with some rather crude remarks. In China's case, its actions to cover up the coronavirus outbreak certainly speak much louder than all the stories it's spinning.

'There is no national lockdown': United States alleges China's role in fake news spread

New Yorkers applauded, banged pots and pans, and, shortly after the 7:00 p.m. "Clap Because We Care", broke into a collective rendition of the 1972 Bill Withers's classic "Lean on Me" from their windows and balconies to honour essential workers on Thursday (April 23).

New Yorkers sing 'Lean on Me' to honour essential workers

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