A number of rockets were fired targetting foreign troops deployed in an Iraqi base north of Baghdad, Iraqi and US security sources said.&nbsp;

"The initial toll is two wounded Iraqi Air Defence personnel who are in very critical condition," said Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command on the attack at the Taji airbase.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-donald-trump-after-us-carried-air-strikes-in-iraq-286169">Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq</a>

At least 33 rockets struck Iraqi air defence units at the airbase, the country's military said, in one of the largest such volleys ever.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-us-strikes-in-iraq-proportionate-response-286170">UK says US strikes in Iraq 'proportionate' response</a>

Another 24 missiles at a nearby launching site have been found and the owner of the plot of land and security forces from an adjacent checkpoint are detained for questioning, Iraq's military said.&nbsp;

This was the 23rd attack since late October that aim installations across Iraq where American forces and diplomats are present. None of the groups has claimed responsibility for these attacks but the US has blamed hardline elements of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of armed groups.

The US-led coalition said three of its people and two Iraqi soldiers were injured in the latest attack.&nbsp;

The US-led coalition's surveillance capabilities have been affected by cloudy weather in recent days, which a US official said could have motivated the attackers to launch the rockets during the day instead of night.

This attack came three days after a similar attack which killed two American military personnel and a British soldier, the deadliest attack of such nature at an Iraqi base in years.

The US responded on Friday with airstrikes on arms depots, which it said were used by Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-favoured group within the Hashed.&nbsp;

The strikes killed at least five personnel of Iraq's security forces and one civilian, as per the country's military.&nbsp;

Iraq has faced trouble because of the enmity between two of its allies: Iran and the US. And the country started facing a lot of trouble because of this when the tussle between Iran and US spiked in late 2019 when a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack in northern Iraq.&nbsp;

The US, in a retaliatory move, killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis which greatly increased the global concerns.&nbsp;

After the death of Soleimani, Iran launched ballistic missiles at US military in Iraq, while Iraqi parliament voted in favour of expelling all foreign armies from its soil, a move that is still not implemented. &nbsp;

Some 5,200 American troops are deployed in Iraq as part of US-led coalition to help local forces weed out the remnants of the Islamic State group.

A number of rockets were fired targetting foreign troops deployed in an Iraqi base north of Baghdad, Iraqi and US security sources said. "The initial toll is two wounded Iraqi Air Defence personnel who are in very critical condition," said Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command on the attack at the Taji airbase.

A number of rockets were fired targetting foreign troops deployed in an Iraqi base north of Baghdad, Iraqi and US security sources said. "The initial toll is two wounded Iraqi Air Defence personnel who are in very critical condition," said Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command on the attack at the Taji airbase. Also read: Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq At least 33 rockets struck Iraqi air defence units at the airbase, the country's military said, in one of the largest such volleys ever. Also read: UK says US strikes in Iraq 'proportionate' response Another 24 missiles at a nearby launching site have been found and the owner of the plot of land and security forces from an adjacent checkpoint are detained for questioning, Iraq's military said. This was the 23rd attack since late October that aim installations across Iraq where American forces and diplomats are present. None of the groups has claimed responsibility for these attacks but the US has blamed hardline elements of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of armed groups. The US-led coalition said three of its people and two Iraqi soldiers were injured in the latest attack. The US-led coalition's surveillance capabilities have been affected by cloudy weather in recent days, which a US official said could have motivated the attackers to launch the rockets during the day instead of night. This attack came three days after a similar attack which killed two American military personnel and a British soldier, the deadliest attack of such nature at an Iraqi base in years. The US responded on Friday with airstrikes on arms depots, which it said were used by Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-favoured group within the Hashed. The strikes killed at least five personnel of Iraq's security forces and one civilian, as per the country's military. Iraq has faced trouble because of the enmity between two of its allies: Iran and the US. And the country started facing a lot of trouble because of this when the tussle between Iran and US spiked in late 2019 when a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack in northern Iraq. The US, in a retaliatory move, killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis which greatly increased the global concerns. After the death of Soleimani, Iran launched ballistic missiles at US military in Iraq, while Iraqi parliament voted in favour of expelling all foreign armies from its soil, a move that is still not implemented. Some 5,200 American troops are deployed in Iraq as part of US-led coalition to help local forces weed out the remnants of the Islamic State group.

At least 33 rockets target US, UK troops in Iraq

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Friday said US airstrikes in Iraq were a "proportionate" response to the deaths of two Americans and one Briton in a rocket attack.

The Pentagon said the strikes were against the pro-Iranian Kataeb Hezbollah armed faction in response to the death of the three soldiers on the Taji airbase on Wednesday.

"The response to the cowardly attack on coalition forces in Iraq has been swift, decisive and proportionate," Raab said in a statement.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/east-syria-strike-kills-26-iraqi-fighters-monitor-285947"> East Syria strike kills 26 Iraqi fighters: Monitor</a>

"We will continue working with our partners to ensure those responsible for these deplorable acts will be held to account.

"UK forces are in Iraq with coalition partners to help the country counter-terrorist activity and anyone seeking to harm them can expect a strong response."

The British soldier killed has been named by the defence ministry as Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon, a 26-year-old reservist.

A self-employed sports physiotherapist in civilian life, she had been working as a combat medical technician.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/syria-war-enters-10th-year-with-no-hope-in-sight-285777">Syria war enters 10th year with no hope in sight</a>

"She was larger than life soldier who was determined to deploy on operations, help others, develop herself and gain practical experience," her commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Leek said in a statement.

"She had already achieved a great deal in her relatively short time with us and it was abundantly clear that she was destined for great things in her civilian and military careers.

"Her loss is keenly felt."

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Friday said US airstrikes in Iraq were a "proportionate" response to the deaths of two Americans and one Briton in a rocket attack.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Friday said US airstrikes in Iraq were a "proportionate" response to the deaths of two Americans and one Briton in a rocket attack. The Pentagon said the strikes were against the pro-Iranian Kataeb Hezbollah armed faction in response to the death of the three soldiers on the Taji airbase on Wednesday. "The response to the cowardly attack on coalition forces in Iraq has been swift, decisive and proportionate," Raab said in a statement. Also Read: East Syria strike kills 26 Iraqi fighters: Monitor "We will continue working with our partners to ensure those responsible for these deplorable acts will be held to account. "UK forces are in Iraq with coalition partners to help the country counter-terrorist activity and anyone seeking to harm them can expect a strong response." The British soldier killed has been named by the defence ministry as Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon, a 26-year-old reservist. A self-employed sports physiotherapist in civilian life, she had been working as a combat medical technician. Also Read: Syria war enters 10th year with no hope in sight "She was larger than life soldier who was determined to deploy on operations, help others, develop herself and gain practical experience," her commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Leek said in a statement. "She had already achieved a great deal in her relatively short time with us and it was abundantly clear that she was destined for great things in her civilian and military careers. "Her loss is keenly felt."

UK says US strikes in Iraq 'proportionate' response

US leading immunologist Dr Manohan recently painted a worrying picture. He said, "The United States is failing on testing, 70-150 Million Americans could be infected".

Leading immunologist: US failing on testing, 70-150 Mn Americans could be infected

European Union leaders on Thursday slammed the United States for imposing a unilateral travel ban for people coming from Europe for 30 days.&nbsp;

EU presidents Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in a written statement said that coronavirus is not limited to any continent and "requires cooperation rather than unilateral action". &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suspends-travel-from-europe-to-us-in-coronavirus-crisis-285714">Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis</a>

The comments came a day after US President Donald Trump criticised European Union for failing to take precautions and restrict "travel from China and other hotspots".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-should-get-tested-for-coronavirus-285845">Who should get tested for coronavirus?</a>

"The European Union disapproves of the fact that the US decision to impose a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation," the statement said.&nbsp;

"The European Union is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus."

On Wednesday, in a primetime address from the Oval Office, Trump announced a series of measures to control the outbreak and insisted that "the virus will not have a chance."

"This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history," Trump said.&nbsp;

The major announcement was the ban on European travel, which Trump added would go into effect from "midnight Friday."

So far, over 1,100 infections and 32 deaths are confirmed in the United States, as per the tally by Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

The US president also announced short-term tax deferments and asked the Congress to enact "immediate payroll tax relief."

European Union leaders on Thursday slammed the United States for imposing a unilateral travel ban for people coming from Europe for 30 days. EU presidents Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in a written statement said that coronavirus is not limited to any continent and "requires cooperation rather than unilateral action".

European Union leaders on Thursday slammed the United States for imposing a unilateral travel ban for people coming from Europe for 30 days. EU presidents Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in a written statement said that coronavirus is not limited to any continent and "requires cooperation rather than unilateral action". Also read: Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis The comments came a day after US President Donald Trump criticised European Union for failing to take precautions and restrict "travel from China and other hotspots". Also read: Who should get tested for coronavirus? "The European Union disapproves of the fact that the US decision to impose a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation," the statement said. "The European Union is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus." On Wednesday, in a primetime address from the Oval Office, Trump announced a series of measures to control the outbreak and insisted that "the virus will not have a chance." "This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history," Trump said. The major announcement was the ban on European travel, which Trump added would go into effect from "midnight Friday." So far, over 1,100 infections and 32 deaths are confirmed in the United States, as per the tally by Johns Hopkins University. The US president also announced short-term tax deferments and asked the Congress to enact "immediate payroll tax relief."

EU slams US for travel ban on Europe over coronavirus

Despite initial setbacks, it seems like the US-Taliban peace deal is alive and kicking.Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has given-in to one of the Taliban's biggest demands — the release of its prisoners.

The president has signed a decree for the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners. But he's placed some conditions on their release.

1: Those released must give a written pledge that they will not return to the battlefield.&nbsp;

2: The prisoners will be released in batches.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-back-president-ghani-reject-abdullah-abdullahs-parallel-government-in-afghanistan-285467">Also read: US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan</a> 
 
1,500 of them will be released first — in batches of 100 per day. The initial release is expected to start this Saturday.The remaining 3,500 will be released only once the talks begin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-begins-troops-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-10-days-after-taliban-deal-285385">Also read: US begins troops withdrawal from Afghanistan 10 days after Taliban deal</a>

500 prisoners will be released every 2 weeks — until all 3,500 of the remaining prisoners are out of prison.Over-riding all of these conditions, of course, is the promise to reduce violence considerably.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/8600-us-troops-in-afghanistan-to-be-withdrawn-in-14-months-afghan-peace-deal-283538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So what brought about this change of heart in the Ashraf Ghani? The answer could very well be the parallel swearing-ins we saw on Monday.

With Abdullah Abdullah consistently questioning his legitimacy — Ghani is in dire need of international recognition. And there are reports that the US leveraged its support in exchange for the release of Taliban prisoners.

Taliban has reacted to Ghani's decision with caution. The group says they have handed over a list of the 5,000 prisoners they want to be released.

And today, their spokesperson confirmed that a prisoner release would be welcomed only if it included the prisoners who are mentioned on the list.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad welcomed Ashraf Ghani's move. And urged the 2 sides to get together and start the intra-afghan dialogue.

At the same time, Khalilzad made an important admission. That violence by Taliban continues to remain high. He urged the group to adhere by the tenets of the peace deal.

The u.S also scored another diplomatic coup at the UN security council.Its peace deal with the Taliban was unanimously endorsed as a 'significant step towards ending the war in Afghanistan'.

Its regional rivals China and Russia also supported the deal.China has in fact followed the US in supporting the Ghani govt in Afghanistan.

The ball is now fairly in the Taliban's court. In the last 24 hours, they have carried out 32 attacks in 15 provinces — killing 5 security forces and 2 civilians.The success of the upcoming talks will depend on Taliban scaling down violence.

Despite initial setbacks, it seems like the US-Taliban peace deal is alive and kicking.Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has given-in to one of the Taliban's biggest demands — the release of its prisoners.

Despite initial setbacks, it seems like the US-Taliban peace deal is alive and kicking.Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has given-in to one of the Taliban's biggest demands — the release of its prisoners. The president has signed a decree for the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners. But he's placed some conditions on their release. 1: Those released must give a written pledge that they will not return to the battlefield. 2: The prisoners will be released in batches. Also read: US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan 1,500 of them will be released first — in batches of 100 per day. The initial release is expected to start this Saturday.The remaining 3,500 will be released only once the talks begin. Also read: US begins troops withdrawal from Afghanistan 10 days after Taliban deal 500 prisoners will be released every 2 weeks — until all 3,500 of the remaining prisoners are out of prison.Over-riding all of these conditions, of course, is the promise to reduce violence considerably. So what brought about this change of heart in the Ashraf Ghani? The answer could very well be the parallel swearing-ins we saw on Monday. With Abdullah Abdullah consistently questioning his legitimacy — Ghani is in dire need of international recognition. And there are reports that the US leveraged its support in exchange for the release of Taliban prisoners. Taliban has reacted to Ghani's decision with caution. The group says they have handed over a list of the 5,000 prisoners they want to be released. And today, their spokesperson confirmed that a prisoner release would be welcomed only if it included the prisoners who are mentioned on the list. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad welcomed Ashraf Ghani's move. And urged the 2 sides to get together and start the intra-afghan dialogue. At the same time, Khalilzad made an important admission. That violence by Taliban continues to remain high. He urged the group to adhere by the tenets of the peace deal. The u.S also scored another diplomatic coup at the UN security council.Its peace deal with the Taliban was unanimously endorsed as a 'significant step towards ending the war in Afghanistan'. Its regional rivals China and Russia also supported the deal.China has in fact followed the US in supporting the Ghani govt in Afghanistan. The ball is now fairly in the Taliban's court. In the last 24 hours, they have carried out 32 attacks in 15 provinces — killing 5 security forces and 2 civilians.The success of the upcoming talks will depend on Taliban scaling down violence.

Afghanistan government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners if violence eases

The United States and China have rejected the formation of the parallel&nbsp;Afghan government led by opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah.&nbsp;

China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rockets-fired-as-ashraf-ghani-takes-oath-as-afghanistan-president-285267">Rockets fired as Ashraf Ghani takes oath as Afghanistan president</a>

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing that China congratulated Ghani's re-election, in a clear backing of the incumbent president.

"China respects Afghan people's independent choice and decision on the future of their nation. We congratulate Ghani's election as President," Geng said.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo also rejected the parallel formation saying that "we strongly oppose any action to establish a parallel government, and any use of force to resolve political differences".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-elect-delays-inauguration-to-continue-talks-with-rival-285218">Afghan president-elect delays inauguration to continue talks with rival</a>

President Ghani and his rival leader Abdullah Abdullah were each sworn in as president in separate ceremonies on Monday.

Ghani was declared the winner of the presidential election in September, but Abdullah rejected the vote and held a parallel swearing-in ceremony surrounded by hundreds of his supporters on Monday.

The&nbsp;political crisis has been brewing since September when the elections were&nbsp;marked by low participation amid threats from the Taliban and subsequent allegations of massive fraud by Ghani's rivals.

The United States and China have rejected the formation of the parallel Afghan government led by opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah. China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country.

The United States and China have rejected the formation of the parallel Afghan government led by opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah. China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country. Also read: Rockets fired as Ashraf Ghani takes oath as Afghanistan president Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing that China congratulated Ghani's re-election, in a clear backing of the incumbent president. "China respects Afghan people's independent choice and decision on the future of their nation. We congratulate Ghani's election as President," Geng said. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo also rejected the parallel formation saying that "we strongly oppose any action to establish a parallel government, and any use of force to resolve political differences". Also read: Afghan president-elect delays inauguration to continue talks with rival President Ghani and his rival leader Abdullah Abdullah were each sworn in as president in separate ceremonies on Monday. Ghani was declared the winner of the presidential election in September, but Abdullah rejected the vote and held a parallel swearing-in ceremony surrounded by hundreds of his supporters on Monday. The political crisis has been brewing since September when the elections were marked by low participation amid threats from the Taliban and subsequent allegations of massive fraud by Ghani's rivals.

US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan

After the SARS-like coronavirus spread to multiple countries, China on Monday said it was "responding actively" and had made "strict prevention and control plans".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sars-like-virus-spreading-across-china-amid-140-new-cases-third-death-275342">Also read: SARS-like virus spreading across China amid 140 new cases, third death</a>

"China has adopted a serious, careful and professional attitude since the beginning of the epidemic. China has been responding actively, and made strict prevention and control plans. China has also done all it can to treat the patients and has well managed those who have been in close contact with the patients," China's foreign ministry Geng Shuang spokesman said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-school-teacher-admitted-to-intensive-care-for-sars-like-virus-in-china-275445/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The foreign ministry spokesman asserted that&nbsp;China had shared information on the epidemic situation with the World Health Organization including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.&nbsp;

After the novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV) was detected last month in Wuhan, a third death was reported last Saturday. The virus has now spread to other Chinese cities namely&nbsp;Beijing and Shenzhen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tracking-chinas-sars-like-coronavirus-275537">In Pics:&nbsp;Tracking China's SARS-like coronavirus</a>

"After receiving notifications of relevant cases from relevant countries, China attached great importance to strengthening cooperation with them to tackle the epidemic and maintained close communication with all parties through bilateral and multilateral channels," the foreign ministry said.

China's President Xi Jinping speaking to state broadcaster CCTV said the new virus needed to be "resolutely contained"

"The safety of people's lives and their physical health should be given top priority", the Chinese president said.

Meanwhile, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said 136 new cases of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus strain had been found in the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-new-cases-in-wuhan-virus-outbreak-275016">Also read: China reports new cases in Wuhan virus outbreak</a>

The strain of pneumonia outbreak spreading in the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Shenzhen has added a new nationality to its&nbsp;list of infected individuals - a 45-year-old Indian school teacher, who is undergoing treatment for the mysterious SARS-like coronavirus.

Doctors on Monday confirmed that she was suffering from the virus and is being treated for the same. The patient - Preeti Maheshwari - is a teacher at an international school in Shenzhen.

First discovered in the central city of Wuhan, the coronavirus strain has caused alarm due to its connection to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS), which had&nbsp;a kill count of around 650 people across mainland China and Hongkong in 2002-2003.

Serving as a major transport hub, Wuhan has 11 million inhabitants and sees hundreds of millions more during the Lunar New Year, when people travel across the country to visit family.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-hospitals-worldwide-as-new-china-coronavirus-may-spread-further-274255">Also read: WHO warns hospitals worldwide over further spread of China's coronavirus</a> 
&nbsp; 
Following a second death due to the outbreak of the new strain, India issued an advisory on Friday to its nationals visiting China. "An infection with a novel coronavirus has been reported from China. As of 11th January 2020, 41 confirmed cases have been reported so far." it said. 
&nbsp; 
Wuhan city's medical colleges have a&nbsp;population of over 500 Indian medical students, most of whom have left for home during the Chinese New Year holidays. Authorities have stated that Wuhan will continue to expand the search area, identify suspected cases and conduct sampling tests.

After the SARS-like coronavirus spread to multiple countries, China on Monday said it was "responding actively" and had made "strict prevention and control plans".

After the SARS-like coronavirus spread to multiple countries, China on Monday said it was "responding actively" and had made "strict prevention and control plans". Also read: SARS-like virus spreading across China amid 140 new cases, third death "China has adopted a serious, careful and professional attitude since the beginning of the epidemic. China has been responding actively, and made strict prevention and control plans. China has also done all it can to treat the patients and has well managed those who have been in close contact with the patients," China's foreign ministry Geng Shuang spokesman said. Watch Video: The foreign ministry spokesman asserted that China had shared information on the epidemic situation with the World Health Organization including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. After the novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV) was detected last month in Wuhan, a third death was reported last Saturday. The virus has now spread to other Chinese cities namely Beijing and Shenzhen. In Pics: Tracking China's SARS-like coronavirus "After receiving notifications of relevant cases from relevant countries, China attached great importance to strengthening cooperation with them to tackle the epidemic and maintained close communication with all parties through bilateral and multilateral channels," the foreign ministry said. China's President Xi Jinping speaking to state broadcaster CCTV said the new virus needed to be "resolutely contained" "The safety of people's lives and their physical health should be given top priority", the Chinese president said. Meanwhile, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said 136 new cases of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus strain had been found in the city. Also read: China reports new cases in Wuhan virus outbreak The strain of pneumonia outbreak spreading in the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Shenzhen has added a new nationality to its list of infected individuals - a 45-year-old Indian school teacher, who is undergoing treatment for the mysterious SARS-like coronavirus. Doctors on Monday confirmed that she was suffering from the virus and is being treated for the same. The patient - Preeti Maheshwari - is a teacher at an international school in Shenzhen. First discovered in the central city of Wuhan, the coronavirus strain has caused alarm due to its connection to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS), which had a kill count of around 650 people across mainland China and Hongkong in 2002-2003. Serving as a major transport hub, Wuhan has 11 million inhabitants and sees hundreds of millions more during the Lunar New Year, when people travel across the country to visit family. Also read: WHO warns hospitals worldwide over further spread of China's coronavirus Following a second death due to the outbreak of the new strain, India issued an advisory on Friday to its nationals visiting China. "An infection with a novel coronavirus has been reported from China. As of 11th January 2020, 41 confirmed cases have been reported so far." it said. Wuhan city's medical colleges have a population of over 500 Indian medical students, most of whom have left for home during the Chinese New Year holidays. Authorities have stated that Wuhan will continue to expand the search area, identify suspected cases and conduct sampling tests.

Responding actively, made strict prevention plan: China on spread of SARS-like coronavirus

As the United States is trying to push the Afghan government forward for talks with the Taliban, a political deadlock and the threat of parallel governments are threatening the peace process in the nation.

Twin oath-taking ceremony in Kabul, Political crisis brewing in Afghan

US signed peace deal with Taliban, but political turmoil in Afghan continues!

Amid the growing concerns over the coronavirus, US President Donald Trump had a lighter moment when he shared that he has not touched his face in weeks. And Trump misses it!

The incident happened when the US president held a meeting with airlines CEOs to discuss measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx was elaborating on the need of frequent hand-washing and avoiding touching one's own face.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/john-oliver-trolls-donald-trump-for-lying-about-the-spread-of-a-deadly-disease-283768">John Oliver trolls Donald Trump for 'lying about the spread of a deadly disease'</a>

"I haven't touched my face in weeks. It’s been weeks! I miss it," Trump responded to&nbsp;Birx's statements.

Trump's witty comments were, however, immediately fact-checked by the netizens who shared posts where Trump touched his face.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today Donald Trump claimed that he hasn’t touched his face in weeks. 
 
FACT CHECK: photographs show him touching his face three days ago 
 
What else is he lying to us about? 
 
cc <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a> <a href="https://t.co/KTdvfxZjM8">pic.twitter.com/KTdvfxZjM8</a>
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWalshBlog/status/1235262735522418689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Here’s President Trump on Monday during a coronavirus meeting <a href="https://t.co/yA7mJ2qjBL">https://t.co/yA7mJ2qjBL</a> <a href="https://t.co/kM4e4aDqdU">pic.twitter.com/kM4e4aDqdU</a>
— Tyler Bartlam (@tylerbartlam5) <a href="https://twitter.com/tylerbartlam5/status/1235246167719587841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday, the death toll from coronavirus infections jumped to 11 in the United States. In the US, the state of Washington has been the worst affected as 10 people have died from the COVID-19.&nbsp;

Amid the growing concerns over the coronavirus, US President Donald Trump had a lighter moment when he shared that he has not touched his face in weeks. And Trump misses it!

Amid the growing concerns over the coronavirus, US President Donald Trump had a lighter moment when he shared that he has not touched his face in weeks. And Trump misses it! The incident happened when the US president held a meeting with airlines CEOs to discuss measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx was elaborating on the need of frequent hand-washing and avoiding touching one's own face. Also read: John Oliver trolls Donald Trump for 'lying about the spread of a deadly disease' "I haven't touched my face in weeks. It’s been weeks! I miss it," Trump responded to Birx's statements. Trump's witty comments were, however, immediately fact-checked by the netizens who shared posts where Trump touched his face. Today Donald Trump claimed that he hasn’t touched his face in weeks. FACT CHECK: photographs show him touching his face three days ago What else is he lying to us about? cc @CNN pic.twitter.com/KTdvfxZjM8 — Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 4, 2020 × Here’s President Trump on Monday during a coronavirus meeting https://t.co/yA7mJ2qjBL pic.twitter.com/kM4e4aDqdU — Tyler Bartlam (@tylerbartlam5) March 4, 2020 × On Wednesday, the death toll from coronavirus infections jumped to 11 in the United States. In the US, the state of Washington has been the worst affected as 10 people have died from the COVID-19.

Donald Trump claims he hasn't touched his face in weeks

The Pentagon has downplayed the latest Taliban attacks in Afghanistan even after the United States carried out airstrikes against the group, making it the first US attack against Taliban after Washington signed a peace deal with the group just last week.

US downplays new Taliban attack, Pentagon rejects doubts over peace deal

US House passes 8.3 billion dollar emergency bill as the coronavirus death toll in the country rises to 11. The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan bill and a group of members and staff for the appropriations panels in both the House and Senate unveiled the legislation on Wednesday after several days of talks. They released details of the plan, which will boost funding for testing of the coronavirus and lower costs for related medical treatments.

US House passes $8 billion Bipartisan bill to battle Coronavirus

The trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated to be about 348 million dollars and the country figures among the top 15 economies most affected as slowdown of manufacturing in China disrupts world trade, according to a UN report.

Estimates published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Wednesday said that the slowdown of manufacturing in China due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is disrupting world trade and could result in a 50 billion dollar decrease in exports across global value chains.

The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment.

Among the most affected economies are the European Union ($15.6 billion), the United States ($5.8 billion), Japan ($5.2 billion), South Korea ($3.8 billion), Taiwan Province of China ($2.6 billion) and Vietnam ( $2.3 billion).

India is among the 15 most-affected economies due to the coronavirus epidemic and slow down in production in China, with a trade impact of 348 million dollars.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-inch-higher-virus-fears-limit-gains-284413">Sensex, Nifty inch higher, virus fears limit gains</a>

The trade impact for India is less as compared to other economies such as EU, the US, Japan and South Korea.

Trade impact for Indonesia is 312 million dollars.

For India, the trade impact is estimated to be the most for the chemicals sector at 129 million dollars, textiles and apparel at 64 million dollars, automotive sector at 34 million dollars, electrical machinery at 12 million dollars, leather products at 13 million dollars, metals and metal products at 27 million dollars and wood products and furniture at 15 million dollars.

Besides its worrying effects on human life, the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has the potential to significantly slowdown not only the Chinese economy but also the global economy. China has become the central manufacturing hub of many global business operations. Any disruption of China's output is expected to have repercussions elsewhere through regional and global value chains, UNCTAD said.

Over the last month, China has seen a dramatic reduction in its manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) to 37.5, its lowest reading since 2004.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-india-live-updates-coronavirus-cases-in-india-live-news-latest-updates-one-intel-employee-potentially-exposed-to-coronavirus-under-quarantine-284099">Coronavirus live updates: 29 positive coronavirus cases in India, including 16 Italians, says Health Minister Harsh Vardhan</a>

This drop implies a 2 per cent reduction in output on an annual basis.

This has come as a direct consequence of the spread of corona virus (COVID-19).

The 2 per cent contraction in China's output has ripple effects through the global economy and thus far has caused an estimated drop of about $50 billion across countries,"UNCTAD said.

"The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment, it added.

UNCTAD said because China has become the central manufacturing hub of many global business operations, a slowdown in Chinese production has repercussions for any given country depending on how reliant its industries are on Chinese suppliers.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-end-lower-as-coronavirus-cases-jump-to-28-284272">Nifty, Sensex end lower as coronavirus cases jump to 28</a>

In addition to grave threats to human life, the coronavirus outbreak carries serious risks for the global economy, UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said.

Any slowdown in manufacturing in one part of the world will have a ripple effect in economic activity across the globe because of regional and global value chains, he said.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, who heads UNCTAD's Division on International Trade and Commodities, said for developing economies that are reliant on selling raw materials, the effects could be felt very, very intensely.

Assuming that it is not mitigated in the short-term, it's likely that the overall impact on the global economy is going to be significant in terms of a negative downturn, she said.

The estimated global effects of COVID-19 are subject to change depending on the containment of the virus and or changes in the sources of supply.

Watch: 

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Meanwhile, the extent of the damage to the global economy caused by novel coronavirus COVID-19 moved further into focus as UN economists announced a likely $50 billion drop in worldwide manufacturing exports in February alone.

Highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of the epidemic, in which there have been more than 90,000 confirmed cases in more than 70 countries (the majority in China) and over 3,000 deaths, Coke-Hamilton said that US measures in terms of visitor arrivals, cancelling various meetings were having a knock-on effect in terms of demand.

So right now, we're not clear on where it will go a lot will depend on what happens with COVID-19; if they are able to come up with a vaccine then hallelujah, hopefully it will end very quickly, but if not, the impact can be severe, she said.

The trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated to be about 348 million dollars and the country figures among the top 15 economies most affected as slowdown of manufacturing in China disrupts world trade, according to a UN report.

The trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated to be about 348 million dollars and the country figures among the top 15 economies most affected as slowdown of manufacturing in China disrupts world trade, according to a UN report. Estimates published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Wednesday said that the slowdown of manufacturing in China due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is disrupting world trade and could result in a 50 billion dollar decrease in exports across global value chains. The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment. Among the most affected economies are the European Union ($15.6 billion), the United States ($5.8 billion), Japan ($5.2 billion), South Korea ($3.8 billion), Taiwan Province of China ($2.6 billion) and Vietnam ( $2.3 billion). India is among the 15 most-affected economies due to the coronavirus epidemic and slow down in production in China, with a trade impact of 348 million dollars. Also read: Sensex, Nifty inch higher, virus fears limit gains The trade impact for India is less as compared to other economies such as EU, the US, Japan and South Korea. Trade impact for Indonesia is 312 million dollars. For India, the trade impact is estimated to be the most for the chemicals sector at 129 million dollars, textiles and apparel at 64 million dollars, automotive sector at 34 million dollars, electrical machinery at 12 million dollars, leather products at 13 million dollars, metals and metal products at 27 million dollars and wood products and furniture at 15 million dollars. Besides its worrying effects on human life, the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has the potential to significantly slowdown not only the Chinese economy but also the global economy. China has become the central manufacturing hub of many global business operations. Any disruption of China's output is expected to have repercussions elsewhere through regional and global value chains, UNCTAD said. Over the last month, China has seen a dramatic reduction in its manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) to 37.5, its lowest reading since 2004. Also see: Coronavirus live updates: 29 positive coronavirus cases in India, including 16 Italians, says Health Minister Harsh Vardhan This drop implies a 2 per cent reduction in output on an annual basis. This has come as a direct consequence of the spread of corona virus (COVID-19). The 2 per cent contraction in China's output has ripple effects through the global economy and thus far has caused an estimated drop of about $50 billion across countries,"UNCTAD said. "The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment, it added. UNCTAD said because China has become the central manufacturing hub of many global business operations, a slowdown in Chinese production has repercussions for any given country depending on how reliant its industries are on Chinese suppliers. Also read: Nifty, Sensex end lower as coronavirus cases jump to 28 In addition to grave threats to human life, the coronavirus outbreak carries serious risks for the global economy, UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said. Any slowdown in manufacturing in one part of the world will have a ripple effect in economic activity across the globe because of regional and global value chains, he said. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, who heads UNCTAD's Division on International Trade and Commodities, said for developing economies that are reliant on selling raw materials, the effects could be felt very, very intensely. Assuming that it is not mitigated in the short-term, it's likely that the overall impact on the global economy is going to be significant in terms of a negative downturn, she said. The estimated global effects of COVID-19 are subject to change depending on the containment of the virus and or changes in the sources of supply. Watch: × Meanwhile, the extent of the damage to the global economy caused by novel coronavirus COVID-19 moved further into focus as UN economists announced a likely $50 billion drop in worldwide manufacturing exports in February alone. Highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of the epidemic, in which there have been more than 90,000 confirmed cases in more than 70 countries (the majority in China) and over 3,000 deaths, Coke-Hamilton said that US measures in terms of visitor arrivals, cancelling various meetings were having a knock-on effect in terms of demand. So right now, we're not clear on where it will go a lot will depend on what happens with COVID-19; if they are able to come up with a vaccine then hallelujah, hopefully it will end very quickly, but if not, the impact can be severe, she said.

Trade impact of Coronavirus epidemic for India estimated at 348 million dollars: UN report

The United States has launched an alliance of “like-minded partners who treasure, and fight for, international religious freedom for every human being.”

Their first step in this endeavour to foster global understanding and harmony was to condemn Pakistan for not protecting the religious freedom of its minorities, including the Hindus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-hub-of-forced-conversion-accuses-india-of-totalitarianism-and-racism-276082">Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism</a>

Comments on this were made by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the launch of the International Religious Freedom Alliance, comprising of 27 nations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/for-pakistan-pm-atrocities-over-2-million-muslims-is-nothing-says-he-wont-criticise-china-because-they-helped-us-276092">Also read: For Pakistan PM, atrocities over 2 million Uighur Muslims is 'nothing', says he won't criticise China because 'they helped us'</a>

Pompeo stated that the US condemns "terrorists and violent extremists who target religious minorities," adding that they do so irrespective of whether they may be the Yazidis in Iraq, Hindus in Pakistan, Christians in northeast Nigeria, or Muslims in Burma.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-know-much-about-imran-khan-on-situation-of-uighurs-muslims-in-china-249715">Also read: 'Don't know much about' —&nbsp;Imran Khan on situation of Uighurs Muslims in China</a>

Statements from the US official comes soon after India amended legislation to grant citizenship to migrants from six minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered the country after December 31, 2014.

Among the prominent nations to have joined this alliance are Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Israel, Ukraine, the Netherlands and Greece. 
&nbsp; 
The participating nations, as per Senior State Department officials, are to discuss the areas that they shall be focussing on, such as technology and religious oppression, blasphemy and apostasy laws, etc.

The alliance will be deliberating statements, discussing the initiatives taken by international bodies which they will support and agreeing on situations where imposing sanctions is a feasible possibility.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official stated that this is a consensual body and that every nation is not bound to join in each of the items that come forth.

The United States has launched an alliance of “like-minded partners who treasure, and fight for, international religious freedom for every human being.” Their first step in this endeavour to foster global understanding and harmony was to condemn Pakistan for not protecting the religious freedom of its minorities, including the Hindus.

The United States has launched an alliance of “like-minded partners who treasure, and fight for, international religious freedom for every human being.” Their first step in this endeavour to foster global understanding and harmony was to condemn Pakistan for not protecting the religious freedom of its minorities, including the Hindus. Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism Comments on this were made by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the launch of the International Religious Freedom Alliance, comprising of 27 nations. Also read: For Pakistan PM, atrocities over 2 million Uighur Muslims is 'nothing', says he won't criticise China because 'they helped us' Pompeo stated that the US condemns "terrorists and violent extremists who target religious minorities," adding that they do so irrespective of whether they may be the Yazidis in Iraq, Hindus in Pakistan, Christians in northeast Nigeria, or Muslims in Burma. Also read: 'Don't know much about' — Imran Khan on situation of Uighurs Muslims in China Statements from the US official comes soon after India amended legislation to grant citizenship to migrants from six minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered the country after December 31, 2014. Among the prominent nations to have joined this alliance are Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Israel, Ukraine, the Netherlands and Greece. The participating nations, as per Senior State Department officials, are to discuss the areas that they shall be focussing on, such as technology and religious oppression, blasphemy and apostasy laws, etc. The alliance will be deliberating statements, discussing the initiatives taken by international bodies which they will support and agreeing on situations where imposing sanctions is a feasible possibility. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official stated that this is a consensual body and that every nation is not bound to join in each of the items that come forth.

US slams Pakistan for ignoring minority freedom during International Religious Freedom Alliance

Tornadoes ripped through Tennessee early Tuesday, leaving at least 25 people dead, destroying buildings and toppling power lines hours before the southern US state voted in Super Tuesday primaries.

Voting hours were extended due to the devastation the twisters wrought when they touched down shortly after midnight, rubble was strewn across the state capital Nashville.

Residents ran for their lives as their homes came down around them. Tens of thousands lost power to their homes, officials said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-eight-as-tornadoes-devastate-tennessee-284047">Death toll rises to eight as tornadoes devastate Tennessee</a>

"Take&nbsp;cover&nbsp;now! This&nbsp;is&nbsp;an&nbsp;extremely&nbsp;dangerous storm!" the National Weather Service tweeted as one tornado tore through an area west of Nashville.

A television broadcast showed cars piled up, hangars destroyed and what appeared to be dozens of aircraft smashed into each other at Nashville's John C. Tune Airport.

The Nashville Police Department circulated aerial photographs of many buildings missing roofs and homes destroyed standing next to houses that escaped damage.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tornadoes-thunderstorms-to-hit-us-south-and-midwest-again-weather-forecasters-211147">Tornadoes, thunderstorms to hit US&nbsp;south and midwest again</a>

"In the hours ahead, we will continue deploying search and rescue teams, opening shelters across the state, and sending emergency personnel to our communities hit hardest," Governor Bill Lee wrote on Twitter.

Lee said late Tuesday that the toll had risen to 25 during the day.

Among the victims were two people in Nashville killed after being struck by debris, police said.

Mayor John Cooper said around 150 people had been transported to medical facilities while nearly 50 buildings had collapsed in the city, the hub of the US country music scene.

US President Donald Trump said that he would visit the stricken areas Friday.

"We send our love and our prayers of the nation to every family that was affected, and we will get there and we will recover and we will rebuild and we will help them," Trump said.

The series of severe storms that passed through Tennessee caused major damage to buildings, roads, bridges, utilities and businesses, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said.

"Tornado damage has been reported throughout West and Middle Tennessee including downtown Nashville," it added.

Overturned tractor trailers and other vehicles littered interstate highways.&nbsp;

Tornadoes ripped through Tennessee early Tuesday, leaving at least 25 people dead, destroying buildings and toppling power lines hours before the southern US state voted in Super Tuesday primaries.

Tornadoes ripped through Tennessee early Tuesday, leaving at least 25 people dead, destroying buildings and toppling power lines hours before the southern US state voted in Super Tuesday primaries. Voting hours were extended due to the devastation the twisters wrought when they touched down shortly after midnight, rubble was strewn across the state capital Nashville. Residents ran for their lives as their homes came down around them. Tens of thousands lost power to their homes, officials said. Also read: Death toll rises to eight as tornadoes devastate Tennessee "Take cover now! This is an extremely dangerous storm!" the National Weather Service tweeted as one tornado tore through an area west of Nashville. A television broadcast showed cars piled up, hangars destroyed and what appeared to be dozens of aircraft smashed into each other at Nashville's John C. Tune Airport. The Nashville Police Department circulated aerial photographs of many buildings missing roofs and homes destroyed standing next to houses that escaped damage. Also read: Tornadoes, thunderstorms to hit US south and midwest again "In the hours ahead, we will continue deploying search and rescue teams, opening shelters across the state, and sending emergency personnel to our communities hit hardest," Governor Bill Lee wrote on Twitter. Lee said late Tuesday that the toll had risen to 25 during the day. Among the victims were two people in Nashville killed after being struck by debris, police said. Mayor John Cooper said around 150 people had been transported to medical facilities while nearly 50 buildings had collapsed in the city, the hub of the US country music scene. US President Donald Trump said that he would visit the stricken areas Friday. "We send our love and our prayers of the nation to every family that was affected, and we will get there and we will recover and we will rebuild and we will help them," Trump said. The series of severe storms that passed through Tennessee caused major damage to buildings, roads, bridges, utilities and businesses, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said. "Tornado damage has been reported throughout West and Middle Tennessee including downtown Nashville," it added. Overturned tractor trailers and other vehicles littered interstate highways.

Tornadoes tear though Tennessee, 25 dead

The much-hyped deal between the United States and the Taliban seems to be hitting roadblock after roadblock. President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani is against freeing thousands of Taliban prisoners ahead of power-sharing talks next week. Ghani has publicly disagreed with a time table for a speedy prisoner release. watch report:

US-Taliban peace deal hits first roadblock, Afghan Prez won't free Taliban prisoners

A large group of mostly African-American women gathered at a Columbia, South Carolina church on Friday (February 28), the eve of the state's pivotal primary election.

South Carolina voters break a sweat dancing ahead of critical primary

A long-awaited historic US-Taliban peace deal was signed by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on February 29, 2020. All stakeholders have expressed hope of peace returning to Afghanistan, but the apprehensions on the longevity of the deal, as well as, peace prospects could not be hidden in the utterances by various dignitaries.&nbsp;

While a peaceful terror-free Afghanistan is everyone’s desirability in the region, but the existing environment in Afghanistan leaves a few questions in the mind of all strategists to say; Is it a deal or compromise?&nbsp;

Compulsions for&nbsp;the US and Allies&nbsp;

US-led invasion ousted the Taliban post-September 11, 2001 attacks. After losing 2,400 US soldiers, tens of thousands of Afghan troops, Taliban fighters and Afghan civilians and spending more than $1 trillion, it was appearing to be unsustainable with peace appearing to be only a mirage. I am sure that in 2001, the US planners never dreamt of such an end state, where they will be signing a deal with the same Taliban, promising nothing more than a reduction in violence/no violence in concrete terms, in exchange of phased ouster of all foreign forces. Taliban’s assurance of not allowing the use of Afghan soil for terrorism seems to be too good to be true. The apprehensions about Taliban adherence to deal was quite evident in US Secretary Mike Pompeo’s speech reminding them to keep their promises of not siding with Al-Qaeda and to defeat Islamic State. US Defence Chief too indicated that it will not hesitate to nullify the deal if the Taliban failed to hold its promises as per the deal.&nbsp;

The fact that US President Donald Trump had campaigned for ending the US-Afghan war, made it an important foreign policy objective for the US. The US was not expecting a military victory wherein the Taliban would lay down its arms. The promise of the US and its allies for an initial reduction of troops to 8,600 within 135 days and withdrawal of all their forces from Afghanistan within 14 months appears to be a reasonable compromise, given the fact that culminating point of US war was reached long back and their further stay was not making sense, in overall cost-benefit analysis. Complete withdrawal of US forces will also amount to ceding the crucial strategic space to its competitors, but it appears that the US has thought through it; hence made a promise to help the Afghan government in combating Al-Qaeda to ensure that it does not become strong enough to strike mainland of US again. One more compulsion on the&nbsp;US for such compromising gesture could well be the likelihood of Iran slipping into the hands of hardliners.

What did the Taliban Achieve?&nbsp;

Under the circumstances, the Taliban got the better of the deal by temporarily halting its terror activities in exchange of US promise of phased withdrawal of all foreign forces. The fact that the Taliban representative made it a point to remind everyone of their Islamic values during the joint statement, clearly indicates the deep-rooted love for Sharia law of its cadres, who want to see their leaders remembering it, despite promising to be reasonable to all segments of the society. Taliban would also be happy about getting back 5000 of its cadres in Afghan government custody if all goes as planned. Their promise of renouncing support to Al-Qaeda and fighting ISIS is unrealistic. 
 
Afghanistan Government&nbsp;

The Afghan government has never been comfortable with its exclusion from talks with the Taliban. Despite that President Ghani, in his address before the signing ceremony, indicated hope of peace based on mutual respect. Apparently, the compromise has been due to lack of any leverage, as the Taliban refuses to talk to them and the election results have not been convincing enough to put him in driving seat. Going along with the deal, calling for intra-Afghan dialogue for durable peace was the only workable option for him.&nbsp;

He chose to look for the US help for lifting UN sanctions on Afghanistan. The promises of US help in facilitating Afghan-Taliban talks would have comforted him, although the Taliban did not make any concrete promise for that. It is a fact that any foreign prescription for peace will not work in Afghanistan and intra-Afghan dialogue is the only way forward for sustainable peace.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Other Stake Holders&nbsp;

Welcoming the peace agreement, Pakistan said it will continue to support a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. It, however, needs to be noted that Taliban and Pakistan have been supporting Al-Qaeda, Haqqani network and other affiliates for so many years, and it may be unrealistic to expect that both will not allow them not to use their territory any further. Apparently, it is for this apprehension Mike Pompeo found it necessary to mention that he hopes that Pakistan will continue to do its part, after the signing of the deal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The prospects of peace in Afghanistan is good for all regional players, including Russia, China and India, provided it becomes a reality. India, having made significant investments there, will always hope for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process and a popular democratic government in Afghanistan.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

A long-awaited historic US-Taliban peace deal was signed by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on February 29, 2020. All stakeholders have expressed hope of peace returning to Afghanistan, but the apprehensions on the longevity of the deal, as well as, peace prospects could not be hidden in the utterances by various dignitaries.

A long-awaited historic US-Taliban peace deal was signed by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on February 29, 2020. All stakeholders have expressed hope of peace returning to Afghanistan, but the apprehensions on the longevity of the deal, as well as, peace prospects could not be hidden in the utterances by various dignitaries. While a peaceful terror-free Afghanistan is everyone’s desirability in the region, but the existing environment in Afghanistan leaves a few questions in the mind of all strategists to say; Is it a deal or compromise? Compulsions for the US and Allies US-led invasion ousted the Taliban post-September 11, 2001 attacks. After losing 2,400 US soldiers, tens of thousands of Afghan troops, Taliban fighters and Afghan civilians and spending more than $1 trillion, it was appearing to be unsustainable with peace appearing to be only a mirage. I am sure that in 2001, the US planners never dreamt of such an end state, where they will be signing a deal with the same Taliban, promising nothing more than a reduction in violence/no violence in concrete terms, in exchange of phased ouster of all foreign forces. Taliban’s assurance of not allowing the use of Afghan soil for terrorism seems to be too good to be true. The apprehensions about Taliban adherence to deal was quite evident in US Secretary Mike Pompeo’s speech reminding them to keep their promises of not siding with Al-Qaeda and to defeat Islamic State. US Defence Chief too indicated that it will not hesitate to nullify the deal if the Taliban failed to hold its promises as per the deal. The fact that US President Donald Trump had campaigned for ending the US-Afghan war, made it an important foreign policy objective for the US. The US was not expecting a military victory wherein the Taliban would lay down its arms. The promise of the US and its allies for an initial reduction of troops to 8,600 within 135 days and withdrawal of all their forces from Afghanistan within 14 months appears to be a reasonable compromise, given the fact that culminating point of US war was reached long back and their further stay was not making sense, in overall cost-benefit analysis. Complete withdrawal of US forces will also amount to ceding the crucial strategic space to its competitors, but it appears that the US has thought through it; hence made a promise to help the Afghan government in combating Al-Qaeda to ensure that it does not become strong enough to strike mainland of US again. One more compulsion on the US for such compromising gesture could well be the likelihood of Iran slipping into the hands of hardliners. What did the Taliban Achieve? Under the circumstances, the Taliban got the better of the deal by temporarily halting its terror activities in exchange of US promise of phased withdrawal of all foreign forces. The fact that the Taliban representative made it a point to remind everyone of their Islamic values during the joint statement, clearly indicates the deep-rooted love for Sharia law of its cadres, who want to see their leaders remembering it, despite promising to be reasonable to all segments of the society. Taliban would also be happy about getting back 5000 of its cadres in Afghan government custody if all goes as planned. Their promise of renouncing support to Al-Qaeda and fighting ISIS is unrealistic. Afghanistan Government The Afghan government has never been comfortable with its exclusion from talks with the Taliban. Despite that President Ghani, in his address before the signing ceremony, indicated hope of peace based on mutual respect. Apparently, the compromise has been due to lack of any leverage, as the Taliban refuses to talk to them and the election results have not been convincing enough to put him in driving seat. Going along with the deal, calling for intra-Afghan dialogue for durable peace was the only workable option for him. He chose to look for the US help for lifting UN sanctions on Afghanistan. The promises of US help in facilitating Afghan-Taliban talks would have comforted him, although the Taliban did not make any concrete promise for that. It is a fact that any foreign prescription for peace will not work in Afghanistan and intra-Afghan dialogue is the only way forward for sustainable peace. Other Stake Holders Welcoming the peace agreement, Pakistan said it will continue to support a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. It, however, needs to be noted that Taliban and Pakistan have been supporting Al-Qaeda, Haqqani network and other affiliates for so many years, and it may be unrealistic to expect that both will not allow them not to use their territory any further. Apparently, it is for this apprehension Mike Pompeo found it necessary to mention that he hopes that Pakistan will continue to do its part, after the signing of the deal. The prospects of peace in Afghanistan is good for all regional players, including Russia, China and India, provided it becomes a reality. India, having made significant investments there, will always hope for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process and a popular democratic government in Afghanistan. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US-Taliban peace deal: What does it mean for Afghanistan and other stakeholders

The latest confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States, diagnosed in a California woman, is of “unknown origin” and was found in a patient who had not traveled overseas or had contact with any known travelers, local health officials said on Friday.

The woman, identified only as an adult with chronic health conditions, was referred by her physician for testing after she developed difficulty breathing, said Dr. Sara Cody, Chief Health Officer for Santa Clara County.

Santa Clara is home to the Silicon Valley tech hub in Northern California.

“This is the third case identified in our county. But it’s different from the other two cases in an important way ...Our third case did not recently travel overseas or have any known contact with a recent traveler or infected person,” Cody told an afternoon news conference.

Also watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/america-at-risk-of-coronavirus-spread-282904">America at risk of coronavirus spread</a>

It is also the second case of a patient who contracted the virus from an unknown origin. On Wednesday, health authorities announced a woman in Solano County, California, about 90 miles (145 km) to the north, was the nation’s first case of community transmission.

It means the virus is now spreading within at least two separate locations in California.

Cody said that the discovery of a second patient suffering from coronavirus from unknown origins marked a new chapter for public health officials where quarantines and travel restrictions were no longer enough to contain the virus.

“We will continue to trace close contacts of our cases to try to limit the spread of the virus. But now we need to add other public health tools to the mix,” Cody said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-confirms-first-two-cases-of-coronavirus-linked-to-italy-283415">Mexico confirms first two cases of coronavirus, linked to Italy</a>

“Now that we have a case that did not recently travel or come in contact with anyone known to be ill, what does this mean? What we know now is that the virus is here, present at some level. But we still don’t know to what degree,” she said.

The number of confirmed U.S. cases of the respiratory disease is still relatively small at roughly 60, most of them repatriated American passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, but there are growing fears that the country is on the cusp of wider outbreak.

The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for several nations and on Friday it said Americans should reconsider travel to Italy, where nearly 900 coronavirus cases have been confirmed.

The latest confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States, diagnosed in a California woman, is of “unknown origin” and was found in a patient who had not traveled overseas or had contact with any known travelers, local health officials said on Friday.

The latest confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States, diagnosed in a California woman, is of “unknown origin” and was found in a patient who had not traveled overseas or had contact with any known travelers, local health officials said on Friday. The woman, identified only as an adult with chronic health conditions, was referred by her physician for testing after she developed difficulty breathing, said Dr. Sara Cody, Chief Health Officer for Santa Clara County. Santa Clara is home to the Silicon Valley tech hub in Northern California. “This is the third case identified in our county. But it’s different from the other two cases in an important way ...Our third case did not recently travel overseas or have any known contact with a recent traveler or infected person,” Cody told an afternoon news conference. Also watch: America at risk of coronavirus spread It is also the second case of a patient who contracted the virus from an unknown origin. On Wednesday, health authorities announced a woman in Solano County, California, about 90 miles (145 km) to the north, was the nation’s first case of community transmission. It means the virus is now spreading within at least two separate locations in California. Cody said that the discovery of a second patient suffering from coronavirus from unknown origins marked a new chapter for public health officials where quarantines and travel restrictions were no longer enough to contain the virus. “We will continue to trace close contacts of our cases to try to limit the spread of the virus. But now we need to add other public health tools to the mix,” Cody said. Also read: Mexico confirms first two cases of coronavirus, linked to Italy “Now that we have a case that did not recently travel or come in contact with anyone known to be ill, what does this mean? What we know now is that the virus is here, present at some level. But we still don’t know to what degree,” she said. The number of confirmed U.S. cases of the respiratory disease is still relatively small at roughly 60, most of them repatriated American passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, but there are growing fears that the country is on the cusp of wider outbreak. The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for several nations and on Friday it said Americans should reconsider travel to Italy, where nearly 900 coronavirus cases have been confirmed.

New coronavirus case in California is of unknown origin

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US&nbsp;officials familiar with the matter said on Friday.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had invited leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to meet in Las Vegas after he did not attend a summit with the group in Bangkok in November.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/un-chief-recommends-ministers-diplomats-skip-travelling-to-meeting-due-to-coronavirus-risks-283430"> U.N. chief recommends ministers, diplomats skip travelling to meeting due to coronavirus risks</a>

“As the international community works together to defeat the novel coronavirus, the United States, in consultation with ASEAN partners, has made the difficult decision to postpone the ASEAN leaders meeting,” one of the sources, a senior administration official, told Reuters.

The official added that the United States values its relationships with ASEAN member nations and looks forward to future meetings.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-crash-as-global-markets-dive-over-spread-of-coronavirus-283314"> Sensex, Nifty crash as global markets dive over spread of coronavirus</a>

The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The decision comes amid growing fears that the virus will spread in the United States as countries report new infections, companies announce curbs on employees’ travel and global stock markets continue to plummet.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday preparations for the meeting were going ahead in spite of the coronavirus outbreak.

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US officials familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US officials familiar with the matter said on Friday. US President Donald Trump had invited leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to meet in Las Vegas after he did not attend a summit with the group in Bangkok in November. Also read: U.N. chief recommends ministers, diplomats skip travelling to meeting due to coronavirus risks “As the international community works together to defeat the novel coronavirus, the United States, in consultation with ASEAN partners, has made the difficult decision to postpone the ASEAN leaders meeting,” one of the sources, a senior administration official, told Reuters. The official added that the United States values its relationships with ASEAN member nations and looks forward to future meetings. Also see: Sensex, Nifty crash as global markets dive over spread of coronavirus The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The decision comes amid growing fears that the virus will spread in the United States as countries report new infections, companies announce curbs on employees’ travel and global stock markets continue to plummet. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday preparations for the meeting were going ahead in spite of the coronavirus outbreak.

US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report

A federal appeals court Friday blocked a key asylum policy of Donald Trump's administration which has forced many applicants to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed, delivering a blow to the US president's signature crackdown on migration at the southern border.

The policy, known as "Remain in Mexico," has been used to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers from Central America back to Mexico, but was placed on hold by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

The court ruled that the policy "is invalid in its entirety" under US law concerning migrant rights and UN refugee protocols, and should be blocked "in its entirety."

The White House blasted the ruling, warning it could "flood the nation's immigration system" and "present unchecked coronavirus entry risk."

The San Francisco court had originally allowed the policy to go-ahead last year, pending the appeal, overruling a district judge who had ruled against the measure.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-set-to-sign-troop-withdrawal-deal-as-pompeo-lands-in-doha-283470">US-Taliban set to sign troop withdrawal deal as Pompeo lands in Doha</a>

The district judge had heard evidence that migrants returned to Mexico under the policy faced discrimination, physical violence, sexual assault, corruption and lack of food and shelter.

Over 60,000 people have been returned to Mexico under the program since it was introduced in January 2019, according to the White House.

The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups that challenged the policy in court, welcomed the ruling Friday.

"The court forcefully rejected the Trump administration's assertion that it could strand asylum seekers in Mexico and subject them to grave danger," said attorney Judy Rabinovitz in a statement.

"It's time for the administration to follow the law and stop putting asylum seekers in harm's way."

"The policy is facially and flatly illegal," tweeted Harvard Law School constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-picks-up-steam-outside-china-as-us-reports-2-cases-of-unknown-origin-of-virus-283452">Coronavirus picks up steam outside China as US reports 2 cases of unknown origin of virus&nbsp;</a>

'Hugely successful'

But a Department of Justice spokesman said the Trump administration had "acted faithfully" and slammed the ruling which "highlights the consequences and impropriety of nationwide injunctions."

The court's decision "not only ignores the Constitutional authority of Congress and the administration for a policy in effect for over a year but also extends relief beyond the parties before the court."

The White House said it was "considering all available legal options to seek further review of this decision," and called the asylum policy "hugely successful."

The number of detained migrants soared in recent years as hundreds of thousands of people, mostly from Central America, poured into the United States, with many seeking asylum.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-head-towards-europe-border-after-reports-claim-that-turkey-opens-gates-283266">Hundreds head towards Europe border after reports claim that Turkey 'opens gates'</a>

A crackdown including the "Remain in Mexico" policy has seen border apprehensions plunge in recent months.

The figure stood at fewer than 37,000 last month, from more than 58,000 a year earlier.

But Refugee International warned Friday that the asylum policy "means the difference between life and death" for migrants "cruelly pushed into harm and deprivation in Mexico."

In a separate ruling Friday, the same appeals court also struck down the Trump policy of blocking anyone entering illegally without going through an official port of entry from applying for asylum.

"Together, the two decisions represent a significant setback for the Trump administration's efforts to restrict asylum applications," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a Cornell Law School professor.

"This issue is surely headed to the Supreme Court," he added.

A federal appeals court Friday blocked a key asylum policy of Donald Trump's administration which has forced many applicants to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed, delivering a blow to the US president's signature crackdown on migration at the southern border.

A federal appeals court Friday blocked a key asylum policy of Donald Trump's administration which has forced many applicants to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed, delivering a blow to the US president's signature crackdown on migration at the southern border. The policy, known as "Remain in Mexico," has been used to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers from Central America back to Mexico, but was placed on hold by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The court ruled that the policy "is invalid in its entirety" under US law concerning migrant rights and UN refugee protocols, and should be blocked "in its entirety." The White House blasted the ruling, warning it could "flood the nation's immigration system" and "present unchecked coronavirus entry risk." The San Francisco court had originally allowed the policy to go-ahead last year, pending the appeal, overruling a district judge who had ruled against the measure. Also read: US-Taliban set to sign troop withdrawal deal as Pompeo lands in Doha The district judge had heard evidence that migrants returned to Mexico under the policy faced discrimination, physical violence, sexual assault, corruption and lack of food and shelter. Over 60,000 people have been returned to Mexico under the program since it was introduced in January 2019, according to the White House. The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups that challenged the policy in court, welcomed the ruling Friday. "The court forcefully rejected the Trump administration's assertion that it could strand asylum seekers in Mexico and subject them to grave danger," said attorney Judy Rabinovitz in a statement. "It's time for the administration to follow the law and stop putting asylum seekers in harm's way." "The policy is facially and flatly illegal," tweeted Harvard Law School constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe. Also see: Coronavirus picks up steam outside China as US reports 2 cases of unknown origin of virus 'Hugely successful' But a Department of Justice spokesman said the Trump administration had "acted faithfully" and slammed the ruling which "highlights the consequences and impropriety of nationwide injunctions." The court's decision "not only ignores the Constitutional authority of Congress and the administration for a policy in effect for over a year but also extends relief beyond the parties before the court." The White House said it was "considering all available legal options to seek further review of this decision," and called the asylum policy "hugely successful." The number of detained migrants soared in recent years as hundreds of thousands of people, mostly from Central America, poured into the United States, with many seeking asylum. Also read: Hundreds head towards Europe border after reports claim that Turkey 'opens gates' A crackdown including the "Remain in Mexico" policy has seen border apprehensions plunge in recent months. The figure stood at fewer than 37,000 last month, from more than 58,000 a year earlier. But Refugee International warned Friday that the asylum policy "means the difference between life and death" for migrants "cruelly pushed into harm and deprivation in Mexico." In a separate ruling Friday, the same appeals court also struck down the Trump policy of blocking anyone entering illegally without going through an official port of entry from applying for asylum. "Together, the two decisions represent a significant setback for the Trump administration's efforts to restrict asylum applications," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a Cornell Law School professor. "This issue is surely headed to the Supreme Court," he added.

US court blocks Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' asylum policy

US health officials reported Friday a fourth case of novel coronavirus of unknown origin, indicating the disease was spreading in the country.

The latest case is a boy under 18 in Washington State who tested "presumptive positive", local authorities said without releasing further details about the patient.

He is currently in home isolation in Snohomish County. The high school he attends will be shut until March 3 while it is deep cleaned, the Washington State Department of Health said.

In neighboring Oregon, authorities said Friday an adult who had had contact with people at an elementary school had been hospitalized and was also considered "presumptive positive."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/us-postpones-summit-with-asean-leaders-amid-coronavirus-fears-report-283438">US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report</a>

A positive test is treated as "presumptive" until the results have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We've been expecting this and we're prepared for it," Oregon's Health Authority director Patrick Allen told reporters.

The school will be closed until March 4 as it undergoes a deep clean, officials said, adding they would talk to employees and parents.

Earlier Friday, Californian health authorities said an older woman was confirmed infected with unknown origin -- the second such case in the northern part of the state.

"This new case indicates that there is evidence of community transmission but the extent is still not clear," said Sara Cody, director of public health for Santa Clara County.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/coronavirus-jackie-chan-says-he-is-safe-not-under-quarantine-283448">Coronavirus: Jackie Chan says he is safe, not under quarantine</a>

"What we know now is that the virus is here, present at some level, but we still don't know to what degree," she added.

The two cases in California are close to Silicon Valley, where tech giants like Apple, Google and Tesla are based.

The latest infections have heightened fears of an outbreak across the country.

President Donald Trump, however, downplayed the risk in the US at a campaign rally in South Carolina, accusing Democrats and the press of stirring up hysteria.

"We are preparing for the worst," he said. "My administration has taken the most aggressive action in modern history to prevent the spread of this illness in the United States."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/europes-worst-affected-country-by-covid-19-outbreak-283261">Europe's worst affected country by COVID-19 outbreak</a>

He called the coronavirus the Democrats' "new hoax."

"The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus. They're politicizing it," he said. "They don't have any clue. They can't even count their votes in Iowa."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 60 people are infected with the disease in the United States, the majority of them in California.

The state's governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday 33 people had tested positive for the virus, and five of them had left California.

Worldwide more than 85,000 people have been infected and over 2,900 have died.

US health officials reported Friday a fourth case of novel coronavirus of unknown origin, indicating the disease was spreading in the country. The latest case is a boy under 18 in Washington State who tested "presumptive positive", local authorities said without releasing further details about the patient.

US health officials reported Friday a fourth case of novel coronavirus of unknown origin, indicating the disease was spreading in the country. The latest case is a boy under 18 in Washington State who tested "presumptive positive", local authorities said without releasing further details about the patient. He is currently in home isolation in Snohomish County. The high school he attends will be shut until March 3 while it is deep cleaned, the Washington State Department of Health said. In neighboring Oregon, authorities said Friday an adult who had had contact with people at an elementary school had been hospitalized and was also considered "presumptive positive." Also read: US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report A positive test is treated as "presumptive" until the results have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We've been expecting this and we're prepared for it," Oregon's Health Authority director Patrick Allen told reporters. The school will be closed until March 4 as it undergoes a deep clean, officials said, adding they would talk to employees and parents. Earlier Friday, Californian health authorities said an older woman was confirmed infected with unknown origin -- the second such case in the northern part of the state. "This new case indicates that there is evidence of community transmission but the extent is still not clear," said Sara Cody, director of public health for Santa Clara County. Also see: Coronavirus: Jackie Chan says he is safe, not under quarantine "What we know now is that the virus is here, present at some level, but we still don't know to what degree," she added. The two cases in California are close to Silicon Valley, where tech giants like Apple, Google and Tesla are based. The latest infections have heightened fears of an outbreak across the country. President Donald Trump, however, downplayed the risk in the US at a campaign rally in South Carolina, accusing Democrats and the press of stirring up hysteria. "We are preparing for the worst," he said. "My administration has taken the most aggressive action in modern history to prevent the spread of this illness in the United States." Also read: Europe's worst affected country by COVID-19 outbreak He called the coronavirus the Democrats' "new hoax." "The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus. They're politicizing it," he said. "They don't have any clue. They can't even count their votes in Iowa." According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 60 people are infected with the disease in the United States, the majority of them in California. The state's governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday 33 people had tested positive for the virus, and five of them had left California. Worldwide more than 85,000 people have been infected and over 2,900 have died.

US reports fourth coronavirus infection of unknown origin

A Californian couple was so heartbroken to say goodbye to their dog that they cloned him.

Alicia and David Tschirhart believed&nbsp;that their dog Marley was&nbsp;perfect. And to keep a part of him&nbsp;alive they cloned him.&nbsp;

They named his clone Ziggy.

Watch: Wipe those paws - dogs groomed at NY's Westminster Show

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His resemblance to Marley&nbsp;is uncanny,&nbsp; the Californian couple says.

"They have the same personality, they play the same, they favour the same toys," Alicia said.

The cloning process for Marley was done through ViaGen Pets, the couple said.

Watch: 5000 fans watch dogs wearing socks compete in World Series sled marathon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/5000-fans-watch-dogs-wearing-socks-compete-in-world-series-sled-marathon-277150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The company lists the price at a steep $50,000.

The Tschirhart's, who dwell in Escondido, said that it was a small price to pay as Marley had saved Alicia's life once when she was four months pregnant.

According to the couple, he&nbsp;later was diagnosed with cancer and died about five years ago.

Now, the couple said&nbsp;their children will have more than just a memory of Marley to grow up with.

"I just couldn't think of any better way to do that. To have, you know, their years growing up to have Ziggy around," David said.

A Californian couple was so heartbroken to say goodbye to their dog that they cloned him. Alicia and David Tschirhart believed that their dog Marley was perfect.

A Californian couple was so heartbroken to say goodbye to their dog that they cloned him. Alicia and David Tschirhart believed that their dog Marley was perfect. And to keep a part of him alive they cloned him. They named his clone Ziggy. Watch: Wipe those paws - dogs groomed at NY's Westminster Show His resemblance to Marley is uncanny, the Californian couple says. "They have the same personality, they play the same, they favour the same toys," Alicia said. The cloning process for Marley was done through ViaGen Pets, the couple said. Watch: 5000 fans watch dogs wearing socks compete in World Series sled marathon The company lists the price at a steep $50,000. The Tschirhart's, who dwell in Escondido, said that it was a small price to pay as Marley had saved Alicia's life once when she was four months pregnant. According to the couple, he later was diagnosed with cancer and died about five years ago. Now, the couple said their children will have more than just a memory of Marley to grow up with. "I just couldn't think of any better way to do that. To have, you know, their years growing up to have Ziggy around," David said.

Californian couple clone their dog for $50,000 after its demise

Scientists studying a distant galaxy cluster have discovered the biggest explosion seen in the Universe since the Big Bang.&nbsp;

The blast came from a supermassive black hole at the centre of a galaxy hundreds of millions of light-years away.&nbsp;

Researchers reported their findings in The Astrophysical Journal.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hubble-space-telescope-set-to-peer-at-earliest-galaxies-nasa-165963">Hubble Space Telescope set to peer at earliest galaxies: NASA</a>

It released five times more energy than MS 0135+74, once known as the largest and most powerful explosion.

The current explosion occurred in the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster, about 390 million light-years from Earth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/first-black-hole-photo-confirms-einsteins-theory-of-relativity-209527">First black hole photo confirms Einstein’s theory of relativity</a>

It was so powerful it punched a cavity in the cluster plasma, the super-hot gas surrounding the black hole.

Lead author of the study Dr Simona Giacintucci, from the Naval Research Laboratory in the United States, said the blast was similar to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which ripped the top off the mountain.

"The difference is that you could fit 15 Milky Way galaxies in a row into the crater this eruption punched into the cluster's hot gas," she said. 
Astronomers made the observation using ground and space-based telescopes, including NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton X-ray space observatory, Australia's Murchison Widefield Array and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in India.

Scientists studying a distant galaxy cluster have discovered the biggest explosion seen in the Universe since the Big Bang. The blast came from a supermassive black hole at the centre of a galaxy hundreds of millions of light-years away.

Scientists studying a distant galaxy cluster have discovered the biggest explosion seen in the Universe since the Big Bang. The blast came from a supermassive black hole at the centre of a galaxy hundreds of millions of light-years away. Researchers reported their findings in The Astrophysical Journal. Also read: Hubble Space Telescope set to peer at earliest galaxies: NASA It released five times more energy than MS 0135+74, once known as the largest and most powerful explosion. The current explosion occurred in the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster, about 390 million light-years from Earth. Also read: First black hole photo confirms Einstein’s theory of relativity It was so powerful it punched a cavity in the cluster plasma, the super-hot gas surrounding the black hole. Lead author of the study Dr Simona Giacintucci, from the Naval Research Laboratory in the United States, said the blast was similar to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which ripped the top off the mountain. "The difference is that you could fit 15 Milky Way galaxies in a row into the crater this eruption punched into the cluster's hot gas," she said. Astronomers made the observation using ground and space-based telescopes, including NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton X-ray space observatory, Australia's Murchison Widefield Array and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in India.

Biggest explosion in universe's history detected by telescopes

The US' Department of State's&nbsp;Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs on Thursday expressed solidarity with the deceased and injured in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-violence-us-issues-advisory-for-its-citizens-as-death-toll-rises-to-27-282953">Delhi violence</a>&nbsp;while calling to maintain peace and normlacy in the country.&nbsp;

While retweeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for calm on Twitter, SCA department called for calm and urged to maintain peace.

"Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased and injured in New Delhi. We echo PM @NarendraModi’s call for calm and normalcy and urge all parties to maintain peace, refrain from violence, and respect the right of peaceful assembly."

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Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased and injured in New Delhi. We echo PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a>’s call for calm and normalcy and urge all parties to maintain peace, refrain from violence, and respect the right of peaceful assembly. AGW <a href="https://t.co/WdVx4W0DMS">https://t.co/WdVx4W0DMS</a>
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Violent clashes erupted in the parts of the northeast area of Delhi last week after rival groups clashed over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

The clashes led to widespread vandalism and arson for over three days now while at least 34 people lost their lives. Over 200 were injured.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-let-another-1984-happen-says-delhi-high-court-over-delhi-riots-282882">Can't let another 1984 happen, says Delhi High Court over Delhi riots</a>

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the situation is under control and is moving towards normalcy.

On Wednesday, in the wake of the violence, the United States embassy issued an advisory in which it told its citizens to "exercise caution" and avoid all-violence affected areas.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-riots-police-remained-paralysed-home-minister-amit-shah-should-resign-says-sonia-gandhi-282841"> Police remained paralysed, Home Minister Amit Shah should resign, says Sonia Gandhi</a>

"It is important that you monitor local media outlets for updates on demonstrations, road and Metro closures, and possible curfews. The Government of India-imposed law that prohibits political gatherings of four or more people – known as Section 144 – remains in effect in certain areas," the advisory read.

In a list of precautionary measures, the embassy asked its citizens to "avoid locations where heavy traffic or road closures or protests are expected, keep a low profile, be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media for updates and to follow the instructions of the local authorities."

The US' Department of State's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs on Thursday expressed solidarity with the deceased and injured in Delhi violence while calling to maintain peace and normlacy in the country.

The US' Department of State's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs on Thursday expressed solidarity with the deceased and injured in Delhi violence while calling to maintain peace and normlacy in the country. While retweeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for calm on Twitter, SCA department called for calm and urged to maintain peace. "Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased and injured in New Delhi. We echo PM @NarendraModi’s call for calm and normalcy and urge all parties to maintain peace, refrain from violence, and respect the right of peaceful assembly." Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased and injured in New Delhi. We echo PM @NarendraModi’s call for calm and normalcy and urge all parties to maintain peace, refrain from violence, and respect the right of peaceful assembly. AGW https://t.co/WdVx4W0DMS — State_SCA (@State_SCA) February 27, 2020 × Violent clashes erupted in the parts of the northeast area of Delhi last week after rival groups clashed over the Citizenship Amendment Act. The clashes led to widespread vandalism and arson for over three days now while at least 34 people lost their lives. Over 200 were injured. Also read: Can't let another 1984 happen, says Delhi High Court over Delhi riots Speaking to media on Wednesday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the situation is under control and is moving towards normalcy. On Wednesday, in the wake of the violence, the United States embassy issued an advisory in which it told its citizens to "exercise caution" and avoid all-violence affected areas. Also read: Police remained paralysed, Home Minister Amit Shah should resign, says Sonia Gandhi "It is important that you monitor local media outlets for updates on demonstrations, road and Metro closures, and possible curfews. The Government of India-imposed law that prohibits political gatherings of four or more people – known as Section 144 – remains in effect in certain areas," the advisory read. In a list of precautionary measures, the embassy asked its citizens to "avoid locations where heavy traffic or road closures or protests are expected, keep a low profile, be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media for updates and to follow the instructions of the local authorities."

'Our hearts go out to families of deceased': US' South and Central Asia bureau calls for calm amid Delhi violence

US President Donald Trump’s brief, but substantive, visit to India heralds a renewed US-India partnership designed to address the challenges of the 21st century.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-indo-us-ties-can-play-a-definitive-role-in-redefining-world-order-282852">partnership</a>, one that has the potential of having a profound impact on the geopolitical dynamics.

Agreements in principle were reached between India and the United States in the areas of defence and security, trade and energy.

However important the others, defence and security will be the foundation of this renewed partnership. 
 
The strategic conditions in the Indian Ocean region are rapidly changing. We see the emergence of China as an economic predator. We know China wants to expand militarily into the Indian Ocean. Pakistan continues to use terrorism as an instrument of its foreign policy. The withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan could create a strategic vacuum.

An India-US partnership has the capability of addressing all those issues and help to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indian- Ocean region. 
 
As was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/diaspora-dynamics-in-howdy-modi-to-namaste-trump-282679">the “Howdy Modi” event</a> in Houston last year, the pomp and pageantry of President Trump’s visit to India was an essential component of the optics of diplomacy. India and the United States are democracies and need to rally their citizens in support of the renewed partnership.

The next major milestone will be a trade agreement.

Bilateral trade between India and the United States more than doubled in value between 2008 and 2018. It is, therefore, no surprise with such a rapid increase in the volume of trade that areas of contention would arise.

Specifically, the removal of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India, and India’s reciprocal tariffs prompting the Trump Administration to impose new steel and aluminium tariffs on India, all of which has created obstacles to a comprehensive trade agreement at this time.

It is important to note, however, that the GSP program was designed for developing country and India can no longer be considered as a member of that category, but as a rising global economic power.

President Trump, long a supporter of fair trade, sees India as an equal trading partner and seeks an arrangement that is both balanced and mutually beneficial.

There is a general consensus among Indian and US officials that all outstanding trade issues will be resolved and a major trade agreement will be signed within a year.

The $3 billion military helicopter deal signed during the President’s visit was the leading edge of greater trade between India and the US, as well as, a complement to increase defence cooperation.

It is no accident that the United States renamed its Pacific military command to the Indo-Pacific Command emphasising the importance of the Indian Ocean region and India as its pivotal nation.

The national interests of India and the United States are converging.

Last November, the US and India completed their most expansive joint military exercises in history amid efforts to coordinate more effectively concerning the defence and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Such coordination is entirely consistent with Prime Minister Modi’s SAGAR initiative for Security and Growth for All in the Region:

“(i) preserving freedom of navigation for commercial shipping, (ii) sustainably and equitably harnessing the Indian Ocean’s natural resources, (iii) establishing protocols for enhancing disaster prevention and relief as well as search and rescue operations, (iv) countering piracy, terrorism, smuggling, and illegal weapons proliferation, and (v) managing international naval competition.”

We now have two of the foremost democracies in the world working together for peace and prosperity and against authoritarianism and terrorism.

We could look back on this moment as being a watershed event in history. 
 
(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’s brief, but substantive, visit to India heralds a renewed US-India partnership designed to address the challenges of the 21st century.

US President Donald Trump’s brief, but substantive, visit to India heralds a renewed US-India partnership designed to address the challenges of the 21st century. It is difficult to overstate the importance of this partnership, one that has the potential of having a profound impact on the geopolitical dynamics. Agreements in principle were reached between India and the United States in the areas of defence and security, trade and energy. However important the others, defence and security will be the foundation of this renewed partnership. The strategic conditions in the Indian Ocean region are rapidly changing. We see the emergence of China as an economic predator. We know China wants to expand militarily into the Indian Ocean. Pakistan continues to use terrorism as an instrument of its foreign policy. The withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan could create a strategic vacuum. An India-US partnership has the capability of addressing all those issues and help to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indian- Ocean region. As was the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston last year, the pomp and pageantry of President Trump’s visit to India was an essential component of the optics of diplomacy. India and the United States are democracies and need to rally their citizens in support of the renewed partnership. The next major milestone will be a trade agreement. Bilateral trade between India and the United States more than doubled in value between 2008 and 2018. It is, therefore, no surprise with such a rapid increase in the volume of trade that areas of contention would arise. Specifically, the removal of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India, and India’s reciprocal tariffs prompting the Trump Administration to impose new steel and aluminium tariffs on India, all of which has created obstacles to a comprehensive trade agreement at this time. It is important to note, however, that the GSP program was designed for developing country and India can no longer be considered as a member of that category, but as a rising global economic power. President Trump, long a supporter of fair trade, sees India as an equal trading partner and seeks an arrangement that is both balanced and mutually beneficial. There is a general consensus among Indian and US officials that all outstanding trade issues will be resolved and a major trade agreement will be signed within a year. The $3 billion military helicopter deal signed during the President’s visit was the leading edge of greater trade between India and the US, as well as, a complement to increase defence cooperation. It is no accident that the United States renamed its Pacific military command to the Indo-Pacific Command emphasising the importance of the Indian Ocean region and India as its pivotal nation. The national interests of India and the United States are converging. Last November, the US and India completed their most expansive joint military exercises in history amid efforts to coordinate more effectively concerning the defence and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Such coordination is entirely consistent with Prime Minister Modi’s SAGAR initiative for Security and Growth for All in the Region: “(i) preserving freedom of navigation for commercial shipping, (ii) sustainably and equitably harnessing the Indian Ocean’s natural resources, (iii) establishing protocols for enhancing disaster prevention and relief as well as search and rescue operations, (iv) countering piracy, terrorism, smuggling, and illegal weapons proliferation, and (v) managing international naval competition.” We now have two of the foremost democracies in the world working together for peace and prosperity and against authoritarianism and terrorism. We could look back on this moment as being a watershed event in history. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A new era of India-US relations has begun

Trump India visit: From Ivanka's anarkali to Melania's sash, pick your favourite look

India witnessed an unprecedented welcome for a foreign head of state, it was the biggest crowd that US President Donald Trump has ever addressed.

India left no stone unturned to throw a grand reception for the American President. It's a visit that will be remembered for the pictures and the bonhomie between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/heres-why-indians-love-us-president-donald-trump-282632">President Donald Trump</a> and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This visit certainly overshadows all previous State visits by American Presidents. Trump used this opportunity to cement his relationship with Prime Minister by the end of his trip.&nbsp;

The status of this relationship has now been elevated - India and America now call their relationship 'a comprehensive global partnership'. This is a significant move - experts see this as a vow by both parties to prioritise their partnership over other partners.

The conversations between America and India will now be closely watched, both sides are expanding their defence alliance. There is broad support over the issue of terrorism.

America has endorsed India positions on issues like Kashmir and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). There is renewed momentum to settle trade differences - both sides are now considering a major agreement that could be signed before the end of this agreement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-new-era-of-india-us-relations-has-begun-282824">Also Read:&nbsp;A new era of India-US relations has begun</a>

President Trump would prefer that the deal comes through before the Presidential elections in November. Both sides are sending the right signals, its time for India to now push for tangible gains.

There are several outstanding issues on the list. The major one is Visas &nbsp;- a report claims that the number of Indians on the waitlist for a US Greencard rose by 35 times.

New Delhi would also expect a more aggressive push from Washington against Pakistani terror groups.

America has supported India's bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, a renewed diplomatic campaign for United Nations reforms is long overdue.&nbsp;

The fact that Trump took out time for a visit to India in an election year is a victory for New Delhi.

WATCH: High Expectations From India - US alliance

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It's becoming increasingly clear that the Indo-American alliance can play a definitive role in redefining the world order in the 21st century.

Irrespective of who wields power in the White House in the coming years &nbsp;- America and China will have an uneasy relationship. In fact, more clashes between both sides can be expected in the future.

Such circumstances will lead to a greater role for India in the region. It is likely that American businesses would look at India to protect their investments.

Washington will depend on New Delhi for a security partnership to protect its interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump's visit has heightened expectations from the Indo-American alliance. The world now expects more from India and the United States in the coming months.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

India witnessed an unprecedented welcome for a foreign head of state, it was the biggest crowd that US President Donald Trump has ever addressed. India left no stone unturned to throw a grand reception for the American President.

India witnessed an unprecedented welcome for a foreign head of state, it was the biggest crowd that US President Donald Trump has ever addressed. India left no stone unturned to throw a grand reception for the American President. It's a visit that will be remembered for the pictures and the bonhomie between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit certainly overshadows all previous State visits by American Presidents. Trump used this opportunity to cement his relationship with Prime Minister by the end of his trip. The status of this relationship has now been elevated - India and America now call their relationship 'a comprehensive global partnership'. This is a significant move - experts see this as a vow by both parties to prioritise their partnership over other partners. The conversations between America and India will now be closely watched, both sides are expanding their defence alliance. There is broad support over the issue of terrorism. America has endorsed India positions on issues like Kashmir and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). There is renewed momentum to settle trade differences - both sides are now considering a major agreement that could be signed before the end of this agreement. Also Read: A new era of India-US relations has begun President Trump would prefer that the deal comes through before the Presidential elections in November. Both sides are sending the right signals, its time for India to now push for tangible gains. There are several outstanding issues on the list. The major one is Visas - a report claims that the number of Indians on the waitlist for a US Greencard rose by 35 times. New Delhi would also expect a more aggressive push from Washington against Pakistani terror groups. America has supported India's bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, a renewed diplomatic campaign for United Nations reforms is long overdue. The fact that Trump took out time for a visit to India in an election year is a victory for New Delhi. WATCH: High Expectations From India - US alliance × It's becoming increasingly clear that the Indo-American alliance can play a definitive role in redefining the world order in the 21st century. Irrespective of who wields power in the White House in the coming years - America and China will have an uneasy relationship. In fact, more clashes between both sides can be expected in the future. Such circumstances will lead to a greater role for India in the region. It is likely that American businesses would look at India to protect their investments. Washington will depend on New Delhi for a security partnership to protect its interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump's visit has heightened expectations from the Indo-American alliance. The world now expects more from India and the United States in the coming months. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Indo-US ties can play a definitive role in redefining world order

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd.

It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India.

Successful, billionaire and a brand in himself, &nbsp;US President Donald Trump carries an aura of awe around him.

According to a Pew Research Survey, 56 per cent of Indians show confidence in the US &nbsp;President - the highest in the world. 
 
Similarities Between PM Modi &amp; US President Trump

The reason Indians love President Trump is that they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi in him.

They see a confident leader - one who is capable of governing a country, someone who is not scared to put his&nbsp;country's interests first.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-a-new-dawn-for-india-us-ties-282601">Also Read: A new dawn for India-US ties</a>

And above all, Indians love the idea of a leader who is far from conventional - just like their own Prime Minister. 
 
India adores&nbsp;strong leaders and it views Trump as the perfect balance to PM Modi as New Delhi expands its global footprint.

President Trump's Policies

In the last few years, Trump has not really been India's best friend when it comes to trade or jobs. The US President has expanded aluminium and trade tariffs.

He has stripped India of its preferential trading partner status and also tightened the H1B Visa norms.

Under normal circumstances, Trump's policies would have landed him in India's bad books, but what has happened is quite the opposite.

Indians have grown all the more fond of America's Commander-in-Chief, their confidence in him has jumped from 14 &nbsp;to 56 per cent in 3 years. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;

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What Indians see in Trump is a leader who is determined to battle unemployment and fight the terror. Indians admire Trump's record of neutralising Islamic State Leader - al-Baghdadi, and son of Al-Qaeda Leader, Hamza bin Laden.

Donald Trump's narrative of combating terror, securing borders and improving his country's state of affairs brings him very close to the hearts of Indians.

These are the very promises that won Prime Minister Narendra Modi a historic mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Trump's 'Make America Great Again' promise echoes Modi's 'Acche Din'. 
 
At the end of the day, India's growing love for the US President tells the tale of the growing closeness between the two nations. 
 
The fondness grows every time Trump and Modi share another hug and every time the two leaders celebrate each other at the global stage.

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd. It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India.

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd. It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India. Successful, billionaire and a brand in himself, US President Donald Trump carries an aura of awe around him. According to a Pew Research Survey, 56 per cent of Indians show confidence in the US President - the highest in the world. Similarities Between PM Modi & US President Trump The reason Indians love President Trump is that they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi in him. They see a confident leader - one who is capable of governing a country, someone who is not scared to put his country's interests first. Also Read: A new dawn for India-US ties And above all, Indians love the idea of a leader who is far from conventional - just like their own Prime Minister. India adores strong leaders and it views Trump as the perfect balance to PM Modi as New Delhi expands its global footprint. President Trump's Policies In the last few years, Trump has not really been India's best friend when it comes to trade or jobs. The US President has expanded aluminium and trade tariffs. He has stripped India of its preferential trading partner status and also tightened the H1B Visa norms. Under normal circumstances, Trump's policies would have landed him in India's bad books, but what has happened is quite the opposite. Indians have grown all the more fond of America's Commander-in-Chief, their confidence in him has jumped from 14 to 56 per cent in 3 years. WATCH: × What Indians see in Trump is a leader who is determined to battle unemployment and fight the terror. Indians admire Trump's record of neutralising Islamic State Leader - al-Baghdadi, and son of Al-Qaeda Leader, Hamza bin Laden. Donald Trump's narrative of combating terror, securing borders and improving his country's state of affairs brings him very close to the hearts of Indians. These are the very promises that won Prime Minister Narendra Modi a historic mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Trump's 'Make America Great Again' promise echoes Modi's 'Acche Din'. At the end of the day, India's growing love for the US President tells the tale of the growing closeness between the two nations. The fondness grows every time Trump and Modi share another hug and every time the two leaders celebrate each other at the global stage.

Here's why Indians love US President Donald Trump

The Taliban in Afghanistan are "tired" of fighting and want to make a peace deal with America, President Donald Trump said on Sunday as he left for his maiden visit to India, days ahead of a possible agreement between the US and the militant group in the war-torn country.

Just before his departure for India, Trump told reporters at the White House that the time had come for the US troops to "come home".

"We've been over there 19 years. We think they want to make a deal. We want to make a deal. I think it's going to work out," Trump said in response to a question on the peace deal with the Taliban.

"Time to come home. We want to make a deal and we think the Taliban want to make a deal too. They're tired of fighting," he said.

The President said he would sign a peace deal with the Taliban if it worked out over the next week.

"I want to see how this period of a week works out. If it works out over the next less-than-a-week, I would put my name on it," he said.

Trump's remarks came a day after the US and the Afghan Taliban started a seven-day partial truce ahead of a possible peace deal to end more than 18-year-long war, raising hopes for a resolution to America's longest war.

The agreement struck during talks between the US and the Taliban, if maintained, may secure a peace deal that would lead to a withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

In November, Trump announced the resumption of peace talks with the Taliban but refused to give a timeline for the drawdown of the US troops from Afghanistan, as he made an unannounced visit to American soldiers stationed in the war-torn country.

After nine rounds of negotiations with the Taliban, Trump announced in September that he was calling the peace talks off after a US service member was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul.

The US currently has less than 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, but military officials would not confirm the exact number.

Trump is accompanied by First Lady Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and the top brass of his administration on his maiden visit to India.

During his visit, the two countries will significantly ramp up bilateral defence and strategic ties.

The nearly 36-hour-long visit by Trump is also set to send across a clear message of growing congruence of interests on major geopolitical developments in the region and beyond, particularly when China has been expanding its military might and economic clout.

The Taliban in Afghanistan are "tired" of fighting and want to make a peace deal with America, President Donald Trump said on Sunday as he left for his maiden visit to India, days ahead of a possible agreement between the US and the militant group in the war-torn country.

The Taliban in Afghanistan are "tired" of fighting and want to make a peace deal with America, President Donald Trump said on Sunday as he left for his maiden visit to India, days ahead of a possible agreement between the US and the militant group in the war-torn country. Just before his departure for India, Trump told reporters at the White House that the time had come for the US troops to "come home". "We've been over there 19 years. We think they want to make a deal. We want to make a deal. I think it's going to work out," Trump said in response to a question on the peace deal with the Taliban. "Time to come home. We want to make a deal and we think the Taliban want to make a deal too. They're tired of fighting," he said. The President said he would sign a peace deal with the Taliban if it worked out over the next week. "I want to see how this period of a week works out. If it works out over the next less-than-a-week, I would put my name on it," he said. Trump's remarks came a day after the US and the Afghan Taliban started a seven-day partial truce ahead of a possible peace deal to end more than 18-year-long war, raising hopes for a resolution to America's longest war. The agreement struck during talks between the US and the Taliban, if maintained, may secure a peace deal that would lead to a withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. In November, Trump announced the resumption of peace talks with the Taliban but refused to give a timeline for the drawdown of the US troops from Afghanistan, as he made an unannounced visit to American soldiers stationed in the war-torn country. After nine rounds of negotiations with the Taliban, Trump announced in September that he was calling the peace talks off after a US service member was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul. The US currently has less than 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, but military officials would not confirm the exact number. Trump is accompanied by First Lady Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and the top brass of his administration on his maiden visit to India. During his visit, the two countries will significantly ramp up bilateral defence and strategic ties. The nearly 36-hour-long visit by Trump is also set to send across a clear message of growing congruence of interests on major geopolitical developments in the region and beyond, particularly when China has been expanding its military might and economic clout.

'Tired' Taliban want peace deal with US: President Trump

Thousands of Russian-linked social media accounts have launched a coordinated effort to spread alarm about the new coronavirus, disrupting global efforts to fight the epidemic, US officials say.

The disinformation campaign promotes unfounded conspiracy theories that the United States is behind the COVID-19 outbreak, in an apparent bid to damage the US image around the world by seizing on health concerns.

State Department officials tasked with combating Russian disinformation told AFP that false personas are being used on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to advance Russian talking points in multiple languages.

"Russia's intent is to sow discord and undermine US institutions and alliances from within, including through covert and coercive malign influence campaigns," said Philip Reeker, the acting Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-coronavirus-death-sparks-fears-lockdown-in-italian-towns-282140">Second coronavirus death sparks fears, lockdown in Italian towns</a>

"By spreading disinformation about coronavirus, Russian malign actors are once again choosing to threaten public safety by distracting from the global health response," he said.

The claims that have been circulating in recent weeks include allegations that the virus is a US effort to "wage economic war on China," that it is a biological weapon manufactured by the CIA or part of a Western-led effort "to push anti-China messages."

US individuals including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, a philanthropist who has spent billions on global health programs, have also been falsely accused of involvement in the virus.

The disinformation campaign was identified by US monitors in mid-January after Chinese officials announced a third death from the new coronavirus in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-steps-up-battle-against-deadly-coronavirus-appoints-six-special-envoys-282134">WHO steps up battle against deadly coronavirus, appoints six special envoys</a>

More than 2,340 people have since died, mostly in China. The number of cases exceeds 76,000 and the virus has reached around 25 countries. Among them is Iran, which on Saturday ordered the closure of schools and universities in two cities, after a fifth death.

Close coordination observed

Several thousand online accounts -- previously identified for airing Russian-backed messages on major events such as the war in Syria, the Yellow Vest protests in France and Chile's mass demonstrations -- are posting "almost near-identical" messages about the novel coronavirus, according to a report prepared for the State Department's Global Engagement Center and seen by AFP.

The accounts -- run by humans, not bots -- post at similar times in English, Spanish, Italian, German and French and can be linked back to Russian proxies, or carry similar messages to Russian-backed outlets such as RT and Sputnik, it said. &nbsp;

Russian state-funded media started pushing anti-Western messages about the cause of the epidemic on January 20, with operators of the social media accounts beginning to post globally the following day, US officials say.

"In this case, we were able to see their full disinformation ecosystem in effect, including state TV, proxy web sites and thousands of false social media personas all pushing the same themes," said Special Envoy Lea Gabrielle, head of the Global Engagement Center, which is tasked with tracking and exposing propaganda and disinformation.

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During many past news events, the accounts would post actively for up to 72 hours. But messages about the new coronavirus have been uploaded every day over the past month -- a sign, US officials said, of Russia's investment in a story unlikely to disappear soon from the headlines.

"In the Russian doctrine of information confrontation, this is classic," said another official from the Global Engagement Center.&nbsp;

"The number of coronavirus cases globally hasn't reached its apex, so the Russian strategy is to very cheaply but very effectively take advantage of the information environment to sow discord between us and China, or for economic purposes."

Experts saw parallels with previous conspiracy theories traced to Moscow, including a KGB disinformation campaign in the 1980s that convinced many around the world that US scientists created the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

US intelligence has also said that Russia interfered through social media manipulation in the 2016 election and seeks to do so again in 2020. The Kremlin has denied the charges and President Donald Trump has scoffed at suggestions of Russian help.

Risks seen in response

Scientists believe the COVID-19 illness originated in late December in Wuhan at a market selling exotic animals for human consumption.

Bats are known carriers of this strain of the coronavirus, whose official name is SARS-CoV-2, but scientists think it spread to humans via another mammal species, possibly pangolins.

The US believes the latest Russian disinformation campaign is making it harder to respond to the epidemic, particularly in Africa and Asia, with some of the public becoming suspicious of the Western response.

The World Health Organization warned Friday that the window to stem the outbreak was narrowing, voicing alarm at a surge of cases with no clear link to China.

A State Department official said that Russian operatives appeared to have been given "carte blanche" to attack the US reputation.

"Whether or not a particular theme is being directed at the highest levels doesn't matter. It's the fact that they have freelance ability to operate in this space to do whatever damage they can, which could have seismic implications."

Thousands of Russian-linked social media accounts have launched a coordinated effort to spread alarm about the new coronavirus, disrupting global efforts to fight the epidemic, US officials say.

Thousands of Russian-linked social media accounts have launched a coordinated effort to spread alarm about the new coronavirus, disrupting global efforts to fight the epidemic, US officials say. The disinformation campaign promotes unfounded conspiracy theories that the United States is behind the COVID-19 outbreak, in an apparent bid to damage the US image around the world by seizing on health concerns. State Department officials tasked with combating Russian disinformation told AFP that false personas are being used on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to advance Russian talking points in multiple languages. "Russia's intent is to sow discord and undermine US institutions and alliances from within, including through covert and coercive malign influence campaigns," said Philip Reeker, the acting Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia. Also read: Second coronavirus death sparks fears, lockdown in Italian towns "By spreading disinformation about coronavirus, Russian malign actors are once again choosing to threaten public safety by distracting from the global health response," he said. The claims that have been circulating in recent weeks include allegations that the virus is a US effort to "wage economic war on China," that it is a biological weapon manufactured by the CIA or part of a Western-led effort "to push anti-China messages." US individuals including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, a philanthropist who has spent billions on global health programs, have also been falsely accused of involvement in the virus. The disinformation campaign was identified by US monitors in mid-January after Chinese officials announced a third death from the new coronavirus in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. Also read: WHO steps up battle against deadly coronavirus, appoints six special envoys More than 2,340 people have since died, mostly in China. The number of cases exceeds 76,000 and the virus has reached around 25 countries. Among them is Iran, which on Saturday ordered the closure of schools and universities in two cities, after a fifth death. Close coordination observed Several thousand online accounts -- previously identified for airing Russian-backed messages on major events such as the war in Syria, the Yellow Vest protests in France and Chile's mass demonstrations -- are posting "almost near-identical" messages about the novel coronavirus, according to a report prepared for the State Department's Global Engagement Center and seen by AFP. The accounts -- run by humans, not bots -- post at similar times in English, Spanish, Italian, German and French and can be linked back to Russian proxies, or carry similar messages to Russian-backed outlets such as RT and Sputnik, it said. Russian state-funded media started pushing anti-Western messages about the cause of the epidemic on January 20, with operators of the social media accounts beginning to post globally the following day, US officials say. "In this case, we were able to see their full disinformation ecosystem in effect, including state TV, proxy web sites and thousands of false social media personas all pushing the same themes," said Special Envoy Lea Gabrielle, head of the Global Engagement Center, which is tasked with tracking and exposing propaganda and disinformation. × During many past news events, the accounts would post actively for up to 72 hours. But messages about the new coronavirus have been uploaded every day over the past month -- a sign, US officials said, of Russia's investment in a story unlikely to disappear soon from the headlines. "In the Russian doctrine of information confrontation, this is classic," said another official from the Global Engagement Center. "The number of coronavirus cases globally hasn't reached its apex, so the Russian strategy is to very cheaply but very effectively take advantage of the information environment to sow discord between us and China, or for economic purposes." Experts saw parallels with previous conspiracy theories traced to Moscow, including a KGB disinformation campaign in the 1980s that convinced many around the world that US scientists created the HIV virus that causes AIDS. US intelligence has also said that Russia interfered through social media manipulation in the 2016 election and seeks to do so again in 2020. The Kremlin has denied the charges and President Donald Trump has scoffed at suggestions of Russian help. Risks seen in response Scientists believe the COVID-19 illness originated in late December in Wuhan at a market selling exotic animals for human consumption. Bats are known carriers of this strain of the coronavirus, whose official name is SARS-CoV-2, but scientists think it spread to humans via another mammal species, possibly pangolins. The US believes the latest Russian disinformation campaign is making it harder to respond to the epidemic, particularly in Africa and Asia, with some of the public becoming suspicious of the Western response. The World Health Organization warned Friday that the window to stem the outbreak was narrowing, voicing alarm at a surge of cases with no clear link to China. A State Department official said that Russian operatives appeared to have been given "carte blanche" to attack the US reputation. "Whether or not a particular theme is being directed at the highest levels doesn't matter. It's the fact that they have freelance ability to operate in this space to do whatever damage they can, which could have seismic implications."

Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US

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