US President Donald Trump is upping the ante against China. US Intelligence agencies are investigating 'what China hid' during the Coronavirus outbreak. Funding to a research project in China on 'Coronaviruses and bats' has been stopped. The top United States intelligence agency has said that the virus originated in Wuhan was neither manmade nor genetically modified. Watch this video to know more.

US to investigate 'what China was hiding in Wuhan'

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing.

"They misled us," he said of the WHO on the coronavirus outbreak, on Wednesday.

"We will have a recommendation pretty soon but we are not happy with the WHO," Trump told reporters at his Oval Office of the White House.

Trump has launched an investigation into the WHO's role in the spread of coronavirus and have accused it of siding with China during the pandemic. The investigation would look into the role of China and as to how coronavirus spread from its Wuhan city.

"It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said.

Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO.

The president said that there are lots of different people whom the US can give this money to.

"We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," Trump said.

"They allow planes to come out and planes are coming out of Wuhan and they're coming out -- they are going all over the world. They are going to Italy very, very big time to Italy but they are going all over the world but they are not going into China," he said.

Trump had banned flights from China in the last week of January.&nbsp;

COVID-19, which broke out in China's Wuhan, has so far killed over 60,000 people in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-2502-coronavirus-deaths-in-past-24-hours-toll-tops-60000-295691">Also read |&nbsp;US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000</a>

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing.

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing. "They misled us," he said of the WHO on the coronavirus outbreak, on Wednesday. "We will have a recommendation pretty soon but we are not happy with the WHO," Trump told reporters at his Oval Office of the White House. Trump has launched an investigation into the WHO's role in the spread of coronavirus and have accused it of siding with China during the pandemic. The investigation would look into the role of China and as to how coronavirus spread from its Wuhan city. "It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said. Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO. The president said that there are lots of different people whom the US can give this money to. "We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," Trump said. "They allow planes to come out and planes are coming out of Wuhan and they're coming out -- they are going all over the world. They are going to Italy very, very big time to Italy but they are going all over the world but they are not going into China," he said. Trump had banned flights from China in the last week of January. COVID-19, which broke out in China's Wuhan, has so far killed over 60,000 people in the US. Also read | US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000

Trump terms World Health Organisation as 'a pipe organ for China'

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

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

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

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

A shooting in the capital city of US' Louisiana --&nbsp;Baton Rouge -- has left one police officer dead and another wounded.

A suspect was also put in custody after an hours-long standoff at a home.

Baton Rouge Police said the officers were responding to a call about reports of gunfire when they were shot in the northern part of the city, and one of the officers later died.

The slain officer was a 21-year law enforcement veteran and that the wounded colleague had seven years of police work.

The second wounded officer was hospitalised and fighting for his life. The suspect was taken into custody after the standoff.&nbsp;

The police&nbsp;did not elaborate on any possible charges even as they continue to investigate.

A shooting in the capital city of US' Louisiana -- Baton Rouge -- has left one police officer dead and another wounded. A suspect was also put in custody after an hours-long standoff at a home.

A shooting in the capital city of US' Louisiana -- Baton Rouge -- has left one police officer dead and another wounded. A suspect was also put in custody after an hours-long standoff at a home. Baton Rouge Police said the officers were responding to a call about reports of gunfire when they were shot in the northern part of the city, and one of the officers later died. The slain officer was a 21-year law enforcement veteran and that the wounded colleague had seven years of police work. The second wounded officer was hospitalised and fighting for his life. The suspect was taken into custody after the standoff. The police did not elaborate on any possible charges even as they continue to investigate.

One officer dead, one wounded in Louisiana shooting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World leaders on Friday pledged to speed up work on tests, drugs, and vaccines to treat novel coronavirus and share them with the rest of the countries, but the United States did not participate in the initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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

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

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

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

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

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

As multiple theories claim that the novel coronavirus originated from laboratory in China, the director of Wuhan Institute of Virology has rejected the claims, calling it "impossible".&nbsp;

In an interview published by state media on Saturday, Yuan Zhiming, director of the institute said that "there's no way this virus came from us". &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-1891-new-coronavirus-deaths-as-hundreds-protest-against-lockdown-293345">US: 1,891 new coronavirus deaths as hundreds protest against lockdown</a>

Zhiming also said to CTGN that nobody from his staff had been infected with COVID-19 and added the "whole institute is carrying out research in different areas related to the coronavirus".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-moral-obligation-to-share-coronavirus-data-white-house-293339">China has 'moral obligation' to share coronavirus data: White House</a>

Responding to whether the research suggesting that coronavirus originating from the institute, Zhiming said: "I know it's impossible."

"As people who carry out viral studies we clearly know what kind of research is going on at the institute and how the institute manages viruses and samples," Zhiming said.

Multiple conspiracy theories claimed that COVID-19 came out from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, specifically its P4 laboratory which is equipped to tackle dangerous viruses.

The Wuhan facility director also said that since the P4 laboratory is in Wuhan "people can't help but make associations", but certain media outlets are "deliberately trying to mislead people".

Earlier this week, US began its probe to know whether the virus came out of a virology institute with a high-security biosafety laboratory.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that US officials are doing a "full investigation" into how the COVID-19 "got out into the world".

(With AFP inputs)

As multiple theories claim that the novel coronavirus originated from laboratory in China, the director of Wuhan Institute of Virology has rejected the claims, calling it "impossible".

As multiple theories claim that the novel coronavirus originated from laboratory in China, the director of Wuhan Institute of Virology has rejected the claims, calling it "impossible". In an interview published by state media on Saturday, Yuan Zhiming, director of the institute said that "there's no way this virus came from us". Also read | US: 1,891 new coronavirus deaths as hundreds protest against lockdown Zhiming also said to CTGN that nobody from his staff had been infected with COVID-19 and added the "whole institute is carrying out research in different areas related to the coronavirus". Also read | China has 'moral obligation' to share coronavirus data: White House Responding to whether the research suggesting that coronavirus originating from the institute, Zhiming said: "I know it's impossible." "As people who carry out viral studies we clearly know what kind of research is going on at the institute and how the institute manages viruses and samples," Zhiming said. Multiple conspiracy theories claimed that COVID-19 came out from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, specifically its P4 laboratory which is equipped to tackle dangerous viruses. The Wuhan facility director also said that since the P4 laboratory is in Wuhan "people can't help but make associations", but certain media outlets are "deliberately trying to mislead people". Earlier this week, US began its probe to know whether the virus came out of a virology institute with a high-security biosafety laboratory. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that US officials are doing a "full investigation" into how the COVID-19 "got out into the world". (With AFP inputs)

'No way': Wuhan lab director rejects coronavirus origins from its facility

The United States on Saturday continued building pressure on China over transparency in novel coronavirus figures with the White House saying Beijing had a "moral obligation" to provide information important to the rest of the world.&nbsp;

"When you are the first country to have an outbreak, you really have a moral obligation to the world to not only talk about it, but provide that information that's critical to the rest of the world to really respond to this credibly," Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-225-million-coronavirus-cases-registered-worldwide-death-toll-tops-154000-293313">Over 2.25 million coronavirus cases registered worldwide; death toll tops 154,000</a>

Birx made these comments when she was asked about China's transparency over its coronavirus data.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-spain-extends-lockdown-by-two-weeks-as-death-toll-tops-20000-293338">Coronavirus: Spain extends lockdown by two weeks as death toll tops 20,000</a>

US President Donald Trump also continued raising doubts over China's COVID-19 figures, warning that the country should face consequences if it was "knowingly responsible" for the coronavirus pandemic.

The US and other European countries are pressurising China over transparency, following which the country's COVID-19 epicentre Wuhan its raised death toll by 50 per cent.&nbsp;

However, Trump still didn't get convinced by China's new figures, saying: "it is far higher than that and far higher than the US, not even close".&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

The United States on Saturday continued building pressure on China over transparency in novel coronavirus figures with the White House saying Beijing had a "moral obligation" to provide information important to the rest of the world.

The United States on Saturday continued building pressure on China over transparency in novel coronavirus figures with the White House saying Beijing had a "moral obligation" to provide information important to the rest of the world. "When you are the first country to have an outbreak, you really have a moral obligation to the world to not only talk about it, but provide that information that's critical to the rest of the world to really respond to this credibly," Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said. Also read | Over 2.25 million coronavirus cases registered worldwide; death toll tops 154,000 Birx made these comments when she was asked about China's transparency over its coronavirus data. Also read | Coronavirus: Spain extends lockdown by two weeks as death toll tops 20,000 US President Donald Trump also continued raising doubts over China's COVID-19 figures, warning that the country should face consequences if it was "knowingly responsible" for the coronavirus pandemic. The US and other European countries are pressurising China over transparency, following which the country's COVID-19 epicentre Wuhan its raised death toll by 50 per cent. However, Trump still didn't get convinced by China's new figures, saying: "it is far higher than that and far higher than the US, not even close". (With Reuters inputs)

China has 'moral obligation' to share coronavirus data: White House

The country hardest-hit with coronavirus, United States has surpassed 700,000 infections on Friday, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

The US has witnessed 700,282 coronavirus cases and 36,773 deaths as of 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Friday), as per the tally.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-chinas-deaths-far-higher-than-the-us-says-trump-293236">COVID-19: China's deaths far higher than the US, says Trump</a>

In the last 24 hours, the country has witnessed 3,856 deaths due to coronavirus, but this figure likely comprises "probable" virus-linked deaths, which had not previously been taken.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-lockdown-extension-uks-coronavirus-death-toll-surges-past-14500-293200">Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500</a>

Earlier on Friday, President Donald Trump announced a $19 billion financial aid package for the agriculture industry to tackle the economic losses caused&nbsp;by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The government "will be implementing a $19 billion relief program for our great farmers and ranchers as they cope with the fallout of the global pandemic," Trump said in a press conference.&nbsp;

The US president on Thursday said that the 50 state governors would have full authority to decide when the lockdown ends.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The country hardest-hit with coronavirus, United States has surpassed 700,000 infections on Friday, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University. The US has witnessed 700,282 coronavirus cases and 36,773 deaths as of 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Friday), as per the tally.

The country hardest-hit with coronavirus, United States has surpassed 700,000 infections on Friday, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University. The US has witnessed 700,282 coronavirus cases and 36,773 deaths as of 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Friday), as per the tally. Also read | COVID-19: China's deaths far higher than the US, says Trump In the last 24 hours, the country has witnessed 3,856 deaths due to coronavirus, but this figure likely comprises "probable" virus-linked deaths, which had not previously been taken. Also read | Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500 Earlier on Friday, President Donald Trump announced a $19 billion financial aid package for the agriculture industry to tackle the economic losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The government "will be implementing a $19 billion relief program for our great farmers and ranchers as they cope with the fallout of the global pandemic," Trump said in a press conference. The US president on Thursday said that the 50 state governors would have full authority to decide when the lockdown ends. (With inputs from AFP)

Coronavirus infections surpass 700,000 in US, over 36,000 dead

Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the entity known as the West, essentially in the nature of a loose grouping of political, social and philosophical ideas reified coincidentally by a certain people inhabiting a certain part of the world, has reigned supreme. Be it forms of political organisation, scientific discovery, industrial organisation, technological innovation and so, the West has been the pioneer and led the way. What, the question is, explains the West’s success?

A one rather conventional and clichéd explanation is that it is individualism that is the reason for both the West’s ascendance and, well, even superiority. Individualism roughly posits that the individual precedes and is superior to the group which might be social, political, family or even tribal. And, that an individual has moral worth that is intrinsic and an individual’s life must be free from external interferences. On the face of it, this ‘pure’ theory of individualism is powerful (I call the theory pure because, in my opinion, no society even in the West corresponds exactly to it. There are approximations and variations to the ideal type of individualism). It is powerful because it is intuitive and rests on powerful philosophical foundations.

And, speaking in empirical terms, a corpus of evidence can be marshalled to support the theory of individualism. But, the first quibble with the pure theory of individualism is that it, to repeat, is an ideal type. Consider an example. While there is no argument with the assertion that the individual has moral worth and is an autonomous agent or being, but in the real world, even in the West, individuals are subject influences external to them. The mass media, (or ‘social media contemporarily), mass advertising, the pressures to conform, say in or among subcultures or social groupings corroborate and point out to these external influences and pressures. Politically, as has been evident over the past few years, to employ Noam Chomsky’s phrase, consent can be manufactured. All this suggests that there is no such thing as pure individualism.

Moreover, in the region that is held to be the West in geographical terms, there are various and varying permutations and combinations with respect to the individuals’ relation to the basic social unit, the family and the state and market relations. But, this does not mean that individualism in various avatars does not exist in the West. It does. However, attribution of the West’s success and progress cannot and must not be isolated to individualism. It may that institutions and their evolution plus responsiveness to both people and change might be a more powerful variable that accounts for the success of the West. The correlation between individualism and material progress then does not entirely hold.

But this does not mean that an individual is worthless. To the contrary, it is perhaps only in an individual, the lone, eccentric genius, the fundamental spark of creativity can find expression in. The Newtons, the Edisons, the Wordsworth, Keats, &nbsp;Dickens, Dostoyevsky, or contemporarily, Bill Gates, Elon Musks of the world might be classic examples of lone geniuses transforming the world with their inventions, discoveries or literature. These doyens through their transformative works have, in one way or the other, transformed the world and the one feature that stands common to them is that they are Western. How then has been made possible?

Besides institutionalist explanations, what might offer an explanation here is the context in which these eminence grises operate(d) and the acceptance of their ideas, grudging or otherwise. But, perhaps more importantly, especially in the instances of inventors and innovators, the commercialisation of their ideas is an important variable. The reference here is not to free-market capitalism, but an allusion to what some or even many might find shocking: monopoly capitalism. It was the sheer scale of monopoly capitalism that allowed Microsoft, for example, to be Microsoft, for GE to become GE and, to use a colourful phrase electrify the world. But, on the face of it, monopoly capitalism might be incompatible with pure individualism. &nbsp;However, that is what it appears to be.

There, then, is a paradox at the heart of the West’s progress and success where individualism, seems to be more in the nature of a foundational myth for nations in its pure form. This is not to decry individualism or deny it. The point is for other societies to take lessons, the right ones, in their quest for development or progress. The lesson is: while individualism may be one aspect of the West’s success but for progress and development, there’s more that goes into the constituent mix. One such component of success is the quality of institutions and the acceptance of ideas and inventions in the development sphere, howsoever crazy these might sound or even be. The rest is mere corollary.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the entity known as the West, essentially in the nature of a loose grouping of political, social and philosophical ideas reified coincidentally by a certain people inhabiting a certain part of the world, has reigned supreme.

Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the entity known as the West, essentially in the nature of a loose grouping of political, social and philosophical ideas reified coincidentally by a certain people inhabiting a certain part of the world, has reigned supreme. Be it forms of political organisation, scientific discovery, industrial organisation, technological innovation and so, the West has been the pioneer and led the way. What, the question is, explains the West’s success? A one rather conventional and clichéd explanation is that it is individualism that is the reason for both the West’s ascendance and, well, even superiority. Individualism roughly posits that the individual precedes and is superior to the group which might be social, political, family or even tribal. And, that an individual has moral worth that is intrinsic and an individual’s life must be free from external interferences. On the face of it, this ‘pure’ theory of individualism is powerful (I call the theory pure because, in my opinion, no society even in the West corresponds exactly to it. There are approximations and variations to the ideal type of individualism). It is powerful because it is intuitive and rests on powerful philosophical foundations. And, speaking in empirical terms, a corpus of evidence can be marshalled to support the theory of individualism. But, the first quibble with the pure theory of individualism is that it, to repeat, is an ideal type. Consider an example. While there is no argument with the assertion that the individual has moral worth and is an autonomous agent or being, but in the real world, even in the West, individuals are subject influences external to them. The mass media, (or ‘social media contemporarily), mass advertising, the pressures to conform, say in or among subcultures or social groupings corroborate and point out to these external influences and pressures. Politically, as has been evident over the past few years, to employ Noam Chomsky’s phrase, consent can be manufactured. All this suggests that there is no such thing as pure individualism. Moreover, in the region that is held to be the West in geographical terms, there are various and varying permutations and combinations with respect to the individuals’ relation to the basic social unit, the family and the state and market relations. But, this does not mean that individualism in various avatars does not exist in the West. It does. However, attribution of the West’s success and progress cannot and must not be isolated to individualism. It may that institutions and their evolution plus responsiveness to both people and change might be a more powerful variable that accounts for the success of the West. The correlation between individualism and material progress then does not entirely hold. But this does not mean that an individual is worthless. To the contrary, it is perhaps only in an individual, the lone, eccentric genius, the fundamental spark of creativity can find expression in. The Newtons, the Edisons, the Wordsworth, Keats, Dickens, Dostoyevsky, or contemporarily, Bill Gates, Elon Musks of the world might be classic examples of lone geniuses transforming the world with their inventions, discoveries or literature. These doyens through their transformative works have, in one way or the other, transformed the world and the one feature that stands common to them is that they are Western. How then has been made possible? Besides institutionalist explanations, what might offer an explanation here is the context in which these eminence grises operate(d) and the acceptance of their ideas, grudging or otherwise. But, perhaps more importantly, especially in the instances of inventors and innovators, the commercialisation of their ideas is an important variable. The reference here is not to free-market capitalism, but an allusion to what some or even many might find shocking: monopoly capitalism. It was the sheer scale of monopoly capitalism that allowed Microsoft, for example, to be Microsoft, for GE to become GE and, to use a colourful phrase electrify the world. But, on the face of it, monopoly capitalism might be incompatible with pure individualism. However, that is what it appears to be. There, then, is a paradox at the heart of the West’s progress and success where individualism, seems to be more in the nature of a foundational myth for nations in its pure form. This is not to decry individualism or deny it. The point is for other societies to take lessons, the right ones, in their quest for development or progress. The lesson is: while individualism may be one aspect of the West’s success but for progress and development, there’s more that goes into the constituent mix. One such component of success is the quality of institutions and the acceptance of ideas and inventions in the development sphere, howsoever crazy these might sound or even be. The rest is mere corollary. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is individualism the secret of the West’s success?

23,000+ lives have been lost in the United States, but the U.S. President says he should not be blamed for anything. A press conference by Trump turned out to be a never-ending monologue of self-pity. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why Donald Trump has failed to act like a President

China may have secretly set off low-level underground nuclear test explosions despite claiming to observe an international pact banning such blasts, the US State Department said in a report on Wednesday.

The finding, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, may worsen ties already strained by US charges that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted from Beijing's mishandling of a 2019 outbreak of the coronavirus in the city of Wuhan.

US concerns about Beijing's possible breaches of a "zero yield" standard for test blasts have been prompted by activities at China's Lop Nur nuclear test site throughout 2019, the State Department report said.

Zero yield refers to a nuclear test in which there is no explosive chain reaction of the type ignited by the detonation of a nuclear warhead.

"China's possible preparation to operate its Lop Nur test site year-round, its use of explosive containment chambers, extensive excavation activities at Lop Nur and a lack of transparency on its nuclear testing activities ... raise concerns regarding its adherence to the zero yield standard," the report said, without providing evidence of a low-yield test.

The 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) allows activities designed to ensure the safety of nuclear weapons.

A spokeswoman for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation, which verifies compliance with the pact, told the Wall Street Journal there had been no interruptions in data transmissions from China's five sensor stations since the end of August 2019 following an interruption that began in 2018.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily briefing in Beijing that China was committed to a moratorium on nuclear tests and said the United States was making false accusations.

China, estimated to have about 300 nuclear weapons, has repeatedly rejected Trump's proposal, arguing its nuclear force is defensive and poses no threat.

Russia, France and Britain - three of the world's five internationally recognised nuclear powers - signed and ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which still requires ratification by 44 countries to become international law.

China and the United States are among eight signatories that have not ratified it. But China has declared its adherence to its terms, while the United States has observed a unilateral testing moratorium since 1992.

(with inputs)

China may have secretly set off low-level underground nuclear test explosions despite claiming to observe an international pact banning such blasts, the US State Department said in a report on Wednesday.

China may have secretly set off low-level underground nuclear test explosions despite claiming to observe an international pact banning such blasts, the US State Department said in a report on Wednesday. The finding, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, may worsen ties already strained by US charges that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted from Beijing's mishandling of a 2019 outbreak of the coronavirus in the city of Wuhan. US concerns about Beijing's possible breaches of a "zero yield" standard for test blasts have been prompted by activities at China's Lop Nur nuclear test site throughout 2019, the State Department report said. Zero yield refers to a nuclear test in which there is no explosive chain reaction of the type ignited by the detonation of a nuclear warhead. "China's possible preparation to operate its Lop Nur test site year-round, its use of explosive containment chambers, extensive excavation activities at Lop Nur and a lack of transparency on its nuclear testing activities ... raise concerns regarding its adherence to the zero yield standard," the report said, without providing evidence of a low-yield test. The 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) allows activities designed to ensure the safety of nuclear weapons. A spokeswoman for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation, which verifies compliance with the pact, told the Wall Street Journal there had been no interruptions in data transmissions from China's five sensor stations since the end of August 2019 following an interruption that began in 2018. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily briefing in Beijing that China was committed to a moratorium on nuclear tests and said the United States was making false accusations. China, estimated to have about 300 nuclear weapons, has repeatedly rejected Trump's proposal, arguing its nuclear force is defensive and poses no threat. Russia, France and Britain - three of the world's five internationally recognised nuclear powers - signed and ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which still requires ratification by 44 countries to become international law. China and the United States are among eight signatories that have not ratified it. But China has declared its adherence to its terms, while the United States has observed a unilateral testing moratorium since 1992. (with inputs)

China may have conducted low-level nuclear test blasts, says US

The United States, which is facing the world's worst coronavirus crisis, is arranging for flights to bring back its citizens from India. But a lot of them don't want to go back. On the contrary, Indians living and working in the US need visa extensions to stay in the country. Amongst these Indians, there are some doctors and nurses, who are helping America to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-americans-choose-to-stay-in-india-wuhan-coronavirus-292328/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So far, 13,000 Americans have been evacuated from India. However, more than 24,000 US nationals are currently in the country and five flights are scheduled for this week to rescue them. But, most of the these people are unwilling to return to home.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-is-over-says-new-york-governor-as-covid-19-death-toll-crosses-10000-292316">Worst is over, says New York governor as COVID-19 death toll crosses 10,000</a>

Reportedly, the American Embassy called nearly 800 US citizens in India and only 10 wanted to fly back.&nbsp;

However, the uncertainity of Indians in American remains and the ones affected are those whose visas are expired and whose vias extensions have been delayed. These include healthcare professionals and researchers.

Over 300,000 Indians who are techies and working on H-1B visas are unsure whether their visas will get an extension.&nbsp;

The pandemic has caused an economic downturn and US employers cut a record 701,000 jobs in March. However, practically, it will not be possible for so many Indians to come back to India. And this is the reason why Indian government is urging the US to extend H-1B and other visas.&nbsp;

Two weeks back, the US received about 275,000 requests for H-1B visas, three times more than the mandated 85,000. More than 67% of the applications were from Indians.&nbsp;

At this juncture, India is not just providing the US with HCQ, but taking care of its citizens too. But, tens of thousands Indians future in America look edgy.&nbsp;

The United States, which is facing the world's worst coronavirus crisis, is arranging for flights to bring back its citizens from India. But a lot of them don't want to go back.

The United States, which is facing the world's worst coronavirus crisis, is arranging for flights to bring back its citizens from India. But a lot of them don't want to go back. On the contrary, Indians living and working in the US need visa extensions to stay in the country. Amongst these Indians, there are some doctors and nurses, who are helping America to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch | So far, 13,000 Americans have been evacuated from India. However, more than 24,000 US nationals are currently in the country and five flights are scheduled for this week to rescue them. But, most of the these people are unwilling to return to home. Also read | Worst is over, says New York governor as COVID-19 death toll crosses 10,000 Reportedly, the American Embassy called nearly 800 US citizens in India and only 10 wanted to fly back. However, the uncertainity of Indians in American remains and the ones affected are those whose visas are expired and whose vias extensions have been delayed. These include healthcare professionals and researchers. Over 300,000 Indians who are techies and working on H-1B visas are unsure whether their visas will get an extension. The pandemic has caused an economic downturn and US employers cut a record 701,000 jobs in March. However, practically, it will not be possible for so many Indians to come back to India. And this is the reason why Indian government is urging the US to extend H-1B and other visas. Two weeks back, the US received about 275,000 requests for H-1B visas, three times more than the mandated 85,000. More than 67% of the applications were from Indians. At this juncture, India is not just providing the US with HCQ, but taking care of its citizens too. But, tens of thousands Indians future in America look edgy.

Coronavirus: Americans in India don't want to return, but are Indians safe in US?

Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday (0030 GMT Wednesday). WION spoke to Dr. Anil Kaul about the nature of COVID-19 and its complex diagnosis.

WION speaks to Dr. Anil Kaul about nature of COVID-19 and its diagnosis

Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday (0030 GMT Wednesday).

Coronavirus Pandemic: US records highest daily COVID-19 death toll

In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St. Petersburg and has attracted neo-Nazis from across the globe.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-136-new-deaths-as-authorities-say-gradual-downtrend-in-coronvirus-cases-290927">Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases</a>

This is the first time the US has declared a white supremacist group as a terror organisation, a tool that is traditionally used against Islamist radicals.

“These designations are unprecedented,” Nathan Sales, US Counter-Terrorism, envoy, in a statement, said.

This decision came after the State Department in its last annual terrorism report last November said ethnically and racially driven terrorism had jumped alarmingly in 2018 both worldwide and in the US.&nbsp;

Russian Imperial Movement’s (RIM) recognize themselves as Russian Orthodox nationalists who support restoring the monarchy and privileging the interests of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarussians.

With such designations, the US typically freezes assets of the blacklisted group in the country and bars any countrymen to financially transact with such a group.&nbsp;

Sales cited a series of attacks from late 2016 in the Swedish city of Gothenburg carried out by two people from RIM, adding that the individuals were trained in Russia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation. The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St.

In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation. The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St. Petersburg and has attracted neo-Nazis from across the globe. Also read | Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases This is the first time the US has declared a white supremacist group as a terror organisation, a tool that is traditionally used against Islamist radicals. “These designations are unprecedented,” Nathan Sales, US Counter-Terrorism, envoy, in a statement, said. This decision came after the State Department in its last annual terrorism report last November said ethnically and racially driven terrorism had jumped alarmingly in 2018 both worldwide and in the US. Russian Imperial Movement’s (RIM) recognize themselves as Russian Orthodox nationalists who support restoring the monarchy and privileging the interests of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarussians. With such designations, the US typically freezes assets of the blacklisted group in the country and bars any countrymen to financially transact with such a group. Sales cited a series of attacks from late 2016 in the Swedish city of Gothenburg carried out by two people from RIM, adding that the individuals were trained in Russia.

In a first, US declares white supremacist group as terrorist organisation

The US President Donald Trump requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply Hydroxychloroquine tablets to the United States, so that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

US seeks India's help amid coronavirus outbreak

The US President Donald Trump told Americans to brace for a big spike in COVID-19 fatalities in the coming days, as the country faces what he called the toughest two weeks of the pandemic.

COVID-19: Donald Trump warns of toughest two weeks

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have begun providing emergency funds to developing and low-income countries across the world to strengthen their efforts to battle the rapidly spreading coronavirus.

IMF & World Bank's appeal to developed countries

The United States recorded 1,169 deaths from COVID-19 in last 24 hours, which is the worst 24-hour death toll since the pandemic began. The total number of people who have died since the start of the pandemic in the United States is over 7,000.

COVID-19: 1,169 dead in US in last 24 hours

According to Morgan Stanley, the US economy is all set to shrink 5.5% in 2020. This would be the the worst decline since 1946.

COVID-19: US economy stares at worst fall since 1946

COVID-19 death toll in NY more than 9/11 fatalities

The global battle to acquire supplies | Coronavirus News | COVID-19 cases Individual governments have defended decisions to keep medical equipment at home, arguing they must take care of their medical workers and patients first

The global battle to acquire supplies

The rich and developed countries are expected to take care of poor people when an outbreak as deadly as coronavirus strikes. This time, however, the world's richest countries deserted the poor.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-worlds-richest-nations-have-deserted-the-poor-290230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Let's first look at Las Vegas in the United States. In the above video, you can see, homeless lying on open spaces with no mattresses, without any masks or hand gloves at a time when staying inside the home is the only way to contain the spread.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-near-a-million-death-toll-rises-to-50230-290148">Global coronavirus cases near a million; death toll rises to 50,230</a>

Some people were thrown out of their shelter homes after one member from their community was found infected with COVID-19. Now these homeless people have no place to go and the world's biggest economy doesn't bother.&nbsp;

Another US city San Franciso has a similar story to tell. About 8,000 people are homeless in San Francisco. The city's 30,000 hotel rooms are empty, out of which 11,000 have been offered to city officials. But the doors remain shut for the homeless.&nbsp;

These poor remain vulnerable to the novel coronavirus as their immune systems are week and are highly likely to be suffering from undetected ailments. &nbsp;

Germany, however, has a good story to tell.&nbsp;

The country has given shelter to poor in hotels.&nbsp;

"(The idea) was received really well. They (the homeless) are really happy that they have somewhere to stay for now..They stay in their rooms a lot, relax, watch TV and enjoy the time in which they can have a good night's sleep, " Johannes Jung, a hotel manager said.&nbsp;

Similar humanitarian gestures were seen in the United Kingdom too.&nbsp;

However, Italy, which is worst-hit by the coronavirus, is struggling to even provide basic supplies to the homeless. The Netherlands is also following a similar path.&nbsp;

On any given night, at least 70,000 people in Europe spend the night on the streets.&nbsp;

If this is the story of some of the advances economies, one can imagine, the situation of struggling nations.&nbsp;

The rich and developed countries are expected to take care of poor people when an outbreak as deadly as coronavirus strikes. This time, however, the world's richest countries deserted the poor.

The rich and developed countries are expected to take care of poor people when an outbreak as deadly as coronavirus strikes. This time, however, the world's richest countries deserted the poor. Watch | Let's first look at Las Vegas in the United States. In the above video, you can see, homeless lying on open spaces with no mattresses, without any masks or hand gloves at a time when staying inside the home is the only way to contain the spread. Also read | Global coronavirus cases near a million; death toll rises to 50,230 Some people were thrown out of their shelter homes after one member from their community was found infected with COVID-19. Now these homeless people have no place to go and the world's biggest economy doesn't bother. Another US city San Franciso has a similar story to tell. About 8,000 people are homeless in San Francisco. The city's 30,000 hotel rooms are empty, out of which 11,000 have been offered to city officials. But the doors remain shut for the homeless. These poor remain vulnerable to the novel coronavirus as their immune systems are week and are highly likely to be suffering from undetected ailments. Germany, however, has a good story to tell. The country has given shelter to poor in hotels. "(The idea) was received really well. They (the homeless) are really happy that they have somewhere to stay for now..They stay in their rooms a lot, relax, watch TV and enjoy the time in which they can have a good night's sleep, " Johannes Jung, a hotel manager said. Similar humanitarian gestures were seen in the United Kingdom too. However, Italy, which is worst-hit by the coronavirus, is struggling to even provide basic supplies to the homeless. The Netherlands is also following a similar path. On any given night, at least 70,000 people in Europe spend the night on the streets. If this is the story of some of the advances economies, one can imagine, the situation of struggling nations.

Coronavirus: Have rich countries disappointed the poor?

In the United States, Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc. The fatalities doubles in just 3 days. Trump said that quarantine will be be necessary. He issues travel curbs on New York instead. The United States of America is still underprepared for COVID-19. Most cities of U.S. still lacks masks & ventilators.

What made New York vulnerable to COVID-19

United States President Donald Trump recently signed the TAIPEI Act, supporting Taiwan’s aspiration to expand relationships with other countries in the world.

Recently, a lot of countries have severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in a bid to side with China, which perceives Taiwan as Chinese territory.

The Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act was passed in the House of Representatives on March 4. It was earlier approved in the US Senate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/help-us-after-deaths-on-coronavirus-hit-ship-guests-clamour-to-leave-289039" hreflang="en">'Help us': After deaths on coronavirus-hit ship, guests clamour to leave</a>

The act explicitly calls out China for its excesses in the region, by referring to coercion of Taiwan as a “bullying tactic”. It was penned by Cory Gardner, a Republican senator from Colorado, and a Democrat senator Chris Coons from Delaware.

The act asks for US to support Taiwan in improving relationships with other countries to counter the mounting sense of pressure created by China over Taiwan, the South China Morning Post reported.

“The United States should use every tool to support Taiwan’s standing on the international stage,” Gardner had asserted in a joint announcement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cities-facing-major-coronavirus-equipment-shortages-285-million-masks-needed-289072" hreflang="en">US cities facing major coronavirus equipment shortages, 28.5 million masks needed</a>

“This bipartisan legislation demands a whole-of-government approach to ramp up our support for Taiwan, and will send a strong message to nations that there will be consequences for supporting Chinese actions that undermine Taiwan”, he added.

The bill requires the United States to gradually decrease all kinds of engagement with countries that attempt to undermine Taiwan.

China immediately lashed out at the bill, calling it an interference in their internal matters. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian calls the TAIPEI Act a “severe violation of the one-China principle”.

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As of now, Taiwan has diplomatic relations with 15 nations. On China’s behest, eight countries recently severed ties with Taiwan, especially in view of the new president Tsai Ing, who wants democracy in the region.

Tsai referred to this as “part of a series of diplomatic and military acts of coercion” by China.

In January, Tsai won the election by a landslide and asserted Taiwan’s independence in the face of China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-ozone-layer-is-healing-289054" hreflang="en">The ozone layer is healing!</a>

“We have a separate identity and we’re a country of our own,” she told the BBC.

As per the bill, Taiwan shall be granted membership in all international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite. Additionally, in places where it is a requirement, Taiwan shall be given observe status.

“Today and on all days, Congress continues to send a message to the world that America stands with Taiwan. … We [must] ensure that Taiwan has a seat at the international decision-making table, including at the United Nations,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said when her chamber passed the bill.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-virus-cases-exceed-100000-doctors-decry-scarcity-of-drugs-and-equipment-289041" hreflang="en">As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment</a>

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Taiwan is one the best performing countries in terms of containment. The country was also left out of all World Health Organisation discussions surrounding the virus, which drew flak from all over the world.

“I’m pleased the President signed this bill into law,” echoed Coons.&nbsp;

“The TAIPEI Act sends a clear message that the United States stands with Taiwan’s free-market democracy. I look forward to finding additional ways to support the positive role Taiwan plays in international affairs.

United States President Donald Trump recently signed the TAIPEI Act, supporting Taiwan’s aspiration to expand relationships with other countries in the world. Recently, a lot of countries have severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in a bid to side with China, which perceives Taiwan as Chinese territory.

United States President Donald Trump recently signed the TAIPEI Act, supporting Taiwan’s aspiration to expand relationships with other countries in the world. Recently, a lot of countries have severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in a bid to side with China, which perceives Taiwan as Chinese territory. The Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act was passed in the House of Representatives on March 4. It was earlier approved in the US Senate. Also read: 'Help us': After deaths on coronavirus-hit ship, guests clamour to leave The act explicitly calls out China for its excesses in the region, by referring to coercion of Taiwan as a “bullying tactic”. It was penned by Cory Gardner, a Republican senator from Colorado, and a Democrat senator Chris Coons from Delaware. The act asks for US to support Taiwan in improving relationships with other countries to counter the mounting sense of pressure created by China over Taiwan, the South China Morning Post reported. “The United States should use every tool to support Taiwan’s standing on the international stage,” Gardner had asserted in a joint announcement. Also read: US cities facing major coronavirus equipment shortages, 28.5 million masks needed “This bipartisan legislation demands a whole-of-government approach to ramp up our support for Taiwan, and will send a strong message to nations that there will be consequences for supporting Chinese actions that undermine Taiwan”, he added. The bill requires the United States to gradually decrease all kinds of engagement with countries that attempt to undermine Taiwan. China immediately lashed out at the bill, calling it an interference in their internal matters. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian calls the TAIPEI Act a “severe violation of the one-China principle”. As of now, Taiwan has diplomatic relations with 15 nations. On China’s behest, eight countries recently severed ties with Taiwan, especially in view of the new president Tsai Ing, who wants democracy in the region. Tsai referred to this as “part of a series of diplomatic and military acts of coercion” by China. In January, Tsai won the election by a landslide and asserted Taiwan’s independence in the face of China. Also read: The ozone layer is healing! “We have a separate identity and we’re a country of our own,” she told the BBC. As per the bill, Taiwan shall be granted membership in all international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite. Additionally, in places where it is a requirement, Taiwan shall be given observe status. “Today and on all days, Congress continues to send a message to the world that America stands with Taiwan. … We [must] ensure that Taiwan has a seat at the international decision-making table, including at the United Nations,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said when her chamber passed the bill. Also read: As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Taiwan is one the best performing countries in terms of containment. The country was also left out of all World Health Organisation discussions surrounding the virus, which drew flak from all over the world. “I’m pleased the President signed this bill into law,” echoed Coons. “The TAIPEI Act sends a clear message that the United States stands with Taiwan’s free-market democracy. I look forward to finding additional ways to support the positive role Taiwan plays in international affairs.

Donald Trump signs TAIPEI act, recognises Taiwan's international presence

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Sunday that the social media company has donated its emergency reserve of 720,000 masks to provide health workers with more protective gear.\

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-how-whatsapp-has-become-problematic-for-facebook-287505">Coronavirus pandemic: How WhatsApp has become problematic for Facebook</a>

"To help, Facebook donated our emergency reserve of 720,000 masks that we had bought in case the wildfires continued," Zuckerberg said in a post, adding that the company is also working on "sourcing a lot more to donate."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-offers-100-million-to-virus-hit-small-businesses-in-30-countries-287069">Facebook offers $100 million to virus-hit small businesses in 30 countries</a>

The United States has seen a surge in demand for respirator masks caused by the coronavirus outbreak as the US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services, over the next 18 months, aims to buy 500 million masks for the Strategic National Stockpile, the nation's supply of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. 
&nbsp;

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Sunday that the social media company has donated its emergency reserve of 720,000 masks to provide health workers with more protective gear.

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Sunday that the social media company has donated its emergency reserve of 720,000 masks to provide health workers with more protective gear.\ Also read | Coronavirus pandemic: How WhatsApp has become problematic for Facebook "To help, Facebook donated our emergency reserve of 720,000 masks that we had bought in case the wildfires continued," Zuckerberg said in a post, adding that the company is also working on "sourcing a lot more to donate." Also read | Facebook offers $100 million to virus-hit small businesses in 30 countries The United States has seen a surge in demand for respirator masks caused by the coronavirus outbreak as the US Department of Health and Human Services, over the next 18 months, aims to buy 500 million masks for the Strategic National Stockpile, the nation's supply of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers

The Afghan government and Taliban on Sunday held their first talks regarding the release of prisoners, the US special envoy for Afghanistan said.&nbsp;

"Today, the US and Qatar facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases, via Skype video conferencing," Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter.

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Today, the US and Qatar facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases, via Skype video conferencing.
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The development comes after the prevailing deadlock between Afghan administration and the militant group following the historic Doha deal, which made way for the exit of US troops from the region.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/release-of-taliban-prisoners-stalls-over-guarantees-286486">Release of Taliban prisoners stalls over guarantees</a>

As per the deal, Taliban committed to reducing violence and continue fighting against terrorist groups like Al Qaeda.

On &nbsp;Wednesday, Khalilzad said it is “urgent” to finalise plans on prisoners exchange as the coronavirus pandemic is creating diplomatic challenges.&nbsp;

The agreement signed on February 29 in Doha intended to end America’s longest war that began after the Sept 11 terror attacks in 2001. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-begins-troops-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-10-days-after-taliban-deal-285385">US begins troops withdrawal from Afghanistan 10 days after Taliban deal</a>

The deal mentions the release of up to 5,000 Taliban militants held by Kabul and up to 1,000 people of the Afghan government forces captured by the insurgent group.&nbsp;

This move was supposed to start before the inter-Afghan peace negotiations, originally scheduled for March 10.&nbsp;

However, Kabul, which was not part of the deal signed by US and Taliban, refused this offer initially, before finally agreeing upon gradual and conditional prisoner releases.&nbsp;

The Doha deal calls for the gradual pullout of American and other foreign troops deployed in Afghanistan over a 14-month period, the first phase of which has already started.&nbsp;

The Afghan government and Taliban on Sunday held their first talks regarding the release of prisoners, the US special envoy for Afghanistan said. "Today, the US and Qatar facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases, via Skype video conferencing," Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter.

The Afghan government and Taliban on Sunday held their first talks regarding the release of prisoners, the US special envoy for Afghanistan said. "Today, the US and Qatar facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases, via Skype video conferencing," Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter. Today, the US and Qatar facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases, via Skype video conferencing. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) March 22, 2020 × The development comes after the prevailing deadlock between Afghan administration and the militant group following the historic Doha deal, which made way for the exit of US troops from the region. Also read | Release of Taliban prisoners stalls over guarantees As per the deal, Taliban committed to reducing violence and continue fighting against terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. On Wednesday, Khalilzad said it is “urgent” to finalise plans on prisoners exchange as the coronavirus pandemic is creating diplomatic challenges. The agreement signed on February 29 in Doha intended to end America’s longest war that began after the Sept 11 terror attacks in 2001. Also read | US begins troops withdrawal from Afghanistan 10 days after Taliban deal The deal mentions the release of up to 5,000 Taliban militants held by Kabul and up to 1,000 people of the Afghan government forces captured by the insurgent group. This move was supposed to start before the inter-Afghan peace negotiations, originally scheduled for March 10. However, Kabul, which was not part of the deal signed by US and Taliban, refused this offer initially, before finally agreeing upon gradual and conditional prisoner releases. The Doha deal calls for the gradual pullout of American and other foreign troops deployed in Afghanistan over a 14-month period, the first phase of which has already started.

Afghan, Taliban held first talks regarding prisoner release: US envoy

Republican senators on Thursday presented a $1 trillion emergency relief package to fight the economic turmoil caused by the novel coronavirus as the death toll in the United States over 200 with more than 13,000 infections.&nbsp;

"This legislation takes bold action on four major priorities that are extremely urgent and very necessary," Mitch McConnell told the Senate as he unveiled the package.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wartime-president-trump-invokes-defense-production-act-to-fight-coronavirus-287280">'Wartime president' Trump invokes Defense Production Act to fight coronavirus</a>

"First, direct financial help for the American people. Second, rapid relief for small businesses and their employees," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-always-treated-chinese-virus-seriously-donald-trump-287201">I always treated 'Chinese Virus' seriously: Donald Trump</a>

"Third, significant steps to stabilize our economy and protect jobs. And, fourth, more support for the brave health care professionals and the patients who are fighting the coronavirus on the front lines."

If the text becomes law, it would be one of the largest federal economic interventions in US history.&nbsp;

In another big development in the US, California governor ordered all residents of the state to stay at home.&nbsp;

California Governor Gavin Newsom said 56 per cent of the state residents were expected to contract coronavirus over the next eight weeks.&nbsp;

The fast spread of the virus in the country has forced schools and businesses to shut down, implying millions to work from home, unemploying many and curbing travel.&nbsp;

This would be Congress' third emergency COVID-19 bill after a $105 billion-plus aid for free coronavirus testing, paid sick leave and expanded safety-net spending and an $8.3 billion measure to tackle the virus's spread and develop vaccines.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump has faced a lot of criticism for a downplayed and delayed response to the outbreak. &nbsp;

(With AFP, Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

Republican senators on Thursday presented a $1 trillion emergency relief package to fight the economic turmoil caused by the novel coronavirus as the death toll in the United States over 200 with more than 13,000 infections.

Republican senators on Thursday presented a $1 trillion emergency relief package to fight the economic turmoil caused by the novel coronavirus as the death toll in the United States over 200 with more than 13,000 infections. "This legislation takes bold action on four major priorities that are extremely urgent and very necessary," Mitch McConnell told the Senate as he unveiled the package. Also read: 'Wartime president' Trump invokes Defense Production Act to fight coronavirus "First, direct financial help for the American people. Second, rapid relief for small businesses and their employees," he said. Also read: I always treated 'Chinese Virus' seriously: Donald Trump "Third, significant steps to stabilize our economy and protect jobs. And, fourth, more support for the brave health care professionals and the patients who are fighting the coronavirus on the front lines." If the text becomes law, it would be one of the largest federal economic interventions in US history. In another big development in the US, California governor ordered all residents of the state to stay at home. California Governor Gavin Newsom said 56 per cent of the state residents were expected to contract coronavirus over the next eight weeks. The fast spread of the virus in the country has forced schools and businesses to shut down, implying millions to work from home, unemploying many and curbing travel. This would be Congress' third emergency COVID-19 bill after a $105 billion-plus aid for free coronavirus testing, paid sick leave and expanded safety-net spending and an $8.3 billion measure to tackle the virus's spread and develop vaccines. President Donald Trump has faced a lot of criticism for a downplayed and delayed response to the outbreak. (With AFP, Reuters inputs)

US: Senators present $1 trillion relief package; death toll over 200

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