Fayetteville, Nov 2: President Donald Trump has said that the US will never forget what China did to it by failing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic which he said has devastated America’s economy.
Addressing election rallies on Sunday, Trump said America was on track of its economic revival and was doing well, but it was hit by a virus that came from China.
“We had the greatest economy in the history of our country. And then we got hit by the China plague, which we’re not going to forget,” he said.
“So we closed it up. We closed it up and then we opened it up and we saved. I’ll tell you we saved 2 million lives….But what happened with that shouldn’t have been…We can never forget what China did to us, we can never forget,” Trump said.
Trump has repeatedly blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic which originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year and accused Beijing of suppressing the details of the contagion.
The US is the worst-affected country from the virus with over 2,31,000 deaths and over 9 million infections. The pandemic devastated the country’s economy, resulting in the loss of millions of jobs.
Throughout the day, Trump accused his Democratic challenger Joe Biden of being soft on China and alleged that Beijing wants Biden to win the November 3 presidential election.
The president slammed his 77-year-old Democratic opponent calling him as one with low energy or “sleepy”.
“They dream about ‘sleepy’ Joe Biden. They own ‘sleepy’ Joe. You know that,” the 74-year-old Trump told a cheering crowd in Georgia.
“China goes to bed every night and they say, please let it be sleepy, Joe. They would own the United States,” Trump said at another election rally in North Carolina.
In Georgia, he urged his supporters to think about what China has done to the US. “We had the greatest economy seven months ago and then we had the plague. That’s not good. Think of what China has done to the world. Think of it now,” he said.
He rued that people have been forced to wear masks due to this pandemic. “Just think, you know, I see people that come in, they’re wrapped up in masks. Think of what China has done to the world,” he said.
“While they managed the pandemic inside their country, they let it out whole over the world. You can never forget it, We can never forget it,” said the president.
Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiralled downward since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The two countries have also sparred over trade issues, a new national security law in Hong Kong, restrictions on American journalists, treatment of Uyghurs Muslims and security measures in Tibet.
During each of his rallies, Trump gave a contrast between him and Biden.
“Biden is the candidate of rioters, looters, arsonists, gun-grabbers, flag-burners, Marxists, lobbyists and special interests. I am the candidate of farmers, factory workers, police officers, and hard-working, law-abiding patriots of every race, religion and creed!” said the president.
“Biden will terminate school choice, eliminate charter schools, defund religious schools, ban prayer in public schools, indoctrinate your children with Anti-American lies, and force you to subsidize extreme late-term abortion. We believe that every child is a Sacred Gift from God!” he said.
Trump alleged that for decades, “Biden let other countries rip them off and cheat America blind.”
“The only people who’ve benefited from his policies are himself and his family. He shows up every 4 years, and then goes back to DC and caters to his special interests. My only special interest is YOU,” he asserted.
On Sunday, Trump addressed five rallies in the battleground states of Wisconsin, Iowa, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
He is scheduled to address five more rallies on Monday, the last day of his campaigning. Voting is scheduled for Tuesday. (PTI)

Johannesburg, Nov 2: For the first time in South Africa, two kings of indigenous communities of the country have helped celebrate Diwali.
The festival was held in Nongoma, around 30 km north of the coastal city of Durban, at the Osuthu Royal Palace of King Goodwill Zwelithini, the monarch of South Africa’s largest indigenous community, the Zulus.
Also joining the celebrations was King Makhosoke II of the Amandebele community.
The festival was organised by Professor Ishwar Ramlutchman, the head of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, who is also the only person of Indian origin who has been anointed as a prince of the Zulu nation.
The cultures of the three communities, including that of the South Africans of Indian origin, were featured in songs and dance performances.
The annual Diwali celebrations hosted by the Zulu king usually attract thousands of people, but this year, only 200 could attend due to COVID-related restrictions.
“I want to wish a happy Diwali to all of you who are celebrating the festival of lights here in the kingdom and around the world,” Zwelithini said.
“For Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, lighting the lamp — the diya — is a chance to remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail. Knowledge will defeat ignorance and compassion will triumph over despair.
“Diwali is also a reminder that we must each do our part to achieve that victory by dedicating ourselves to the service of others. If we affirm our commitments to one another and strive to lift each other up, then together, we will continue moving closer to that brighter future we all seek,” he added.
Zwelithini called for the freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere in South Africa during Diwali to continue beyond that period.
“During this time, we embrace one another with love and this must endure beyond the days of festivities. Deepavali is a great unifying force,” the monarch said.
“The concept of unity in diversity is a strong principle which is being promoted amongst our people. Our multicultural and multi-religious community must flourish and aim towards unity as one nation.
“Living in a diverse rainbow nation with many religions, cultures and rituals, it is imperative that we learn to respect others and their beliefs,” he added.
Endorsing the views of his fellow royal, King Makhosoke II reminded the audience that Diwali is being hosted on the eve of the 160th anniversary of the arrival on November 16, 1860 of the first boatload of indentured labourers from India for the sugarcane farms of Natal province.
“This festival provides all of us an opportunity to learn more about the hardship and struggle faced by these indentured labourers during those trying times.
“History teaches us that learning more about people makes it easier for us to have a better understanding and be able to co-habit better than people who do not know each other,” Makhose said.
Ramlutchman, who has established Sivananda peace pillars in various towns of the province over the past decade, said the greatest Diwali gift that South Africans could give King Zwelithini would be peace in the province.
“I know that nothing troubles His Majesty more than strife among his people. I therefore urge all, more especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, to give His Majesty the gift he will cherish for the rest of his life — the gift of enduring peace,” he said.
There have been a number of violent incidents, including allegations of assassination of political leaders, in recent years in KwaZulu-Natal province. (PTI)

Wellington, Nov 2:New Zealand’s new Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson will be the country’s first openly gay man to hold the role and is among a team of top lawmakers announced Monday that is remarkable for its diversity.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her new Cabinet lineup after her liberal Labour Party won reelection in a landslide victory last month. Ardern has assigned a number of indigenous Maori lawmakers to top positions, including Nanaia Mahuta, who will take on the role of foreign minister, and Kelvin Davis, who will be minister for children.
Robertson, who will also continue his previous job as finance minister, has long been a close friend and political ally of Ardern. He said he has tried to be a minister for all New Zealanders, but also thinks it’s important for younger members of the LGBT community to see people they identify with take on top roles.
“I still get a lot of emails and messages from young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who look towards us to provide that kind of role-modeling,” Robertson said. “So, I’ll keep doing my job the way that I’ve been doing it, but I’m very proud to have the role.”
Robertson replaces Winston Peters as deputy prime minister after Peters and his New Zealand First party failed to get reelected. Kelvin Davis was expected to take on the role but said he turned it down to focus on his other responsibilities.
Ardern said all the positions were assigned on merit.
“I think one of the amazing things about New Zealand is that we are often in a space now where all of these questions (about diversity) often become secondary,” she said. “The representation is there. And that is not the first consideration.”
In the Oct. 17 election, the Labour Party won an outright majority in Parliament, the first time any party has achieved that since New Zealand implemented a proportional voting system 24 years ago.
The Labour Party nevertheless signed a “cooperation agreement” with the Green Party on Sunday, which says the two parties will work together on climate, environment and child-wellbeing issues. Two Green Party lawmakers have been given ministerial roles outside of the Cabinet.
Ardern demoted some ministers considered to have underperformed during her first term, including Phil Twyford, who lost his transport portfolio. He will remain a lower-ranked minister outside of Cabinet. (AGENCIES)

Bangkok, Nov 2: Starbucks said Monday it plans to open an outlet in Laos as it expands its network of more than 10,000 stores in Asian countries.
The company said it plans to open the shop in the Laotian capital Vientiane by next summer.
The outlet will be operated by Coffee Concepts (Laos) Ltd., a part of Hong Kong-based Maxim’s Caterers Ltd. Starbuck said in a statement that it intends to use its global scale to have a positive impact and career opportunities in the impoverished, landlocked country bordered by Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.
“We are pleased to introduce the Starbucks brand into Laos, which further builds on our 20 year relationship with Starbucks to grow the coffee industry across Asia,” said Michael Wu, Chairman and Managing Director, Maxim’s Caterers Limited.
Many Laotians drink powdered coffee drinks that include milk and sugar, as is true across much of Asia, but the country of 7.2 million is a coffee exporter and has its own artisanal coffee roasters and shops.
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Laos was drawing growing numbers of foreign tourists, with more than 4 million visiting in 2018. Local incomes have been rising, but still average around $300 a month.
The company said in a statement that it intends to take a “locally relevant approach” for its customers, both tourists and Laotions. “We will take a thoughtful approach to driving sustainable growth in Laos and look forward to contributing to the country’s vibrant coffee culture,” Starbucks said.
Starbucks said it was monitoring the coronavirus situation but is still aiming at an opening in summer 2021.
Laos, a landlocked country bordered by Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and China, has so far reported only 24 COVID-19 infections, according to a tally kept by the Johns Hopkins University. Such records are thought to understate the actual number of cases due to testing issues and large numbers of asymptomatic coronavirus cases. But pandemic precautions are severely limiting travel in the region.
“We will work closely with local health authorities, as we do in all markets, making decisions with the health of our partners and customers top of mind,” Starbucks said. (AGENCIES)

Dubai, Nov 2: Pleased with his team’s efforts in a crunch situation, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Eoin Morgan said they couldn’t have done anything more in a must-win game against Rajasthan Royals.
KKR finished their league campaign with a 60-run win over the Royals on Sunday to get into the top four with 14 points. However a negative Net Run-Rate (-0.214) might be an impediment towards qualification.
KKR outgunned the Royals after posting a challenging 191 for seven.
“Yes, I was aware of the numbers (about net run rate) but you need to first get yourself into a winning position. I don’t think we could have done anything more today. So whatever happens from here is up to the Gods,” Morgan said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
KKR’s entry into the play-offs will now depend on the result of the matches between Delhi Capitals (-0.159) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (-0.145) as well as the one where Sunrisers Hyderabad (+0.555) take on defending champions Mumbai Indians, who have already qualified.
In case, SRH wins, KKR’s chances of qualification will hinge on a real poor defeat for either DC or RCB in their particular game.
Morgan smashed a 35-ball unbeaten 68 in his team’s huge total, which the skipper said was a par-score.
“I thought it was around a par score. Every batsman who came back in and said that it was a beautiful wicket with the dew in. We lost wickets between 10th and 15th overs, and to finish like we did was really good,” said Morgan.
Royals skipper Steve Smith said losing wickets in a heap upfront harmed their cause.
“It was around a 180 wicket. There was a bit of dew. Losing four (wickets) in the Powerplay, it was always going to be tough from there,” said the Australian. “(Pat) Cummins bowled nice lengths, made us play some good shots. We got off to a flier, but then we lost wickets in a clump. Unfortunate way to end. We started off really well, won the last two before this one. In the middle we lost our way.”
Smith was not happy with the his top order batsmen.
“Our batters, the top four or five didn’t take responsibility perhaps. Couple of real positives. Jofra has been exceptional pretty much every game. Tewatia obviously has pulled a few out of the hat throughout the tournament. He has bowled exceptionally well throughout the tournament.” (AGENCIES)
^^^

HOUSTON, Nov 2: The novel coronavirus is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which may have made it more contagious, according to a study involving more than 5,000 COVID-19 patients in the US.
The research, published in the journal mBIO, however, did not find that these mutations have made the virus deadlier or changed clinical outcomes.
The researchers noted that the mutation, called D614G, is located in the spike protein that pries open our cells for viral entry.
“The virus is mutating due to a combination of neutral drift — which just means random genetic changes that don’t help or hurt the virus — and pressure from our immune systems,” said Ilya Finkelstein, associate professor at The University of Texas at Austin, US.
The researchers noted that during the initial wave of the pandemic, 71 per cent of the novel coronaviruses identified in patients in Houston had this mutation.
When the second wave of the outbreak hit Houston during the summer, this variant had leaped to 99.9 per cent prevalence, they said.
This mirrors a trend observed around the world, according to the researchers.
The reason why strains containing this mutation outcompete those that didn’t have it may be that natural selection would favour strains of the virus that transmit more easily, the researchers said.
However, some scientists have suggested another explanation, called “founder’s effects.”
In that scenario, the D614G mutation might have been more common in the first viruses to arrive in Europe and North America, essentially giving them a head start on other strains, according to the researchers.
The spike protein is also continuing to accumulate additional mutations of unknown significance, they said.
The team also showed in lab experiments that at least one such mutation allows spike to evade a neutralising antibody that humans naturally produce to fight SARS-CoV-2 infections.
The researchers said this may allow that variant of the virus to more easily slip past our immune systems.
Although it is not clear yet whether that translates into it also being more easily transmitted between individuals, they said.
The scientists noted a total of 285 mutations across thousands of infections, although most don’t appear to have a significant effect on how severe the disease is. (AGENCIES)