Covid update: Unlock 3 rules; Trump’s vaccine remark; UK books 60 million doses

Unlock Phase 3: All your questions answered on what's closed, what's opening

As India approaches its fifth month of Covid-induced curbs, the Union government has announced guidelines for the next phase of Unlock, i.e. gradual easing of restrictions. The Phase 3 of Unlock will come into effect from August 1, 2020. It will entail further easing of restrictions in non-containment zones, including the reopening of gymnasiums and yoga institutes. However, schools and colleges will continue to remain closed till the end of August. Another decision which will be taken later is the resumption of Metro rail services, although other public transport like buses, cabs, and auto-rickshaws were allowed to start plying earlier. Another restriction which has been removed is night curfew. From August, there can be unhindered movement at night. Although state and Union Territory governments can impose restrictions in non-containment zones as they see fit, they can't restrict intra-state or inter-state travel. The new phase of Unlock will be implemented as India is seeing over 40,000 new cases of Covid-19 infection every day. However, the country's Covid recovery rate is constantly increasing, while fatality rate is among the lowest in the world.

US election: Trump trailing Biden by nine points

A look at the seven-day rolling average of the approval rating of USPresidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump, courtesy ofRealClearPolitics.

U.S., Oregon agree to withdraw agents in Portland

Oregon's governor on Wednesday said federal tactical police had agreed to withdraw from Portland, though U.S. officials said agents would stay until conditions improved after weeks of clashes with protesters. Gloria Tso reports.

Trump: What Big Tech companies are doing is very bad

US president Donald Trump said "there is no question that what the Big Techcompanies are doing is very bad". His comments came as Congressional lawmakersbegan questioning the chief executive officers of Apple, Facebook, Google andAmazon on Wednesday over their dominance and allegations of monopolisticpractices that stifle competition.

Unlock 3.0: Fitness centres, gyms gearing up to resume functioning in Nagpur

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued guidelines for Unlock 3.0 on July 29 for resumption of activities outside containment zones. Unlock 3.0 will come into effect from August 01. In the third phase of unlock, yoga institutes and gymnasiums will re-open from August 5. The fitness equipments and machineries are getting properly sanitised. Gym owners are taking all necessary precautionary measures ahead of opening gyms. All fitness centres are closed for nearly 4 months due to coronavirus pandemic. Now, this comes as a relief to several gym owners and fitness trainers who have been facing massive financial losses after having been shut since March. According to Government of Maharashtra, indoor gymnasiums and other fitness centres to remain closed in the next phase of 'Mission Begin Again'. Only outdoor centres for exercise and gymnastics can remain open from August 05, following all social distancing and hygiene protocols for COVID-19.

Unlock 3.0: Gyms to reopen, institutes, cinemas remain shut

Ministry of Home Affairs on July 29 issued guidelines for Unlock 3.0 for resumption of activities outside containment zones. Unlock 3.0 will come into effect from August 1. In this phase unlock yoga institutes and gymnasiums will reopen from August 5, however, cinemas, schools, colleges will remain shut. 'Night curfew' has also been removed. MHA has also allowed Independence Day celebration by following health protocols including social distancing and masks.

DNA Reveals Surprises About Slave Trade In The Americas

Consumer genetics company 23andMe has shed some new light on the consequences of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Its new study reveals the scale at which enslaved black women were raped by their white masters. The gene pool biases toward enslaved African women and European men signal generations of rape and sexual exploitation against enslaved women. According to CNN, the study also covered the less-documented slave trade that occurred within the Americas.

In Colombia, Militant Groups Resort To Arson, Murder To Enforce Lockdowns

Armed groups in Colombia are going to extreme measures to ensure the transmission of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 slows down. According to CNN, Human Rights Watch says the groups are using killings and other forms of violence to force civilians to follow their guidance. In communities across Colombia, armed groups have violently enforced their own measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. José Miguel Vivanco, Americas Director Human Rights Watch.

Sanofi lifts earnings view, GSK holds forecast

Sanofi raised its 2020 earnings forecast Wednesday even as vaccine sales fell, while GlaxoSmithKline held firm to forecasts despite similar headwinds. Francis Maguire reports.

Sanofi eyes vaccine approval by early 2021

French drugmaker Sanofi expects to get approval for the potential coronavirus vaccine it is developing with GlaxoSmithKline by the first half of next year. Francis Maguire reports.

Tesla will quadruple in 5 years: analyst

Exencial Wealth Advisors' David Yepez expects another profitable quarter from Tesla Wednesday that could clear the way for it to join the S&P 500. He also tells Reuters' Fred Katayama investors should snap up shares of Akamai and Sanofi on a market pullback.