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Jumat, 02 Oktober 2020

US futures, Asia stocks slip as Trump tests positive for COVID-19 - CNA

HONG KONG: US futures and most Asian equities sank on Friday (Oct 2) after Donald Trump announced he and his wife had tested positive for coronavirus.

The news compounded uncertainty on trading floors, where investors were already in a pessimistic mood owing to US lawmakers' failure to pass a new stimulus bill.

"Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" Trump tweeted in the early hours.

The president had taken a test after his close White House aide Hope Hicks had tested positive earlier in the day, meaning he will now have to go into quarantine just weeks before one of the most crucial elections the country has ever had.

His doctor Scott Conley said the couple intended to stay at the White House "during their convalescence."

"Rest assured I expect the president to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments," he added.

The White House cancelled a planned campaign rally in the crucial swing state of Florida on Friday, and 32 days before the Nov 3 vote against Democrat Joe Biden, it also looked certain Trump would have to cancel a slew of other trips scheduled for this weekend and next.

The news sent Dow futures tumbling 1.9 per cent, while the S&P 500 shed 1.9 per cent. Safe-haven assets also rallied, with the Japanese yen - a go-to in times of turmoil and uncertainty - rose to 105 per US dollar, from 105.60 earlier in the day.

The greenback climbed against higher-yielding currencies including the Australian dollar and South Korean won.

Japan's Nikkei sank 0.7 per cent, reversing earlier gains as traders resumed trading following Thursday's market shutdown caused by a technical fault.

Sydney, Singapore and Bangkok were all down more than one per cent, while Jakarta was also in the red.

However, Manila and Wellington both rose.

Axi analyst Stephen Innes said the announcement would likely increase Biden's already good chances of winning.

"The risk-off reaction to Trump's positive COVID-19 test feels like the last of the Biden pricing is getting done," he said in a note. "The quarantine will mean he misses three swing state rallies - with critical Florida among them."

Sentiment had already been weak as hopes for a new US rescue package fade.

Democrats pushed their latest US$2.2 trillion proposal through the House, where they hold a majority, but without any opposition support, there is no chance it will be agreed by the Republican-dominated Senate.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held a series of talks on Thursday to find a way through the deadlock but when asked whether a chance still remained for an agreement, Pelosi replied: "I don't know."

OANDA analyst Jeffrey Halley added that "having built hopes higher steadily over the past few sessions that the US Republicans and Democrats were edging closer to a new fiscal stimulus package, a sense of deja vu has swept markets".

He said that with Republicans offering about US$600 billion less than Democrats, their difference was "less insurmountable than previous weeks. Sadly, it appears there is no sign that either side is prepared to cross the spread, or even meet in the middle".

The need for a new deal was highlighted by news that Americans' personal income had fallen more than expected in September, while several big-name firms including Walt Disney, American Airlines and United had cut tens of thousands of posts.

Oil prices dropped more than two per cent, extending Thursday's sharp drops on worries about the deadlock on Capitol Hill as well as concerns about demand after the US income data.

For crude, "a move higher is only possible if a fiscal agreement is reached", said Axi's Stephen Innes.

Markets in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mumbai, Seoul and Taipei were all closed for holidays.

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2020-10-02 07:28:20Z
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Trump to carry out duties 'without disruption' while recovering from COVID-19: US president's physician - CNA

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will carry out his duties "without disruption" while recovering from COVID-19, said the physician to the president Sean Conley on Friday (Oct 2).

Conley's statement came after Trump tweeted that he and first lady Melania have tested positive with the coronavirus.

"The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence," said Conley.

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Trump, 74, is at high risk for the deadly virus both because of his age and because he is considered overweight. He has remained in good health during his time in office but is not known to exercise regularly or to follow a healthy diet.

"The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our our country's greatest medical professionals and institutions," said Conley.

"Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments."

The development alters the presidential race dramatically.

The White House issued a new schedule for Trump's activities on Friday that did not include his planned trip to Florida. Trump has held regular rallies around the country to drum up enthusiasm for his candidacy against Democratic rival Joe Biden, who is ahead in national opinion polls.

READ: US President Trump and wife Melania test positive for COVID-19 after top aide caught virus

READ: Top Trump aide Hope Hicks tests positive for COVID-19

"WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS"

Trump earlier said that he and his wife would immediately be quarantined and begin the "recovery process", adding: "We will get through this."

His positive test follows news that Hope Hicks, a top adviser and trusted aide, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Hicks travels regularly with the president on Air Force One and, along with other senior aides, accompanied him to Ohio for the presidential debate on Tuesday and to Minnesota for a campaign event on Wednesday.

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Trump, who is tested regularly for the virus that causes COVID-19, has held rallies with thousands of people in recent weeks in the run-up to the Nov 3 election, despite warnings from public health professionals against having events with large crowds.

The president largely eschews wearing masks and has criticised others who do. Public health professionals say mask-wearing is key to helping to prevent the virus from spreading.

Trump's positive test caps a months-long response to the virus, the seriousness of which he has consistently underplayed. Earlier on Thursday night the president predicted that the end of the pandemic was in sight.

Trump has come under sharp criticism for his response to the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States alone. The president has touted his management of the crisis.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram

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2020-10-02 06:26:30Z
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Trump to carry out duties 'without disruption' while recovering from COVID-19: US president's physician - CNA

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will carry out his duties "without disruption" while recovering from COVID-19, said the physician to the president Sean Conley on Friday (Oct 2).

Conley's statement came after Trump tweeted that he and first lady Melania have tested positive with the coronavirus.

"The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence," said Conley.

[embedded content]

"The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our our country's greatest medical professionals and institutions," said Conley.

"Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments."

The development alters the presidential race dramatically.

READ: US President Trump and wife Melania test positive for COVID-19 after top aide caught virus

READ: Top Trump aide Hope Hicks tests positive for COVID-19

"WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS"

Trump earlier said that he and his wife would immediately be quarantined and begin the "recovery process", adding: "We will get through this."

His positive test follows news that Hope Hicks, a top adviser and trusted aide, had tested positive for COVID-19.

The president largely eschews wearing masks and has criticised others who do. Public health professionals say mask-wearing is key to helping to prevent the virus from spreading.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram

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Kamis, 01 Oktober 2020

Indian low-caste woman dies after gang-rape, second this week - The Straits Times

NEW DELHI (AFP) - A woman from India's marginalised Dalit community has died after being gang-raped, police said on Thursday (Oct 1), days after the death of a teenager from the same "untouchable" group at the hands of a group of high-caste men sparked outrage.

The 22-year-old was allegedly raped by two men on Tuesday and died while being taken to hospital, police in northern Uttar Pradesh state said.

Her death comes months after four men were hanged for the 2012 gang-rape and murder of a student on a bus in New Delhi, in a case that came to symbolise the nation's problems with sexual violence.

The victim's mother told the NDTV news channel that her daughter had been brought home and thrown in front of the house after the attack.

"My child could barely stand or speak," she added.

Officers said two men had been arrested on charges of gang-rape and murder, adding that the suspects may be tried in a fast-track court, without giving further details.

The incident took place in Balrampur district, around 500km away from where another Dalit woman was allegedly gang-raped by four upper-caste men last month.

The 19-year-old victim in that case was left paralysed by her injuries and was rushed to hospital in New Delhi 200km away but died on Tuesday.

She had gone missing on the morning of Sept 14 and was found brutalised hours later near her family's farmland. Four men were later arrested on charges of gang-rape and murder.

Her death sparked protests in Delhi and around Uttar Pradesh.

Police have imposed a security clampdown in the victim's village in Hatras district, a day after using force to disperse demonstrators who hit the streets after officers cremated her body without her family's permission.

Hundreds of officers in riot gear patrolled the village and barred people from gathering or meeting the woman's family members.

OPPOSITION LEADERS ARRESTED

The leaders of the opposition Congress party, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi, were briefly arrested in Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi as they marched towards the woman's home.

Congress and other parties have criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over its failure to protect women, particularly those from the low-caste Dalit community. The state has reported several rapes in recent months.

Television footage showed Rahul Gandhi falling down on the ground as policemen jostled with his supporters before the two politicians were carried away in vehicles. They were later released.

The governing Bharatiya Janata Party accused its rivals of politicising the issue and promised the culprits would be dealt with under the law.

India's 200 million Dalits have long faced discrimination, and campaigners say attacks have increased during the coronavirus pandemic.

Women across the nation also continue to suffer alarming levels of sexual abuse.

An average of 87 rape cases were reported every day last year, according to data released Tuesday by the National Crime Records Bureau, but large numbers are thought to go unreported.

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2020-10-01 16:01:36Z
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Hong Kong protests: Nearly 70 arrested in Causeway Bay as China celebrates National Day - CNA

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Hong Kong protests: Nearly 70 arrested in Causeway Bay as China celebrates National Day CNA
Massive police presence blunts Hong Kong protests on China's National Day South China Morning Post
Police throttle Hong Kong protests against Beijing, but anger still seethes on the streets The Washington Post
Beijing's tyranny forced me to flee Hong Kong, but I will fight for democracy in exile The Guardian
Give Hong Kong the Autonomy It Was Promised The New York Times
View Full coverage on Google News

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2020-10-01 12:21:17Z
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Hong Kong police patrol against protests on China holiday - CNA

HONG KONG: Hong Kong police were out in force on China’s National Day holiday on Thursday (Oct 1), detaining and searching people on the streets of a popular shopping district after calls were made online urging people to take part in protests.

National Day, celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China, has become a day of protest in Hong Kong by those who oppose Beijing's increasing control in the city.

Small groups of protesters gathered in the popular Causeway Bay shopping district, although they were outnumbered by police.

READ: Families fear for Hong Kong fugitives in China custody

Hong Kong China National Day — Protesters raise five fingers, signifying "Five demands and not one less" as they march in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Oct 1, 2020. (Photo: AP/Kin Cheung)

Social-distancing restrictions due to COVID-19 meant large-scale protests do not have authorisation. Shoppers and passersby broke into chants sporadically, but there was no sign of large crowds.

"It's China's National Day but this is Hong Kong’s death day," said Jay, a woman dressed in black, the city's protest attire, as she walked past police.

"Hong Kong people are under a lot of pressure but we have to try and keep fighting for freedom."

READ: Carrie Lam says Hong Kong cannot demand rights protection for 12 arrested by China

In the afternoon, police cordoned off certain areas of the district and searched several people on the streets. A group of protesters chanted slogans including “Disband the police", and police unfurled their blue warning banner that urged protesters to disperse, otherwise force may be used.

Protests against the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese governments swelled last year, and Beijing sought to clamp down on anti-government sentiment in the city with a national security law that took effect Jun 30.

COMMENTARY: Hong Kong’s future clearly lies with China

Hong Kong Protest — Police officers extinguish a fire in Hong Kong, Oct 1, 2020. (Photo: AP/Kin Cheung)

The law outlaws subversive, secessionist, and terrorist activity in Hong Kong, as well as collusion with foreign powers to interfere in the city's internal affairs. The US and Britain accuse China of infringing on the city’s freedoms, and the US has imposed sanctions on government officials in Hong Kong and China over the law.

Earlier in the day, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam attended a flag raising ceremony with other senior Hong Kong and mainland officials in an exhibition centre surrounded by police and security barriers.

READ: Is democracy in Hong Kong forever blunted?

"Over the past three months, the plain truth is, and it is obvious to see, that stability has been restored to society while national security has been safeguarded, and our people can continue to enjoy their basic rights and freedoms," Lam said.

Lam also accused some foreign governments of holding “double standards” and levelling unjustified accusations against the authorities who implement the new law.

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2020-10-01 09:29:12Z
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Indian low-caste woman dies after gang rape, second in a week - CNA

NEW DELHI: A woman from India's marginalised Dalit community has died after being gang raped, police said on Thursday (Oct 1), days after the death of a teenager from the same low-caste group at the hands of a group of high-caste men sparked outrage.

The 22-year-old, a member of India's "untouchable" Dalit community, was allegedly raped by two men on Tuesday and died while being taken to hospital, police in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh said.

The latest assaults come months after four men were hanged for the 2012 gang rape and murder of a student on a bus in Delhi, a case that came to symbolise the nation's problems with sexual violence.

READ: Commentary: Why the huge problem of rape in India isn’t going away

Police said that two men in the latest case had been arrested on charges of gang rape and murder, without giving further details on their identities.

An investigation was under way and the suspects may be tried in a special fast-track court, they added.

"A rickshaw-wallah (driver) brought her home. (She) was thrown in front of our house. My child could barely stand or speak," the NDTV news channel quoted her mother as saying.

Uttar Pradesh police guard the family house of a 19-year-old woman, who died after being allegedly gang-raped by four men. (AFP/Prakash SINGH)

The incident took place in Balrampur district in Uttar Pradesh state, about 500km from where the other Dalit girl was allegedly gang raped in mid-September by four upper-caste men.

The 19-year-old, who was left paralysed by her injuries, was rushed to hospital in New Delhi 200 kilometres away but died on Tuesday.

Her death sparked protests in Delhi and in cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Police imposed emergency laws in her village on Thursday, barring gatherings of more than five people after clashes erupted following her cremation.

The victim's brother told Reuters the cremation was carried out against the wishes of her family, who had wanted to perform their own funeral rites. Local officials deny this.

Twenty-five people were arrested in connection with the unrest, according to a police information report. An eye-witness told Reuters police had wielded batons during the clashes.

India's 200 million Dalits have long faced discrimination and abuse, and campaigners say attacks have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ: Have wheels, will learn? India bets on free scooters for top girl students

An average of 87 rape cases were reported every day last year, according to the latest data released on Tuesday by the National Crime Records Bureau, but large numbers are thought to go unreported.

The bureau reported an increase of more than seven per cent in the number of crimes against women in 2019 compared to the previous year.

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2020-10-01 07:30:00Z
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