Europe

ROME, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Strict anti-COVID-19 measures including the mandatory use of face masks everywhere will be reintroduced in Italy, starting on Thursday, in an effort to curb a rising trend in infections registered in the latest weeks.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, after a meeting in which the cabinet passed a specific decree that will keep such rules in place until Oct. 31 at least.

LONDON, Oct 07 (APP): India’s right wing populist prime minister, Narendra Modi, has erected an oppressive, Hindu majoritarian power vertical, where inclusive, secular traditions trail-blazed by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru once proudly stood, the Guardian reported.

A latest report published by the British Newspaper, said Amnesty specializes in hard truths. It said that Narendra Modi was trying to stifle Amnesty.

MOSCOW, October 7. /TASS/: The Kremlin wants the talks with the United States on extending the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) to be more fruitful, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday, noting that there are no grounds for an upbeat mood now.

"Indeed, there are almost no grounds for optimism now. Deputy Foreign Minister [Sergei] Ryabkov is maintaining contacts with his US vis-a-vis. We want these contacts to be more fruitful. There are big reserves here," Peskov said.

MURMANSK, October 7. /TASS/: The crew of the improved Project 885M (Yasen-M) lead nuclear-powered submarine Kazan has wrapped up its next stage of trials in the White Sea, the Northern Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.

"The crew of the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan has completed the next stage of its trials in the White Sea and has arrived in Severodvinsk. In addition to the sea trials in the surface and submerged positions, the submariners practiced the elements of the second special task of the combat training course," the press office said in a statement.

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 7. /TASS/: Russian President Vladimir Putin called Tsirkon hypersonic missile’s successful test a great event for the entire country.

MOSCOW, October 7. /TASS/: The Kremlin sees no need for new business support measures on the back of the coronavirus pandemic because the economy is functioning now, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.

"The situation is different now. Support measures were related to the actual shutdown of the economy. The economy is functioning now, all industries are working, and the situation is therefore different, although, certainly, it is very thoroughly monitored," the spokesperson said.

MOSCOW, October 7. /TASS/: The attempts to humiliate US President Donald Trump by accusing him of ties with Russia just play into Moscow’s hands and upgrade its status, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel on Wednesday.

"When someone is trying to humiliate or insult the incumbent head of state they anyway elevate you and me and talk about our incredible influence and might. To a certain degree, this plays into our hands," Putin said.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union said on Wednesday it will not send observers to Venezuela’s parliamentary elections in December, warning that President Nicolas Maduro’s decision to call them at short notice had worsened the political crisis in the country.

Like the United States, the EU wants new presidential elections to reverse Venezuela’s spiral into authoritarian rule and economic collapse. They see the parliamentary vote as a way for Maduro to seize control of the opposition-held assembly.

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump dashed hopes for a fourth stimulus package to boost the coronavirus-hit economy, with prices also pressured by a larger than expected rise in U.S. crude inventories.

Brent crude futures were down $1, or 2.3%, to $41.65 a barrel by 1145 GMT and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined by $1.14, or 2.8%, to $39.53.

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday his government’s “excellent” Internal Market Bill would ensure there would be unfettered trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

“We have the excellent UK Internal Market Bill to prevent such barriers from arising,” he told parliament when asked whether he would “hold firm” against the European Union to prevent any trade barriers in the Irish Sea after a status quo transition arrangement ends.