World News
International news and global affairs coverage. Breaking world events, diplomacy, and stories from our correspondents across the globe.
Japan’s auto industry forms task force vs COVID-19
Japanese automakers have created a task force with the central government to combat the coronavirus outbreak's effects on the auto industry. The New Coronavirus Countermeasures Automobile Council will gather information, provide policy support, and ensure smooth component supply during the pandemic.
Uninfected passengers disembark from virus-hit ship in Japan
Around 500 passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship were allowed to disembark in Yokohama, Japan, after testing negative for COVID-19. The first group left the vessel after a 14-day quarantine, with authorities planning to continue releasing uninfected passengers through February 21.
India emerged as 5th world’s largest economy with $2.94 trillion GDP
US-based World Population Review reports India's economic advancement, highlighting its transition to an open-market economy. With a robust service sector accounting for 60% of economic activity and 28% employment, India shows promising long-term growth potential through economic liberalization and global integration.
China to destroy banknotes from coronavirus-hit areas
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, China's central bank is destroying paper currency from hospitals, markets, and buses in infected areas. The People's Bank of China has already removed 7.8 billion yuan from circulation in Guangdong province and plans to produce 600 billion yuan in new bills to ensure a stable money supply.
3 Filipino church leaders accused of fraud and trafficking in US
Three top administrators of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church were charged by a US federal grand jury for illegally obtaining visas, restricting workers' movement, and forcing members to collect donations for a fraudulent children's charity.
Experts blame China for uncontrolled rise in coronavirus deaths
As coronavirus death toll rises, experts blame China's ineffective control measures and political system. Law professor Xu Zhangrun denounces Communist Party leadership for prioritizing politics over public safety, arguing that bureaucratic governance has fundamentally failed during the pandemic crisis.
Coronavirus hammered Hong Kong’s economy worse than protests
The coronavirus pandemic devastated Hong Kong's economy more severely than the previous six months of anti-government protests. Financial analysts report significant negative impacts across tourism, trading, and retail sectors, with international brands like Burberry experiencing substantial business disruptions.
China accepts help from int’l experts as coronavirus worsens
The Chinese government has agreed to receive assistance from the World Health Organization to combat the coronavirus that has killed at least 900 people. International experts are set to arrive this week to help with research and control of the SARS-like virus, marking a shift from previous rejections of international aid.
Lesotho’s first lady surrenders to face murder charges
Maesaiah Thabane, Lesotho's first lady, has surrendered to face murder charges for allegedly killing Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's estranged wife Lipolelo in June 2017. The murder occurred two days before the prime minister's second-term inauguration, and an arrest warrant was issued after she initially fled to South Africa.
India implements stricter visa rules amid coronavirus
The Indian government has implemented stricter visa regulations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Existing visas for Chinese nationals and those who have visited China in the past two weeks have been canceled, requiring travelers to reapply through Indian embassies and visa centers.
