World

As the coronavirus death toll in China surpasses 900, the Chinese government accepts international assistance from the World Health Organization. US experts with extensive experience in infectious disease outbreaks will now play a crucial role in researching and controlling the SARS-like virus.

The Indian government has implemented stricter visa regulations in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Existing visas for Chinese nationals and foreigners who visited China in the past two weeks have been canceled. Travelers are advised to contact Indian embassies or visa centers for new visa applications.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies are holding an early joint technical committee meeting in Vienna to evaluate oil market disruptions caused by coronavirus outbreak, as global economic fears impact energy demand.

The Philippines recorded the first coronavirus death outside China when a 44-year-old Chinese man from Wuhan died on Sunday after developing severe pneumonia. Health officials noted he had multiple pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and viral influenza B.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration declared China violated Philippine sovereign rights in the Spratly Islands, invalidating its maritime claims. The 2016 tribunal decision highlighted China's interference with fishing, petroleum exploration, and artificial island construction in the disputed West Philippine Sea region.

Experts worldwide accuse China of withholding critical information about the novel coronavirus, claiming delayed virus sharing prevented effective outbreak control and cost hundreds of lives.

Over 300 Chinese tourists were sent back from Boracay to Wuhan, China after a lockdown was imposed. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines started repatriating the tourists on January 25, earlier than their original January 30 return date, due to coronavirus concerns.

NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a devastating helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The sports world mourned his loss, with basketball teams honoring him through moments of silence and symbolic 24-second shot-clock tributes, reflecting the profound impact of his legendary career.

Chinese authorities placed Wuhan City under total lockdown on January 23, halting all transportation to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak that has killed over a dozen and infected hundreds across multiple countries.

The International Labor Organization warns of a critical global employment crisis, with unemployed individuals expected to rise to 190.5 million in 2020. ILO chief Guy Ryder describes the situation as "extremely worrying," noting significant underemployment and skill mismatches in the global workforce.