World

The World Health Organization is urging Asian countries to strengthen infection prevention measures after a new coronavirus outbreak in China. As of January 16, two deaths have been reported in Wuhan, with additional confirmed cases in Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. WHO's Regional Director emphasizes the need to reinforce health security systems.

The US and China signed a landmark trade deal, with China committing to purchase $200 billion in additional American goods and strengthen intellectual property protections. President Trump called it a "fair and reciprocal" agreement after nearly two years of negotiations.

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman assures stable oil production of over 9 million barrels per day despite growing regional tensions, emphasizing the kingdom's commitment to market stability and sustainable growth in both supply and demand.

Animal rescue organizations like PAWS, PETA Asia, and Guardians of the Fur have mobilized to save dogs, cats, chickens, cows, and horses left behind in ash-covered towns after Taal Volcano's eruption, providing food, water, and safety to stranded animals.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government agencies to immediately assist residents impacted by the Taal Volcano eruption. All frontline response departments are working to support thousands of victims now located in evacuation sites, ensuring quick disaster response and essential service delivery.

Russia faces potential four-year Olympic ban after RUSADA was restricted for alleged doping data manipulation. Athletes can only compete as neutral competitors if proven not involved in doping cover-ups. The ban also limits Russia's ability to host major sporting events.

Canadian, British, and Australian Prime Ministers assert that an Iranian surface-to-air missile accidentally shot down a Ukrainian Boeing 737 near Tehran, killing all 176 passengers onboard, amid heightened US-Iran confrontations.

Global stocks reached a record high as Middle East tensions decreased. Investors shifted attention to employment data and technology sectors. MSCI's index showed gains across 49 countries, with Asian-Pacific shares rising 0.18%. Key markets like the S&P 500, Dow, Australian, and Japanese stocks all saw positive movement.

President Trump justified the targeted killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, arguing the drone strike was a decisive action to prevent imminent attacks on U.S. embassies and save American lives. The president maintained the strike was a necessary response to protect national security.

Crude oil prices jumped 4.5% in Asian trade following Iran's missile strikes on US bases in Iraq, triggered by the earlier US drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. Market concerns about potential disruptions to Middle East oil supplies drove the price increase.