World

The Indian government has implemented stricter visa regulations in response to the coronavirus pandemic. All existing visas for Chinese nationals and foreigners who recently visited China have been canceled. Travelers are advised to contact Indian embassies and visa centers to reapply for entry permissions.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies have rescheduled their meeting earlier than planned to address the sharp decline in oil prices caused by coronavirus concerns. The joint technical committee will convene in Vienna from February 4-5 to evaluate potential production cuts in response to economic uncertainties.

The Philippines recorded the first confirmed coronavirus death outside China, involving a 44-year-old Chinese man from Wuhan. Health officials reported the patient had multiple pathogens, including pneumonia and viral influenza. He was hospitalized on January 25 with fever, cough, and sore throat, marking a significant milestone in the virus's global spread.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China violated Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea by interfering with fishing, blocking petroleum exploration, and constructing artificial islands in disputed maritime territories.

Experts worldwide accuse China of not sharing critical coronavirus information, delaying global response and potentially causing widespread transmission. Scientists claim earlier virus sample sharing could have prevented global outbreak and saved lives.

Over 300 Chinese tourists were forcibly sent back to Wuhan, China from Kalibo, Aklan after a planned trip to Boracay. The repatriation was initiated by Philippine authorities following the coronavirus outbreak, with tourists originally scheduled to return on January 30 but sent back early on January 25.

Basketball legend 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 NBA teams honoring him by taking 24-second shot-clock violations, referencing his famous jersey number.

The Chinese government ordered Wuhan City's complete lockdown on January 23 to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak. All transportation modes were suspended, affecting the city's 11 million residents. The virus has already spread to several countries, including Thailand, Japan, and the United States, raising global health concerns.

The UN's International Labor Organization warns of a critical employment crisis, with global unemployment expected to rise to 190.5 million in 2020. The report highlights underemployment affecting 285 million workers, signaling deeper economic challenges worldwide.

The World Health Organization calls on Asian nations to strengthen infection control measures following a new pneumonia-like virus outbreak in China. Two deaths have been reported, with confirmed cases in Japan, Thailand, and Singapore, highlighting the potential health security threat.