Reuters: U.S. could be next 'virus epicenter' as India locks down, global recession looms
GENEVA/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The United States could become the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday, as India announced a full 24-hour, nationwide lockdown in the world’s second-most populous country.
India joined the ranks of Britain and other countries clamping down to hold back the virus as business activity collapsed from Japan to the United States at a record pace in March.
The highly contagious coronavirus has caused entire regions to be placed on lockdown. In some places soldiers are patrolling the streets to keep consumers and workers indoors, halting services and production and breaking supply chains.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
UN calls for total ceasefire in Syria to focus on coronavirus. UN calls for Syria ceasefire to tackle virus threat.
Russian Defence Chief holds talks with Assad in Syria on Putin’s instructions.
Russia sends ship with military ambulances toward Syria after virus outbreak.
Kurds agree to ceasefire to fight coronavirus.
Iraq launches operation to track down Daesh militants.
Calls grow for U.S. to lift Iran sanctions due to coronavirus crisis.
Five years on, Saudi struggles to escape Yemen quagmire.
Yemen rebels welcome UN cease-fire call amid pandemic.
IMF urges action to face 'big drop' in Mideast growth.
Netanyahu ally, Israeli Supreme Court clash, with PM's future at stake.
ASIA
Japan PM Abe agrees with IOC to delay Olympics until summer 2021 at latest.
In Japan, disappointment but understanding over postponed Olympics.
Pompeo says China still withholding coronavirus information.
Pompeo makes unannounced trip to Afghanistan. US cuts aid to Afghanistan by $1 billion after Pompeo fails to break impasse.
Coronavirus threatens to undermine Afghan peace plan.
Philippine rebels declare ceasefire to heed UN chief’s call.
Media groups urge China to reconsider expulsion of US journalists.
AFRICA
Coronavirus sees lockdowns across Africa as cases of COVID-19 increase in the continent.
Africa gears for COVID-19 pandemic's economic fallout.
Boko Haram kills dozens of soldiers in Chad, Nigeria. Boko Haram kills 92 Chadian soldiers in seven-hour attack.
At least 70 Nigerian soldiers killed in jihadist ambush: Military sources.
Several killed in Tripoli mortar attacks by Haftar's forces: GNA.
Several killed in Guinea during controversial referendum.
Exclusive report: Investigating massacres in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region.
Algerian protest figure sentenced to year in prison.
'We are dying': Residents lament attacks in northern Mozambique.
64 migrants found dead in truck container in Mozambique.
EUROPE
Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown.
Coronavirus hits Russian markets.
'Psychosis'? Lukashenka shrugs, opponents are appalled by lack of COVID-19 measures in Belarus.
Germany will block foreign takeovers to avoid economy sell-out.
Kosovo parliament to vote on no-confidence motion raised over coronavirus restrictions.
EU fires warning shot at China in coronavirus battle of the narratives.
After years of delay, North Macedonia, Albania get OK to begin EU accession talks.
Coronavirus lockdown in Croatia's capital of Zagreb hampered by magnitude-5.3 earthquake.
AMERICAS
US deal appears at hand to ease economic pain of coronavirus. Congress homes in on $2 trillion rescue for virus-hit US economy.
Trump hoping to see US economy reopened by Easter amid virus.
Trump approval rating rises as he responds to the coronavirus outbreak.
Colombian prison violence inmates say was sparked by coronavirus fears leaves 23 dead.
U.S. targets Venezuela’s Maduro regime with fresh charges, sanctions.
Venezuela’s flagship communications satellite out of service and tumbling.
Paraguay closes borders, LatAm's second-largest airline grounds planes.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Boko Haram kills almost 100 soldiers in a seven-hour attack in Chad.
Does Turkey have the will to take on jihadis in Idlib?
American woman rescued in secretive military operation, Trump says.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Asian shares jump after Dow sees biggest gain since 1933.
Global stock markets surge after weeks of losses.
US Stock markets rally after Federal Reserve starts printing money.
Saudi king to chair G20 video talks on coronavirus Thursday.
Real estate billionaire Barrack says U.S. commercial mortgages on brink of collapse.
COVID-19: US box office records zero takings for the first time ever.
Facebook revenue slips as usage leaps during pandemic.
