World Health Organization is concerned that countries are not running adequate coronavirus tests in every suspected case.

WHO asks governments to run more tests

WHO says, Every country should test every suspected case of Covid 19. This test are very costly. we are telling you the costing here

Test every suspected case-WHO, Do you want to know how much test cost

With seven new cases, the number of infections in Sri Lanka has spiked to 19. As a precautionary measure, Srilankan airlines have asked passengers to carry their own blankets and headphones.

Coronavirus cases on the rise in South Asia

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday asked individuals to practise social physical distancing, as well as raise awareness level and follow steps undertaken by the government to check the spread of the dreaded novel coronavirus.

The ministry also updated guidelines on clinical management and dead body management.

The ministry also released an advisory, citing preventive measures to be taken by all employees of ministries and departments to control the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

A few pointers are listed below:

Offices should install thermal scanners at entry of government building as feasible. Mandatorily place hand sanitisers at entry points. Those found with flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc. They should discourage, to the maximum extent possible, entry of visitors to the office complex.

Meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing and meetings involving large number of people should be avoided. Non-essential official travel should also be avoided.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-health-ministry-issues-travel-advisory-bans-passengers-from-afghanistan-and-malaysia-287037">Also read: Health ministry issues travel advisory, bans travel from Afghanistan and Malaysia</a>

Essential correspondence should be undertaken on official email and sending files and documents to other offices should be avoided to the extent possible.

Proper cleaning and frequent sanitisation of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces should be ensured.

All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, should take extra precautions.

In India, the toll has touched 137 -- with Maharashtra emerging as the new epicentre. Earlier in the day, the Indian Council for Medical Research appealed that private laboratories should offer COVlD-19 diagnosis at no cost.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-doctors-predict-how-long-it-would-take-for-a-patient-to-recover-from-covid-19-286972">Also read: Can doctors predict how long it would take for a patient to recover from COVID-19?</a>

 
&nbsp;

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday asked individuals to practise social physical distancing, as well as raise awareness level and follow steps undertaken by the government to check the spread of the dreaded novel coronavirus.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday asked individuals to practise social physical distancing, as well as raise awareness level and follow steps undertaken by the government to check the spread of the dreaded novel coronavirus. The ministry also updated guidelines on clinical management and dead body management. The ministry also released an advisory, citing preventive measures to be taken by all employees of ministries and departments to control the spread of COVID-19. A few pointers are listed below: Offices should install thermal scanners at entry of government building as feasible. Mandatorily place hand sanitisers at entry points. Those found with flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc. They should discourage, to the maximum extent possible, entry of visitors to the office complex. Meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing and meetings involving large number of people should be avoided. Non-essential official travel should also be avoided. Also read: Health ministry issues travel advisory, bans travel from Afghanistan and Malaysia Essential correspondence should be undertaken on official email and sending files and documents to other offices should be avoided to the extent possible. Proper cleaning and frequent sanitisation of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces should be ensured. All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, should take extra precautions. In India, the toll has touched 137 -- with Maharashtra emerging as the new epicentre. Earlier in the day, the Indian Council for Medical Research appealed that private laboratories should offer COVlD-19 diagnosis at no cost. Also read: Can doctors predict how long it would take for a patient to recover from COVID-19?

COVID-19: Sanitisation, social distancing among health ministry's measures to control spread in offices

Pakistan PM Imran Khan shows his fear on the outbreak of Coronavirus. Imran khan says, Pakistan is not ready to handle the situation as country have poor health system.

WION Dispatch: Pak PM fears on Covid's outbreak

ICMR holds a press conference to tell Indian people that they should not worry much. India yet not reach to the 3rd stage. Dr Balram Bhargava says, India will get test kits soon from WHO.

ICMR press briefing: India gets 1 million test kits from WHO soon

Wuhan virus spread across the Nation. South Asia battels against coronavirus.

South Asia tackles Covid 19-spread

Pakistan reports one death due to Covid 19 in Lahore. Punjab health minister Dr, Yasmin Rashid said that the number of coronavirus cases in the province has risen.

One death in Pakistan due to Coronvirus

COVID-19 has claimed over 4,200 lives and infected more than 117,330 people across 107 countries and territories. And global stock markets have been sinking despite central banks putting in effort to ease the effects of the outbreak.

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the global markets have been observing a mass sell-off wherein shelves are falling empty in malls, and shopping complexes; and online deliveries are being delayed. There has been a sharp spike in sales of food items, daily necessities and personal hygiene products, precipitating a shortage in the markets.

The massive sell-off has impacted trading in various markets, leading to a loss in shares.

In India, sensex on Monday recorded a loss of over 7 per cent. This happened even after Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised to not panic, and follow precaution.&nbsp;

India, which has reported 79 positive cases of COVID-19, has stepped up surveillance to contain the spread of the disease.

Japan and Singapore are the other two countries that have been facing the worst crisis ever since the outbreak of coronavirus.

In Singapore, photos of queues at various supermarkets, and later empty shelves at supermarkets started circulating online on Monday. This happened after Malaysian government's announcement that there was no need to horde supplies.

To this end, reports say, the Singapore Government worked with supermarket chains to increase the country's stock of food and essential supplies. And it, being a small-sized economy, helped.

The opposite happened in Japan. It's initial response was mild, and later, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shut down all school and institutes.

Japan even had to introduce penalties for the resale of masks. And the e-commerce website eBay banned new listings for health products.

The markets are looking to governments for more co-ordinated effort and more targetted support.

 
&nbsp;

COVID-19 has claimed over 4,200 lives and infected more than 117,330 people across 107 countries and territories. And global stock markets have been sinking despite central banks putting in effort to ease the effects of the outbreak.

COVID-19 has claimed over 4,200 lives and infected more than 117,330 people across 107 countries and territories. And global stock markets have been sinking despite central banks putting in effort to ease the effects of the outbreak. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the global markets have been observing a mass sell-off wherein shelves are falling empty in malls, and shopping complexes; and online deliveries are being delayed. There has been a sharp spike in sales of food items, daily necessities and personal hygiene products, precipitating a shortage in the markets. The massive sell-off has impacted trading in various markets, leading to a loss in shares. In India, sensex on Monday recorded a loss of over 7 per cent. This happened even after Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised to not panic, and follow precaution. India, which has reported 79 positive cases of COVID-19, has stepped up surveillance to contain the spread of the disease. Japan and Singapore are the other two countries that have been facing the worst crisis ever since the outbreak of coronavirus. In Singapore, photos of queues at various supermarkets, and later empty shelves at supermarkets started circulating online on Monday. This happened after Malaysian government's announcement that there was no need to horde supplies. To this end, reports say, the Singapore Government worked with supermarket chains to increase the country's stock of food and essential supplies. And it, being a small-sized economy, helped. The opposite happened in Japan. It's initial response was mild, and later, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shut down all school and institutes. Japan even had to introduce penalties for the resale of masks. And the e-commerce website eBay banned new listings for health products. The markets are looking to governments for more co-ordinated effort and more targetted support.

Coronavirus outbreak triggers mass sell-off in global markets

A vaccine row has erupted between the United States and Germany. Berlin has hit back at Donald Trump over allegations that the US President had tried to purchase exclusive rights of possible coronavirus vaccine.

Coronavirus: German firm is developing a possible vaccine

Pakistan's attempt to politicise a humanitarian issue by its "unwarranted" statement on Kashmir during the SAARC nations video conference on coronavirus reflected "very poorly" on it, government sources said on Sunday.

Pakistan tried to politicise COVID-19 by raising Kashmir at SAARC event

All leaders in the 8-nation regional grouping (SAARC) welcomed PM Modi’s suggestion and agreed to join the conference, except Pakistan PM Imran Khan, who has deputed his special advisor on health to participate in.

Coronavirus Pandemic: SAARC Nations come together to fight virus

The number of coronavirus infection in South Asia continues to rise. India has confirmed at least 110 COVID-19 cases.

South Asia: Coronavirus cases continue to rise

The underlying message of the video conference was unitedly taking on the virus, but Pakistan used the occasion to raise the Kashmir issue, calling for immediate lifting of the "lockdown" there to allow disease containment measures.

Coronavirus SAARC Meet: Pakistan's attempt to belittle India?

Travel restriction specially on airlines impact Aviation industry. So many international airlines companies may go bankrupt in the month of May.

Aviation Industry Hit By Coronavirus

As the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc worldwide, it's easy to go into panic mode. With the death toll increasing at a fast pace and number of infections multiplying daily, people have been directed to exercise precautions to limit the spread of infections.

Here are the narratives of a few patients from around the world who have now recovered and are exercising restraint.

Indian businessman, New Delhi

Recently, two people in Delhi were discharged following treatment at government hospitals across the city.

One of these patients, a 45-year-old businessman claimed that the treatment is not only smooth but also referred to the healthcare facilities as ''one of the best in the world'', several media reports indicated. Several media reports claim that the doctors reassured him by referring to the ailment like a cough and cold that simply takes longer to cure.

Among many claims, he gave an account of the isolation ward and described it as one of the best medical facilities he had ever encountered. Reportedly, all patients are being put in private rooms with attached bathrooms to limit the spread even within the hospital, which is a high-risk zone during any epidemic or pandemic.

"There is no need to be scared. It is just like normal flu. If a healthy person reaches the doctor, our health system is well-equipped, one of the best in the world. The isolation ward is not like a two-by-two cell without sunlight", he told a local agency

Julie, Singapore

Julie, another patient in Singapore, who has recovered recently shared her recovery with BBC. She had taken two paracetamols after feeling feverish. ''I just felt a bit tired and remember sleeping the whole day'', she told the news agency. She had no symptoms for the next seven days, until one night she woke up feeling like ''the room was spinning''. The next day, she was diagnosed with covid-19.

She was put in an isolation ward after the diagnosis. ''Isolation is basically four walls with a door'', she told the BBC. All items of utility and medicines were passed on to her through a secure hatch.

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b26bed5-2cae-4b02-901c-8a1d647f57d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/julie%20%281%29.jpg" />

<h6>Image courtesy: BBC 
&nbsp;</h6>

Isolation ward does not necessarily translate into blanket isolation, as people retain access to their phones. However, no direct human interaction is permitted across these wards.

''I felt like my lungs were going into overdrive... It was laborious to even go the bathroom, which was five metres away'', she stated.

Julie further claims that she cannot walk long distances without feeling short of breath. She was discharged nine days after she tested positive. ''When you have fear, you breed a lot of ignorance and prejudice'', she told the BBC.

Elizabeth Schneider, United States 
 
''Don't panic'', asserted Schneider in an interview with AFP. In her simple message to a large populace that has gone into panic mode suggests people to consider the lives of high-risk individuals around them and to limit social contact.

Scheider lives in Seattle, Washington, where the most number of deaths in the US have been recorded.&nbsp;

She developed symptoms on February 25 and treated herself at home by following basic precautionary measures. According to AFP, she contracted the virus from a party, from where five other people tested positive.

''I started to shiver uncontrollably, and I was getting the chills and getting tingling in my extremities, so that was a little concerning," she said.

<img alt="ooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ffc8533-b4c9-4697-86e2-6c2965f6b058" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1PT4BK%20%281%29.jpg" />

<h6>Image courtesy: AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Many people with no visible symptoms do not usually get tested. To circumvent this, she enrolled in a research programme called the Seattle Flu Study. The researchers called her back and confirmed that she has covid-19.

''I was a little pleasantly surprised, because I thought it was a little bit cool'', she said, while adding that her mother cried when she told her.

"The message is don't panic," said Schneider. "If you think that you have it, you probably do; you should probably get tested."

"If your symptoms aren't life-threatening, simply stay at home, medicate with over-the-counter medicines, drink lots of water, get a lot of rest and check out the shows you want to binge-watch," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/exclusive-left-with-no-choice-viswanathan-anand-stuck-in-germany-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-286783" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: 'Left with no choice,' Viswanathan Anand stuck in Germany amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Jerri Jorgensen, United States&nbsp; 
 
The hysteria has ''gotten out of control'', announced Jerri Jorgensen while recalling the time she was denied entry into a gym after being quarantined.

In an interview with Fox &amp; Friends, Jorgensen claims that she received hugs from people as soon as she ventured back into public life.

However, a few hours after her maiden visit to the gym post-recovery, she received a call from them demanding her to stay at home in order to avoid infecting high-risk individuals.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d82de51e-fb64-490b-a6c2-86a658ed35f7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/jerry%20%281%29.jpg" /> 
Image courtesy: FOX&nbsp; 
&nbsp;</h6>

“I go, ‘I am a senior citizen! Wait, what about me?'” Jorgensen said.

The woman had contracted the infection when she was aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.&nbsp;

While referring to her quarantine experience, Jorgensen said that her experience was very positive, and requested people to keep doing ''things that you love'', such as reading and exercising.&nbsp;

She added that she stayed active by doing yoga during her isolation period.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/air-carriers-in-us-cancel-flights-amid-coronavirus-crisis-286750" hreflang="en">Air carriers in US cancel flights amid coronavirus crisis</a>

Global pandemic

Across the world, over 6,500 people have died, as per figures by Johns Hopkins University.

Outside China, Italy reported the highest number of new cases in one day, which rose to over 3,590. Furthermore, 368 people have died in just the last 24 hours, which is being dubbed as the worst outbreak of the infection outside China.

Currently, India has 114 confirmed cases. Out of these, 97 are Indian nationals, while 17 are foreigners. According to government sources, 13 people have been discharged, while two people have died.

<h6>&nbsp;<img alt="ooooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7f3d430-cfba-4254-ba68-308581f60a1e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1PX5I5%20%281%29.jpg" /> 
Expatriate returning from Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon arrive to be re-tested at a Kuwaiti health ministry containment and screening zone for COVID-19 coronavirus disease in Kuwait City on March 16, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The state with the highest cases in the country is Maharashtra with 32 confirmed cases, followed by Kerala with 23 infections.

As of now, 12, 76, 046 people have undergone screening at airports in India.

The symptoms of the virus include runny nose, sore throat, headache, and a fever that can last for over a couple of days.

Similar to a common cold, the virus causes a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness.

The basic precautions to avoid contracting the infection include covering one's mouth while sneezing and coughing, and also avoiding people who may be sick. Additionally, hands should be rigorously washed to kill the potential infection.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc worldwide, it's easy to go into panic mode. With the death toll increasing at a fast pace and number of infections multiplying daily, people have been directed to exercise precautions to limit the spread of infections.

As the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc worldwide, it's easy to go into panic mode. With the death toll increasing at a fast pace and number of infections multiplying daily, people have been directed to exercise precautions to limit the spread of infections. Here are the narratives of a few patients from around the world who have now recovered and are exercising restraint. Indian businessman, New Delhi Recently, two people in Delhi were discharged following treatment at government hospitals across the city. One of these patients, a 45-year-old businessman claimed that the treatment is not only smooth but also referred to the healthcare facilities as ''one of the best in the world'', several media reports indicated. Several media reports claim that the doctors reassured him by referring to the ailment like a cough and cold that simply takes longer to cure. Among many claims, he gave an account of the isolation ward and described it as one of the best medical facilities he had ever encountered. Reportedly, all patients are being put in private rooms with attached bathrooms to limit the spread even within the hospital, which is a high-risk zone during any epidemic or pandemic. "There is no need to be scared. It is just like normal flu. If a healthy person reaches the doctor, our health system is well-equipped, one of the best in the world. The isolation ward is not like a two-by-two cell without sunlight", he told a local agency Julie, Singapore Julie, another patient in Singapore, who has recovered recently shared her recovery with BBC. She had taken two paracetamols after feeling feverish. ''I just felt a bit tired and remember sleeping the whole day'', she told the news agency. She had no symptoms for the next seven days, until one night she woke up feeling like ''the room was spinning''. The next day, she was diagnosed with covid-19. She was put in an isolation ward after the diagnosis. ''Isolation is basically four walls with a door'', she told the BBC. All items of utility and medicines were passed on to her through a secure hatch. Image courtesy: BBC Isolation ward does not necessarily translate into blanket isolation, as people retain access to their phones. However, no direct human interaction is permitted across these wards. ''I felt like my lungs were going into overdrive... It was laborious to even go the bathroom, which was five metres away'', she stated. Julie further claims that she cannot walk long distances without feeling short of breath. She was discharged nine days after she tested positive. ''When you have fear, you breed a lot of ignorance and prejudice'', she told the BBC. Elizabeth Schneider, United States ''Don't panic'', asserted Schneider in an interview with AFP. In her simple message to a large populace that has gone into panic mode suggests people to consider the lives of high-risk individuals around them and to limit social contact. Scheider lives in Seattle, Washington, where the most number of deaths in the US have been recorded. She developed symptoms on February 25 and treated herself at home by following basic precautionary measures. According to AFP, she contracted the virus from a party, from where five other people tested positive. ''I started to shiver uncontrollably, and I was getting the chills and getting tingling in my extremities, so that was a little concerning," she said. Image courtesy: AFP Many people with no visible symptoms do not usually get tested. To circumvent this, she enrolled in a research programme called the Seattle Flu Study. The researchers called her back and confirmed that she has covid-19. ''I was a little pleasantly surprised, because I thought it was a little bit cool'', she said, while adding that her mother cried when she told her. "The message is don't panic," said Schneider. "If you think that you have it, you probably do; you should probably get tested." "If your symptoms aren't life-threatening, simply stay at home, medicate with over-the-counter medicines, drink lots of water, get a lot of rest and check out the shows you want to binge-watch," she said. Also read: EXCLUSIVE: 'Left with no choice,' Viswanathan Anand stuck in Germany amid coronavirus pandemic Jerri Jorgensen, United States The hysteria has ''gotten out of control'', announced Jerri Jorgensen while recalling the time she was denied entry into a gym after being quarantined. In an interview with Fox & Friends, Jorgensen claims that she received hugs from people as soon as she ventured back into public life. However, a few hours after her maiden visit to the gym post-recovery, she received a call from them demanding her to stay at home in order to avoid infecting high-risk individuals. Image courtesy: FOX “I go, ‘I am a senior citizen! Wait, what about me?'” Jorgensen said. The woman had contracted the infection when she was aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan. While referring to her quarantine experience, Jorgensen said that her experience was very positive, and requested people to keep doing ''things that you love'', such as reading and exercising. She added that she stayed active by doing yoga during her isolation period. Also read: Air carriers in US cancel flights amid coronavirus crisis Global pandemic Across the world, over 6,500 people have died, as per figures by Johns Hopkins University. Outside China, Italy reported the highest number of new cases in one day, which rose to over 3,590. Furthermore, 368 people have died in just the last 24 hours, which is being dubbed as the worst outbreak of the infection outside China. Currently, India has 114 confirmed cases. Out of these, 97 are Indian nationals, while 17 are foreigners. According to government sources, 13 people have been discharged, while two people have died. Expatriate returning from Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon arrive to be re-tested at a Kuwaiti health ministry containment and screening zone for COVID-19 coronavirus disease in Kuwait City on March 16, 2020 | AFP The state with the highest cases in the country is Maharashtra with 32 confirmed cases, followed by Kerala with 23 infections. As of now, 12, 76, 046 people have undergone screening at airports in India. The symptoms of the virus include runny nose, sore throat, headache, and a fever that can last for over a couple of days. Similar to a common cold, the virus causes a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness. The basic precautions to avoid contracting the infection include covering one's mouth while sneezing and coughing, and also avoiding people who may be sick. Additionally, hands should be rigorously washed to kill the potential infection. (With inputs from agencies)

Precaution, not panic: Here are narratives of people who have successfully recovered from Covid-19

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that religious, social, cultural and political ceremonies, as well as protests by more than 50 people, would not be allowed until 31 March in view of the outbreak of coronavirus in the national capital.

Delhi CM Kejriwal takes measures to contain COVID-19 outbreak, stoppage on public gatherings!

In this video, WION exclusively speaks to Dr Sanjeev Choubey, Medical Director at St. Michel Hospital who stayed back in Wuhan to help COVID-19 patients day-night.

LIVE : Doctor who stayed back in Wuhan to help COVID-19 patients day-night!

The Covid-19 or Novel Coronavirus has found India well prepared. The global pandemic that began in Wuhan, China, is presently also raging in Europe and the US. The epicentre seems to have shifted to Northern Italy from China, though Iran’s Qom is a contender too. So far, over 132,000 have tested positive around the world, and there have been over 5,000 deaths.

In India, the level of counter-action is unprecedented for any disease that has afflicted this country in the past. Not only is a great deal being done, but with almost every media outlet obsessing over this virus, it is the main news item.

With a mortality rate of 3-4 per cent globally, India has however seen a lot worse in earlier famines, scourges and natural disasters, apart from the fatalities from accidents, even in recent times.

The domestic scenario has reported an infection statistic in just two digits, though some quarters have raised concern on the low number of some 52 testing centres. These are now being raised to 55, all government-controlled, but this could well be inadequate to assess the magnitude of the spread if it comes to that.

The number of infected people in India, including visiting tourists, mainly from Italy, is about 85 at present. This is commendable, if the number is correct, in a country with a teeming population of 1.4 billion people.&nbsp;

There is a good reason why India is not much affected. The prompt precautionary moves undertaken by the government have apparently been very effective. There has been elaborate official concern from the top levels of the government, evacuation of Indians at risk in other countries, &nbsp;emergency medical facilities, isolation wards and locations, quarantine protocols and screening of arrivals from abroad. All this work has been exemplary and timely. Old learning has taught the authorities that deadly viruses like this should not be allowed to spread unchecked.

All this action together will likely contain and vastly reduce the impact. In addition, a number of under-utilised flights to and from abroad have been cancelled by the airlines themselves. The government on its part has withheld all non-essential visas. Many land borders have also been closed. The popular IPL cricket and other sporting fixtures have been postponed. Schools, colleges, cinema halls, malls and other places where large numbers might gather have been closed for a spell across the country. Other emergency measures are being considered. Intense monitoring of the situation is in place.

Combined with a steady messaging on dos and donts, &nbsp;the squashing of rumours, the warming up of the weather as the country goes into summer, is also expected to help. The two fatalities so far have both been that of elders, with other underlying health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. Young, reasonably fit people tend to recover, and 10 have done so in India already. In medical terms, the virus has also been isolated outside of the body in India. This in order to develop antibodies and vaccines in due course.

It can certainly be said that India has been doing well in terms of the preventive and other measures against this deadly virus that has only symptomatic treatments so far.

But the threats emerging from the Coronavirus has done considerable knock-on economic damage in various sectors already.

The silver lining, though largely unrelated, unless a fall in demand has triggered it, is the recent tumbling of petroleum prices. Saudi Arabia, with immense proven reserves, has decided to strongly increase its output in competition with all other producers. The price of a barrel of crude oil, down sharply, could fall to as little as $20, according to experts. This is greatly benefitting India that imports over 80 per cent of its oil.

The global situation economically has hit China and America hardest, with each country directly losing almost a billion dollars in foreign trade till now.

India too has lost a few hundred million dollars in its Indo-Chinese trade, but the domestic impact on tourism, hotels, related services, is very much higher.

Globally, the stock markets have been gyrating in panic. The US has lost almost all the gains, running into billions of dollars, made during the last four Trump administered years.

The Indian market has rewound to figures prevailing two years ago. The rupee has taken a beating, even as the Indian foreign exchange reserves are at nearly $500 billion. The debt market and gold bonds have held out well so far but all depends on how much longer this goes on.

The reactions to the pandemic and indeed the disease itself will inevitably fade in the not too distant future, leaving a lot of human misery and economic damage in its wake.

But at the same time, it will provide an opportunity to reassess the foundations of international business afresh. In a near reboot, not seen since the international economic crisis of 2008, there will be new opportunities, as well as significant realignments.

&nbsp;Will the Chinese economy, already plagued by low growth before this disease came along, be able to recover any time soon? Will its Belt and Road initiative already in trouble, and its blue water maritime hegemonic ambitions survive? Will the drastic losses in the global equity markets provide new get rich possibilities for intrepid investors wherever they maybe?

India could benefit from the reworking of the global economy in the aftermath, though it may not be mainly in terms of Chinese manufacturing relocating to India. This, desirable as it may be from the Indian point of view, is much talked about. But the notion still suffers from substantial infrastructure and utility bottlenecks in India compared to China that may take a few more years to address.

But there could well be a substantial fillip to defence and armaments related manufacturing here, under the Make in India programme.&nbsp; The negotiations in this regard with various contenders could gain momentum. India is still the second biggest arms and armaments importer in the world, second only to Saudi Arabia.

With recessionary conditions claiming the collaborating countries too, earlier objections to technology transfer, high pricing and the like could be removed and negotiations fast-tracked.

Defence manufacturing has the virtue of being very high unit-value while offering new, skilled jobs, to an estimated 1.5 lakh people. India has designated an ambitious defence manufacturing corridor in Uttar Pradesh that has been well received by prospective partners. It will shortly build roads and other infrastructure to serve it better.

The export potential of defence equipment too&nbsp;is now prominent in the minds of Indian planners. It has just climbed into the ranks of the top 25 armaments exporters in the world at a modest No. 23. Items such as Indian bullet-proof vests, missiles of various kinds, patrol boats, frigates, radar, missile shields, satellites and launching facilities, are now in demand.

In future, fighter aircraft, submarines, helicopter gunships, drones, machine guns and other items could come into play as well. &nbsp;This sector, therefore, is seen as a major enabler of India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024.

The hectic work and massive investment going into new and modernized infrastructure is part of the same thing. It is of the greatest importance when the GDP has otherwise slowed to under 5 per cent per annum, compared to the over 7 per cent&nbsp;it was at not so long ago, or even 9 per cent&nbsp;before that. Various sectors of the economy such as banking, real estate and even 60 per cent&nbsp;that comes from the all-sustaining service economy are suffering.

These, along with traditional agriculture or even food processing industries, other manufacturing including that of automobiles and electronics, are unlikely to be the prime movers in the near future.

But paying one-third of the earlier cost for India’s huge oil imports, with a robust, nearly $500 billion in foreign exchange reserves, will certainly help India rebuild its economy.

Manufacturing more of its military equipment needs here, another major import cost head, and exporting a portion of it, is the way forward. India aspires, after all, to be amongst the top three economies with more than $10 trillion in nominal terms by 2032.

While a situation brought on by the Coronavirus is far from desirable, the reworkings it may force upon the global economy may not be bad at all for India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL

The Covid-19 or Novel Coronavirus has found India well prepared. The global pandemic that began in Wuhan, China, is presently also raging in Europe and the US. The epicentre seems to have shifted to Northern Italy from China, though Iran’s Qom is a contender too.

The Covid-19 or Novel Coronavirus has found India well prepared. The global pandemic that began in Wuhan, China, is presently also raging in Europe and the US. The epicentre seems to have shifted to Northern Italy from China, though Iran’s Qom is a contender too. So far, over 132,000 have tested positive around the world, and there have been over 5,000 deaths. In India, the level of counter-action is unprecedented for any disease that has afflicted this country in the past. Not only is a great deal being done, but with almost every media outlet obsessing over this virus, it is the main news item. With a mortality rate of 3-4 per cent globally, India has however seen a lot worse in earlier famines, scourges and natural disasters, apart from the fatalities from accidents, even in recent times. The domestic scenario has reported an infection statistic in just two digits, though some quarters have raised concern on the low number of some 52 testing centres. These are now being raised to 55, all government-controlled, but this could well be inadequate to assess the magnitude of the spread if it comes to that. The number of infected people in India, including visiting tourists, mainly from Italy, is about 85 at present. This is commendable, if the number is correct, in a country with a teeming population of 1.4 billion people. There is a good reason why India is not much affected. The prompt precautionary moves undertaken by the government have apparently been very effective. There has been elaborate official concern from the top levels of the government, evacuation of Indians at risk in other countries, emergency medical facilities, isolation wards and locations, quarantine protocols and screening of arrivals from abroad. All this work has been exemplary and timely. Old learning has taught the authorities that deadly viruses like this should not be allowed to spread unchecked. All this action together will likely contain and vastly reduce the impact. In addition, a number of under-utilised flights to and from abroad have been cancelled by the airlines themselves. The government on its part has withheld all non-essential visas. Many land borders have also been closed. The popular IPL cricket and other sporting fixtures have been postponed. Schools, colleges, cinema halls, malls and other places where large numbers might gather have been closed for a spell across the country. Other emergency measures are being considered. Intense monitoring of the situation is in place. Combined with a steady messaging on dos and donts, the squashing of rumours, the warming up of the weather as the country goes into summer, is also expected to help. The two fatalities so far have both been that of elders, with other underlying health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. Young, reasonably fit people tend to recover, and 10 have done so in India already. In medical terms, the virus has also been isolated outside of the body in India. This in order to develop antibodies and vaccines in due course. It can certainly be said that India has been doing well in terms of the preventive and other measures against this deadly virus that has only symptomatic treatments so far. But the threats emerging from the Coronavirus has done considerable knock-on economic damage in various sectors already. The silver lining, though largely unrelated, unless a fall in demand has triggered it, is the recent tumbling of petroleum prices. Saudi Arabia, with immense proven reserves, has decided to strongly increase its output in competition with all other producers. The price of a barrel of crude oil, down sharply, could fall to as little as $20, according to experts. This is greatly benefitting India that imports over 80 per cent of its oil. The global situation economically has hit China and America hardest, with each country directly losing almost a billion dollars in foreign trade till now. India too has lost a few hundred million dollars in its Indo-Chinese trade, but the domestic impact on tourism, hotels, related services, is very much higher. Globally, the stock markets have been gyrating in panic. The US has lost almost all the gains, running into billions of dollars, made during the last four Trump administered years. The Indian market has rewound to figures prevailing two years ago. The rupee has taken a beating, even as the Indian foreign exchange reserves are at nearly $500 billion. The debt market and gold bonds have held out well so far but all depends on how much longer this goes on. The reactions to the pandemic and indeed the disease itself will inevitably fade in the not too distant future, leaving a lot of human misery and economic damage in its wake. But at the same time, it will provide an opportunity to reassess the foundations of international business afresh. In a near reboot, not seen since the international economic crisis of 2008, there will be new opportunities, as well as significant realignments. Will the Chinese economy, already plagued by low growth before this disease came along, be able to recover any time soon? Will its Belt and Road initiative already in trouble, and its blue water maritime hegemonic ambitions survive? Will the drastic losses in the global equity markets provide new get rich possibilities for intrepid investors wherever they maybe? India could benefit from the reworking of the global economy in the aftermath, though it may not be mainly in terms of Chinese manufacturing relocating to India. This, desirable as it may be from the Indian point of view, is much talked about. But the notion still suffers from substantial infrastructure and utility bottlenecks in India compared to China that may take a few more years to address. But there could well be a substantial fillip to defence and armaments related manufacturing here, under the Make in India programme. The negotiations in this regard with various contenders could gain momentum. India is still the second biggest arms and armaments importer in the world, second only to Saudi Arabia. With recessionary conditions claiming the collaborating countries too, earlier objections to technology transfer, high pricing and the like could be removed and negotiations fast-tracked. Defence manufacturing has the virtue of being very high unit-value while offering new, skilled jobs, to an estimated 1.5 lakh people. India has designated an ambitious defence manufacturing corridor in Uttar Pradesh that has been well received by prospective partners. It will shortly build roads and other infrastructure to serve it better. The export potential of defence equipment too is now prominent in the minds of Indian planners. It has just climbed into the ranks of the top 25 armaments exporters in the world at a modest No. 23. Items such as Indian bullet-proof vests, missiles of various kinds, patrol boats, frigates, radar, missile shields, satellites and launching facilities, are now in demand. In future, fighter aircraft, submarines, helicopter gunships, drones, machine guns and other items could come into play as well. This sector, therefore, is seen as a major enabler of India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024. The hectic work and massive investment going into new and modernized infrastructure is part of the same thing. It is of the greatest importance when the GDP has otherwise slowed to under 5 per cent per annum, compared to the over 7 per cent it was at not so long ago, or even 9 per cent before that. Various sectors of the economy such as banking, real estate and even 60 per cent that comes from the all-sustaining service economy are suffering. These, along with traditional agriculture or even food processing industries, other manufacturing including that of automobiles and electronics, are unlikely to be the prime movers in the near future. But paying one-third of the earlier cost for India’s huge oil imports, with a robust, nearly $500 billion in foreign exchange reserves, will certainly help India rebuild its economy. Manufacturing more of its military equipment needs here, another major import cost head, and exporting a portion of it, is the way forward. India aspires, after all, to be amongst the top three economies with more than $10 trillion in nominal terms by 2032. While a situation brought on by the Coronavirus is far from desirable, the reworkings it may force upon the global economy may not be bad at all for India. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL

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