Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak.

Being a lawmaker in a country with a staggering number of people with disabilities, some even worse off than him, Yasuhiko does not wish to stop there alone.

He wants to use the platform to end the invisibility of disabled people in Japan's traditional society and herald more inclusion. 
The electoral success of two politicians - Yasuhiko Fungo and Eiko Kimura, both largely paralysed, has sparked significant debate in Japan - a nation where activists say people with disabilities often remain in the shadows.

The Upper House of Japan's Parliament pays for Kimura’s and Funago’s assistants, but the new lawmakers want the rules changed to help the 11,500 other seriously disabled people who rely on public care.

In Japan, the state pays for carers only if the disabled person is not employed - which means that disabled people simply cannot afford to work as the cost of private help exceeds their salaries.

The government says there are 9.63 million people with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities in the country, accounting for more than 7 per cent of the total population of Japan. Roughly one in 20 people in Japan has some disability or another.

Progress has been made, with accessibility improving in Tokyo and legislation setting quotas for hiring people with disabilities in government, but rights activists say more must be done.

From the 1940s to 1996, Japan's government sterilised people with a mental illness or disability because it deemed them 'inferior'.

The victims of this eugenic protection law kept silent for decades but are now speaking out and demanding an apology and compensation.

The Japanese government has been making efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities by raising employment quotas.&nbsp;

But last year, the government was even forced to apologise for padding its disability hiring data after regularly failing to meet its own quotas.

Yasuhiko Fungo and Eiko Kimura want to see inclusion rather than just acceptance of people with disabilities, because they believe a society that does not help disabled people ends up effectively hiding them.

 
&nbsp;

Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak. Being a lawmaker in a country with a staggering number of people with disabilities, some even worse off than him, Yasuhiko does not wish to stop there alone.

Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak. Being a lawmaker in a country with a staggering number of people with disabilities, some even worse off than him, Yasuhiko does not wish to stop there alone. He wants to use the platform to end the invisibility of disabled people in Japan's traditional society and herald more inclusion. The electoral success of two politicians - Yasuhiko Fungo and Eiko Kimura, both largely paralysed, has sparked significant debate in Japan - a nation where activists say people with disabilities often remain in the shadows. The Upper House of Japan's Parliament pays for Kimura’s and Funago’s assistants, but the new lawmakers want the rules changed to help the 11,500 other seriously disabled people who rely on public care. In Japan, the state pays for carers only if the disabled person is not employed - which means that disabled people simply cannot afford to work as the cost of private help exceeds their salaries. The government says there are 9.63 million people with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities in the country, accounting for more than 7 per cent of the total population of Japan. Roughly one in 20 people in Japan has some disability or another. Progress has been made, with accessibility improving in Tokyo and legislation setting quotas for hiring people with disabilities in government, but rights activists say more must be done. From the 1940s to 1996, Japan's government sterilised people with a mental illness or disability because it deemed them 'inferior'. The victims of this eugenic protection law kept silent for decades but are now speaking out and demanding an apology and compensation. The Japanese government has been making efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities by raising employment quotas. But last year, the government was even forced to apologise for padding its disability hiring data after regularly failing to meet its own quotas. Yasuhiko Fungo and Eiko Kimura want to see inclusion rather than just acceptance of people with disabilities, because they believe a society that does not help disabled people ends up effectively hiding them.

Japan's disabled lawmakers fight to end the invisibility of people with disabilities

Passenger tests aboard the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Diamond Princess </a>cruise ship in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Japan </a>confirmed at least 65 more cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">coronavirus </a>on Monday, according to the vessel's captain, as some passengers took to social media to warn against depression over their confinement.

The figure announced to passengers after a statement by the cruise operator put the new infections at 66, takes the tally on board to 135, showing a rapid rise in the outbreak on the ship docked in the port of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Yokohama</a>.

Among the new cases are 45 Japanese and 11 Americans, the ship's operator, Princess Cruises, said in the earlier statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Ten passengers aboard a cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus</a>

"This is not news that anyone of us wanted to receive," the captain told passengers in a broadcast over speakers in their cabins.

"However, we have been also advised since we are in the early quarantine period of 14 days, it was not unexpected," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Japan</a>'s health ministry confirmed the 65 cases in a statement.

The Diamond Princess was placed in quarantine for two weeks upon arriving in Yokohama, south of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Tokyo</a>, on February&nbsp;3, after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong was diagnosed with the virus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-quarantine-cruise-ship-on-which-coronavirus-patient-sailed-278445">Japan to quarantine cruise ship after Hong Kong man tests positive for coronavirus</a>

About 3,700 people are aboard the ship, which usually has a crew of 1,100 and a passenger capacity of 2,670. Passengers have been allowed on decks in shifts to get fresh air and encouraged to regularly take their temperature.

People who have been in close contact with newly confirmed cases on the ship face a longer quarantine than the originally planned period until February 19, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">World Health Organization</a> said late on Sunday, without saying how many there were.

Japan's health ministry is recording infection counts on the ship and evacuee flights from China separately from the official tally. Domestic cases stand at 21.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan would send a fifth chartered flight to China's central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus outbreak, to bring citizens home.

The disease has killed 908 people, chiefly in mainland China, and infected more than 40,000.

The UK-flagged Diamond Princess is managed by Princess Cruise Lines, one of the world’s largest cruise lines and a unit of Carnival Corp.

Passenger tests aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan confirmed at least 65 more cases of coronavirus on Monday, according to the vessel's captain, as some passengers took to social media to warn against depression over their confinement.

Passenger tests aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan confirmed at least 65 more cases of coronavirus on Monday, according to the vessel's captain, as some passengers took to social media to warn against depression over their confinement. The figure announced to passengers after a statement by the cruise operator put the new infections at 66, takes the tally on board to 135, showing a rapid rise in the outbreak on the ship docked in the port of Yokohama. Among the new cases are 45 Japanese and 11 Americans, the ship's operator, Princess Cruises, said in the earlier statement. Also read: Ten passengers aboard a cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus "This is not news that anyone of us wanted to receive," the captain told passengers in a broadcast over speakers in their cabins. "However, we have been also advised since we are in the early quarantine period of 14 days, it was not unexpected," he added. Japan's health ministry confirmed the 65 cases in a statement. The Diamond Princess was placed in quarantine for two weeks upon arriving in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, on February 3, after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong was diagnosed with the virus. Also read: Japan to quarantine cruise ship after Hong Kong man tests positive for coronavirus About 3,700 people are aboard the ship, which usually has a crew of 1,100 and a passenger capacity of 2,670. Passengers have been allowed on decks in shifts to get fresh air and encouraged to regularly take their temperature. People who have been in close contact with newly confirmed cases on the ship face a longer quarantine than the originally planned period until February 19, the World Health Organization said late on Sunday, without saying how many there were. Japan's health ministry is recording infection counts on the ship and evacuee flights from China separately from the official tally. Domestic cases stand at 21. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan would send a fifth chartered flight to China's central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus outbreak, to bring citizens home. The disease has killed 908 people, chiefly in mainland China, and infected more than 40,000. The UK-flagged Diamond Princess is managed by Princess Cruise Lines, one of the world’s largest cruise lines and a unit of Carnival Corp.

At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan, captain says

MyMizu helps people find free, public spots to get water. In addition to drinking fountains, it also shows restaurants, cafes and other businesses that have agreed to provide free refills.

App helps redice plastic waste in Japan

Today in History: Coronation of Elizabeth II, start of the Russo-Japanese War and more

The Coronavirus has reached 28 countries. A cruise ship off the coast of Japan is under a lockdown. Indian diamond merchants are suffering losses. Even the Tokyo Olympics could be affected. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the Coronavirus is afflicting the world in more ways than one.

Gravitas: Fighting the deadly coronavirus

A robot bartender began serving drinks in a Tokyo pub this month, in a trial that could signal the start of an automation wave to sweep through restaurants and other industries struggling to hire workers in an ageing Japan.

Tokyo's robot bartender begins mixing cocktails as Japan looks towards automation

Coronavirus affects Japanese cruise: The journey so far

Japan has the world's most powerful passport and a trendy one too.&nbsp;

Those applying for a Japanese passport after February 4 will now get one with featuring famous art by ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai.&nbsp;

According to reports, the new Japanese passports will feature the "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series by Hokusai which was created in the 19th century.

The series features "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" - one of best-known ukiyo-e prints of Japan.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-passport-slips-further-in-ranking-becomes-fourth-worst-for-overseas-travel-273052">Pakistan passport slips further in ranking, becomes fourth-worst for overseas travel</a>

24 works from the series will be printed on 48 pages of the 10-year Japanese passport while 16 works will be printed on 32 pages of the 5-year passport.&nbsp;

As per the &nbsp;Henley Passport Index, Japan is the world's most powerful passport with access to over 190 countries without a visa or with the privilege to get a visa on arrival.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-possess-most-powerful-passport-in-world-india-comes-on-81st-spot-139407">Japanese possess most powerful passport in world, India on 81st spot</a>

Singapore has the second most powerful passport in the world.

South Korea tied with Germany for the third spot.

European countries also performed favourably, with Finland sitting on fourth and Spain, Luxembourg and Denmark taking the fifth spot. Sweden and France sit on sixth spot on the list.

The United States dropped two places to eighth place, sharing the spot with United Kingdom, Norway, Green and Belgium. Meanwhile, Canada ranked ninth.

Japan has the world's most powerful passport and a trendy one too. Those applying for a Japanese passport after February 4 will now get one with featuring famous art by ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai.

Japan has the world's most powerful passport and a trendy one too. Those applying for a Japanese passport after February 4 will now get one with featuring famous art by ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai. According to reports, the new Japanese passports will feature the "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series by Hokusai which was created in the 19th century. The series features "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" - one of best-known ukiyo-e prints of Japan. Also read: Pakistan passport slips further in ranking, becomes fourth-worst for overseas travel 24 works from the series will be printed on 48 pages of the 10-year Japanese passport while 16 works will be printed on 32 pages of the 5-year passport. As per the Henley Passport Index, Japan is the world's most powerful passport with access to over 190 countries without a visa or with the privilege to get a visa on arrival. Also read: Japanese possess most powerful passport in world, India on 81st spot Singapore has the second most powerful passport in the world. South Korea tied with Germany for the third spot. European countries also performed favourably, with Finland sitting on fourth and Spain, Luxembourg and Denmark taking the fifth spot. Sweden and France sit on sixth spot on the list. The United States dropped two places to eighth place, sharing the spot with United Kingdom, Norway, Green and Belgium. Meanwhile, Canada ranked ninth.

Not just powerful! Japanese passport is all set to get trendy with 'ukiyo-e' art

10 More cases have tested positive in the cruise ship of the coast of Japan. Which is now taken the total number of those infected on board 20. The Japanese authorities have conducted the coronavirus test on 273 people out of around 4000 passengers after a man who got off the cruise ship last month was confirmed with coronavirus infection.

10 more cases have tested positive on Cruise Ship

Japan today said that ten people on a cruise ship at the port of Yokohama have tested positive for coronavirus. The figure is expected to rise as more passengers and crew members are screened for the virus.

Japan is in the process of transporting the infected people to a medical facility. According to Katsunobu Kato, the Health Minister of Japan said that around 3,700 people will continue to remain quarantined on-board the Carnival Corp ship for 14 days. 
 
"I want to take sufficient care of the health of passengers and crew and make every effort to prevent the spread of the virus," Kato said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644">China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected</a>

According to Kato, everybody on the ''Diamond Princess'' cruise had received initial health screening. As part of this process, 273 people were identified for testing. Out of these, 31 results had been confirmed, which revealed the 10 positive cases.

More samples are being taken, with Kato suggesting that remaining passengers and crew would continue to be tested to ensure the symptoms don't show.

According to sources, none of the infected people showed severe symptoms. And three out of the ten are Japanese nationals.

The origin point of the virus on-board has been traced to an 80-year-old Hong Kong man, who boarded the cruise last month and was later tested positive for the coronavirus. 
 
Images and visuals released by people on the cruise show health officials in masks and gowns screening the hallways of the cruise.

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検疫は8階にいた <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%83%80%E3%82%A4%E3%83%A4%E3%83%A2%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ダイヤモンドプリンセス</a> <a href="https://t.co/O5ka0jT5Ip">pic.twitter.com/O5ka0jT5Ip</a>
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Carnival Japan, a subsidiary of the British-American cruise operator, claimed that the ship was delayed by over 24 hours.

Additionally, the company said that the cruises that were set to depart from the Yokohama and Kobe ports this week could be cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

With this update, the infection toll in Japan has reached 33. The epidemic had originated in Hubei province of China, and has killed hundreds of people, with more than 10,000 infected so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/latest-coronavirus-news-update-India-confirms-third-coronavirus-case-in-Kerala">India confirms third coronavirus case in Kerala</a>

Japan today said that ten people on a cruise ship at the port of Yokohama have tested positive for coronavirus. The figure is expected to rise as more passengers and crew members are screened for the virus.

Japan today said that ten people on a cruise ship at the port of Yokohama have tested positive for coronavirus. The figure is expected to rise as more passengers and crew members are screened for the virus. Japan is in the process of transporting the infected people to a medical facility. According to Katsunobu Kato, the Health Minister of Japan said that around 3,700 people will continue to remain quarantined on-board the Carnival Corp ship for 14 days. "I want to take sufficient care of the health of passengers and crew and make every effort to prevent the spread of the virus," Kato said. Also read: China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected According to Kato, everybody on the ''Diamond Princess'' cruise had received initial health screening. As part of this process, 273 people were identified for testing. Out of these, 31 results had been confirmed, which revealed the 10 positive cases. More samples are being taken, with Kato suggesting that remaining passengers and crew would continue to be tested to ensure the symptoms don't show. According to sources, none of the infected people showed severe symptoms. And three out of the ten are Japanese nationals. The origin point of the virus on-board has been traced to an 80-year-old Hong Kong man, who boarded the cruise last month and was later tested positive for the coronavirus. Images and visuals released by people on the cruise show health officials in masks and gowns screening the hallways of the cruise. 検疫は8階にいた #ダイヤモンドプリンセス pic.twitter.com/O5ka0jT5Ip — だぁ(ダイヤモンドプリンセス乗船中) (@daxa_tw) February 4, 2020 × Carnival Japan, a subsidiary of the British-American cruise operator, claimed that the ship was delayed by over 24 hours. Additionally, the company said that the cruises that were set to depart from the Yokohama and Kobe ports this week could be cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. With this update, the infection toll in Japan has reached 33. The epidemic had originated in Hubei province of China, and has killed hundreds of people, with more than 10,000 infected so far. Also read: India confirms third coronavirus case in Kerala

Ten passengers aboard a cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus

Japan's government said on Monday it would quarantine a Yokohama-bound cruise ship, after a Hong Kong man who sailed on it last month tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-coronavirus-killed-more-people-than-sars-in-mainland-china-278354">coronavirus</a>.

The 80-year-old man flew to Japan and boarded the ship, the Diamond Princess, run by Carnival Japan Inc, in Yokohama on January&nbsp;20 and disembarked on January&nbsp;25, NHK public broadcaster said.

<img alt="Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17a9b112-732c-4b42-84ac-ba3a46fae120" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2828%29_6.jpg" />

He developed a cough a day before embarking but did not develop a fever until January&nbsp;30, a day before he was confirmed to have been infected by the virus in Hong Kong, NHK reported.

Princess Cruises, a Carnival-owned cruise, said the review of the arriving guests and crew was standard practice after a guest tested positive.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-study-says-china-fudged-coronavirus-numbers-278115">Hong Kong University study says China fudged coronavirus numbers&nbsp;</a>

Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said in a news conference on Monday that Japanese authorities would quarantine the vessel.

The company confirmed that the turnaround of the ship had been delayed by about 24 hours to allow Japan's public health authorities to review the health status of all guests and crew on board.

<img alt="JAPAN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="741795b6-1049-4069-a5e0-025c17055ac1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2829%29_5.jpg" />

The cruise had 2,666  guests and  1,045 crew on board.

Japan has 20 confirmed coronavirus cases, of these 17 people have been in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/unfolding-the-spirit-of-wuhan-relations-between-india-and-china-are-on-the-move-244950">Wuhan</a>, the central Chinese city that is believed to be the centre of the virus outbreak.

Japan's government said on Monday it would quarantine a Yokohama-bound cruise ship, after a Hong Kong man who sailed on it last month tested positive for coronavirus.

Japan's government said on Monday it would quarantine a Yokohama-bound cruise ship, after a Hong Kong man who sailed on it last month tested positive for coronavirus. The 80-year-old man flew to Japan and boarded the ship, the Diamond Princess, run by Carnival Japan Inc, in Yokohama on January 20 and disembarked on January 25, NHK public broadcaster said. He developed a cough a day before embarking but did not develop a fever until January 30, a day before he was confirmed to have been infected by the virus in Hong Kong, NHK reported. Princess Cruises, a Carnival-owned cruise, said the review of the arriving guests and crew was standard practice after a guest tested positive. Read more: Hong Kong University study says China fudged coronavirus numbers Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said in a news conference on Monday that Japanese authorities would quarantine the vessel. The company confirmed that the turnaround of the ship had been delayed by about 24 hours to allow Japan's public health authorities to review the health status of all guests and crew on board. The cruise had 2,666  guests and  1,045 crew on board. Japan has 20 confirmed coronavirus cases, of these 17 people have been in Wuhan, the central Chinese city that is believed to be the centre of the virus outbreak.

Japan to quarantine cruise ship after Hong Kong man tests positive for coronavirus

Japan confirmed an additional three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-tells-citizens-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-to-china-277709">cases of the new coronavirus</a> among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.

One of the three, a man in his 40s who had symptoms such as fever and coughing, first tested negative for coronavirus, the ministry said. But the man, who was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, later confirmed positive for the virus with an additional test, it said.

The government plans to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-plane-to-virus-hit-wuhan-to-evacuate-citizens-277129">send another chartered plane</a> mid-week or later to bring back Japanese nationals who are still in China's Hubei province and the capital Wuhan, where the disease is thought to have originated, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c778734-975d-4611-be1f-0639a5142890" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2873%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ Extreme precautions are being taken to counter the coronavirus - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters)

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-mystery-virus-behind-china-outbreak-274738">Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak</a>

Japan has emailed its citizens in the province to tell them of its plan, and is negotiating with China about Chinese spouses of Japanese citizens who also wish to travel to Japan, it said.

China is facing mounting isolation amid increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. Japan on Saturday moved to contain the economic impact of the outbreak as strict new measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus came into effect.

Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.

Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases. One of the three, a man in his 40s who had symptoms such as fever and coughing, first tested negative for coronavirus, the ministry said. But the man, who was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, later confirmed positive for the virus with an additional test, it said. The government plans to send another chartered plane mid-week or later to bring back Japanese nationals who are still in China's Hubei province and the capital Wuhan, where the disease is thought to have originated, the foreign ministry said on Sunday. [ Extreme precautions are being taken to counter the coronavirus - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters) Also Read: Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak Japan has emailed its citizens in the province to tell them of its plan, and is negotiating with China about Chinese spouses of Japanese citizens who also wish to travel to Japan, it said. China is facing mounting isolation amid increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. Japan on Saturday moved to contain the economic impact of the outbreak as strict new measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus came into effect.

Three more Japanese citizens evacuated from Wuhan test positive for nCoV

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indias-progress-on-artificial-intelligence-route-185592">Artificial intelligence</a> has invented a drug molecule that will be used to treat patients who have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-bottle-a-day-mother-of-five-has-been-addicted-to-eating-talcum-powder-for-nearly-15-years-273197">obsessive-compulsive disorder</a> (OCD) for the first time.

It has been created by a British start-up called Exscientia and Japanese pharmaceutical firm called Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma.

AI was able to produce this drug molecule in just a period of 12 months.

Usually, it takes about five years for a drug to develop.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cars-camera-system-can-keep-drowsy-drivers-awake-277353">Soon, cars to have inbuilt system to keep drowsy drivers alert and awake</a>

''It is a key milestone in drug discovery'', Exscienta chief executive professor Andrew Hopkins.

AI has been used to diagnose patients and to analyse patients and their data and scans.

But this is the first time that it has been directly used for the creation of a new medicine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/francis-pope-discusses-ethics-of-artificial-intelligence-with-microsoft-chief-brad-smith-197242">Pope Francis, Microsoft chief Brad Smith discuss ethics of artificial intelligence</a>

The molecule is called DSP-1181.

It was invented by using algorithms that go through potential compounds and check them against an enormous database that comprises of several parameters.

It will enter ''phase one'' trails in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-tells-citizens-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-to-china-277709">Japan</a>.

It will be followed by more global tests if successful.&nbsp;

The entities are also working on potential drugs that can treat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-finds-google-system-could-improve-breast-cancer-detection-271720">cancer </a>and cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp;

Artificial intelligence has invented a drug molecule that will be used to treat patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for the first time. It has been created by a British start-up called Exscientia and Japanese pharmaceutical firm called Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma.

Artificial intelligence has invented a drug molecule that will be used to treat patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for the first time. It has been created by a British start-up called Exscientia and Japanese pharmaceutical firm called Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. AI was able to produce this drug molecule in just a period of 12 months. Usually, it takes about five years for a drug to develop. Also read: Soon, cars to have inbuilt system to keep drowsy drivers alert and awake ''It is a key milestone in drug discovery'', Exscienta chief executive professor Andrew Hopkins. AI has been used to diagnose patients and to analyse patients and their data and scans. But this is the first time that it has been directly used for the creation of a new medicine. Also read: Pope Francis, Microsoft chief Brad Smith discuss ethics of artificial intelligence The molecule is called DSP-1181. It was invented by using algorithms that go through potential compounds and check them against an enormous database that comprises of several parameters. It will enter ''phase one'' trails in Japan. It will be followed by more global tests if successful. The entities are also working on potential drugs that can treat cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

In a first, medicine created by artificial intelligence to treat obesessive-compulsive disorder

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japanese-fashion-billionaire-pulls-out-of-dating-show-277465">Japan</a> on Friday warned citizens against non-essential travel to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-fears-grip-chinas-borders-families-of-uk-citizens-barred-from-departing-as-they-hold-chinese-passports-277484">China</a> and fast-tracked new rules to limit the spread of a deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-more-japanese-evacuated-from-china-virus-epicentre-death-toll-climbs-to-170-277434">coronavirus </a>strain as new evacuees arrived in Tokyo.

Japan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-olympics-heavy-policy-speech-japan-pm-says-games-mark-new-era-for-nation-275383">Shinzo Abe</a> said the travel warning for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-more-japanese-evacuated-from-china-virus-epicentre-death-toll-climbs-to-170-277434">China</a> would be raised to level two on the country's four-point system, advising people to "avoid travel that is not urgent or is not necessary."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-olympics-heavy-policy-speech-japan-pm-says-games-mark-new-era-for-nation-275383">Japan </a>had already raised its travel alert for Hubei province, where the outbreak began, to a level three, warning against any travel to the region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-plane-to-virus-hit-wuhan-to-evacuate-citizens-277129">Japan sends plane to virus-hit Wuhan to evacuate citizens</a>

The top end of the scale advises against all travel and calls for immediate evacuation.

The foreign ministry also issued a statement urging Japanese citizens in China to take safety measures, including possibly returning home temporarily.

The move&nbsp;comes as the government said it would speed up implementation of a decision to label the new virus a level two "designated infectious disease".

The designation allows the forcible hospitalisation of those infected and gives immigration authorities the power to prevent people with the virus from entering the country.

The measures were due to come into effect from February 7, but will now be moved up to February 1, Abe told parliament.

"With this measure, we will refuse infected individuals entry to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-plane-to-virus-hit-wuhan-to-evacuate-citizens-277129">Japan</a>," Abe said.

"We will swiftly study ways to strengthen immigration control for cases where infection is suspected but not confirmed," he added.

The moves come with concern growing in Japan about the spread of the virus in the country, where 14 cases have been identified so far.

Among the cases are two people who contracted the virus without travelling to China, a tour guide and bus driver who was in contact with visitors from Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-outbreak-global-health-scares-and-its-impact-on-world-economy-277136">Coronavirus outbreak: Global health scares and its impact on economy</a>

The 14 also include three people who returned on an evacuation flight from Wuhan on Wednesday, two of whom displayed no symptoms when they tested positive.

Third evacuation flight 

The cases of apparent person-to-person transmission, as well as infection without symptoms, have sparked increased criticism of the government's handling of the crisis, particularly its minimal quarantine measures for evacuees from Wuhan.

Unlike other countries, which are opting to isolate returning citizens for between 72 hours and two weeks, Japan has simply asked evacuees to "self-quarantine".

Japanese officials say there is no current legal basis for them to forcibly isolate people who have not tested positive for the virus and that will not change with the implementation of the new rules from Saturday.

There was also outrage after it emerged that two people on the first evacuation flight from Wuhan initially refused to be tested for the virus, and were allowed to return home after being advised to avoid public transport and monitor their health.

The government has said it cannot force people to take the test, and on Thursday night health ministry officials said the two individuals had now changed their minds and would take the test.

The coronavirus is currently labelled a level two "designated infectious disease". Diseases like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-tourists-to-be-banned-from-entering-north-korea-due-to-virus-outbreak-275858">Ebola </a>are given a higher level designation that allows for stronger measures.

Of the 206 people who arrived on the first flight on Wednesday, 12 have been hospitalised, with all but two of the other passengers staying at a government-designated hotel in Chiba outside Tokyo.

A second evacuation flight carrying 210 people arrived on Thursday, with 26 passengers hospitalised after checks on board and at a health facility after landing.

The remaining passengers are staying at government-designated accommodation, and all the passengers on the second flight were tested for the new virus, officials said.

A third plane carrying 149 people arrived on Friday around 10:30 am, the foreign ministry said.

Japan on Friday warned citizens against non-essential travel to China and fast-tracked new rules to limit the spread of a deadly coronavirus strain as new evacuees arrived in Tokyo.

Japan on Friday warned citizens against non-essential travel to China and fast-tracked new rules to limit the spread of a deadly coronavirus strain as new evacuees arrived in Tokyo. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the travel warning for China would be raised to level two on the country's four-point system, advising people to "avoid travel that is not urgent or is not necessary." Japan had already raised its travel alert for Hubei province, where the outbreak began, to a level three, warning against any travel to the region. Also read: Japan sends plane to virus-hit Wuhan to evacuate citizens The top end of the scale advises against all travel and calls for immediate evacuation. The foreign ministry also issued a statement urging Japanese citizens in China to take safety measures, including possibly returning home temporarily. The move comes as the government said it would speed up implementation of a decision to label the new virus a level two "designated infectious disease". The designation allows the forcible hospitalisation of those infected and gives immigration authorities the power to prevent people with the virus from entering the country. The measures were due to come into effect from February 7, but will now be moved up to February 1, Abe told parliament. "With this measure, we will refuse infected individuals entry to Japan," Abe said. "We will swiftly study ways to strengthen immigration control for cases where infection is suspected but not confirmed," he added. The moves come with concern growing in Japan about the spread of the virus in the country, where 14 cases have been identified so far. Among the cases are two people who contracted the virus without travelling to China, a tour guide and bus driver who was in contact with visitors from Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Global health scares and its impact on economy The 14 also include three people who returned on an evacuation flight from Wuhan on Wednesday, two of whom displayed no symptoms when they tested positive. Third evacuation flight The cases of apparent person-to-person transmission, as well as infection without symptoms, have sparked increased criticism of the government's handling of the crisis, particularly its minimal quarantine measures for evacuees from Wuhan. Unlike other countries, which are opting to isolate returning citizens for between 72 hours and two weeks, Japan has simply asked evacuees to "self-quarantine". Japanese officials say there is no current legal basis for them to forcibly isolate people who have not tested positive for the virus and that will not change with the implementation of the new rules from Saturday. There was also outrage after it emerged that two people on the first evacuation flight from Wuhan initially refused to be tested for the virus, and were allowed to return home after being advised to avoid public transport and monitor their health. The government has said it cannot force people to take the test, and on Thursday night health ministry officials said the two individuals had now changed their minds and would take the test. The coronavirus is currently labelled a level two "designated infectious disease". Diseases like Ebola are given a higher level designation that allows for stronger measures. Of the 206 people who arrived on the first flight on Wednesday, 12 have been hospitalised, with all but two of the other passengers staying at a government-designated hotel in Chiba outside Tokyo. A second evacuation flight carrying 210 people arrived on Thursday, with 26 passengers hospitalised after checks on board and at a health facility after landing. The remaining passengers are staying at government-designated accommodation, and all the passengers on the second flight were tested for the new virus, officials said. A third plane carrying 149 people arrived on Friday around 10:30 am, the foreign ministry said.

Japan tells citizens to avoid non-essential travel to China

Japanese fashion billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-fashion-designer-yusaku-maezawa-is-giving-away-9-million-to-his-twitter-followers-273254">Yusaku Maezawa</a> has pulled out of a documentary search for a girlfriend to take on his voyage around the moon with Elon Musk's SpaceX, citing his "mixed feelings" about participating.

This month, the 44-year-old announced he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-billionaire-yusaku-maezawa-to-be-spacex-moon-traveller-166267">seeking single females</a> over 20 willing to vie to become his girlfriend for a documentary to be aired on streaming service AbemaTV. Almost 28,000 people applied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-japanese-billionaire-maezawa-who-seeks-girlfriend-for-moon-voyage-274172">Maezawa </a>said he is "extremely remorseful" about the decision to pull out, apologizing to the applicants and AbemaTV staff in posts to Twitter, where he is Japan's most-followed account with more than 7 million followers.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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お見合いにご応募いただきました皆さま、そしてAbemaTV関係者の皆さまには、心よりお詫び申し上げます。大変申し訳ございませんでした。 <a href="https://t.co/UvnhXov8xB">https://t.co/UvnhXov8xB</a>
— Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) 前澤友作 (@yousuck2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/yousuck2020/status/1222716480376098816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The translation reads thusly: " We sincerely apologize to all of you who have applied for the matchmaking, and to those involved in AbemaTV. I'm very sorry."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/billionaire-maezawa-seeks-for-a-life-partner-for-moon-spacex-voyage-273811">Fly me to the moon: Japanese billionaire Maezawa seeks girlfriend for SpaceX voyage</a>

Maezawa, the founder and former CEO of online fashion retailer Zozo, which he last year sold to SoftBank Group Corp, is known for launching big ideas with much fanfare - though some of them don't pan out as planned.

As CEO, he launched the Zozosuit, a polka-dot bodysuit that allowed users to collect body measurements to order custom-made clothes but which did not work well in practice. He also outlined an ambitious overseas expansion plan that wildly undershot targets, leading to a crash in the company's stock price.

Maezawa has pledged to give away $9 million to his Twitter followers in what he says is a "social experiment" to see if the payment boosts their happiness.

Japanese fashion billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has pulled out of a documentary search for a girlfriend to take on his voyage around the moon with Elon Musk's SpaceX, citing his "mixed feelings" about participating.

Japanese fashion billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has pulled out of a documentary search for a girlfriend to take on his voyage around the moon with Elon Musk's SpaceX, citing his "mixed feelings" about participating. This month, the 44-year-old announced he was seeking single females over 20 willing to vie to become his girlfriend for a documentary to be aired on streaming service AbemaTV. Almost 28,000 people applied. Maezawa said he is "extremely remorseful" about the decision to pull out, apologizing to the applicants and AbemaTV staff in posts to Twitter, where he is Japan's most-followed account with more than 7 million followers. お見合いにご応募いただきました皆さま、そしてAbemaTV関係者の皆さまには、心よりお詫び申し上げます。大変申し訳ございませんでした。 https://t.co/UvnhXov8xB — Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) 前澤友作 (@yousuck2020) January 30, 2020 × The translation reads thusly: " We sincerely apologize to all of you who have applied for the matchmaking, and to those involved in AbemaTV. I'm very sorry." Also Read: Fly me to the moon: Japanese billionaire Maezawa seeks girlfriend for SpaceX voyage Maezawa, the founder and former CEO of online fashion retailer Zozo, which he last year sold to SoftBank Group Corp, is known for launching big ideas with much fanfare - though some of them don't pan out as planned. As CEO, he launched the Zozosuit, a polka-dot bodysuit that allowed users to collect body measurements to order custom-made clothes but which did not work well in practice. He also outlined an ambitious overseas expansion plan that wildly undershot targets, leading to a crash in the company's stock price. Maezawa has pledged to give away $9 million to his Twitter followers in what he says is a "social experiment" to see if the payment boosts their happiness.

Japanese billionaire Maezawa pulls out of dating show that promised the moon trip

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-mystery-virus-behind-china-outbreak-274738">Japan</a> sent a first plane to the Chinese city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-japan-vow-to-fly-out-citizens-from-chinas-wuhan-as-coronavirus-spreads-276874">Wuhan</a> on Tuesday night to evacuate citizens from the epicentre of a deadly virus outbreak, a foreign ministry official said.

The plane left around 8:00 pm&nbsp;the official confirmed and was expected to return to Tokyo on Wednesday morning carrying several hundred Japanese nationals.

Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-us-reiterate-unshakeable-commitment-to-security-treaty-274935">Toshimitsu Motegi</a> earlier announced the plans, saying efforts were being made to arrange additional evacuation flights.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-mystery-virus-behind-china-outbreak-274738">Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak</a>

"We will also bring with it aid supplies such as masks and protective suits for Chinese people as well as for Japanese nationals," he said.

Around 200 people are expected to be on board the first flight, of around 650 Japanese nationals in the area who have expressed an interest in being repatriated.

Health officials will be aboard the plane to monitor passengers during the return flight but there are no plans to quarantine those arriving from Wuhan.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-confident-of-winning-battle-against-demon-coronavirus-xi-jinping-tells-who-277098">China confident of winning battle against 'demon' coronavirus: Xi Jinping tells WHO</a>

"We will send around four people per plane, a medical doctor, a quarantine officer, a nurse and so on. We will carry out a quarantine on board on their way back," a health ministry official told AFP.

She said passengers will be required to fill out medical questionnaires and submit contact numbers.

A second official from the ministry added that passengers with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/discovery-of-a-cure-for-coronavirus-claimed-by-siddha-doctor-from-tamil-nadu-276986">high fever</a> could be prevented from boarding, and that anyone developing symptoms during the flight would be sent to hospital immediately on arrival in Japan.

"We will also call on all passengers to refrain from going near crowds for a while even if they don't have a fever," he told AFP.

Those who live in and near Tokyo will be allowed to head home, while those living further away will be taken to local hotels initially.

Japan's health ministry has so far confirmed seven cases of the virus in Japan, including one man who had not travelled to China.

Japan sent a first plane to the Chinese city of Wuhan on Tuesday night to evacuate citizens from the epicentre of a deadly virus outbreak, a foreign ministry official said.

Japan sent a first plane to the Chinese city of Wuhan on Tuesday night to evacuate citizens from the epicentre of a deadly virus outbreak, a foreign ministry official said. The plane left around 8:00 pm the official confirmed and was expected to return to Tokyo on Wednesday morning carrying several hundred Japanese nationals. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi earlier announced the plans, saying efforts were being made to arrange additional evacuation flights. Also read: Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak "We will also bring with it aid supplies such as masks and protective suits for Chinese people as well as for Japanese nationals," he said. Around 200 people are expected to be on board the first flight, of around 650 Japanese nationals in the area who have expressed an interest in being repatriated. Health officials will be aboard the plane to monitor passengers during the return flight but there are no plans to quarantine those arriving from Wuhan. Also read: China confident of winning battle against 'demon' coronavirus: Xi Jinping tells WHO "We will send around four people per plane, a medical doctor, a quarantine officer, a nurse and so on. We will carry out a quarantine on board on their way back," a health ministry official told AFP. She said passengers will be required to fill out medical questionnaires and submit contact numbers. A second official from the ministry added that passengers with a high fever could be prevented from boarding, and that anyone developing symptoms during the flight would be sent to hospital immediately on arrival in Japan. "We will also call on all passengers to refrain from going near crowds for a while even if they don't have a fever," he told AFP. Those who live in and near Tokyo will be allowed to head home, while those living further away will be taken to local hotels initially. Japan's health ministry has so far confirmed seven cases of the virus in Japan, including one man who had not travelled to China.

Japan sends plane to virus-hit Wuhan to evacuate citizens

January 28 in history: Canada SC strikes down all anti-abortion laws, Lego designs patented and more

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries.

The Southeast Asian travel and tourism hub, which recorded its lowest growth rate in a decade last year at 0.7 per cent, has reported four cases of the coronavirus that has killed 80 people in China so far.

"We certainly expect there to be an impact on our economy, business, and consumer confidence this year especially as the situation is expected to persist for some time," trade minister Chan Chun Sing said.

The government is considering support measures for hard-hit sectors like tourism which could include property tax, rebates and worker levy cuts, he added.

Chinese nationals make up the largest share of visitors to Singapore, one of the worst-hit countries outside of China in the 2003 outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sars-like-virus-spreading-across-china-amid-140-new-cases-third-death-275342">Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome</a> (SARS) which killed 800 people globally.

Singapore is currently forecasting growth in a wide range of 0.5-2.5 per cent&nbsp;this year.

Chan is part of a government task force set up to tackle the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-declares-coronavirus-emergency-halts-official-visits-to-mainland-china-276488">coronavirus</a> spread in Singapore.

The task force also announced a raft of new measures on Monday to halt the spread of the virus, including urging all school students and staff with a recent travel history to China to stay at home for a fortnight. Families in Singapore, many of which are ethnically Chinese and have relatives in mainland China, are currently traveling for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Lunar New Year</a> holidays.

It also issued a new advisory for travelers to defer all non-essential travel to mainland China and said it will start temperature screening all inbound flights to Singapore.

The death toll in China from the coronavirus grew to 80 on Monday as residents of the Hubei province, where the disease originated, were banned from entering Hong Kong amid global efforts to halt the rapid spread of the outbreak.

The virus has so far spread to more than 10 countries including the United States, Japan, and France.

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries.

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries. The Southeast Asian travel and tourism hub, which recorded its lowest growth rate in a decade last year at 0.7 per cent, has reported four cases of the coronavirus that has killed 80 people in China so far. "We certainly expect there to be an impact on our economy, business, and consumer confidence this year especially as the situation is expected to persist for some time," trade minister Chan Chun Sing said. The government is considering support measures for hard-hit sectors like tourism which could include property tax, rebates and worker levy cuts, he added. Chinese nationals make up the largest share of visitors to Singapore, one of the worst-hit countries outside of China in the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed 800 people globally. Singapore is currently forecasting growth in a wide range of 0.5-2.5 per cent this year. Chan is part of a government task force set up to tackle the coronavirus spread in Singapore. The task force also announced a raft of new measures on Monday to halt the spread of the virus, including urging all school students and staff with a recent travel history to China to stay at home for a fortnight. Families in Singapore, many of which are ethnically Chinese and have relatives in mainland China, are currently traveling for the Lunar New Year holidays. It also issued a new advisory for travelers to defer all non-essential travel to mainland China and said it will start temperature screening all inbound flights to Singapore. The death toll in China from the coronavirus grew to 80 on Monday as residents of the Hubei province, where the disease originated, were banned from entering Hong Kong amid global efforts to halt the rapid spread of the outbreak. The virus has so far spread to more than 10 countries including the United States, Japan, and France.

Singapore says China virus outbreak will hit its economy this year

German prosecutors have raided 10 business premises as part of a probe into suspected diesel emissions cheating involving Mitsubishi cars, the latest fallout from the so-called "diesel-gate" scandal.

Frankfurt prosecutors said they had opened a fraud investigation against senior employees at "an international car group", two international car suppliers and a car dealership.

The probe focuses on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/honda-cuts-profit-sales-outlook-to-four-year-low-unveils-915-million-buyback-260779">Mitsubishi diesel vehicles</a> with 1.6- and 2.2-litre engines that were given Germany's highest Euro 5 and Euro 6 ratings depending on their adherence to emissions standards.

"There is a suspicion that the engines are equipped with a so-called shutdown device" that makes them appear less polluting in lab tests than they are on the road, the prosecutors' statement said.

A spokesperson for Mitsubishi Motors in Japan on Wednesday confirmed the raid on its German distributors as well as on its European research and development facilities - also based in the country.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bombardier-sells-commercial-aviation-division-to-mitsubishi-230739">Bombardier sells commercial aviation division to Mitsubishi</a>

"Mitsubishi Motors will, of course, collaborate and contribute to this investigation," the spokesperson stated, declining to offer further information.

Separately, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/brexit-accelerating-japanese-firms-exodus-from-uk-report-198306">Japanese auto parts maker</a> Denso also admitted that German investigators visited their facilities.

<img alt="Mitsubishi Motors" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50cb1934-211f-453d-b798-a6be7e3e84da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2840%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ Mitsubishi Motors (Courtesy: Getty Images) ]

"Investigators from German authorities visited our facilities in Germany, and we are cooperating as a witness," a spokesman stated but declined to elaborate further.

On the Tokyo stock exchange, Mitsubishi shares were swamped by selling at the opening bell, delaying an initial price. When the stock was eventually traded, it was down 4.62 per cent at 433 yen.

The Mitsubishi probe is the latest twist in the diesel-gate scandal that erupted in 2015 when the Volkswagen group admitted to installing software in 11 million vehicles worldwide to dupe pollution tests.

The "defeat devices" allowed the affected cars to spew out up to 40 times more harmful nitrogen oxide than legally allowed.

The scandal has since ensnared a string of car companies, although Mitsubishi Motors had so far avoided being dragged into the controversy.

But the Tokyo-based firm did in 2016 admit to falsifying fuel-economy tests for 25 years to make the cars seem more efficient than they were.

A spokesman for German car supplier Continental confirmed that three of its locations had been searched as part of the probe. The firm was acting as "a witness" and cooperating fully with the investigation, he added.

German car parts manufacturer Bosch stated it was not involved in the raids.

Dogged by Scandal

Mitsubishi Motors is the junior partner in an uneasy three-way alliance with Renault and Nissan, making up one of the world's biggest automakers.

The partnership has been under strain since the dramatic arrest of its chairman Carlos Ghosn for alleged financial misconduct.

Ghosn made international headlines last month after he jumped bail and fled to Lebanon - apparently by hiding in a large case for audio equipment on a private jet.

He denies the charges, claiming they were cooked up by disgruntled Nissan executives hoping to block his plans to more closely integrate the automaker with Renault.

Ghosn has since claimed the car alliance was on the rocks, forcing Nissan last week to deny reports it was working on secret plans to possibly dissolve the alliance.

The diesel-gate saga meanwhile has cost the Volkswagen group -&nbsp;which includes Audi, Porsche, Skoda and Seat - more than 30 billion euros ($33 billion) in fines, compensation and buybacks.

Bosch, accused of supplying key components of Volkswagen's defeat devices, has also paid hundreds of millions of euros in fines at home and the United States but denies any wrongdoing.

Luxury automaker Daimler also denies cheating but nevertheless agreed to pay an 870-million-euro fine to German authorities last year for having sold vehicles that did not meet legal emission limits. 
&nbsp;

German prosecutors have raided 10 business premises as part of a probe into suspected diesel emissions cheating involving Mitsubishi cars, the latest fallout from the so-called "diesel-gate" scandal.

German prosecutors have raided 10 business premises as part of a probe into suspected diesel emissions cheating involving Mitsubishi cars, the latest fallout from the so-called "diesel-gate" scandal. Frankfurt prosecutors said they had opened a fraud investigation against senior employees at "an international car group", two international car suppliers and a car dealership. The probe focuses on Mitsubishi diesel vehicles with 1.6- and 2.2-litre engines that were given Germany's highest Euro 5 and Euro 6 ratings depending on their adherence to emissions standards. "There is a suspicion that the engines are equipped with a so-called shutdown device" that makes them appear less polluting in lab tests than they are on the road, the prosecutors' statement said. A spokesperson for Mitsubishi Motors in Japan on Wednesday confirmed the raid on its German distributors as well as on its European research and development facilities - also based in the country. Also Read: Bombardier sells commercial aviation division to Mitsubishi "Mitsubishi Motors will, of course, collaborate and contribute to this investigation," the spokesperson stated, declining to offer further information. Separately, Japanese auto parts maker Denso also admitted that German investigators visited their facilities. [ Mitsubishi Motors (Courtesy: Getty Images) ] "Investigators from German authorities visited our facilities in Germany, and we are cooperating as a witness," a spokesman stated but declined to elaborate further. On the Tokyo stock exchange, Mitsubishi shares were swamped by selling at the opening bell, delaying an initial price. When the stock was eventually traded, it was down 4.62 per cent at 433 yen. The Mitsubishi probe is the latest twist in the diesel-gate scandal that erupted in 2015 when the Volkswagen group admitted to installing software in 11 million vehicles worldwide to dupe pollution tests. The "defeat devices" allowed the affected cars to spew out up to 40 times more harmful nitrogen oxide than legally allowed. The scandal has since ensnared a string of car companies, although Mitsubishi Motors had so far avoided being dragged into the controversy. But the Tokyo-based firm did in 2016 admit to falsifying fuel-economy tests for 25 years to make the cars seem more efficient than they were. A spokesman for German car supplier Continental confirmed that three of its locations had been searched as part of the probe. The firm was acting as "a witness" and cooperating fully with the investigation, he added. German car parts manufacturer Bosch stated it was not involved in the raids. Dogged by Scandal Mitsubishi Motors is the junior partner in an uneasy three-way alliance with Renault and Nissan, making up one of the world's biggest automakers. The partnership has been under strain since the dramatic arrest of its chairman Carlos Ghosn for alleged financial misconduct. Ghosn made international headlines last month after he jumped bail and fled to Lebanon - apparently by hiding in a large case for audio equipment on a private jet. He denies the charges, claiming they were cooked up by disgruntled Nissan executives hoping to block his plans to more closely integrate the automaker with Renault. Ghosn has since claimed the car alliance was on the rocks, forcing Nissan last week to deny reports it was working on secret plans to possibly dissolve the alliance. The diesel-gate saga meanwhile has cost the Volkswagen group - which includes Audi, Porsche, Skoda and Seat - more than 30 billion euros ($33 billion) in fines, compensation and buybacks. Bosch, accused of supplying key components of Volkswagen's defeat devices, has also paid hundreds of millions of euros in fines at home and the United States but denies any wrongdoing. Luxury automaker Daimler also denies cheating but nevertheless agreed to pay an 870-million-euro fine to German authorities last year for having sold vehicles that did not meet legal emission limits.

Mitsubishi suspected of diesel-fraud; German prosecutors raid business premises

Tracking China's SARS-like coronavirus

For years, experts have said that future wars will be fought in space. U.S., Russia, China & India have already bolstered their space forces. Now Japan has invested 50.6 Billion Yen on its 'Space Domain Mission'. Details in this report

Gravitas: Japan Prepares Itself For Space War

The Chinese official investigating a pneumonia outbreak stemming from a new coronavirus said the disease can spread from person to person but can be halted with increased vigilance, as authorities on Tuesday confirmed the fourth death.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sars-like-virus-spreading-across-china-amid-140-new-cases-third-death-275342">Also read: SARS-like virus spreading across China amid 140 new cases, third death</a>

Zhong Nanshan said there was no danger of a repeat of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic that killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002-2003 outbreak, which started in China, as long as precautions were taken. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-school-teacher-first-foreign-national-in-china-to-contracts-sars-like-virus-275467">Also read: Responding actively, made strict prevention plan — China on spread of SARS-like coronavirus</a> 
&nbsp;

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"It took only two weeks to identify the novel coronavirus," state news agency Xinhua quoted Zhong as saying late on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tracking-chinas-sars-like-coronavirus-275537">In Pics:&nbsp;Tracking China's SARS-like coronavirus</a>

The outbreak was still in its early stages and China had good surveillance and quarantine systems to help control it, he added.

The outbreak has spread from the central city of Wuhan to cities including Beijing and Shanghai, with more than 200 cases reported so far. Four cases have been reported outside China - in South Korea, Thailand and Japan.

Australia on Tuesday said it would screen passengers on flights from Wuhan amid rising concerns that the virus will spread globally as Chinese travellers take flights abroad for the Lunar New Year holiday starting this week.

Authorities around the globe, including in the United States and many Asian countries, have stepped up screening of travellers from Wuhan.

Chinese authorities confirmed a total of 217 cases of the virus in China as of 6 pm&nbsp;(1000 GMT) on Monday, state television reported 198 of which were in Wuhan.

A fourth person died on Jan. 19, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said. The 89-year-old man, who had underlying health diseases including coronary heart disease, developed symptoms on Jan. 13 and was admitted to hospital five days later, it added.

Zhong, who is renowned in China for his work fighting SARS in 2003, confirmed that the virus can pass from person-to-person.

Fifteen medical workers in Wuhan had been diagnosed with pneumonia, with one other suspected case, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said. Of the infected staff, one was in critical condition.

In Shanghai, officials on Tuesday confirmed a second case involving a 35-year-man who had visited Wuhan in early January and said they were monitoring four other suspected cases.

The virus causes a type of pneumonia and belongs to the same family of coronaviruses as SARS. Symptoms include fever and difficulty in breathing, which is similar to many other respiratory diseases and poses complications for screening efforts.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday an animal source appeared most likely to be the primary origin of the outbreak and that some "limited human-to-human transmission" occurred between close contacts.

The Geneva-based UN agency convened an emergency committee for Wednesday to assess whether the outbreak constitutes an international health emergency and what measures should be taken to manage it.

So far, the WHO has not recommended trade or travel restrictions, but a panel of independent experts could do so or make other recommendations to limit spread.

The Chinese official investigating a pneumonia outbreak stemming from a new coronavirus said the disease can spread from person to person but can be halted with increased vigilance, as authorities on Tuesday confirmed the fourth death.

The Chinese official investigating a pneumonia outbreak stemming from a new coronavirus said the disease can spread from person to person but can be halted with increased vigilance, as authorities on Tuesday confirmed the fourth death. Also read: SARS-like virus spreading across China amid 140 new cases, third death Zhong Nanshan said there was no danger of a repeat of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic that killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002-2003 outbreak, which started in China, as long as precautions were taken. Also read: Responding actively, made strict prevention plan — China on spread of SARS-like coronavirus "It took only two weeks to identify the novel coronavirus," state news agency Xinhua quoted Zhong as saying late on Monday. In Pics: Tracking China's SARS-like coronavirus The outbreak was still in its early stages and China had good surveillance and quarantine systems to help control it, he added. The outbreak has spread from the central city of Wuhan to cities including Beijing and Shanghai, with more than 200 cases reported so far. Four cases have been reported outside China - in South Korea, Thailand and Japan. Australia on Tuesday said it would screen passengers on flights from Wuhan amid rising concerns that the virus will spread globally as Chinese travellers take flights abroad for the Lunar New Year holiday starting this week. Authorities around the globe, including in the United States and many Asian countries, have stepped up screening of travellers from Wuhan. Chinese authorities confirmed a total of 217 cases of the virus in China as of 6 pm (1000 GMT) on Monday, state television reported 198 of which were in Wuhan. A fourth person died on Jan. 19, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said. The 89-year-old man, who had underlying health diseases including coronary heart disease, developed symptoms on Jan. 13 and was admitted to hospital five days later, it added. Zhong, who is renowned in China for his work fighting SARS in 2003, confirmed that the virus can pass from person-to-person. Fifteen medical workers in Wuhan had been diagnosed with pneumonia, with one other suspected case, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said. Of the infected staff, one was in critical condition. In Shanghai, officials on Tuesday confirmed a second case involving a 35-year-man who had visited Wuhan in early January and said they were monitoring four other suspected cases. The virus causes a type of pneumonia and belongs to the same family of coronaviruses as SARS. Symptoms include fever and difficulty in breathing, which is similar to many other respiratory diseases and poses complications for screening efforts. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday an animal source appeared most likely to be the primary origin of the outbreak and that some "limited human-to-human transmission" occurred between close contacts. The Geneva-based UN agency convened an emergency committee for Wednesday to assess whether the outbreak constitutes an international health emergency and what measures should be taken to manage it. So far, the WHO has not recommended trade or travel restrictions, but a panel of independent experts could do so or make other recommendations to limit spread.

China confirms person-to-person spread of the new virus as fourth death reported

At the wrecked&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-fukushima-plant-a-million-tonne-headache-radioactive-water-253979">Fukushima&nbsp;nuclear plant</a> north of Tokyo, workers in protective suits are still removing radioactive material from reactors that melted down after an earthquake and tsunami knocked out its power and cooling nearly nine&nbsp;years ago.

On an exclusive tour of the plant, spread&nbsp;over&nbsp;3.5 million square meters (865 acres), Reuters witnessed giant remote-controlled cranes dismantling an exhaust tower and other structures in a highly radioactive zone while spent fuel was removed from a reactor.

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Officials from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-tells-diplomats-no-decision-yet-on-contaminated-fukushima-water-247565">Tokyo Electric</a>, which owns the plant, also showed new tanks to hold increasing amounts of&nbsp;contaminated&nbsp;water.

About 4,000 workers are tackling the cleanup, many wearing protective gear, although more than 90 per cent&nbsp;of the plant is deemed to have so little radioactivity that no extra precautions are needed. Photography was highly restricted and no conversations were allowed with the workers.

Work to dismantle the plant has taken nearly a decade so far, but with Tokyo due to host the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">Olympics</a> this summer including some events less than 60 km (38 miles) from the power station - there has been renewed focus on safeguarding the venues.

"Tepco tries to disclose all information to the public as soon as possible. If something happens at the site, we let people know by email, for example," said Kan Nihonyanagi, risk communicator at&nbsp;Fukushima, told Reuters in an interview at the site.

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The buildup of&nbsp;contaminated&nbsp;water&nbsp;has been a sticking point in the cleanup, which is likely to last decades and has alarmed neighbouring countries. In 2018, Tepco said it had not been able to remove all dangerous material from the&nbsp;water&nbsp;and the site is running out of room for storage tanks.

Officials&nbsp;overseeing a panel of experts looking into the&nbsp;contaminated&nbsp;water&nbsp;issue said in December choices on disposal should be narrowed to two: either dilute the&nbsp;water&nbsp;and dump it in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-volcano-recharging-scientist-says-as-shops-hotels-told-to-keep-shut-275442">Pacific Ocean</a>, or allow it to evaporate.

The&nbsp;Japanese government may decide within months, and either process would take&nbsp;years to complete, experts say.

"The&nbsp;Olympics are coming, so we have to prepare for that, and Tepco has to disclose all the information not only to local communities but also to foreign countries and especially to those people coming from abroad," said Joji Hara, a Tokyo-based spokesman for the power company who accompanied Reuters during the visit.

Tepco has opened English-language Twitter and Facebook accounts, he said. It is also preparing to put out basic emergency information in Korean and Chinese, he added.

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Athletes from at least one country, South Korea, are planning to bring their own radiation detectors and food this summer.

Baseball and softball will be played in&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;City, about 60 km (38 miles) from the destroyed nuclear plant. The torch relay will begin at a sports facility called J-Village, an operations base for&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;Daiichi in the first few&nbsp;years of the disaster, then pass through areas near the damaged station on its way to Tokyo.

In December, Greenpeace said it found radiation "hotspots" at J-Village, about 18km south of the plant.

When Tokyo won the bid to host the 2020 Summer&nbsp;Olympics Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-likely-to-visit-indias-imphal-in-december-265170">Shinzo Abe</a> declared that&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;was "under control" in his final pitch to the International&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Committee.

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In 2016, the&nbsp;Japanese government estimated that the total cost of plant dismantlement, decontamination of affected areas, and compensation would be 21.5 trillion yen ($195 billion) - roughly a fifth of the country's annual budget at the time.

At the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo, workers in protective suits are still removing radioactive material from reactors that melted down after an earthquake and tsunami knocked out its power and cooling nearly nine years ago.

At the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo, workers in protective suits are still removing radioactive material from reactors that melted down after an earthquake and tsunami knocked out its power and cooling nearly nine years ago. On an exclusive tour of the plant, spread over 3.5 million square meters (865 acres), Reuters witnessed giant remote-controlled cranes dismantling an exhaust tower and other structures in a highly radioactive zone while spent fuel was removed from a reactor. Officials from Tokyo Electric, which owns the plant, also showed new tanks to hold increasing amounts of contaminated water. About 4,000 workers are tackling the cleanup, many wearing protective gear, although more than 90 per cent of the plant is deemed to have so little radioactivity that no extra precautions are needed. Photography was highly restricted and no conversations were allowed with the workers. Work to dismantle the plant has taken nearly a decade so far, but with Tokyo due to host the Olympics this summer including some events less than 60 km (38 miles) from the power station - there has been renewed focus on safeguarding the venues. "Tepco tries to disclose all information to the public as soon as possible. If something happens at the site, we let people know by email, for example," said Kan Nihonyanagi, risk communicator at Fukushima, told Reuters in an interview at the site. The buildup of contaminated water has been a sticking point in the cleanup, which is likely to last decades and has alarmed neighbouring countries. In 2018, Tepco said it had not been able to remove all dangerous material from the water and the site is running out of room for storage tanks. Officials overseeing a panel of experts looking into the contaminated water issue said in December choices on disposal should be narrowed to two: either dilute the water and dump it in the Pacific Ocean, or allow it to evaporate. The Japanese government may decide within months, and either process would take years to complete, experts say. "The Olympics are coming, so we have to prepare for that, and Tepco has to disclose all the information not only to local communities but also to foreign countries and especially to those people coming from abroad," said Joji Hara, a Tokyo-based spokesman for the power company who accompanied Reuters during the visit. Tepco has opened English-language Twitter and Facebook accounts, he said. It is also preparing to put out basic emergency information in Korean and Chinese, he added. Athletes from at least one country, South Korea, are planning to bring their own radiation detectors and food this summer. Baseball and softball will be played in Fukushima City, about 60 km (38 miles) from the destroyed nuclear plant. The torch relay will begin at a sports facility called J-Village, an operations base for Fukushima Daiichi in the first few years of the disaster, then pass through areas near the damaged station on its way to Tokyo. In December, Greenpeace said it found radiation "hotspots" at J-Village, about 18km south of the plant. When Tokyo won the bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared that Fukushima was "under control" in his final pitch to the International Olympic Committee. In 2016, the Japanese government estimated that the total cost of plant dismantlement, decontamination of affected areas, and compensation would be 21.5 trillion yen ($195 billion) - roughly a fifth of the country's annual budget at the time.

In an Olympic year, Japan faces decision over contaminated Fukushima water

A mysterious SARS-like virus has spread around China — including to Beijing — authorities said Monday, fuelling fears of a major outbreak as millions begin travelling for the Lunar New Year in humanity's biggest migration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-we-know-about-new-coronavirus-outbreak-in-chinese-city-of-wuhan-275295">In pictures: What we know about new coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city of Wuhan</a> 
 
The new coronavirus strain, first discovered in the central city of Wuhan, has caused alarm because of its connection to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-new-cases-in-wuhan-virus-outbreak-275016">Also read: China reports new cases in Wuhan virus outbreak</a>

Wuhan has 11 million inhabitants and serves as a major transport hub, including during the annual Lunar New Year holiday which begins later this week and sees hundreds of millions of Chinese people travel across the country to visit family.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-hospitals-worldwide-as-new-china-coronavirus-may-spread-further-274255">Also read: WHO warns hospitals worldwide over further spread of China's coronavirus</a> 
 
No human-to-human transmission has been confirmed so far, but authorities have previously said the possibility "cannot be excluded".

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A third person was confirmed to have died, and in Wuhan, 136 new cases were found over the weekend, the local health commission said.

Three cases have been reported overseas -- two in Thailand and one in Japan.

Health authorities in Beijing's Daxing district said two people who had travelled to Wuhan were treated for pneumonia linked to the virus and are in stable condition.

In Guangdong, a 66-year-old Shenzhen man was quarantined on January 11 after contracting a fever and showing other symptoms following a trip to visit relatives in Wuhan, the provincial health commission said in a statement. He is also in stable condition.

"Experts believe that the current epidemic situation is still preventable and controllable," the Guangdong health commission said.

A total of 201 people have now been diagnosed with the virus in China.

Detection measures

A seafood market is believed to be the centre of the outbreak in the city, but health officials have reported that some patients had no history of contact with the facility.

Scientists with the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College in London warned in a paper published Friday that the number of cases in the city was likely to be closer to 1,700, much higher than the number officially identified.

Wuhan deputy mayor Chen Xiexin said on state broadcaster CCTV at the weekend that infrared thermometers had been installed at airports, railway stations and coach stations across the city.

Chen said passengers with fevers were being registered, given masks and taken to medical institutions. Nearly 300,000 body temperature tests had been carried out, according to CCTV.

Authorities in Hong Kong have stepped up detection measures, including rigorous temperature checkpoints for inbound travellers from the Chinese mainland.

The United States said from Friday it would begin screening direct flights arriving from Wuhan at San Francisco airport and New York's JFK, as well as Los Angeles, where many flights connect.

Thailand said it was already screening passengers arriving in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and would soon introduce similar controls in the beach resort of Krabi.

In Wuhan, 170 people are still being treated at the hospital, including nine in critical condition, the city health commission said. The new patients are between 25 and 89 years old and their symptoms included fever, coughing and chest pain.

Guangdong's health authority said it was taking measures including intensifying its triage of fever at clinics and banning illegal wildlife sales.

A mysterious SARS-like virus has spread around China — including to Beijing — authorities said Monday, fuelling fears of a major outbreak as millions begin travelling for the Lunar New Year in humanity's biggest migration.

A mysterious SARS-like virus has spread around China — including to Beijing — authorities said Monday, fuelling fears of a major outbreak as millions begin travelling for the Lunar New Year in humanity's biggest migration. In pictures: What we know about new coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city of Wuhan The new coronavirus strain, first discovered in the central city of Wuhan, has caused alarm because of its connection to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003. Also read: China reports new cases in Wuhan virus outbreak Wuhan has 11 million inhabitants and serves as a major transport hub, including during the annual Lunar New Year holiday which begins later this week and sees hundreds of millions of Chinese people travel across the country to visit family. Also read: WHO warns hospitals worldwide over further spread of China's coronavirus No human-to-human transmission has been confirmed so far, but authorities have previously said the possibility "cannot be excluded". A third person was confirmed to have died, and in Wuhan, 136 new cases were found over the weekend, the local health commission said. Three cases have been reported overseas -- two in Thailand and one in Japan. Health authorities in Beijing's Daxing district said two people who had travelled to Wuhan were treated for pneumonia linked to the virus and are in stable condition. In Guangdong, a 66-year-old Shenzhen man was quarantined on January 11 after contracting a fever and showing other symptoms following a trip to visit relatives in Wuhan, the provincial health commission said in a statement. He is also in stable condition. "Experts believe that the current epidemic situation is still preventable and controllable," the Guangdong health commission said. A total of 201 people have now been diagnosed with the virus in China. Detection measures A seafood market is believed to be the centre of the outbreak in the city, but health officials have reported that some patients had no history of contact with the facility. Scientists with the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College in London warned in a paper published Friday that the number of cases in the city was likely to be closer to 1,700, much higher than the number officially identified. Wuhan deputy mayor Chen Xiexin said on state broadcaster CCTV at the weekend that infrared thermometers had been installed at airports, railway stations and coach stations across the city. Chen said passengers with fevers were being registered, given masks and taken to medical institutions. Nearly 300,000 body temperature tests had been carried out, according to CCTV. Authorities in Hong Kong have stepped up detection measures, including rigorous temperature checkpoints for inbound travellers from the Chinese mainland. The United States said from Friday it would begin screening direct flights arriving from Wuhan at San Francisco airport and New York's JFK, as well as Los Angeles, where many flights connect. Thailand said it was already screening passengers arriving in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and would soon introduce similar controls in the beach resort of Krabi. In Wuhan, 170 people are still being treated at the hospital, including nine in critical condition, the city health commission said. The new patients are between 25 and 89 years old and their symptoms included fever, coughing and chest pain. Guangdong's health authority said it was taking measures including intensifying its triage of fever at clinics and banning illegal wildlife sales.

SARS-like virus spreading across China amid 140 new cases, third death

&nbsp;

 
Despite &nbsp;Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's stance of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-fuel-removed-from-crippled-japan-plant-210573">using nuclear plants</a> to power the world's third-largest economy, the Japanese public has remained staunchly against atomic energy. The Court decision gave power to the people and the matter appears to remain static.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/74-earthquake-hits-japan-followed-by-tsunami-9157">2011 Fukushima nuclear accident</a> followed a catastrophic tsunami, shutting down all nuclear power stations in Japan, many of which are still closed. 
&nbsp; 
It was the decision of a lower court that was overruled by the Hiroshima High Court in March, for it would have allowed the reactor at the Ikata nuclear plant in western Japan to resume operations.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-approves-restarting-nuclear-reactor-closest-to-epicentre-of-2011-quake-264845">Japan approves restarting nuclear reactor closest to epicentre of 2011 quake</a>

 
Shikoku Electric Power, the plant's operator intends to appeal the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-acquits-energy-bosses-over-fukushima-disaster-250636">high court's ruling</a> as it wanted to resume work at the reactor which had been halted for routine inspections.

<img alt="Fukushima Daiichi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0ec7e84-0b76-434b-a2b3-36af7f9a66a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-20T182011.911.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (Courtesy: AFP) ] 
 
Failure to properly evaluate the risks posed by a local volcano and seismic faultlines became a strong case after a complaint was lodged by residents of a neighbouring region. 
 
The lower court ruling that paved the way for the reactor to resume functions was revoked by presiding high court judge Kazukate Mori. 
 
Kazukate Mori, the judge presiding over Hiroshima High Court, revoked the lower court ruling which allowed the reactor to resume functioning. 
 
Mori argued that it was not logical to assume that volcanic eruptions can be predicted far in advance, as done so under national standards for operating nuclear reactors; and safety assessments had been insufficient to resume operations. 
 
"There is a fault line within two kilometres from the nuclear plant but Shikoku Electric has not conducted thorough surveys, and the way the Nuclear Regulation Authority reached its assessment that there was no problem contained errors and inadequacies," the judge remarked. 
 
The ruling was criticised by Shikoku Electric and the scientific merit of the firm's argument was emphasized, surprising no one, deemed it safe to operate the reactor. 
 
The utility issued a statement saying, "After closely examining the decision, we will file a petition of objection so that the injunction will be cancelled as soon as possible."

Despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's stance of using nuclear plants to power the world's third-largest economy, the Japanese public has remained staunchly against atomic energy.

Despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's stance of using nuclear plants to power the world's third-largest economy, the Japanese public has remained staunchly against atomic energy. The Court decision gave power to the people and the matter appears to remain static. The 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident followed a catastrophic tsunami, shutting down all nuclear power stations in Japan, many of which are still closed. It was the decision of a lower court that was overruled by the Hiroshima High Court in March, for it would have allowed the reactor at the Ikata nuclear plant in western Japan to resume operations. Also Read: Japan approves restarting nuclear reactor closest to epicentre of 2011 quake Shikoku Electric Power, the plant's operator intends to appeal the high court's ruling as it wanted to resume work at the reactor which had been halted for routine inspections. [ Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (Courtesy: AFP) ] Failure to properly evaluate the risks posed by a local volcano and seismic faultlines became a strong case after a complaint was lodged by residents of a neighbouring region. The lower court ruling that paved the way for the reactor to resume functions was revoked by presiding high court judge Kazukate Mori. Kazukate Mori, the judge presiding over Hiroshima High Court, revoked the lower court ruling which allowed the reactor to resume functioning. Mori argued that it was not logical to assume that volcanic eruptions can be predicted far in advance, as done so under national standards for operating nuclear reactors; and safety assessments had been insufficient to resume operations. "There is a fault line within two kilometres from the nuclear plant but Shikoku Electric has not conducted thorough surveys, and the way the Nuclear Regulation Authority reached its assessment that there was no problem contained errors and inadequacies," the judge remarked. The ruling was criticised by Shikoku Electric and the scientific merit of the firm's argument was emphasized, surprising no one, deemed it safe to operate the reactor. The utility issued a statement saying, "After closely examining the decision, we will file a petition of objection so that the injunction will be cancelled as soon as possible."

Hiroshima High Court overrules go-ahead for restarting nuclear plant near fault line

China's deadly Coronavirus has taken the lives of three in China, South Korea has confirmed the emergence of one case and Thailand has confirmed two. Travellers from China are to be screened at airports. Watch report:

South Korea confirms 1st case of Coronavirus, 2 cases reported in Thailand

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the current US - Japan security treaty with a call for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-abe-discusses-iran-north-korea-in-call-with-trump-report-269505">stronger and deeper alliance</a> between the two countries, despite criticising the pact six months ago.

"I am confident that in the months and years ahead, Japan's contributions to our <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-japan-to-hike-payments-for-us-troops-to-8-billion-foreign-policy-262592">mutual security</a> will continue to grow, and the alliance will continue to thrive."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-us-reiterate-unshakeable-commitment-to-security-treaty-274935">Japan, US reiterate 'unshakeable commitment' to security treaty</a>

<img alt="Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88d806ea-b691-425a-ae06-f2d716b891d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_21.jpg" /> 
[ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

In June last year, Trump told a news conference in Japan that the 1960 treaty - which was signed exactly six decades ago on Sunday, and is the linchpin of Japan's defense policies - was "unfair" and should be changed, echoing his long-held view that Japan is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-donald-trump-said-us-japan-trade-deal-is-a-game-changer-254372">free-rider on defense</a>.

Trump at the time added he was not thinking of withdrawing from the pact.

The treaty obligates the United States to defend Japan, which under its US-drafted constitution renounced the right to wage war after World War Two. Japan in return provides military bases used by the United States to project power in Asia.

The treaty was first signed in 1951 and revised in 1960 under Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's grandfather, then-premier Nobusuke Kishi. Kishi was forced to step down afterwards following a public outcry from Japanese critics who feared the pact would pull their country into conflict.

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the current US - Japan security treaty with a call for a stronger and deeper alliance between the two countries, despite criticising the pact six months ago.

US President Donald Trump marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the current US - Japan security treaty with a call for a stronger and deeper alliance between the two countries, despite criticising the pact six months ago. "I am confident that in the months and years ahead, Japan's contributions to our mutual security will continue to grow, and the alliance will continue to thrive." Also Read: Japan, US reiterate 'unshakeable commitment' to security treaty [ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump (Courtesy: Reuters) ] In June last year, Trump told a news conference in Japan that the 1960 treaty - which was signed exactly six decades ago on Sunday, and is the linchpin of Japan's defense policies - was "unfair" and should be changed, echoing his long-held view that Japan is a free-rider on defense. Trump at the time added he was not thinking of withdrawing from the pact. The treaty obligates the United States to defend Japan, which under its US-drafted constitution renounced the right to wage war after World War Two. Japan in return provides military bases used by the United States to project power in Asia. The treaty was first signed in 1951 and revised in 1960 under Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's grandfather, then-premier Nobusuke Kishi. Kishi was forced to step down afterwards following a public outcry from Japanese critics who feared the pact would pull their country into conflict.

Trump marks US-Japan security pact with call for stronger, deeper alliance

The Indian government has issued the travel advisory for all citizens as China's mysterious 'Coronavirus' spreads across Japan & Thailand. 2 people have been killed & 41 got infected already in China's city Wuhan. Now, W.H.O issues alert on SARS coronavirus.

W.H.O issues alert on SARS coronavirus emerged from China

What we know about new coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city of Wuhan

The Indian government has issued the travel advisory for all citizens as China's mysterious 'Coronavirus' spreads across Japan & Thailand. 2 people have been killed & 41 got infected already in China's city Wuhan.

Indian govt issues travel advisory as China's mysterious 'Coronavirus' spreads in other countries

The world's population is slowing down. From China to Japan to the United States, Russia and even South Korea - they all are struggling with low birth rates. The population crisis is hitting their economies.

Gravitas: Several Nations struggle with low birth rates

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