No one is safe from the coronavirus, both young and old can catch it.&nbsp;

The Wuhan coronavirus is spreading like wildfire around the world, while the made in China disease is proving to be fatal for the elderly, the youth should not be complacent.&nbsp;

The United States has more than 14 thousand cases of the Wuhan virus. With each passing day, the numbers are growing.&nbsp;

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump appeared with health experts before the media. They asked the youth to take this threat seriously.

Chinese health officials have carried out their biggest ever study on the Wuhan virus. They studied data from 72,000 cases. Experts have analysed hospitalisations, ICU cases and fatalities. The data says 20 per cent of the victims are between the ages of 20-44.&nbsp;

According to the study, 19 per cent of the victims who died, were below the age of 60 years. As more facts about the Wuhan virus emerge, several governments are issuing new advice.

With no definitive cure in sight, the WHO has advised one and all to take precautions. It's crucial for people to practice social distancing and enforce other measures.

Confirmed cases of novel coronavirus climbed to 241 on Friday, as new cases were reported from parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address to the nation on Thursday, urged the countrymen to not panic and follow precaution in the wake of the rapid increase in the number of cases. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

No one is safe from the coronavirus, both young and old can catch it. The Wuhan coronavirus is spreading like wildfire around the world, while the made in China disease is proving to be fatal for the elderly, the youth should not be complacent.

No one is safe from the coronavirus, both young and old can catch it. The Wuhan coronavirus is spreading like wildfire around the world, while the made in China disease is proving to be fatal for the elderly, the youth should not be complacent. The United States has more than 14 thousand cases of the Wuhan virus. With each passing day, the numbers are growing. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump appeared with health experts before the media. They asked the youth to take this threat seriously. Chinese health officials have carried out their biggest ever study on the Wuhan virus. They studied data from 72,000 cases. Experts have analysed hospitalisations, ICU cases and fatalities. The data says 20 per cent of the victims are between the ages of 20-44. According to the study, 19 per cent of the victims who died, were below the age of 60 years. As more facts about the Wuhan virus emerge, several governments are issuing new advice. With no definitive cure in sight, the WHO has advised one and all to take precautions. It's crucial for people to practice social distancing and enforce other measures. Confirmed cases of novel coronavirus climbed to 241 on Friday, as new cases were reported from parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address to the nation on Thursday, urged the countrymen to not panic and follow precaution in the wake of the rapid increase in the number of cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Study says no age-group is immune from coronavirus

We are living in the midst of a pandemic, citizens are looking up to their respective governments for direction, but there is one country that is not interpreting this virus as an existential threat for its people.

It sees this as a tool to shift responsibility and make money out of this crisis. At a time when world leaders are looking at ways to contain the spread of coronavirus, Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan wants his country's debt written off and his ploy is working.

The Pakistan government has managed to secure millions in relief aid from the World Bank, but nothing in Imran Khan's record can lead us to believe that he will use this money to protect his citizens.

Imran Khan could have done a lot, his government could have rescued stranded students from Wuhan. They could have taken aggressive measures to slow the outbreak.

The Pakistan health ministry could have tested and quarantined thousands of pilgrims arriving from Iran to Taftan in Balochistan, but Imran Khan did none of these things.

Instead, he used the virus as an excuse to beg the world for money. This even as he continues to fund ventures for self-promotion. His government is spending 42 million Pakistani rupees on defending itself on the internet.&nbsp;

But when India reached out to Pakistan and asked it to be a part of the SAARC video conference on Covid-19. 
 
WATCH: Can Pakistan be trusted with relief funds for Wuhan Coronavirus? 
 
&nbsp;

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The Indian government wanted to put issues on the back-burner and help its neighbours in times of crisis. But Pakistan was completely unmatched. This was a humanitarian platform, but Pakistan chose to politicise it.

It decided to push the Kashmir agenda, that too on the shoulders of a scam-accused health advisor, Zafar Mirza, this man is leading the country's coronavirus battle.

He has been named in the charge sheet by the country's Federal Investigative Agency for smuggling masks out of Pakistan.

20 million masks were smuggled out of Pakistan, consequently, a box of ordinary surgical masks is being sold for more than 4,000 Pakistani rupees.

This crisis like many in Pakistan is of its own making, its citizens are panicking at super-markets and stores to find masks. The number of coronavirus cases has climbed to over 330&nbsp;there. But confronted with the reality, Imran Khan is trying to evade all blame.

He is using the only political trick he knows, tell the world how powerless he is, and how vulnerable Pakistan is.

The Pakistani PM wanted a loan waiver, he has now got $588 million dollars for Pakistan's so-called emergency response to Covid-19.

The Asian development bank and the World Bank have committed to providing this money to his government. 
The fact that Pakistan has constantly used many such financial doles to fund terror has been conveniently ignored.

Ever since his election, Imran Khan has managed to winkle out bail packages from world leaders. And at the same time, a conducive environment for terror has flourished in Pakistan. Even this year, the country was on the FATF grey-list for inaction on state-sponsored terror.

The coronavirus may be a pandemic for the world, but for Pakistan, it's an opportunity to exploit the chaos.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

We are living in the midst of a pandemic, citizens are looking up to their respective governments for direction, but there is one country that is not interpreting this virus as an existential threat for its people.

We are living in the midst of a pandemic, citizens are looking up to their respective governments for direction, but there is one country that is not interpreting this virus as an existential threat for its people. It sees this as a tool to shift responsibility and make money out of this crisis. At a time when world leaders are looking at ways to contain the spread of coronavirus, Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan wants his country's debt written off and his ploy is working. The Pakistan government has managed to secure millions in relief aid from the World Bank, but nothing in Imran Khan's record can lead us to believe that he will use this money to protect his citizens. Imran Khan could have done a lot, his government could have rescued stranded students from Wuhan. They could have taken aggressive measures to slow the outbreak. The Pakistan health ministry could have tested and quarantined thousands of pilgrims arriving from Iran to Taftan in Balochistan, but Imran Khan did none of these things. Instead, he used the virus as an excuse to beg the world for money. This even as he continues to fund ventures for self-promotion. His government is spending 42 million Pakistani rupees on defending itself on the internet. But when India reached out to Pakistan and asked it to be a part of the SAARC video conference on Covid-19. WATCH: Can Pakistan be trusted with relief funds for Wuhan Coronavirus? × The Indian government wanted to put issues on the back-burner and help its neighbours in times of crisis. But Pakistan was completely unmatched. This was a humanitarian platform, but Pakistan chose to politicise it. It decided to push the Kashmir agenda, that too on the shoulders of a scam-accused health advisor, Zafar Mirza, this man is leading the country's coronavirus battle. He has been named in the charge sheet by the country's Federal Investigative Agency for smuggling masks out of Pakistan. 20 million masks were smuggled out of Pakistan, consequently, a box of ordinary surgical masks is being sold for more than 4,000 Pakistani rupees. This crisis like many in Pakistan is of its own making, its citizens are panicking at super-markets and stores to find masks. The number of coronavirus cases has climbed to over 330 there. But confronted with the reality, Imran Khan is trying to evade all blame. He is using the only political trick he knows, tell the world how powerless he is, and how vulnerable Pakistan is. The Pakistani PM wanted a loan waiver, he has now got $588 million dollars for Pakistan's so-called emergency response to Covid-19. The Asian development bank and the World Bank have committed to providing this money to his government. The fact that Pakistan has constantly used many such financial doles to fund terror has been conveniently ignored. Ever since his election, Imran Khan has managed to winkle out bail packages from world leaders. And at the same time, a conducive environment for terror has flourished in Pakistan. Even this year, the country was on the FATF grey-list for inaction on state-sponsored terror. The coronavirus may be a pandemic for the world, but for Pakistan, it's an opportunity to exploit the chaos. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Wuhan Coronavirus - can Pakistan be trusted with relief funds? 

Coronavirus has taken global markets, economies and the world by storm. Global financial markets are witnessing catastrophic bloodbath. Wall Street recorded two of its worst days since Black Monday in quick succession to trade close to 2018 December levels.&nbsp;

European stocks kissed 2012 levels and Indian markets are already trading near three-year lows. There is a huge fear in the market.&nbsp;

Dalal Street’s alchemist Shankar Sharma of First Global feels “Fear is fully justified. All economies are crumbling.&nbsp;

This is a level of distress hasn't been seen before”. &nbsp;We are having economic shutdown in shops, pubs, malls, travel, sporting events, movie shootings, factories you name it. In fact, all countries are shutting borders. The US has banned travel from Europe and the EU has also closed its borders. India has also followed the suit and entry from many countries has either been barred or restricted. All this is a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible. The situation in China has improved but now Europe has become the epicentre unexpectedly.&nbsp;

It is clear that Coronavirus is the reason behind fall in markets but let’s take a closer look at it.

Stock Markets are Forward Looking: Stock markets are considered forward-looking and they look at how things will unfold in future. Last year even when economic conditions were not great markets were trading up because they felt that things would improve in 2020 as geopolitical tensions like US-China trade war and Brexit would subside. At the onset of this year, those beliefs manifested when the US and China signed partial trade deal and UK officially left Europe. Even economic indicators had a tone of revival embedded in them. Investors felt that the economy has bottomed out and from here things will improve. At the same time central banks also provided massive liquidity and markets continued to hit a record high.

Just then, in this fragile global economic environment, which was just starting to improve, Coronavirus entered into environment. Initially, when it was in China it was expected that Beijing would be affected but not the whole world and at the max economic recovery would be delayed some time. Still, recovery was expected. However, as virus started spreading across the globe all hopes of recovery were dashed and fragile global economy which was just hoping to recover start falling even further to such an extent that various institutions have already now predicted a global recession.

Shaun Roache, Chief Asia Pacific Economist at S&amp;P Global says, “A recession across Asia-Pacific is now guaranteed due to a deep first-quarter shock in China and the shutdown of activities across G7 economies. Together with a loss of household and business confidence in these economies, will translate into severe and more persistent supply and demand shocks across the region. Unemployment rates will rise.” He also added that response by central banks may help but their effect will wane the longer the crisis lasts.

So forward-looking markets first corrected their hopes that economy will revive and then they reacted to new dynamic of global recession. Hence, the fall is so quick and sharp. At the same time, markets don’t like any kind of uncertainty and it is unclear how long Coronavirus will last. Investors are so uncertain about its total impact that they are even unable to model the markets properly (answer of this lies in the medical field and not economics). Therefore, they are taking their cash out by selling stocks and waiting for storm to settle before they invest again. Attraction for cash also explains sharp fall in gold, which is considered as safe heaven.

Geopolitical Tensions: Such situations can also bring out geopolitical tensions. As countries are closing their borders, restricting visas, containing exports of medical equipment so all this has the potential to further strain the relations between the countries. US and China are already engaged in war of words pertaining to virus outbreak. This is coming when protectionist feeling is already high. US-China only signed partial deal in January and EU-UK are still struggling over post Brexit negotiations. Not to forget that oil price war between Russia and Saudi will hamper their relations. At the same time this move will affect US Shale Gas industry so the US can also retaliate against it in number of ways. All this is adding another layer of uncertainty in the market.

Specific Industries Bearing Additional Hit: This is an economic situation where both demand and supply is getting affected. As various factories are being shut down due to preventive measures so there is massive disruption in supply chain. Operations of all the companies that are part of supply chain will take a hit hence their prices are taking a hit.

While it is also impacting the demand because the consumer has stopped spending on travelling, entertainment activities, eating out. This is impacting the business of airlines, automobiles, resorts, shipping industry to such an extent that there can be lot of bankruptcies in these industries. Therefore,&nbsp;individual stock of companies in these industries are also falling.

Since travel is severely affected so oil demand will take a hit and price war means markets will be flooded with oil supply due to which oil prices crashed. Various oil and gas companies in the US, as well as, other parts of the world can file for bankruptcies. So their share prices are also crashing.

So, broader market sell-off and industry-specific reasons are adding a further strain of stock prices of these industries.

While global banks are in a much better position than 2008 but if various companies will file for bankruptcies then bad debts will pile up and their position will weaken.

What's Next: Even though fear is currently high after a time markets will revive. So some experts feel it can be time to buy quality stock that will stand strong after dust will settle.

John Rutledge Chief Investment Officer at Safanad (Billion Dollar Asset Management Fund) says, “I expect the rest of 2020 to be very difficult but that we will see a strong rebound in 2021. For investors with cash, this is a tremendous opportunity to buy the best companies in the world at extreme discounts”

Central banks and governments are trying their best to cushion the impact. Fed reduced interest rates to zero, and the Bank of Japan is buying equities to control the blood. Governments are coming up with massive packages. Markets, however, are feeling that unless the virus is in complete control, economic activity will be disrupted and all these stimulus won’t be able to stimulate the economy effectively. Although, if governments can reassure that they will prevent bankruptcies by coming up with special schemes then markets can take a breath. While strong collaborated action by G7 or more countries can remove the veil of uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. If that happens that will also be a huge relief for the market.

Recession is here. But if things in other parts of the world progressed as they did in China then recession can be short-lived and there can be V-shaped recovery possibly by the end of the year. However, if the virus outbreak took different trajectory than in China then all bets are off. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus has taken global markets, economies and the world by storm. Global financial markets are witnessing catastrophic bloodbath. Wall Street recorded two of its worst days since Black Monday in quick succession to trade close to 2018 December levels.

Coronavirus has taken global markets, economies and the world by storm. Global financial markets are witnessing catastrophic bloodbath. Wall Street recorded two of its worst days since Black Monday in quick succession to trade close to 2018 December levels. European stocks kissed 2012 levels and Indian markets are already trading near three-year lows. There is a huge fear in the market. Dalal Street’s alchemist Shankar Sharma of First Global feels “Fear is fully justified. All economies are crumbling. This is a level of distress hasn't been seen before”. We are having economic shutdown in shops, pubs, malls, travel, sporting events, movie shootings, factories you name it. In fact, all countries are shutting borders. The US has banned travel from Europe and the EU has also closed its borders. India has also followed the suit and entry from many countries has either been barred or restricted. All this is a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible. The situation in China has improved but now Europe has become the epicentre unexpectedly. It is clear that Coronavirus is the reason behind fall in markets but let’s take a closer look at it. Stock Markets are Forward Looking: Stock markets are considered forward-looking and they look at how things will unfold in future. Last year even when economic conditions were not great markets were trading up because they felt that things would improve in 2020 as geopolitical tensions like US-China trade war and Brexit would subside. At the onset of this year, those beliefs manifested when the US and China signed partial trade deal and UK officially left Europe. Even economic indicators had a tone of revival embedded in them. Investors felt that the economy has bottomed out and from here things will improve. At the same time central banks also provided massive liquidity and markets continued to hit a record high. Just then, in this fragile global economic environment, which was just starting to improve, Coronavirus entered into environment. Initially, when it was in China it was expected that Beijing would be affected but not the whole world and at the max economic recovery would be delayed some time. Still, recovery was expected. However, as virus started spreading across the globe all hopes of recovery were dashed and fragile global economy which was just hoping to recover start falling even further to such an extent that various institutions have already now predicted a global recession. Shaun Roache, Chief Asia Pacific Economist at S&P Global says, “A recession across Asia-Pacific is now guaranteed due to a deep first-quarter shock in China and the shutdown of activities across G7 economies. Together with a loss of household and business confidence in these economies, will translate into severe and more persistent supply and demand shocks across the region. Unemployment rates will rise.” He also added that response by central banks may help but their effect will wane the longer the crisis lasts. So forward-looking markets first corrected their hopes that economy will revive and then they reacted to new dynamic of global recession. Hence, the fall is so quick and sharp. At the same time, markets don’t like any kind of uncertainty and it is unclear how long Coronavirus will last. Investors are so uncertain about its total impact that they are even unable to model the markets properly (answer of this lies in the medical field and not economics). Therefore, they are taking their cash out by selling stocks and waiting for storm to settle before they invest again. Attraction for cash also explains sharp fall in gold, which is considered as safe heaven. Geopolitical Tensions: Such situations can also bring out geopolitical tensions. As countries are closing their borders, restricting visas, containing exports of medical equipment so all this has the potential to further strain the relations between the countries. US and China are already engaged in war of words pertaining to virus outbreak. This is coming when protectionist feeling is already high. US-China only signed partial deal in January and EU-UK are still struggling over post Brexit negotiations. Not to forget that oil price war between Russia and Saudi will hamper their relations. At the same time this move will affect US Shale Gas industry so the US can also retaliate against it in number of ways. All this is adding another layer of uncertainty in the market. Specific Industries Bearing Additional Hit: This is an economic situation where both demand and supply is getting affected. As various factories are being shut down due to preventive measures so there is massive disruption in supply chain. Operations of all the companies that are part of supply chain will take a hit hence their prices are taking a hit. While it is also impacting the demand because the consumer has stopped spending on travelling, entertainment activities, eating out. This is impacting the business of airlines, automobiles, resorts, shipping industry to such an extent that there can be lot of bankruptcies in these industries. Therefore, individual stock of companies in these industries are also falling. Since travel is severely affected so oil demand will take a hit and price war means markets will be flooded with oil supply due to which oil prices crashed. Various oil and gas companies in the US, as well as, other parts of the world can file for bankruptcies. So their share prices are also crashing. So, broader market sell-off and industry-specific reasons are adding a further strain of stock prices of these industries. While global banks are in a much better position than 2008 but if various companies will file for bankruptcies then bad debts will pile up and their position will weaken. What's Next: Even though fear is currently high after a time markets will revive. So some experts feel it can be time to buy quality stock that will stand strong after dust will settle. John Rutledge Chief Investment Officer at Safanad (Billion Dollar Asset Management Fund) says, “I expect the rest of 2020 to be very difficult but that we will see a strong rebound in 2021. For investors with cash, this is a tremendous opportunity to buy the best companies in the world at extreme discounts” Central banks and governments are trying their best to cushion the impact. Fed reduced interest rates to zero, and the Bank of Japan is buying equities to control the blood. Governments are coming up with massive packages. Markets, however, are feeling that unless the virus is in complete control, economic activity will be disrupted and all these stimulus won’t be able to stimulate the economy effectively. Although, if governments can reassure that they will prevent bankruptcies by coming up with special schemes then markets can take a breath. While strong collaborated action by G7 or more countries can remove the veil of uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. If that happens that will also be a huge relief for the market. Recession is here. But if things in other parts of the world progressed as they did in China then recession can be short-lived and there can be V-shaped recovery possibly by the end of the year. However, if the virus outbreak took different trajectory than in China then all bets are off. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How coronavirus made markets sea of red

Coronavirus has imposed a worldwide curfew, the most popular sites lie deserted. There are more than 1,80,000 confirmed cases and over 7000 have died.

More than 150 countries are fighting the outbreak. Major cities are under lockdown and millions are confined to their homes.

Economic activity is grinding to a halt. The only factory that's running overtime is the one that produces Chinese propaganda.

They're sparing no effort to deflect blame for the outbreak. China wants the world to believe that the coronavirus did not originate there.

Chinese diplomats are aggressively pushing conspiracy theories to spread that coronavirus originated in the United States of America (USA). They claim there's evidence that the virus was not made in China. And they are doing so mainly to shrug off scrutiny.

Now, US President Donald Trump has called Coronavirus the 'Chinese virus'. Never one to take it lying low, China is responding in kind. A statement from Beijing says that they are very angry with what they call America's smear campaign. &nbsp;

"Recently some US politicians have linked the novel coronavirus to China. This is a smear of China. We are very angry and strongly oppose it. We urge the US side to correct their mistakes and stop the groundless accusation of China immediately," said&nbsp;Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang.

This is rich coming from China, which has been blaming the US army for the Wuhan virus.

China claims it fought the virus well and gave the rest of the world the time to prepare. It justifies its ruthless crackdown on patients and whistleblowers and calls the western response to the outbreak - chaotic. &nbsp;

However, the truth is China tried to hide the outbreak. There is no doubt that the Chinese people were the worst sufferers of this outbreak, but the Chinese state deserves no sympathy, let alone praise.

China's new narrative on the coronavirus is designed for both the domestic and the international audience. It makes the communist party look strong at home. Ideally, China should help smaller countries, ramp-up efforts to contain the disease&nbsp;

A good place to begin will be an admission, that the virus originated in China and timely action could have averted this global crisis. &nbsp;

Coronavirus has imposed a worldwide curfew, the most popular sites lie deserted. There are more than 1,80,000 confirmed cases and over 7000 have died. More than 150 countries are fighting the outbreak.

Coronavirus has imposed a worldwide curfew, the most popular sites lie deserted. There are more than 1,80,000 confirmed cases and over 7000 have died. More than 150 countries are fighting the outbreak. Major cities are under lockdown and millions are confined to their homes. Economic activity is grinding to a halt. The only factory that's running overtime is the one that produces Chinese propaganda. They're sparing no effort to deflect blame for the outbreak. China wants the world to believe that the coronavirus did not originate there. Chinese diplomats are aggressively pushing conspiracy theories to spread that coronavirus originated in the United States of America (USA). They claim there's evidence that the virus was not made in China. And they are doing so mainly to shrug off scrutiny. Now, US President Donald Trump has called Coronavirus the 'Chinese virus'. Never one to take it lying low, China is responding in kind. A statement from Beijing says that they are very angry with what they call America's smear campaign. "Recently some US politicians have linked the novel coronavirus to China. This is a smear of China. We are very angry and strongly oppose it. We urge the US side to correct their mistakes and stop the groundless accusation of China immediately," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang. This is rich coming from China, which has been blaming the US army for the Wuhan virus. China claims it fought the virus well and gave the rest of the world the time to prepare. It justifies its ruthless crackdown on patients and whistleblowers and calls the western response to the outbreak - chaotic. However, the truth is China tried to hide the outbreak. There is no doubt that the Chinese people were the worst sufferers of this outbreak, but the Chinese state deserves no sympathy, let alone praise. China's new narrative on the coronavirus is designed for both the domestic and the international audience. It makes the communist party look strong at home. Ideally, China should help smaller countries, ramp-up efforts to contain the disease A good place to begin will be an admission, that the virus originated in China and timely action could have averted this global crisis.

Why China is blaming the US for coronavirus outbreak

India now has 60 confirmed cases of the Wuhan Coronavirus. In Italy, more than 10,000 people are infected. This report brings you the latest updates on the Wuhan virus outbreak.

Gravitas: 60 confirmed patients in India, Wuhan Coronavirus

As China struggles to contain the coronavirus outbreak, there is good news for India. Three Indian citizens who had contracted the Wuhan virus have now been cured.

India now needs to focus on the challenges of a different kind. We need to look at how this outbreak in China could trigger a medicine crunch in India.

India is the world's biggest exporter of generic drugs. As of April 2019, India had a 75 per cent market share. India supplies nearly a third of the medicines sold in the United States.

America is the world's largest and most lucrative healthcare market and they depend on India for supplies. That's how critical India's supply of drugs to the world is. But, Indian drug manufacturers depend on China for their supplies.

They import 70 per cent of their raw material in pharmaceuticals from China. The coronavirus outbreak led to a shutdown of several cities. 
 
WATCH: What India needs to worry about&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Consequently, India's supply was cut off. On Monday, a report claimed that the prices of paracetamol have jumped by 40 per cent in India.

Paracetamol is the most commonly used analgesic - a medicine used to treat fever and pain. Another price shock is the cost of Azithromycin &nbsp;- an antibiotic used to treat several bacterial infections - it has shot up by 70 per cent.

China manufactures key ingredients for several medicines - this includes antibiotics, diabetes drugs, painkillers and medicines for HIV.

The global supply chain depends on China's delivery. If normalcy doesn't return soon, the supply of medicines will be hit. There will be supply shortages in the market.

A few weeks ago, some companies did issue assurances that they have built up some additional stock, but two months have passed since this outbreak was first reported, at least 150 million people in china can't move freely yet. And hence, factories won't resume exports in a hurry.

And Indian companies expect a major disruption in April. If Indian companies are forced to import from elsewhere, this could escalate their cost by 20 to 30 per cent.

The industry is already demanding cuts to import duties, it's time for the Indian authorities to keep a tab on medicine manufacturers in India.

The government must ensure that there is an adequate supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients and more drugs should be added to the stockpile of essential medicines.

The government must also ensure the basic drugs do not become too expensive. This is an opportunity for the Indian government to build-up its own sources of pharmaceutical ingredients.

India is already a major exporter of drugs - it aspires to be a leading global exporter in healthcare and it's time to turn this crisis into an opportunity.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

As China struggles to contain the coronavirus outbreak, there is good news for India. Three Indian citizens who had contracted the Wuhan virus have now been cured.

As China struggles to contain the coronavirus outbreak, there is good news for India. Three Indian citizens who had contracted the Wuhan virus have now been cured. India now needs to focus on the challenges of a different kind. We need to look at how this outbreak in China could trigger a medicine crunch in India. India is the world's biggest exporter of generic drugs. As of April 2019, India had a 75 per cent market share. India supplies nearly a third of the medicines sold in the United States. America is the world's largest and most lucrative healthcare market and they depend on India for supplies. That's how critical India's supply of drugs to the world is. But, Indian drug manufacturers depend on China for their supplies. They import 70 per cent of their raw material in pharmaceuticals from China. The coronavirus outbreak led to a shutdown of several cities. WATCH: What India needs to worry about × Consequently, India's supply was cut off. On Monday, a report claimed that the prices of paracetamol have jumped by 40 per cent in India. Paracetamol is the most commonly used analgesic - a medicine used to treat fever and pain. Another price shock is the cost of Azithromycin - an antibiotic used to treat several bacterial infections - it has shot up by 70 per cent. China manufactures key ingredients for several medicines - this includes antibiotics, diabetes drugs, painkillers and medicines for HIV. The global supply chain depends on China's delivery. If normalcy doesn't return soon, the supply of medicines will be hit. There will be supply shortages in the market. A few weeks ago, some companies did issue assurances that they have built up some additional stock, but two months have passed since this outbreak was first reported, at least 150 million people in china can't move freely yet. And hence, factories won't resume exports in a hurry. And Indian companies expect a major disruption in April. If Indian companies are forced to import from elsewhere, this could escalate their cost by 20 to 30 per cent. The industry is already demanding cuts to import duties, it's time for the Indian authorities to keep a tab on medicine manufacturers in India. The government must ensure that there is an adequate supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients and more drugs should be added to the stockpile of essential medicines. The government must also ensure the basic drugs do not become too expensive. This is an opportunity for the Indian government to build-up its own sources of pharmaceutical ingredients. India is already a major exporter of drugs - it aspires to be a leading global exporter in healthcare and it's time to turn this crisis into an opportunity. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: How Coronavirus outbreak could trigger a medicine crunch in India

Did China underestimate the extent of the Wuhan virus outbreak? Beijing's response is facing tough questions. So, China has launched a publicity drive to counter the criticism.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus, China counters criticism with propaganda

The economic shockwaves of the coronavirus could eclipse the 2003 Sars outbreak. China's economy is already witnessing disruptions. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how this situation could spill across the global economy.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus, The economic cost of the outbreak

WION is the only Indian news network to bring you global coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.

Gravitas: Ground report, Tracking the Wuhan virus outbreak