China refuses to take the blame for failing to control the Wuhan Coronavirus. Meanwhile, Chinese state media is preaching Italy on how to control the pandemic. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China is trying to control the damage after the outbreak.

Gravitas: China deflects criticism, then preaches Italy on Wuhan Coronavirus

The coronavirus has hit the re-set button on nature. With most people back at their homes, nature has begun reclaiming its space across the world. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how this crisis is a lesson in co-existence.

Gravitas: How nature is reclaiming its spaces due to Coronavirus

India has suspended all international flights till March 31. Meanwhile, the United States has invoked the Wartime Defence Production act to speed up the production of masks. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the big developments on the coronavirus outbreak for Thursday.

Gravitas: Top 10 headlines for Thursday | Wuhan Coronavirus

In their time alone, netizens have come up with unique ways to keep themselves occupied. Many are sharing memes to describe their situation. This report brings you the best of the 'social distancing' memes.

Gravitas: How the world is dealing with social isolation during Wuhan Coronavirus

Social distancing can play a major role in the fight against the Wuhan Coronavirus. Governments around the world are adopting two approaches to limit the movement of the people - lockdowns and curfews. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: How governments are restricting movement during Wuhan Coronavirus

In an address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an extraordinary appeal to India. WION's Palki Sharma shares PM Modi's 9-point action plan to defeat the Wuhan coronavirus.

Gravitas: PM Modi's 9-point action plan for India to fight the Wuhan Coronavirus

Pakistan has managed to secure millions in relief aid from the World Bank. A Health Advisor - accused of corruption, is in charge of Pakistan's coronavirus response. On WION Edit: WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Pakistan cannot be trusted with aid.

WION Edit: Can Pakistan be trusted with relief funds for Wuhan Coronavirus

Fresh evidence suggests that human carriers from China spread the Wuhan virus around the world. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the second part of WION's investigation into the origins of the Wuhan coronavirus.

Gravitas: How China 'exported' the Wuhan coronavirus

The Wuhan coronavirus is not the worst pandemic in history. Mankind has survived worse. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about some of the worst pandemics in history.

Gravitas: Mankind has survived worst pandemics than Wuhan Coronavirus

The Wuhan Coronavirus is now spreading from new hotspots. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the virus is spreading rapidly around the world.

Gravitas: The new epicentre | Wuhan Coronavirus

Scientists across the world seem to agree that COVID-19 is especially dangerous for the older population. Many have believed that young people are invincible to the deadly virus. A study conducted by CTC in America indicates that this is not at all true. Watch report:

Your Story: Young people equally vulnerable to COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 19 appealed to people to not panic and resort to buying and hoarding stuff during the time of the pandemic since there is no need for such activities. The PM also called for a Janata curfew on March 22.

India Fights COVID-19: PM announces 'Janata Curfew' on March 22

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

Coronavirus is having a serious impact on the United Kingdom's health sector. Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases thousands of retired health care professionals are asked to return. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Virus pushes UK health sector over the edge

WION Dispatch: UK urges Ex-NHS staff to join the COVID-19 battle | Nurses asked to return

Italy is currently the worst affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. In the last 24 hours, 427 deaths have been reported and one month ago the death toll was just four. Watch report:

Italy surpasses China's COVID-19 death toll, 427 deaths in last 24 hours

The novel coronavirus is spreading in India and presently it has taken lives of 4. The Indian Health Ministry briefed the media on steps that the Indian government is taking to contain the spread of the virus. Watch report:

Novel coronavirus is highly contagious, says Indian Health Ministry

As coronavirus is raging across the globe, it has left the nations worried and&nbsp;paralysed. So far, over 2,46000 people have been infected with Covid-19 and more than 10,000 have succumbed to the disease.

The effects of coronavirus have been milder on children, however, in some cases, they have faced severe complications. We answer&nbsp;some important questions which can help parents protect their kids from the pandemic:

Q: What are the symptoms in children if they catch coronavirus?&nbsp;

A: Fever, cough, respiratory distress (mild to severe). Cold is less common. Vomiting and diarrhoea is also reported.&nbsp;

Q: Does it affect children differently? If yes, then how and why?&nbsp;

A: Symptoms are generally milder in children. They usually don't require to be admitted to the intensive care unit admission (ICU). Data of Covid 19 in young children is sparse. Why they behave differently is not known exactly. There have been no reported deaths in children with Covid 19 so far. &nbsp;

Q: If a child has a health condition then should the parents be more worried? And, how to deal with this?

A: Yes, children suffering from chronic lung diseases like asthma, simultaneous respiratory infections, children on steroids and other immunodeficient conditions like cancer treatment are at higher risk of complications. They should report to the treating physician urgently if they develop symptoms suggestive of respiratory tract infections.&nbsp;

Q: Which age is more vulnerable in children?&nbsp;

A: The overall risk to children is low, but infants can experience more severe illness compared to older children. &nbsp;

Q: When should a child be taken to a doctor, in case there are symptoms?&nbsp;

A: If the child is very sick, get immediate medical attention. In case of warning symptoms like high-grade fever, persistent cough, trouble in breathing, the child should be taken to a doctor.&nbsp;

If a child is a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or in contact with a person with a recent history of travel or if you are a resident in a community where there is an ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider and tell them about the child's exposure.&nbsp;

Q: What can parents do at home to protect the children from the pandemic?&nbsp;

A: Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose, and eyes. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it in the trash right away. If you feel sick, stay home. &nbsp;

Keep kids busy with indoor games, getting them involved with the day to day chores, self-study, and art &amp; craft activities.&nbsp;

Q: Some people are hoarding antibiotics, paracetamol etc – will these medicines help? Or can regular medicines like Crocin etc be given to children in case they have fever?&nbsp;

A: Paracetamol can be given in case of fever. Antibiotics are not effective against Covid 19. Crocin is a brand name for paracetamol. It is not a different drug. &nbsp;

Q: Any suggestions to increase kid’s immunity?&nbsp;

&nbsp;A: Eat healthy food, exercise at home.&nbsp;

As coronavirus is raging across the globe, it has left the nations worried and paralysed. So far, over 2,46000 people have been infected with Covid-19 and more than 10,000 have succumbed to the disease.

As coronavirus is raging across the globe, it has left the nations worried and paralysed. So far, over 2,46000 people have been infected with Covid-19 and more than 10,000 have succumbed to the disease. The effects of coronavirus have been milder on children, however, in some cases, they have faced severe complications. We answer some important questions which can help parents protect their kids from the pandemic: Q: What are the symptoms in children if they catch coronavirus? A: Fever, cough, respiratory distress (mild to severe). Cold is less common. Vomiting and diarrhoea is also reported. Q: Does it affect children differently? If yes, then how and why? A: Symptoms are generally milder in children. They usually don't require to be admitted to the intensive care unit admission (ICU). Data of Covid 19 in young children is sparse. Why they behave differently is not known exactly. There have been no reported deaths in children with Covid 19 so far. Q: If a child has a health condition then should the parents be more worried? And, how to deal with this? A: Yes, children suffering from chronic lung diseases like asthma, simultaneous respiratory infections, children on steroids and other immunodeficient conditions like cancer treatment are at higher risk of complications. They should report to the treating physician urgently if they develop symptoms suggestive of respiratory tract infections. Q: Which age is more vulnerable in children? A: The overall risk to children is low, but infants can experience more severe illness compared to older children. Q: When should a child be taken to a doctor, in case there are symptoms? A: If the child is very sick, get immediate medical attention. In case of warning symptoms like high-grade fever, persistent cough, trouble in breathing, the child should be taken to a doctor. If a child is a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or in contact with a person with a recent history of travel or if you are a resident in a community where there is an ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider and tell them about the child's exposure. Q: What can parents do at home to protect the children from the pandemic? A: Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose, and eyes. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it in the trash right away. If you feel sick, stay home. Keep kids busy with indoor games, getting them involved with the day to day chores, self-study, and art & craft activities. Q: Some people are hoarding antibiotics, paracetamol etc – will these medicines help? Or can regular medicines like Crocin etc be given to children in case they have fever? A: Paracetamol can be given in case of fever. Antibiotics are not effective against Covid 19. Crocin is a brand name for paracetamol. It is not a different drug. Q: Any suggestions to increase kid’s immunity? A: Eat healthy food, exercise at home.

Coronavirus outbreak: How to keep children safe? Expert answers all your questions

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? 

China will be holding a video conference on the coronavirus outbreak. India will be joining the video conference and 10 other countries are expected to participate in the video conference.

China to hold video conference on coronavirus

What should you do, if someone in your colony tests positive for the Coronavirus? How can you protect yourself and your family? WION's Palki Sharma tells you the precautions you can take.

Gravitas: Wuhan coronavirus outbreak: What you need to do?

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

The Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak is bringing out the worst in people. Panic buying has triggered a massive shortage of supplies across the world. People are fighting over essentials in supermarkets. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Lockdowns trigger panic across the world, Wuhan coronavirus

India now has more than 150 confirmed cases of the Wuhan Coronavirus. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the top updates on the outbreak from India for Wednesday.

Gravitas: The top developments from India, Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak

Is the coronavirus vaccine insight? More than 80,000 people have recovered so far from COVID-19. What were they administered and which medicines are working. Watch WION report:

WION Dispatch: 35 agencies are working to develop coronavirus vaccine

As the count in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) reached four, with one new case reported in Kashmir. The state government has appealed to the foreigners not to visit the Union Territory and warned that all visitors, including those coming from Ladakh, would be quarantined.

WION Dispatch: Srinagar reports first case of Coronavirus

As countries across the world battle the coronavirus pandemic, doctors, nurses and other health care workers are on the front line of the fight against the deadly virus. And they are being assisted by some cutting-edge tools and technology:

Robots to the Rescue

We've seen how robots are assisting doctors in hospitals, and even spraying disinfectant mist on the streets. Now, these machines were seen performing other tasks too. Designed in India, these robots are spreading awareness about Covid-19, the disease that has killed thousands of people worldwide.

Developed by Asimov Robotics, they can be seen distributing face masks and sanitisers, giving information about the contagion and cleaning doors at a startup complex in an Indian city of Kerala.

The startup is trying to put the robots into use at public places like airports and malls. They have sought permission from authorities to do this.

Elderly people are the most at risk of developing a serious infection from the coronavirus. For this reason, the Belgium government has banned visitors from elderly care homes.

But these video-calling robots are helping senior citizens keep in touch with their family and friends. Zorabots, a Belgian robotics software firm, is lending a fleet of such robots to makes lives a little easier for those that have been isolated.

The robots are fitted with a simplified interface so a care home worker can programme them to self-navigate to a resident's room and connect a video call through Facebook Messenger.

Makers plan to use these robots to help ease social isolation among the elderly. Each robot costs 2,500 euros, the company will initially lend 60 of them to the elderly care homes.

Tracking Your Phone

Israel is deploying cyber monitoring in the battle against the coronavirus. It will track the mobile phones of people suspected of coronavirus and retrace their movements. They will then locate and alert those who may have been in proximity with the infected people.

Israeli authorities say the data collected by the Shin Bet Internal Security Service would be used only to halt the spread of the disease, it will be deleted when the emergency is over.

The move, however, has been criticised by the opposition and a rights group as it has always been reserved for counter-terrorism purposes. They call the move 'a dangerous precedent and a slippery slope'. We say - it’s debatable.

Not just Israel, even the US government is thinking on a similar line. Facebook and Google are in talks with Washington over potentially using individuals' personal data to track and combat the coronavirus outbreak.

It would require authorities to track the location of smartphone users, the data will be anonymously used to map the spread of the disease, anticipate the next hotpot and predict urgent medical needs.

The use of personal data in the US is highly sensitive after several scandals, such as in 2011 when the national security agency was found to be collecting phone records without permission. But the pressure has been mounting on Silicon Valley to use their expertise to fight the deadly virus.

Aerial Surveillance

Spanish police are using drones to prevent the virus from spreading, designed with powerful loudspeakers, they are flying and asking people walking in the streets to return to their homes. Spain is now in a state of alert, with people banned from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food.

China is using drones to patrol areas and keep a tab on crowds more efficiently. It’s helping authorities to identify those who are roaming without masks, drones are also spraying disinfectant in public spaces.

Japan is using drones to deliver medical supplies without exposing humans to potential infection. Let's hope these measures help in mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

 
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As countries across the world battle the coronavirus pandemic, doctors, nurses and other health care workers are on the front line of the fight against the deadly virus.

As countries across the world battle the coronavirus pandemic, doctors, nurses and other health care workers are on the front line of the fight against the deadly virus. And they are being assisted by some cutting-edge tools and technology: Robots to the Rescue We've seen how robots are assisting doctors in hospitals, and even spraying disinfectant mist on the streets. Now, these machines were seen performing other tasks too. Designed in India, these robots are spreading awareness about Covid-19, the disease that has killed thousands of people worldwide. Developed by Asimov Robotics, they can be seen distributing face masks and sanitisers, giving information about the contagion and cleaning doors at a startup complex in an Indian city of Kerala. The startup is trying to put the robots into use at public places like airports and malls. They have sought permission from authorities to do this. Elderly people are the most at risk of developing a serious infection from the coronavirus. For this reason, the Belgium government has banned visitors from elderly care homes. But these video-calling robots are helping senior citizens keep in touch with their family and friends. Zorabots, a Belgian robotics software firm, is lending a fleet of such robots to makes lives a little easier for those that have been isolated. The robots are fitted with a simplified interface so a care home worker can programme them to self-navigate to a resident's room and connect a video call through Facebook Messenger. Makers plan to use these robots to help ease social isolation among the elderly. Each robot costs 2,500 euros, the company will initially lend 60 of them to the elderly care homes. Tracking Your Phone Israel is deploying cyber monitoring in the battle against the coronavirus. It will track the mobile phones of people suspected of coronavirus and retrace their movements. They will then locate and alert those who may have been in proximity with the infected people. Israeli authorities say the data collected by the Shin Bet Internal Security Service would be used only to halt the spread of the disease, it will be deleted when the emergency is over. The move, however, has been criticised by the opposition and a rights group as it has always been reserved for counter-terrorism purposes. They call the move 'a dangerous precedent and a slippery slope'. We say - it’s debatable. Not just Israel, even the US government is thinking on a similar line. Facebook and Google are in talks with Washington over potentially using individuals' personal data to track and combat the coronavirus outbreak. It would require authorities to track the location of smartphone users, the data will be anonymously used to map the spread of the disease, anticipate the next hotpot and predict urgent medical needs. The use of personal data in the US is highly sensitive after several scandals, such as in 2011 when the national security agency was found to be collecting phone records without permission. But the pressure has been mounting on Silicon Valley to use their expertise to fight the deadly virus. Aerial Surveillance Spanish police are using drones to prevent the virus from spreading, designed with powerful loudspeakers, they are flying and asking people walking in the streets to return to their homes. Spain is now in a state of alert, with people banned from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food. China is using drones to patrol areas and keep a tab on crowds more efficiently. It’s helping authorities to identify those who are roaming without masks, drones are also spraying disinfectant in public spaces. Japan is using drones to deliver medical supplies without exposing humans to potential infection. Let's hope these measures help in mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.

Explained: How technology is helping nations combat Coronavirus outbreak

Gravitas: Lockdowns trigger panic across the world | Wuhan coronavirus

The Ministry of External Affairs held a press conference on the COVID-19 virus outbreak. The MEA assured that the Ministry is working to further strengthen its Covid Control room. Currently, around 25-30 people are working in the control room in shifts. The control receives about 1000 calls and 400 e-mails in a single day. Watch video to know more:

Indian MEA briefs on COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi monitoring situation closely

India's government is urging people to self isolate but many people won't be able to do that as most houses in the country are just too small. Infact having a personal room is a liberty in India. Watch report:

Coronavirus: Why Home Quarantine Is Tough In India

To answer all our questions on the world's battle against the novel coronavirus. WION spoke to WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic from Geneva. Watch report:

WION Exclusive conversation with WHO spokesperson on world's battle against COVID-19

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