Mask diplomacy: China tries to rewrite virus narrative

Mar 20,2020
With millions of face masks, low interest loans and teams of medical experts, China is trying to paint itself as a Good Samaritan while deflecting criticism over its initial missteps in handling the coronavirus.
India hangs four over 2012 Delhi bus gang-rape
Mar 20
India executed four men on Friday for the gang-rape and murder of a woman on a Delhi bus in 2012 that sparked huge nationwide protests and international revulsion.
Sri Lanka declares islandwide curfew amid COVID-19 outbreak
Mar 20
The Sri Lankan government declared a nationwide curfew which will begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday and end at 6:00 a.m. local time Monday to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the island country.
Portugal declares state of emergency
Mar 20
The Portuguese government has declared a state of emergency for the entire country to combat the new coronavirus.
Olympic flame arrives in Japan
Mar 20
The Olympic flame for the Tokyo 2020 Games has arrived in Japan from Greece.
ASEAN summit deferred to late June
Mar 20
Vietnam, this year's chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, says it has deferred the ASEAN summit from early April to late June due to the spread of the new coronavirus.
Niger reports first confirmed COVID-19 case
Mar 20
Niger's Ministry of Public Health announced on Thursday the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country.