German government has unveiled a EUR10 billion (USD10.8 billion) economic package to pay for additional unemployment benefits. The package will also facilitate new tax cuts to help businesses affected by Coronavirus outbreak. The measures come as Europe’s largest economy steps up to regain momentum after declaring the pandemic ‘under control’. Government will provide financial support to purchase computers.
South Korea’s GDP contracted 1.4% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the last quarter. The contraction was noted due to the impact of Coronavirus pandemic on global demand. South Korea is an export-reliant economy and global lockdown have forced it to cease operations in manufacturing units as it steps up to contain the virus spread.
About 50 crew members on an Italian cruise ship have tested positive for COVID-19. The ship is docked in Japan’s Nagasaki for repairs. It was taken into a shipyard in Nagasaki in late February 2020 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Many of the infected crew members are cooks or those serving food aboard the vessel.
UAE authorities have announced that the crescent moon of Ramadan has been sighted, marking the beginning of the Holy month from Friday, 24 April 2020. The UAE Moon Sighting Committee, chaired by Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice, announced sighting. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, wished all be safe and find peace and inspiration in this blessed month.
US President Donald J. Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan discussed Coronavirus situation on a telephonic conversation on 22 April 2020. The two leaders also highlighted the regional security amid this crisis situation in their respective countries. This was the first call after the bilateral meeting in Davos which was held in January 2020.