Morning News Brief [March 16, 2020]

Hot News

1. Vladimir has cemented his hold on power in Russia by backing the proposed constitutional amendment that would allow him to hold another two terms in the Kremlin. 

Reference:

• The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/10/vladimir-putin-amendment-power-russia-2024) 

2. Israeli internal security service has been allowed to track patients’ smartphones in bid to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Reference:

• Bernama (https://www.bernama.com/en/world/news.php?id=1821565) 

World

1. Turkey and Russia have completed their first joint military patrol along a strategic highway in Syria’s northwestern region.

Reference:

• The Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/syria-war-russia-turkey-joint-patrols-m4-highway-200315092148588.html)

 

2. Germany tries to stop the US in the midst of her attempt to persuade a German company that is developing a coronavirus vaccine to move its research base to the US.

Reference:

• Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-germany-usa/germany-tries-to-halt-u-s-interest-in-firm-working-on-coronavirus-vaccine-idUSKBN2120IV) 

 

3. Trump has tested negative for the novel coronavirus, his physician said on Saturday, following concerns over his exposure to a disease that has paralyzed the globe.

Reference:

• Thmey Thmey (https://cambodianess.com/article/trump-tests-negative-for-virus-as-us-expands-europe-traveler-ban)

 

Regions

1. Malaysia has reported its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus cases, announcing 190 new confirmed patients, most of which are linked to gathering at mosque events.

References:

• The Straits Times (https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-reports-190-new-coronavirus-cases-most-linked-to-mosque-event) 

2. Japanese Economic Minister said the effect of COVID-19 on the economy could be worse than the 2008 financial crisis, calling for concrete measures to protect the economy.

Reference:

• Japan Times (https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/03/15/business/economy-business/ldp-hiroshige-seko-tax-cut-coronavirus/#.Xm7TPqgzaUk) 

3. Jokowi said that he would have himself tested for the COVID-19 amid the concerns over the announcement that the minister of transportation had tested positive for the virus. 

Reference:

• The Jakarta Post (https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/03/15/jokowi-to-be-tested-for-covid-19-amid-heightened-concerns.html) 

4. The recent satellite image from a website based in US showed that specialized railcars were moving at NK’s main nuclear site, adding that they could be transporting fuel. 

Reference:

• Arirang (http://www.arirang.com/news/News_View.asp?nseq=254304)

Cambodia

1. The annual military exercise between Cambodia and China named Golden Dragon kicked off in Kampot with more than 3,000 soldiers on 17,000 hectare land.

      Reference:

• Khmer Times (https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50702060/golden-dragon-kicks-off-amid-covid-19-fears/)

1. The National Assembly has approved of a new draft law that changed the name of Ministry of Industry and Handicraft to Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.

       Reference:

• The Phnom Penh Post (https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ministrys-name-approved) 

3. The Ministry of Health confirmed four new cases of COVID-19, bringing a total 12 cases while the authority is tracing down people who attended a religious event in Malaysia.

Reference:

• Khmer Times (https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50702156/cambodias-covid-19-cases-rises-to-12/)

4. The US government, through USAID, will provide $2M for the immediate assistance for risk communication, community engagement and laboratory support for COVID-19. 

Reference: 

• AKP (https://www.akp.gov.kh/post/detail/27896)