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Welcome to Fresh Start.
This is People’s Daily app.
Here are today’s picks from our editors.
G20 leaders pledge united response against COVID-19
The Group of 20 (G20) major economies on Thursday pledged to present a "united front" against the common threat posed by COVID-19, while vowing to inject over $5 trillion to boost the global economy.
G20 leaders made the pledges in a joint statement released after Saudi Arabia convened the summit by video-link to coordinate multilateral response to the pandemic.
The leaders who attended the virtual conference pledged full support for the World Health Organization (WHO) in coordinating global efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the statement, G20 leaders will commit to doing "whatever it takes" and to use "all available policy tools" to minimize the economic and social damage from the pandemic, restore global growth, maintain market stability, and strengthen resilience. (Xinhua)
China suspends entry by foreign nationals holding Chinese visas, residence permits
On Thursday, China announced temporary entry suspensions by foreign nationals holding Chinese visas or residence permits.
In view of the spread of COVID-19, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry by foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits still valid to the time of this announcement, beginning at midnight, March 28, said a statement jointly released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and National Immigration Administration.
According to the statement, entry by foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards will also be suspended.
Port visas, 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit visas, and the Hainan 30-day visa-free policy, 15-day visa-free policy for foreign cruise-group-tours through Shanghai Port, Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy also for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong or Macao SAR, and the Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries will be temporarily suspended, according to the statement.
However, entry with diplomatic, service, courtesy, or C visas will not be affected, said the statement. (Xinhua)
Three million seek US jobless aid, shatters previous record
Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — almost five times the previous record set in 1982 — amid a widespread economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The surge in weekly applications was a stunning reflection of the damage the viral outbreak is inflicting on the US economy.
As job losses mount, some economists say the nation’s unemployment rate could approach 13 percent by May. By comparison, the highest jobless rate during the Great Recession, which ended in 2009, was 10 percent. (AP)
Thai police set up COVID-19 checkpoints nationwide
Thai authorities have set up 359 checkpoints throughout the country to conduct health screenings and thwart illegal smuggling in efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
The nationwide checkpoints are part of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's state of emergency measures to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
Motorists will be checked for fever and if they are following health instructions.
Thailand reported 111 new virus infections on Thursday, bringing the nationwide total to 1,045. (Xinhua)
US indicts Venezuela's Maduro, aides on narco-terrorism charges
The US Department of Justice on Thursday indicted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his aides on narco-terrorism charges, a rare move aimed at pressuring the Maduro government.
US Attorney General William Barr announced the indictment at a news briefing, accusing Maduro and other Venezuelan officials of conspiring "with the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), for allowing tons of cocaine to enter and devastate American communities."
Meanwhile, the US State Department offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Maduro. (Xinhua)
Jackson estate gives to Broadway, Vegas needy amid outbreak
The Michael Jackson estate is donating $300,000 to help entertainment industry workers on Broadway, the music business, and in Las Vegas who have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
The estate announced Wednesday that it will give $100,000 apiece to Broadway Cares, the food bank Three Square in Nevada and MusiCares.
The estate’s donation there will provide 300,000 meals to the needy and help to maintain the supplies of the food bank Three Square, the estate said. (AP)
Australia to host FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022
FIBA announced on Thursday that Australia has won the hosting rights for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022.
The final bidding to host the tournament came down to Australia and Russia.
FIBA's Central Board took the decision via video conference after both countries submitted their bids and gave presentations.
It will be the second time for Australia to host the quadrennial women's basketball tournament after hosting the event in 1994. (Xinhua)
Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.
And now for the Question of the Day:
In which year were women allowed to compete in sporting events at the Olympic Games?
(Answer: 1928.)
Today’s quote is from French writer Stendhal (1783-1842).
"Logic is neither an art nor a science but a dodge."
(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Lance Crayon, and Elaine Yue Lin. Music by Eugene Loner.)
