China has mobilized the power of the whole country and launched unprecedented medical aid to Hubei province, center of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Doctors including TCM medical workers, nurses such as those with intensive care expertise, emergency rescuers, experts and academicians, all come to the front line from across the country.

China could start clinical trials for a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus around late April, an official said Friday.

Iran has confirmed three new coronavirus cases following the deaths of two elderly men, the health ministry told AFP on Thursday, as Iraq banned travel to and from its neighbour.

Like many Indian women, college student Suvarna Dongare dreads getting caught short when she is out and about, with hygienic public toilets in short supply across the country.

An opinion piece by a Taliban leader in the New York Times expresses the group's commitment to signing a peace agreement with the United States.

The United States has imposed sanctions on five Iranian officials in charge of "vetting" candidates for Friday's parliamentary elections.