# 1 Indian American Weekly: Since 2006

VOL 14 ISSUE 14 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● APR 03 - 09, 2020 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news AMERICA Coronavirus cases hit 1 million UNITED AGAINST worldwide, deaths pass 52,000 COVID-19 Global Recession Feared; US Joblessness at a record high KEEP SAFE ● Follow President Trump's NEW YORK (TIP): The number of Guidelines on Coronavirus coronavirus infections worldwide has ● Observe Social Distancing hit 1 million, with more than 50,000 ● Wash Hands Frequently deaths, according to the tally kept by ● No Panic Buying Johns Hopkins University. ● No Price Gouging The figures were another bleak KEEP AMERICA SAFE milestone in the epidemic that has forced the lockdown of entire countries and brought economies to a shuddering halt. The coronavirus outbreak has COVID-19 thrown 10 million Americans out of work in just two weeks, the swiftest, most stunning collapse the U.S. job IN BRIEF contd on Page 32 ● THERE ARE MORE THAN 1 MILLION CASES OF In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo CORONAVIRUS GLOBALLY, warned that the State is quickly running out of breathing machines ACCORDING TO JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY. ● THE US HAS REPORTED MORE India's Prime Minister calls upon Coronavirus Outbreak in New Jersey THAN 243,000 CASES, WITH MORE THAN 5,900 DEATHS. CM's to Prepare Common Exit Accelerates with 537 Deaths ● 6.6 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE US Strategy post lockdown TRENTON , NJ (TIP): The FILED FOR UNEMPLOYMENT Important to ensure coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey LAST WEEK - THE HIGHEST staggered movement continued to accelerate with 182 new deaths April 2, bringing the statewide NUMBER OF INITIAL CLAIMS IN post shutdown, he says HISTORY. total of 537 deaths and total 25,590 ● US FEDERAL STOCKPILES OF NEW DELHI (TIP): coronavirus cases, as officials India's Prime Minister reported 3,489 new positive tests. EMERGENCY MEDICAL GEAR NJ Governor Phil Murphy, ARE ALMOST DEPLETED. Narendra Modi on Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Bob "In the next few weeks, testing, April 2, took stock of the ● ITALY, GERMANY AND tracing, isolation and quarantine Thursday,April 2, suggested Menendez spent about 20 minutes situation in the wake of PAKISTAN HAVE PROLONGED should remain the areas of focus", that states should prepare a Thursday, April 2, touring the state's increase in the number of THEIR LOCKDOWNS. said Prime Minister Narendra Modi common exit strategy for a first field hospital in response to the Coronavirus cases and deaths. Twitter picture @narendramodi.in contd on page 32 contd on Page 32 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 The CARES Act - What You Need to Know Late Wednesday, March 25, the Senate December 31, 2022 (50%). Lease payments unanimously approved an historic A taxpayer who is self-employed can Mortgage payments stimulus bill - the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act defer paying 50% of his or her self- **Any amount forgiven will not be ("CARES Act") - to provide significant employment tax that would be due from taxable income aid to the American people and the date of the CARES Act's enactment Businesses with current SBA loans businesses impacted by the coronavirus through the end of 2020 until the end of can suspend certain payments and this paid family leave, are not covered. pandemic. The text of the bill is a 2021 (25%) and 2022 (25%). program may not be exclusive. lengthy 880 pages and as expected, What are the Benefits? Exact unemployment benefits will provides significant relief for small Under this provision, an employer can It is not clear however, when business and expanded unemployment defer payment of payroll taxes for two businesses will be able to apply for depend on each state's unemployment benefits for individuals. Below are some years and still take immediate advantage theseloans. In the interim there are other insurance program. However, under the highlights. of the new payroll tax credits described programs currently available and CARES Act, covered individuals would Payroll Tax Relief above, as well as credits for payment of funding, including, but not limited to: be entitled to receive an extra $600 per The CARES Act includes nine business emergency sick and family leave under NYC Employee Retention Grants week in addition to their state benefits. tax provisions, including a credit to the Families First Coronavirus Response NYC Business Continuity Loans In New York, an individual would be retain workers during COVID-19 related Act, if applicable. NYS Emergency Loans eligible for the maximum state closures, deferral of payroll tax If an employer takes out a payroll SBA Disaster Relief Loans unemployment benefit of $504 per week payments for two years, a change to the protection loan under Section 7(a) of the Expanded Unemployment Benefits and under the CARES Act would receive tax treatment of business losses and Small Business Act as amended by this Who is Covered? an additional $600 of federal some technical corrections to the Tax Act, no payroll tax deferral will be The CARES Act has substantially compensation. States will have the Cuts and Jobs Act. Below are some key available. expanded benefits to the types of option of providing the entire amount in points on the payroll tax credit and Small Business Assistance workers that would usually not be one payment or sending the additional payroll deferments. eligible for unemployment benefits. This payment separately, provided that both Tax Credit: The CARES Act allocates expansion of coverage now includes payments have to be made on the same This provision provides eligible approximately $350 billion for small Individuals who are self-employed (e.g., weekly basis. employers with a refundable tax credit business assistance. The United States gig workers - Uber Drivers, and other Benefit amounts for self-employed against the employer's share of payroll Small Business Administration (the part-time workers such as bartenders individuals would be calculated based on taxes for applicable employment taxes. "SBA") will administer the SBA 7a loan and waiters - freelancers, and previous income, using a formula from For each calendar quarter during the program created to eligible businesses to independent contractors). the Disaster Unemployment Assistance applicable period, the employer can help pay operational costs like payroll, Covered individuals include those who program. receive a credit in an amount equal to rent, health benefits, insurance are unemployed, partially unemployed Self-employed workers would also be 50% of qualified wages (inclusive of premiums, utilities, etc. Subject to or unable to work because: eligible for the additional $600 weekly health insurance) up to $10,000 per certain conditions, loan amounts are *an individual has been diagnosed benefit. employee per quarter ending on forgivable if employers retain with COVID-19 or is experiencing The CARES Act would provide all December 31, 2020. The credit is treated employees. We can report the following symptoms and is seeking a medical eligible individuals with an additional 13 as a refund if it exceeds the employer's specifics: diagnosis. weeks of payments following the end of applicable employment taxes for a given Small Businesses with 0-500 employees *an individual has a member of the state benefit programs; provided that the quarter. are eligible to apply. household diagnosed with COVID-19. total period cannot exceed 39 weeks A business is eligible for this tax credit The loans reward businesses for *an individual is providing care for a (certain states may adopt shorter in two ways: (i) If operations were keeping workers on payroll (this is family member or member of the periods). partially or fully suspended due to a retroactive to February 1, 2020 for those household diagnosed with COVID-19. The extra $600 payment would last for mandatory government shut-down laid off on or after that date). *an individual is the primary up to four months, covering weeks of related to COVID-19; or (ii) if the The loans allow businesses to pay caregiver and relies on a school or unemployment ending July 31, 2020. business remained opened during any employees, mortgages and lease another facility to care for a child, Expanded coverage would be available quarter in 2020 but gross receipts for that payments. elderly parent or another household to workers who were newly eligible for quarter were less than 50% of what they Loan amounts can be up to 2.5 times a member in order to work and that school unemployment benefits for weeks were for the same quarter in 2019. The company's annual to average monthly or facility has been closed because of starting on Jan. 27, 2020 and through Dec. business will then be entitled to a credit payroll (between January 1, 2020 and COVID-19. 31, 2020. for each quarter, until the business has a February 29, 2020), mortgage payments *an individual is unable to get to work The additional $600 benefit would quarter where gross receipts exceed 80% and lease payments (this excludes because of a quarantine imposed as a count as income when determining of what they were for the same quarter compensation paid to any one employee direct result of COVID-19. eligibility for means-tested programs, in the previous year. over $100k). Maximum loan amount is *an individual is unable to get to work except for Medicaid and the Children's Eligible employers. Employers with $10 million. because such individual has been Health Insurance Program; and greater than 100 employees are eligible to An advance grant of up to $10k can be advised by a health care provider to self- States have been incentivized to waive receive the credit if they continue to pay requested 3 days after applying for the quarantine due to concerns related to the one-week waiting period, but employees that are not providing loan. Even if the business is denied the COVID-19. processing claims may take some time services. Employers with fewer than 100 loan, the advance will not have to be paid *an individual was scheduled to given the current climate. employees may receive the credit if they back provided it is used for business commence employment and does not Individual Payments continue to pay employees whether they expenses such as payroll and rent have a job or is unable to get to such job The CARES Act will provide direct are or are not providing services. payments. as a direct result of COVID-19. payments to individuals depending on For purposes of this credit, qualified No personal guaranty or collateral is *an individual has become the income. wages do not include wages paid under required. breadwinner or major support of a $1,200 per single individual who earns the Families First Coronavirus Response Independent contractors, 1099 household because the head of the up to $95,000 in adjusted gross income. Act for sick leave or family medical leave, workers, self-employed individuals and household has died as a direct result of $2,400 for married couples who earn up which are already subject to certain tax sole proprietorships are eligible to apply. COVID-19. to $150,000; and credits. Interest rates would be maximum 4% *an individual has to quit his or her job An additional payment of $500 per If an employer takes out a payroll with 10-year term. as a direct result of COVID-19. child under the age of 17. protection loan under Section 7(a) of the Restaurants and hotels are eligible as *an individual's place of employment The payment would scale down by Small Business Act as amended by this long as they employ 500 workers or less is closed as a direct result of COVID-19; income, phasing out entirely at $99,000 Act, no employee retention credit will be per location. or for singles and $198,000 for couples available. Loan forgiveness. A second application *an individual meets any additional without children. Qualifying income Tax Deferral of Payroll Tax: must be filed for loan forgiveness. That criteria to be established by the levels will be based on 2019 federal tax The CARES Act allows a 50% deferral portion of the loan used for: Secretary of the Treasury. returns, if already filed, and otherwise of the employer's share of the 6.2% Payroll (less any reduction in payroll Under the CARES Act part-time on 2018 returns. (Treasury Secretary Social Security tax that would otherwise over 25% who earn 100k or less - so if the workers would be eligible for benefits, Steven Mnuchin earlier this month be due from the date of the CARES Act's business laid off 25% of their workers but benefit amounts and the duration of delayed the filing deadline until July 15.) enactment through December 31, 2020. and the workers each made 100k or less - benefits will depend on each state's Payments should be received in three A payment of 50% of the deferred this amount would be deducted from the unemployment insurance program. weeks. payroll taxes would be due on December total loan forgiveness) Individuals who can work from home, (Source: Warshaw Burstein, LLP 31, 2001 and the remaining amount by and those receiving paid sick leave or www.wbny.com) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 NY/NJ/CT 3 Javits Center Treating COVID Patients Now ; Healthcare Enrollment Extended NEW YORK(TIP): New York Governor Andrew On the subject of Ventilators which are in short Cuomo , April 2, announced that the temporary supply and which form the fundamental strength of the hospital facility at the Javits Center will now treat medical system, Governor Cuomo said, "The State is COVID-19 patients. doing everything we can to make sure we have enough "The growing number of Coronavirus cases are ventilators to meet our needs. The Department of threatening the capacity of our hospital system. The Health has approved a new protocol from Northwell original plan for the Javits Center was to use it for non- Health allowing BiPAP machines (a kind of breathing COVID patients in order to free up beds at other aid machine) to be converted into ventilators. The State hospitals. However, the number of COVID patients has has purchased 3,000 BiPAP machines from Philips in increased to the point that it is prudent for Javits to Pittsburgh, and 750 machines are already in stock and support and care for COVID patients. I asked President will be distributed to hospitals. This is just one of the Trump this morning to consider this request and extraordinary measures we are taking to secure these stressed the urgent need and he agreed to it", said the life-saving devices. Governor at the briefing April 2. Governor said if New Yorkers wanted any Governor Cuomo also announced the enactment of information on how COVID -19 affects housing, they the 2021 Budget. "Now more than ever, the government should look for answers to their questions on NY needs to deliver results for the people. The 2021 Budget New York Governor Andrew Cuomo at a daily briefing State's Homes and Community Renewal Agency includes a comprehensive Paid Sick Leave law, a cap on Frequently Asked Questions page which has insulin co-pays, a first-in-the-nation domestic terrorism health exchange. It is now is extended to May 15. comprehensive information about housing issues for law and much more. I thank and congratulate my "Uninsured New Yorkers can apply for coverage tenants, landlords and homeowners. partners in the Legislature, especially Speaker Heastie through NY State of Health or directly to insurers. If Governor expressed gratitude to Apple for donating and Leader Stewart-Cousins, for working with us to get you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 1.9 million masks to New York State - with more on the this budget done in these extraordinary times', Cuomo days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of way. said. income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, As of April 2, New York State total number Governor announce the extension of the special the Essential Plan, subsidized Qualified Health Plans or of confirmed cases stands at 92,381 and enrollment period to get a healthcare plan on the state's Child Health Plus", Governor said. the total deaths on record are 2468. New Jersey Governor Signs Executive Order to Grant Temporary Licenses to Gurbani Maestro Padma Foreign Doctors Shri Nirmal Singh we are removing bureaucratic roadblocks to quickly bring more health care professionals into our efforts and provide Khalsa Falls to Covid-19 additional flexibility and protections for NEW YORK (TIP): Padma Shri awardee and our frontline responders to aid in New former ''Hazuri Raagi'' at the Golden Temple, Jersey's response to COVID-19." Nirmal Singh Khalsa died at Amritsar of The executive order supplements coronavirus Thursday, April 2 morning,news reports reaching New York said. the State's existing health care The 62-year-old ''Gurbani'' exponent had recently Governor Phil Murphy holds a coronavirus briefing in Trenton on March 26, 2020. workforce by: returned from abroad and tested positive for ● Authorizing the Division of Consumer coronavirus on Wednesday, April 1, according to Picture courtesy - Governor's Office Affairs to temporarily reactivate the information received from health officials in TRENTON, NJ (TIP): Governor Phil licensees of healthcare professionals Amritsar. Murphy on April 1 signed Executive Order previously licensed in the State within Bhai Sahib had many admirers and friends in No. 112, authorizing the Division of the last five years. This will enable New York. A close friend of his Bhai Bhupinder Consumer Affairs to temporarily doctors, nurses, and other healthcare Singh, Head Granthi at the oldest and the largest reactivate the licenses of recently retired professionals who have recently retired Gurdwara on the East Coast, Gurdwara Sikh health care professionals and grant or have allowed their licenses to lapse Cultural Society, Richmond Hill described Bhai Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa temporary licenses to doctors licensed in to temporarily reactivate their license. Sahib as a jewel of the Sikh community and termed was a highly accomplished foreign countries. The executive order also ● Authorizing the Division of Consumer his death as a terrible blow to the Sikh religion and Ragi whose popularity temporarily permits certain health care Affairs to grant temporary medical the Sikh community, the world over. took him to around 70 countries where he professionals to perform acts outside of licenses to doctors who are licensed An admirer of Bhai Sahib, Harjit (Harry) Singh performed Kirtan their ordinary scope of practice and grants and in good standing in foreign Panaser from New Jersey,condoling his sad demise broad civil immunity to health care countries. recalled Bhai Sahib's association with his family in India and said his death professionals and facilities providing ● Temporarily waiving certain scope of is a personal loss to him as much as it is a loss to the Sikh community. services in support of New Jersey's practice restrictions on Advanced Bhai Sahib was born on 12th April 1952 in Village Jand Wala Bhime Shah, COVID-19 response efforts who are acting Practice Nurses (APNs) related to Distt. Ferozepur, Punjab. He obtained a diploma in gurmat sangeet from the in good faith. physician collaboration, including a Shaheed Missionary College, Amritsar in 1976. He served as a music teacher "My Administration is working rule requiring that an APN enter into a in Gurmat College, Rishikesh, in 1977 and in Shaheed Sikh Missionary tirelessly with our hospital systems and joint protocol with a collaborating College, Sant Baba Fateh Singh, Sant Channan Singh, Budha Johar, Ganga the Federal Emergency Management physician and a rule requiring APNs to Nagar, Rajasthan, in 1978. From 1979, he started serving as 'Hazoori Raagi', at Agency to expand bed capacities, reopen obtain authorization from a Sach Khand Sri Harmandir Sahib. He has also performed Kirtan at all the closed hospitals, and erect field medical collaborating physician in order to five Takhts, historical Gurdwaras in India and in many countries. He was stations to prepare for additional COVID-19 dispense narcotic drugs. one of the finest raagis having knowledge of all the 31 Raags in Gurbani of cases," said Governor Murphy. "We need ● Temporarily waiving certain scope of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. trained, experienced medical personnel to practice restrictions on Physician For his services in the field of "arts", he was awarded the Padma Shri, ensure proper staffing as we build out this Assistants (PAs) related to physician India's fourth-highest civilian award by the government of India in 2009.He new capacity,which is why we have put out supervision, including a rule requiring was the first hazoori raagi to receive this award. the call to retired health care professionals PAs to obtain physician authorization We, at The Indian Panorama express our heartfelt condolences to the to join our fight and support our existing prior to prescribing a controlled bereaved family and pray for eternal peace to the departed soul. workforce. By signing this executive order, dangerous substance. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 4 INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

Indian American Aditya Vashistha Indian American Fighting Covid-19 Receives Google Research Award on the Frontlines by Giving NEW YORK (TIP): Aditya Vashistha an Lifesaving Soap into More Hands Assistant Professor of BIDISHA ROY recycled hotel soap for the developing Information NEW YORK (TIP): All of a sudden world. Our work has three objectives: Science at Cornell people have woken up to a new reality Contribute a highly cost-effective Vashistha's team University has when everyone is talking about hygiene product to improve health will use human- received Google handwashing with soap to keep Significantly reduce the waste centered AI to Research Award. coronavirus away. generated by the hotel industry. combat online He designs and But in 2014, a young Indian American, Provide livelihoods and free education harassment of marginalized builds computing then college student,Samir Lakhani to disadvantaged women with no other women, and build systems to noted a need for basics like soap while reliable source of income gender-equitable empower people in volunteering in rural Cambodia where a Samir Lakhani is a social social computing low-resource bar of soap is a luxury for poor that they entrepreneur dedicated to restoring platforms environments. cannot afford. While still attending the health and dignity to developing Vashistha's team will use human- University of Pittsburgh, Lakhani countries. Before founding Eco-Soap centered AI to combat online started the Eco-Soap Bank. The Bank in 2014, Samir was deeply involved harassment of marginalized women and nonprofit recycles discarded bars of soap in aquaculture and nutrition projects in build gender-equitable social computing from hotels in Cambodia and distributes northern Cambodian villages. He has Samir Lakhani noted a need for basics like platforms. The team will explore ways to it to people in need. soap while volunteering in rural Cambodia. also developed solar lighting solution make voice forums - phone-based Now at the time of COVID-19, Samir is Then a college student, he started a nonprofit projects in Cambodia, Bangladesh, and communication platforms commonly fighting the pandemic on the Frontlines. to recycle discarded soap from hotels Nepal. Through his six years of used by millions of people around the "In the last two and half months we have nonprofit work in the areas of nutrition, world who are too poor, remote or low- provided over 3 hundred and seventy- million people to prevent diseases like water accessibility, and literate to access the internet - more five thousand bars of soaps to the pneumonia, cholera, Ebola, and now, sanitation/hygiene, he has witnessed inclusive and equitable for women. The affected countries", he told in an Covid-19. Sometimes, the simplest acts firsthand how delivering key products goal of the Google Faculty Research interview with CNN. make the biggest impact. This is the like soap transform the health and well- Awards program is to recognize cutting- Last month ESB gave out over 6,500 moment to raise awareness and save being of impoverished communities. edge research in mutual areas of bars of soap to 80 organizations and lives," he was quoted by The Phnom Samir Lakhani noted a need for basics interest and to "identify and strengthen schools in Siem Reap. "The current Penh Post. like soap while volunteering in rural long-term collaborative relations with public health emergency around the Samir received a CNN Heroes Award Cambodia. Then a college student, he faculty working on problems that will world makes the need for hygiene for Eco-Soap Bank in 2017 and a Unilever started a nonprofit to repurpose impact how future generations use standards stronger than ever, so we are Young Entrepreneurs award in 2018. Eco- discarded soap from hotels. technology," according to its website. working harder to get lifesaving soap Soap Bank is a humanitarian and Samir is a graduate of the University (Read full story at into more hands. Every year, we provide environmental non-profit organization of Pittsburgh and currently lives in www.theindianpanorama.news soap and hygiene education to over a working to save, sanitize, and supply Pittsburgh, PA.

on structure, assembly, and rheological Indian American Surita R. Bhatia Inducted properties of polymeric gels, soft biomaterials, and nanoparticle dispersions. Exclusive of center grants, into Medical and Biological Engineering Elite she has been PI or Co-PI on grants totaling $16 million from NSF, NIH, the Fellows is among the highest biomaterials, and advocacy for women Department of Energy, philanthropic professional distinctions accorded to a and underrepresented groups in foundations, and private industry; medical and biological engineer. The engineering." including a recently awarded $3M NSF College of Fellows is comprised of the top As a result of health concerns, NRT training grant. She is the recipient two percent of medical and biological AIMBE's annual meeting and induction of an NSF CAREER Award, a Dupont engineers. College membership honors ceremony scheduled for March 29-30, Young Professor Award, a 3M those who have made outstanding 2020, was cancelled. Under special Corporation Non-Tenured Faculty contributions to "engineering and procedures, Dr. Bhatia was remotely Award, and a 2018 AIChE Women's medicine research, practice, or inducted along with 156 colleagues who Initiatives Committee (WIC) Award for education" and to "the pioneering of new make up the AIMBE College of Fellows Outstanding Contributions to Chemical and developing fields of technology, Class of 2020. Engineering. Dr. Bhatia also has strong making major advancements in Dr. Bhatia received her bachelor's interests in mentoring, engineering traditional fields of medical and degree from the University of Delaware education, and diversity in STEM fields. biological engineering, or and her PhD from Princeton University, In this regard, she has served as PI on developing/implementing innovative both in Chemical Engineering, followed three NSF REU projects, joint-PI on NIH approaches to bioengineering education." by postdoctoral training at the IMSD and NIH PREP programs for "Surita's commitment to excellence in Rhodia/Centre National de la Recherche underrepresented minority students in science and engineering is manifest Scientifique (CNRS) Complex Fluids the biomedical sciences, and is a Dr. Bhatia was nominated, reviewed, and elected by peers and members of the College every day, "said Nicole S. Sampson, Dean Laboratory. She has worked in public recipient of the national AIChE WIC of Fellows for "impactful work on the of the College of Arts and Sciences and higher education for two decades, joining Mentorship Excellence Award. nanostructure and mechanics of soft distinguished professor of Chemistry. "I Stony Brook University in 2012 as a AIMBE Fellows are among the most biomaterials, and advocacy for women and am honored to have the opportunity to faculty member in the Department of distinguished medical and biological underrepresented groups in engineering." work with her on so many different Chemistry with a joint position as a Staff engineers including 3 Nobel Prize NEW YORK (TIP): The American levels: university administrator, Scientist with the Center for Functional laureates, 18 Fellows having received the Institute for Medical and Biological departmental colleague, and scientific Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Presidential Medal of Science and/or Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the collaborator. My deepest congratulations Laboratory. Dr. Bhatia served as Vice Technology and Innovation, and 173 also induction of Surita R. Bhatia, Ph.D., Vice to Surita on this well-deserved honor." Chair for Research and Facilities in the inducted to the National Academy of Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor, Dr. Bhatia was nominated, reviewed, Department of Chemistry before her Engineering, 84 inducted to the National Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook and elected by peers and members of the current role as Vice Provost of Faculty Academy of Medicine and 37 inducted to University, to its College of Fellows. College of Fellows for "impactful work on Affairs for the campus. the National Academy of Sciences. Election to the AIMBE College of the nanostructure and mechanics of soft Dr. Bhatia's research program focuses (Source :Stony Brook University) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 INDIANS ABROAD 5 Indian American Lawmakers Hail Passage of $2.2 Trillion COVID-19 Stimulus Package

WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian the economic and public health impacts immediate, direct cash payments to funding their paychecks during this American lawmakers have hailed the of COVID-19. lower-and middle-income public health emergency. Illinois passage of the bipartisan CARES Act, "I've spent the past Americans of $1,200 for each adult will receive $1.6 billion under this which will direct trillions in federal week working with and $500 for each child, beginning to program. economic and public health assistance to both Democrats and phase out at an annual income of ● HUD Emergency Solution Grants: Americans across Republicans to make $75,000 for an Provides $2 billion for HUD the country. sure this package is individual and Emergency Solution Grants to "As a doctor, I am geared towards the $150,000 for a states that will be distributed by proud to support this families and small household. These formula. These grants are designed historic piece of businesses that have payments will to address the impact of the legislation, which been provide individuals coronavirus among individuals and will bring urgent disproportionately with the cash they families who are homeless or at risk relief to American Representative hit by this pandemic. need right now to of homelessness, and to support families and small Pramila Jayapal (D- While all legislation survive with much additional homeless assistance, WA), Co-Chair of the businesses," said Rep. Congressional is built on of the economy prevention, and eviction prevention As a doctor, I am Ami Bera, M.D. (CA- Progressive Caucus compromise and we Congressman Raja currently shut assistance. Of this $2 billion, proud to support 07) after the House of said, "This bill is an still have far to go in Krishnamoorthi (D- down. Illinois will receive approximately this historic piece of Representatives important step overcoming the IL-08) says this is ● More Than $375 $99 million. In addition, the bill step forward for legislation, which passed the forward." coronavirus and its Billion in Small provides an additional $2 billion for will bring urgent everyday Americans relief to American bipartisan economic impact, the CARES Act suffering from both Business Relief: these grants that will be allocated by families and small emergency relief provides immediate aid to families, the economic and Provides more than HUD to the most hard-pressed areas. businesses", said package for workers, and the small businesses that public health impacts $375 billion in small ● Child Care and Development Block Rep. Ami Bera American families form the backbone of our country while of COVID-19. business relief, Grant: Supports childcare and early and small businesses impacted by the greatly expanding resources to health including $349 education by providing $3.5 billion novel coronavirus. "Today's vote is an care workers on the front lines", said billion for forgivable loans to small for the Child Care and Development important step in getting our Congressman Krishnamoorthi. businesses to pay their employees Block Grant. Illinois state will communities back to health and on a path Key provisions of the legislation and keep them on the payroll; $17 receive $117.5 million under this to economic recovery. I'll continue to billion for debt relief for current emergency appropriation. work with local, state, and national include: and new SBA borrowers; and $10 ● Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant leaders and public health experts to ● A $150 Billion State and Local billion in immediate disaster Program: Provides $850 million for ensure Sacramento County receives all Coronavirus Relief Fund: Creates a grants. this program, giving additional the resources to keep our community $150 billion State and Local ● Approximately $200 Billion for Our support to state and local law safe." Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and enforcement agencies, thereby "This bill is an important step forward. states and localities additional Health Research: Provides an allowing them, for example, to It significantly expands unemployment resources to cope with the investment of about $200 billion in obtain the personal protective insurance benefits for laid-off and coronavirus pandemic. It is our hospitals, health systems, and equipment and other medical items furloughed workers, puts money directly estimated that Illinois will receive health research, including they may need during this public into the pockets of struggling working approximately $4.9 billion in expanding funding for the personal health emergency. Illinois will people and families, provides critical desperately needed funds to benefit protective equipment desperately receive approximately $32 million relief in the form of emergency grants our state's residents. needed by our health care workers, under this appropriation. and forgivable loans to devastated small ● $260 Billion in Dramatically including ventilators, N95 masks, ● Election Assistance: Provides $400 businesses and nonprofits, infuses cash Expanded Unemployment Benefits: gowns, gloves, etc. million for Election Assistance into strained local and state governments Includes numerous provisions to More Than $100 Billion in Grants for states to help prepare for and health care systems, increases the improve unemployment benefits the 2020 elections. Coronavirus is amounts of personal protective including providing an additional Additional Emergency already resulting in the equipment in the Strategic National $600 per week for the next four Appropriations, Including the postponement of some primaries Stockpile, and supports struggling months, providing an additional 13 Following: and this funding can help states industries that do right by their weeks of federally funded benefits, ● Transit Agencies: Provides $25 make voting safer for individuals. employees" said Representative Pramila and expanding eligibility to include billion to transit agencies, which Funding can be used, for example, to Jayapal (D-WA), Co-Chair of the workers in the gig economy and self- have all seen a drastic drop in increase the ability to vote by mail, Congressional Progressive Caucus. employed workers. revenues as social distancing has expand early voting, and expand Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D- ● Immediate Direct Cash Payments to been implemented. This funding is online registration. Illinois will IL-08) says this is step forward for Lower and Middle-Income to be used to protect the jobs of the receive $13.9 million for these everyday Americans suffering from both Americans: Provides for employees of the transit agencies, purposes. Indian American Stanford Student Awarded Michel David-Weill Scholarship

NEW YORK (TIP): Stanford students to pursue graduate degrees from Stanford with bachelor's senior Riya Verma is the recipient of at Sciences Po, an international degrees in computer science and the Michel David-Weill Scholarship, research university that specializes French. During her Stanford career, which provides funding for two years in the social sciences and offers she has been active on many of graduate study at Sciences Po in multidisciplinary programs taught academic and professional fronts, Paris, France. Verma is the first in French and English. This fall, both on campus and internationally. Stanford student to receive the Verma will move to Paris where she prestigious award. will begin a master's program in The Michel David-Weill international development. Scholarship provides $80,000 for This spring, Verma, who is from Senior Riya Verma is the first Stanford student to receive the Michel David-Weill exceptional American college Westchester, New York, will graduate Scholarship THE INDIAN PANORAMA 6 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 Senate Majority Passes New York State Budget Focus on Protecting New Yorkers' Health and Values & Combating the Coronavirus Pandemic ALBANY, NY (TIP): The Senate Majority passed the years' competitive grants are maintained, totaling 2020-2021 State Budget that addresses the needs of New more than $230 million in funding to school districts York residents and businesses, especially in light of the for programs such as early college high schools, ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Despite the anticipated after-school programming, and advanced courses. long-term economic problems caused by this crisis, the ● Authorizing a regional high school in Syracuse, Senate Majority fought to increase education aid, known as the Syracuse Comprehensive Education protect health care spending, and maintain essential and Workforce Training Center, to offer a high services New Yorkers rely on. The enacted State Budget school curriculum that focuses on science, supports struggling taxpayers, farmers and businesses, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). environmental protection efforts, and local ● Establishing a monitor system for the Rochester City governments as they combat the COVID-19 epidemic. School District and directing the State Education "This is not the budget we had hoped to pass at the Commissioner to designate a monitor whose beginning of Session, or even the budget we had appointment will last through June 30, 2023. envisioned just a month ago," Senate Majority Leader Additionally, spin up aid will be provided to the Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. "Our state's financial :"Our state's financial situation has been thrust into a true Rochester City School District to address the situation has been thrust into a true economic crisis economic crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic", said Senate district's $35 million shortfall. due to the coronavirus pandemic. Yet even in this crisis Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Boosting Economic Development across New we managed to achieve a balanced budget that includes victories for the people of New York. The Senate of insulin to be capped at $100. York State: Majority will continue to fight for our progressive ● Establishing the Curing Alzheimer's Health The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic values and priorities in the months ahead." Consortium within SUNY to identify genes that is harming New York businesses and workers. The Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger said, predict an increased risk for developing Senate Majority has already stepped up to help "This budget is a crisis budget. It is not what we Alzheimer's. struggling employees and small businesses impacted by expected to be passing when we came to Albany in Standing Up for Struggling New Yorkers coronavirus quarantines and will continue to support January, but it is what this moment calls for. Through New York job creators. To help grow the economy and this budget we will keep New York State solvent and The Senate Majority understands that New Yorkers rebound from the COVID-19 situation, the 2020-2021 functioning, and meet the needs of the present are struggling due to the ongoing coronavirus State Budget includes: emergency. In the face of challenges the likes of which pandemic and the economic downturn as businesses ● Extending the application period for START-UP NY our state and our nation have not faced in generations, work to stay open and pay employees. To help New York for five years to December 2025. we will protect New Yorkers' health, and stand up for taxpayers address this crisis, the 2020-2021 State Budget ● The enacted budget provides an additional $4,714,000 New York students, families, and small businesses. But includes: for statewide and local economic development make no mistake - this budget is not the final word. Far ● Providing $200 million in additional support programs. from it. When the immediate crisis is over, we must take through the Child Care Development Block Grant to ● Extending the Excelsior Tax Credit Program for 5 a hard look at where we stand and how we got here; we assist families affected by the public health years. must face down the structural flaws and inequities in emergency. ● Making the New York Buy American Act our society that this crisis has revealed; and we must ● Increasing funding for Unemployment Insurance permanent. begin to chart a path for New York in which no one is (UI) Administration by $1.05 billion in anticipation ● Expanding the eligibility of the Economic left behind or sacrificed, in which everyone pitches in of increased UI claims. Transformation Facility Redevelopment Program their fair share, and in which we make the hard and ● Prohibiting gender pricing discrimination, through 2021 to support the economies of complex decisions to ensure the future is bright for all commonly referred to as the 'Pink Tax.' communities affected by the closure of certain New Yorkers." ● Ensuring all New York employees have between five correctional facilities in 2011. Protecting New Yorkers Health and Health to seven days (40 to 56 hours, respectively) of sick ● Providing an additional $365,000 Minority and Care Services leave. Women-Owned Business Development. ● Eliminating the current photo identification Protecting New York Communities and As New York State confronts the coronavirus requirement for public assistance recipients and pandemic, the need to protect health care spending and allowing these New Yorkers to access a free Reforming the Criminal Justice System invest in quality medical services for New Yorkers has identification card from the state Department of Building on the Senate Majority's historic legislation never been more essential. To advance those goals, the Motor Vehicles. to protect New York children and communities from the State Budget passed by the Senate Majority includes: ● Allowing the State Department of Taxation and scourge of gun violence, the 2020-2021 State Budget ● Expanding access to telehealth in the Medicaid Finance to provide the Earned Income Tax Credit to includes provisions to help keep more guns off New program so more New Yorkers can connect with eligible New Yorkers who qualify,but hadn't applied. York streets. Additionally, as part of the Senate their physical and mental health providers. ● Expands prevailing wage requirements to private Majority's ongoing efforts to fix the state's broken ● Tobacco and vaping control regulations, including: projects over $5 million paid in whole or partially criminal justice system and keep New York ● Prohibiting the retail sale of flavored vapor with public funds as well as projects where public communities safe, key provisions were advanced in the products, unless the product is approved by the funds make up at least 30 percent of the aggregated Budget to ensure New York continues to serve as a Federal Food and Drug Administration through the total costs, with certain exemptions. progressive leader to the nation. The 2020-2021 State premarket tobacco product application process; Investing in New York Students Budget includes: ● Prohibiting the public display of tobacco products, ● Improvements to New York's bail law such as electronic cigarettes, or vapor product The Senate Majority understands that education is making several high-level offenses now bail eligible advertisements near schools; the great equalizer in our society and that every including certain sex crimes, high level drug ● Increasing the general penalties for selling tobacco student, regardless of their zip code, deserves access to offenses, domestic violence felonies, crimes or vape products to minors; a world-class education. The Senate Majority fought to resulting in a death, and offenses directly related to ● Requiring disclosure of ingredients in vape restore proposed cuts and maintain funding for New an individual's flight risk. The reform proposal also: products; York State schools and education programs, despite the ● Creates a mechanism to address individuals who ● Regulating dangerous carrier oils that cause vaping economic downturn and lower anticipated revenue. The repeatedly commit crimes; illnesses; and 2020-2021 State Budget includes: ● Expands reporting requirements so that the ● Creating a new education campaign regarding the ● Providing a $104 million increase in School Aid for a Department of Criminal Justice Services and the dangers of vaping for school aged youth. total of $27.9 billion Office of Court Administration can better track ● Designating 13 fentanyl analogs to Schedule I ● Ensuring every school district is held harmless in outcomes of the state's new bail law; and controlled substances to get these drugs off the Foundation Aid and will receive the same amount as ● Maintains the existing bail structure where most streets and protect New Yorkers. in 2019-20 - a total state-wide investment of $18.4 misdemeanors and non-violent felonies are not bail ● Authorizing the Department of Financial Services billion. eligible. to investigate prescription drug price increases of ● Providing a $96 million increase for expense-based ● Providing $40 million to support the implementation over 50% and indications of fraud, and creating the aids for a total funding level of $8.99 billion of discovery reforms. Drug Accountability Board to participate in the ● Providing $10 million in new funding for student investigations. mental health support grants and $1 million for Read full story at ● Limiting out-of-pocket expenses for a 30-day supply civics curriculum development. Additionally, past www.theindianpanorama.news THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 7 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 8 EDITORIAL FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 AS I SEE IT

By Kalinga Tudor Silva BEYOND SOCIAL DISTANCING In the global South, a TO FIGHT COVID-19 military style lockdown, actually served to contain the epidemic, but it also further stigmatized a religious though inevitable given group already in the margins of Korean the circumstances, may society, interfering with disease containment. reinforce prejudices Iran became a leading COVID-19 hot agree with Eric Klinenberg's recent spot in West Asia due to a unique set of submission to The New York Times circumstances. It was compelled to Ithat social distancing, advocated by develop ties with China due to economic health authorities worldwide, as a means sanctions imposed by U.S.-led western of combating the spread of the countries. An Iranian trader who made a coronavirus, can only be a part of business trip to Wuhan was reportedly firefighting. The rapid worldwide spread the very first COVID-19 patient in Iran. of COVID-19 has a lot to do with the The initial hub of disease transmission fallout of globalization, including the in Iran was Qom, a popular pilgrimage travel industry, tourism and the center for Shiite Muslims. The next neoliberal attack on universal health center was the Iranian Parliament, care. Moreover, unfettered promotion of having strong ties with Qom, the social distancing can reinforce existing spiritual hub of Iranian society.As many social prejudices driven by different as 23 parliamentarians, comprising 8% forms of social exclusion. of all MPs, were infected with the disease The Korea example by March 3. Social distancing was in Sri Lanka by March 15 as many as 11 so far as these workers and their families contrary to popular forms of social (61%) were Sri Lankan returnees from are often in between two states, In illustrating how social distancing greeting in Iran particularly among the Italy, a popular destination for Sri experiencing difficulties at both ends. actually works in the periphery, I will ruling elite. In any case the coronavirus Lankan migrant workers from the 1990s. The workers returning from Italy and draw from a few examples from corona- was introduced in Iran through Thus, imported cases and those South Korea were the first to be sent to affected countries. The COVID-19 globalization-triggered international directly exposed to them comprise over quarantine centers in Batticaloa and epidemic in South Korea started with the alignment and incubated through 90% of all COVID-19 cases detected in Sri Kandakadu from March 10. Initially,they controversial Shincheonji Church of political and religious processes. Lanka as of March 22. Roughly about resented the mandatory two-week Jesus with a personality cult centered Spread in Sri Lanka 20.5% of confirmed cases are connected quarantine in a remote location. Both around 88-year-old Lee Man-hee, with tourism. Nearly 60% of all cases are migrant workers and tourist guides identified as a messianic savior. This cult The onset of the COVID-19 epidemic in among Sri Lankan workers returning already experience discrimination of facilitated the transmission of the India and Sri Lanka has a lot to do with from abroad and their contacts various kinds because of their disease from Wuhan to South Korea tourism and labor migration, processes indicating that exposure to the disease occupations and the risks involved. A because of frequent travel among its intimately connected with globalization. through overseas employment has military style lockdown though followers. Consequently, more than half Both in India and Sri Lanka, the first triggered the epidemic in Sri Lanka. inevitable given the circumstances is of all COVID-19 patients at the onset of cases were reported among foreign Considering that nearly 50% of the likely to reinforce the existing the epidemic belonged to this religious tourists from Italy and China, entire caseload in Sri Lanka is among prejudices. This clearly shows that we movement, which accounted for less respectively. The tour guides who workers returning from Italy, it is need to think beyond social distancing than 1% of the Korean population. travelled with the respective tourists and important to note that many Sri Lankan and address problems of the fallout from Social isolation among new their contacts became the first set of workers in Italy work as live-in care globalization in dealing with the immigrants in Korean cities was local people exposed to the disease givers for elderly people. The spurt of pandemic in the global South. It appears incidentally a major incentive for people triggering local transmissions. Both Sri cases of Indian origin lately has led to as if the much-publicizedproblems of a to join this cult. In this context social Lanka and Kerala in India have large identification of Chennai as a high-risk run-away world have been finally distancing was not popular among them portions of their labor force employed region in Sri Lanka. crystallized in this deadly global due to the simple reason that the overseas. Returnees from these overseas Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic can be epidemic. movement served as an extended family destinations have contributed to the seen as a fallout of globalization, (The author is Professor of Sociology at for many of its members. In this upsurge in the COVID-19 epidemic in particularly in the global South. The University of Peradeniya. He can be reached instance, social distancing once South Asian countries. For instance, quarantine and social distancing at [email protected]) successfully introduced may have among 18 conformed COVID-19 patients processes may not be totally effective in GUEST COMMENT Beyond the blame game: On the Tablighi Jamaat episode India must use the lockdown for full contact tracing, especially being reported cannot be an excuse. case, beginning with the Namaste attended the event, trace their contacts, after the Nizamuddin scare After all, WHO had called COVID-19 a Trump rally in Ahmedabad, to migrants quarantine, test and treat them without pandemic on March 11. The organizers gathering in a few cities including Delhi losing time. Both South Korea and izamuddin in Delhi has turned should have been very much aware that a few days ago. Until the lockdown Singapore have demonstrated how into a large cluster of novel a similar congregation organized by began, many places of worship were meticulous tracing of contacts of a Ncoronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) cases them in Malaysia in end-February led to open and political events held. Each church event, isolation and aggressive after a big religious congregation was a spike in cases there and the attendees such event could have potentially seeded testing helped prevent the highly held in mid-March by the Tablighi had carried the virus to other countries. the virus into the population and should infectious virus from spreading widely Jamaat at the Alami Markaz Banglewali But the Delhi government is equally have therefore been cancelled or in the community.Ideally,the remaining Masjid. More than 400 people showing culpable as nothing was done to stop prevented. But India failed despite being period of the shutdown should be used symptoms have been hospitalized in such a meeting except issuing an order aware how global congregations - some to expand the testing to at least limited Delhi alone and nearly 240 have tested on March 13 prohibiting the assembly of linked to religion - had led to an community level to find every suspected positive; at least 10 have died. The more than 200 people. What prevented alarming spread of the virus, examples case linked to the attendee. The last specter of large-scale community spread the State government from following the being the large outbreaks in South thing that India can afford in the war by a few hundred attendees from Centre's March 6 advice to States to Korea, Singapore, southern Italy and against the virus is the disease different States cannot be ruled out. avoid or postpone mass gatherings till Spain. acquiring a religious or class color. That the three-day event began on a day the pandemic was contained? There States that already have cases with a Community leaders have been when the Health Ministry said that it have been several such large gatherings, link to the Nizamuddin event should irresponsible, but those in the did not consider the novel coronavirus religious and non-religious, in the now use the lockdown period to actively government have been lax too. as a health emergency despite 81 cases country after India reported its first engage in finding everyone who has (The Hindu) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 PERSPECTIVE 9 The Corona Threat to US Navy hilst the entire world is battling Wthe corona virus threat with varying By Group Capt Murli degrees of success, a most Menon (retd) fearsome happenstance in this nightmare is unfolding far away in the Eastern maritime theater. South China Morning Post, Fox News and the Deputy Secretary Navy have all stated on March 29 that at least 36 crew members of US Navy aircraft carrier USS "The Chinese have Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) have been inflicted been evolving their with the virus and the ship along with nearly 5,000 surface-to-surface personnel is quarantined at Guam in the Pacific. The missile weaponry ship, radio call sign nicknamed 'Rough Rider' after President one wonder if the entire pandemic has indeed been 'launched' Roosevelt's volunteer cavalry unit in the Spanish - American by China for ulterior motives. War, is known to have made a port call at Vietnam three weeks MOOTW is a doctrinal term coined by the US military such as the earlier. during the nineties and since fallen into disuse. US Army's Given the peculiarities of such combat ships, virtual Field Manuals and Joint Doctrines say that OOTW hypersonic DF-17 to floating cities with thousands of sailors working and living in encompasses a wide range of activities wherein military close quarters, the disease can be transmitted faster onboard. forces are employed for purposes other than large scale target American This accounts for a third of the reported positive cases in the combat operations associated with conventional war. US military and a vital combat asset is going to be Generally envisaged outside the US such operations involve a aircraft carriers and nonoperational for at least a few weeks (possibly longer) for combination of air, land, sea, space, special ops and activities testing of all sailors and decontaminating the ship. of non-governmentorganizations in a concerted effort, to other naval ships at The ship's air conditioning would have been instrumental in achieve diplomatic, economic and informational goals . It is spreading the corona bug .The 100,000-tonne Nimitz class not beyond the realm of possibility that China which nurses sea. The Americans carrier with sailors packed like sardines, even in equipment global dominance ambitions would have motives and and weapon bays and food buffets personnel are forced to capabilities in this arena. Virus warfare and bio war could cohabit in very close proximity, quite unlike the working well fall under the realm of OOTW, though in this case apparently have environment in the Army or the Air Force. Also most naval possibly waged by an adversary. This possibility does not men spend a majority of their time in equipment sound good from an international military point of view, as it developed a counter maintenance, calling for them to be touching every corner and could imply a military confrontation between two military surface on the ship, thus leading to rapid transmission of the world powers, one the only superpower and the other an to this threat. Virus infamous virus. Besides, disinfecting the war ship would be emerging superpower. The only saving grace is that motives challenging as there are several equipment and weapon are difficult to establish in this context and counter action by warfare aimed at systems that could be contaminated by the disinfecting affected parties therefore difficult and unfeasible. chemicals. Whilst the Chinese regime's misinformation propaganda the non- Another carrier, USS Ronald Reagan, is likewise held up at ramps up efforts to pass on blame to entities such as a US the Japanese port of Yokosuka, two of its sailors having military sports contingent, many aspects of the corona operationalization showed up positive for corona. It is not clear if this ship too pandemic defy logical explanation. The fact that after its would be rendered nonfunctional shortly. Ironically, both origin from the wet market of Wuhan, the spread of the virus these aircraft carriers were part of Donald Trump's Indo- was strangely contained in that one city in China itself is of one or even two Pacific strategy aimed at countering China. Though the US perplexing. Of course currently there are too many Navy has put it out that their combat capability has not been imponderables that defy logic. Herd immunity, immunity premier aircraft eroded by these two instances, prudence indicates that the caused by other pathogens such as malaria parasite and assets would not be combat-worthy for a considerable period tuberculosis are still unclear propositions. carriers in the of time, at least for around a month. Once we have more data from countries in Africa and South Two intelligence-related incidents, in the backdrop of the Asia and South East Asia, perhaps researchers would be able Pacific would be corona fiasco, concerning Chinese research scientists bear to fathom the full epidemiology of the corona Covid-19. Also mention. In July 2019, Canada expelled a team of virology the fact that hydroxyquinine (since cleared for use by the another ballgame scientists led by Dr Xiangguo Qui from Winnipeg's National FDA) has been found to be effective in containing the adverse Microbiology Laboratory for transgression of bio war related respiratory ill effects of the virus and the lack of clarity over altogether. The technologies. Then again in November 2018, US Customs and the mismatch between malaria affected regions and the Border Patrol stopped a Chinese biologist with three vials of corona pandemic impacted regions worldwide are 'antibodies' in his luggage( actually containing SARS and perplexing, to put it mildly. urgent need for a MERS material), allegedly meant for a colleague researcher at The drastic shakedown of prevailing world economy and a US Institute. Recently the US Justice department preferred the stock markets globally are aspects that need a different corona vaccine has charges against Professor Charles Leiber of Harvard's analysis by specialists .Be that as it may, the vulnerability of chemistry department for unethical deals with Chinese large naval aircraft carriers to such an epidemic 'attack' a military dimension entities. Strong US-China cooperation at that time enabled the makes the military mind ponder. The Chinese have been Chinese to run dubious dual use technology research evolving their surface-to-surface missile weaponry such as the now." programs in the US, with serious bio war implications. hypersonic DF-17 to target American aircraft carriers and The manner in which the US Navy's combat potential has other naval ships at sea. The Americans apparently have been seriously compromised in the eastern maritime theatre developed a counter to this threat. Virus warfare aimed at the without firing a shot makes me wonder whether it was all part non-operationalization of one or even two premier aircraft of an intentional Military Operations Other Than War carriers in the Pacific would be another ballgame altogether. (MOOTW) ploy by China against the US, as a retaliation The urgent need for a corona vaccine has a military against Trump's recent trade and tariff war measures . dimension now. Social media has been rife with such conspiracy theories (The author is a Retired Group Captain and a Defense Commentator) alright, but the predicament of the two USN carriers makes THE INDIAN PANORAMA 10 SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

Pakistan’s coronavirus cases cross 2,000 DANIEL PEARL’S ‘KILLER’ ISLAMABAD (TIP) : The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan MAY WALK FREE surpassed 2,000 on Wednesday, indicating an upward trend despite Pakistan court overturns key accused’s death sentence efforts by the government to contain the pandemic. KARACHI (TIP): Pakistani court on “Mockery of justice”: Daniel’s The Ministry of National Health Thursday overturned the death Services said that 105 new patients sentence of British-born top al-Qaeda father tested positive for the virus in the last leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, who Daniel’s parents called the 24 hours, taking the total number of was convicted in the abduction and judgment a mockery of justice infections to 2,039. murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in It showed that the largest provinces Karachi in 2002 in the aftermath of the and demanded that the of Punjab had 708 cases, Sindh 676, 9/11 terror attack. prosecution in Pakistan should Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 253, Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia appeal the court verdict. “Anyone Balochistan 158, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) bureau chief for The Wall Street 184, Islamabad 54 and Pakistan- Journal, was abducted and beheaded with a minimal sense of right and occupied Kashmir 6. while he was in Pakistan investigating a wrong now expects Faiz Shah, So far, 26 people have died due to the story on the alleged links between the prosecutor general of Sindh to do virus and 82 have recovered, while country’s powerful spy agency ISI and another 12 are in critical condition. al-Qaeda. his duty and appeal this The increase in the number of cases Sheikh, who was the mastermind kidnappings of Western tourists in the reprehensible decision to the showed that there was little impact of behind abduction and killing of Pearl, country. Supreme Court of Pakistan,” the measures, including partial was arrested from Lahore in February On Thursday, the Sindh High Court Judea Pearl, Daniel’s father lockdown, taken so far to reduce the 2002 and sentenced to death five months found 46-year-old Sheikh guilty of the spread of the disease. later by an anti-terrorism court. lesser charge of kidnapping and tweeted. Officials in Pakistan are scrambling Sheikh, along with Jaish-e- commuted his death sentence to seven to contain the disease by appealing to Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and years in prison. Sheikh has been in jail The Bench announced the verdict on the public to remain inside homes and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, were released for the past 18 years. A two-judge Bench appeals filed by four convicts 18 years go out only in cases of emergencies. by India in 1999 and given safe passage headed by Justice Mohammad Karim ago. Sheikh’s lawyers, Khawaja Naveed But there was little impact on the to Afghanistan in exchange for the Khan Agha also acquitted the three and Rai Bashir, told the media that since masses and in several cities, people nearly 150 passengers of hijacked others — Fahad Naseem, Salman Saqib he had already been in prison for 18 were seen roaming out while security Indian Airlines Flight 814. He was and Sheikh Adil —serving life years he could go free immediately. — officials were trying to convince them serving prison term in India for sentences in the case. PTI to go back to their places. Prime Minister Imran Khan would hold a meeting of National Core Committee to discuss steps to contain the deadly virus. He has already 18 Nepali Muslims who attended announced Rs 1,200 billion package to deal with the economic challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis. — PTI Nizamuddin congregation in Delhi, Pakistan Cabinet approves Rs 1,200 bn quarantined in Nepal relief package as coronavirus cases rise KATHMANDU (TIP): Eighteen Nepali Muslims, who recently returned ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan’s from India after participating in a Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs Tablighi Jamaat congregation in 1,200-billion relief package to deal Nizamuddin area in New Delhi, have with the growing coronavirus crisis in been identified and kept in a quarantine the country as COVID-19 cases rose facility in southern Nepal’s Saptari sharply, claiming the lives of 25 people district, authorities said on Wednesday. and infecting nearly 1,900. Famed for the shrine of the 14th The package was unveiled by Prime century Sufi mystic Khwaja Nizamuddin Minister Imran Khan last week and it Auliya, the Nizamuddin area of New was formalised on Monday by the Delhi has emerged as an epicentre for Economic Coordination Committee spread of the coronavirus in different (ECC) in its meeting, chaired by parts of India after thousands of people Adviser to the Prime Minister on took part in a Tablighi Jamaat Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh. congregation from March 1-15. Prime Minister Khan chaired the Indian authorities have launched a Cabinet meeting which granted nationwide search for participants of approval to the relief package on the huge religious gathering amid fears Tuesday, his Advisor on Information that thousands present there could have Firdous Ashiq Aawan told the media. carried the infection to the length and “The Cabinet unanimously breadth of the country. approved Rs 1,200-billion coronavirus Various nationals, particularly from relief package with the commitment Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, According to spokesperson of due to the closure of the India-Nepal that it help to defeat the virus,” said Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Kanchanpur municipality Raj Kumar border. According to Parsa’s Awan. According to a notification by Kyrgyzstan come for Tabligh activities Shah the India returnees have been Superintendent of Police (SP) Ganga the government, a Rs 100 billion in Delhi. quarantined at a newly constructed Panta, the huge mass of Indian citizens emergency fund was set up to deal with Nepali authorities on Wednesday said building of Lakshmi Naryan Secondary heading towards India via border in the impact of the pandemic. It was also that 18 local Muslims, who recently School. Parsa have been kept in an education agreed to provide 20.2 million people returned from the Indian capital after Meanwhile, around 400 Indian faculty building. Rs 12,000 on a monthly basis for four participating in the religious gathering, nationals, who gathered from different They returned to Birgunj on Tuesday months via the ‘Ehsaas Kifalat have been quarantined in Saptari parts of Nepal to return to India, have morning after finding that the border Programme’. PTI district in southern Nepal. been stranded in Birgunj area in Parsa was closed in the Indian side. PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 11 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 12 US FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 Justice Department Files its First Enforcement Action against COVID-19 Fraud WASHINGTON (TIP): The Department of Justice ● Do not click on links or open email attachments announced March 22 that it has taken its first action in from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so federal court to combat fraud related to the coronavirus could download a virus onto your computer or (COVID-19) pandemic. The enforcement action filed in device. Austin against operators of a fraudulent website ● Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus follows Attorney General William Barr's recent software on your computer is operating and up to direction for the department to prioritize the detection, date. investigation, and prosecution of illegal conduct challenges with the COVID-19 crisis, Americans are ● Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or related to the pandemic. understandably desperate to find solutions to keep their treatment. Remember, if a vaccine becomes As detailed in the civil complaint and accompanying families safe and healthy," said Special Agent in Charge available, you won't hear about it for the first time court papers filed on Saturday, March 21, 2020, the Christopher Combs of the FBI's San Antonio Field through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales operators of the website "coronavirusmedicalkit.com" Office. "Fraudsters who seek to profit from their fear pitch. are engaging in a wire fraud scheme seeking to profit and uncertainty, by selling bogus vaccines or cures, not ● Check online reviews of any company offering from the confusion and widespread fear surrounding only steal limited resources from our communities, COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies COVID-19. Information published on the website they pose an even greater danger by spreading whose customers have complained about not claimed to offer consumers access to World Health misinformation and creating confusion. During this receiving items. Organization (WHO) vaccine kits in exchange for a difficult time, protecting our communities from these ● Research any charities or crowdfunding sites shipping charge of $4.95, which consumers would pay reprehensible fraud schemes will remain one of the soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 by entering their credit card information on the FBI's highest priorities." before giving any donation. Remember, an website. In fact, there are currently no legitimate The United States filed today's announced action to organization may not be legitimate even if it uses COVID-19 vaccines and the WHO is not distributing any shutter the website immediately while an investigation words like "CDC" or "government" in its name or such vaccine. In response to the department's request, of the website and its operators continues. In so doing, has reputable looking seals or logos on its U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman issued a temporary the government is employing a federal statute that materials. For online resources on donating restraining order requiring that the registrar of the permits federal courts to issue injunctions to prevent wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fraudulent website immediately take action to block harm to potential victims of fraudulent schemes. website. public access to it. The Department of Justice recommends that ● Be wary of any business, charity, or individual "The Department of Justice will not tolerate criminal requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire exploitation of this national emergency for personal Americans to take the following precautionary transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don't send gain," said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of measures to protect themselves from known money through any of these channels. the Department of Justice's Civil Division. "We will use and emerging scams related to COVID-19: ● Be cautious of "investment opportunities" tied to every resource at the government's disposal to act ● Independently verify the identity of any company, COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a quickly to shut down these most despicable of charity, or individual that contacts you regarding small company's products or services can help stop scammers, whether they are defrauding consumers, COVID-19. the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully committing identity theft, or delivering malware." ● Check the websites and email addresses offering research the investment beforehand. For "Attorney General Barr has directed the department information, products, or services related to information on how to avoid investment fraud, to prioritize fraud schemes arising out of the COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange coronavirus emergency," said U.S. Attorney John F. addresses that differ only slightly from those Commission (SEC) website. Bash of the Western District of Texas. "We therefore belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, moved very quickly to shut down this scam. We hope in For example, they might use "cdc.com" or "cdc.org" consumers may visit the Centers for Disease Control the future that responsible web domain registrars will instead of "cdc.gov." and Prevention (CDC) and WHO websites. quickly and effectively shut down websites designed to ● Be wary of unsolicited emails offering In addition, the public is urged to report suspected facilitate these scams. My office will continue to be information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by calling the aggressive in targeting these sorts of despicable frauds or requesting your personal information for National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1- for the duration of this emergency." medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities 866-720-5721) or by e-mailing the NCDF at "At a time when we face such unprecedented will not contact the general public this way. [email protected] Indian American Mother Charged with Murder of 4-Year-Old Son USCIS Temporary Office Closure HOUSTON, TX (TIP): A 36-year-old Sugar Land woman of India origin is Extended until at least May 3 facing a murder charge in connection with the death of WASHINGTON (TIP): On March other appointments must her son. 18, U.S. Citizenship and reschedule through the USCIS Ritika Rohatgi Agrawal is Immigration Services temporarily Contact Center once field offices are charged with the capital suspended in-person services at its open to the public again. Please murder of her 4-year-old field offices, asylum offices, and check to see if the office in your son, who was found dead in application support centers (ASCs) naturalization ceremonies jurisdiction has been reopened their home in Sugar Land in to help slow the spread of impacted by the extended before reaching out to the USCIS Texas on March 28. coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS temporary closure. USCIS asylum Contact Center. Ritika Rohatgi Agrawal is "Sugar Land police and offices will begin to reopen on May 4 offices will send interview Education and precautions are charged with the capital fire-EMS responded to 5200 unless the public closures are cancellation notices and the strongest tools against infection. murder of her 4-year-old block of Weatherstone Circle extended further. Employees in automatically reschedule asylum Get the latest facts by visiting the son in Gardens of Avalon at 10:40 these offices are continuing to interviews. When the interview is Centers for Disease Control and a.m. A man arrived home and saw blood throughout his perform mission-essential services rescheduled, asylum applicants will Prevention's COVID-19 website. house and his 36-year-old wife wandering around with that do not require face-to-face receive a new interview notice with Continue to practice good health cut wounds to her neck and wrists that appeared to be contact with the public. the new time, date and location of habits, refrain from handshakes or self-inflicted. Their four-year-old son was found dead USCIS will continue to provide the interview. When USCIS again hugs as greetings, and wash hands upstairs with his throat slit. Ritika Rohatgi Agrawal limited emergency services. Please resumes normal operations, USCIS and clean surfaces appropriately. (DOB 01-09-84) is charged with murder. She woman was call the Contact Center for will automatically reschedule ASC USCIS will provide further transported by ambulance to a hospital" said City of assistance with emergency services. appointments due to the temporary updates as the situation develops Sugar land spokesman Doug Adolph. USCIS field offices will send office closure. You will receive a and will continue to follow CDC Authorities suspect Ritika Rohatgi Agrawal may be notices to applicants and petitioners new appointment letter in the mail. guidance. Please also visit suffering from mental illness. with scheduled appointments and Individuals who had InfoPass or uscis.gov/coronavirus for updates. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 US 13

Indian American Embassy of India Issues Assembly Member Announces Medical Student Hub Advisory Supply Donation Drive WASHINGTON (TIP): Following the in San Jose growing cases of COVID-19, US universities have taken measures to shut down on-campus operations and/or move classes online. The Embassy of India/India Student Hub has the following advisory for Indian students who may be impacted by these decisions. Please note that this advisory is based on information available as of 27 March 2020. The WHO, CDC, Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (for India- specific updates), and your universities are the best sources for the latest information in this rapidly evolving situation. Further India Student Hub updates will be issued as needed. Please read this advisory carefully. For emergencies, continue to contact the 24x7 Assembly member Ash Kalra announces Medical Supply Donation Drive in San Jose Consular Emergency helplines at for Frontline Hospital Staff Embassy or Consulates as per your present location. In addition, to help SAN JOSE, CA (TIP); Assembly support Indian students during the member Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) COVID-19 crisis, the Embassy of India announced a safety supplies donation Student Hub has established a non- status. Read the full SEVP guidance all scheduled international drive in response to the countywide emergency Peer Support Line. Details for here:commercial passenger flights until shortage of protective equipment for these are given below: (https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/f 1830 hrs. GMT on 14 April 2020. In medical workers to protect them 1. If you are staying on-campus and are iles/documents/Document/2020/CO addition, all domestic passenger against COVID-19. asked to vacate, check with your VID-19FAQ.pdf); flights within India are also "Today I am calling on all members of university about retaining on- ● The United States Department of suspended until 14 April 2020. This the public, companies, organizations campus housing. If your petition is Homeland Security (DHS) provides action has been taken in the interest and others to donate needed medical not accepted, consult with your updated information on visa status of public health and safety of all supplies to the Valley Medical Center university and/or with your network and CPT/OPT Indian citizens. The latest Foundation," said Assembly member on how to find alternate applications/extensions at Government of India travel Kalra. "As our first responders, accommodations. https://www.ice.gov/covid19. advisories can be found at the doctors, and nurses risk their safety 2. If your university or program is ● If you, a relative, or a friend were Ministry of Health and Family during the Coronavirus outbreak, they shutting down on-campus services, admitted on a visa that may be Welfare website: are now lacking the basic tools to do check with your university or expiring (and were not admitted as https://www.mohfw.gov.in/; their jobs right, and to do them safely." program on how to avail your an F-1 student for Duration of ● Remain in contact with your DSO for "I understand the desire for the university's health services, student Status), you may need to take action information on any possible impact public to hold on to many of these health insurance, international to extend the authorized stay. We are international travel may have on items, however, our frontline medical student services, and any other given to understand that DHS is your F-1 or J-1 status. staff need them more than we do," he essential service(s) that may be currently not in a position to offer a We again request you to avoid travel for added. "If you or anyone you know impacted. blanket extension of visa cases. two reasons: happens to have a surplus of supplies, 3. The Embassy of India/India Student However, they are working hard to a. to protect you from exposure to please consider donating these items. Hub can provide information on quickly process urgent requests COVID-19, and Together, we can do our part to make a temporary emergency resources. from individuals. We have been b. to prevent you from being a source of difference and protect these unsung The Embassy has partnered with asked to advise Indian nationals transmission to other heroes who are keeping our and is grateful to members of the whose visa status may be expiring people/communities. communities safe." Indian community who have made (for any reason) to apply online as We will update the information as soon Donations can be made to the these resources available for Indian early as possible through USCIS. You as commercial flights to India resume. students in an emergency. During may direct yourselves/family Meanwhile, if you need any support, Valley Medical Center this extraordinary situation created members to please do reach out to us using the Foundation, which is by the pandemic, our commitment https://www.uscis.gov/visit-united- information below. coordinating public donations of remains steadfast to ensure welfare states/extend-your-stay for specific 6. Please practice social distancing needed medical supplies: of our students in the best possible information regarding extensions of (staying at home as much as possible, manner within available resources status for individuals who are unable except to access essential services) ● The Valley Medical Center and with the support of the US to depart as a result of the COVID-19 and maintain a distance of at least 2 Foundation is located at 400 Clove government. pandemic. meters (6 feet) away from other Drive in San Jose-located on the 4. The Embassy of India is in touch ● Official campus advisories and your people to minimize the transmission campus of the Santa Clara County with the US government, which is Designated Student Official (DSO) of COVID-19. If you have flu-like Valley Medical Center monitoring the implications that and/or program coordinator can symptoms, please self-isolate for a ● Donations are accepted between 8 this evolving situation may have for also provide more information or minimum of 14 days. Consult the a.m. and 5 p.m. daily international students. Please note: clarification on questions relating to WHO and CDC websites for further ● Specifically, local medical staff ● The Student and Exchange Visitor F-1/J-1 students or their dependents. information about the disease, need the following new supplies: Program ('SEVP') has confirmed that 5. Please avoid all non-essential preventative measures, and what to masks, hand sanitizer, protective international students can domestic or international travel, as do if you experience any symptoms. goggles and face shields, temporarily engage in distance- recommended by the WHO and CDC: This is an unprecedented situation, but disinfectant wipes, infrared learning, either from within the U.S. ● For official advisories on domestic we can successfully manage it by making thermometers, shoe covers, hair or outside the country, in light of travel within the US or decisions with a calm mind. Please take covers, and surgical caps. For a COVID-19, without any penalty to internationally, consult the US prudent health precautions and carefully complete list of items, please visit their visa status. Department of State, US review information and travel advisories. https://vmcfoundation.org ● In addition, for most cases, SEVP Transportation and Security To receive the latest Embassy of India ● Anyone can show up and drop off noted that the five-month temporary Administration, and the relevant Student Hub advisory(s), register here: supplies, which will be put to absence rule will not apply for local and state government websites; https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/In immediate use by frontline students who remain in Active ● Kindly note that India has suspended dian_Students_Registration medical staff. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 14 INDIA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 Tablighi Jamaat meet turns Covid-19 super spreader

NEW DELHI (TIP): The Tablighi Jamaat'sMarkaz in TRACKING THE VIRUS Nizamuddin West has emerged as a hotspot of coronavirus as 24 people GLOBAL INDIA tested positive for COVID- 19 following which a major Cases Deaths Cases Deaths area has been sealed and an FIR lodged against its 1,000,829 51,356 2,069 53 cleric for violating government orders. The police registered an FIR against Maulana Saad 17 COMPANIES ASKED of the Nizamuddin centre under sections of TO HELP MEET 38MN UNIT Epidemic Disease Act and other sections of the PPE SHORTFALL Indian Penal Code for violating government NEW DELHI (TIP): How do you produce millions orders on the management of coveralls (a key part of personal protective of the Markaz in relation equipment or PPE) that health care workers need to a social, political or when dealing with something as infectious as the religious gathering. coronavirus disease (Covid-19), when, till last month, Meanwhile, Chief they were mostly imported ? Minister Arvind Kejriwal How do you do so, and quickly, when no one had a said 24 people who design specification till February 27? attended the religious For 17 firms that have been tasked with making the congregation at Tablighi coveralls -- Hindustan Times spoke to six of them -- it Jamaat's Markaz earlier is a race against time that involves dealing with raw this month have tested material shortage, workers worried about their safety, positive for coronavirus, and learning to quickly produce under the watchful while 1,548 have been and anxious eyes of the government. evacuated and 441 workers, both foreigners And for the only laboratory that tests them, it hospitalised after they as well Indians, indulge in simply means working around the clock. showed its symptoms. preaching tours or 'Chilla' HEALTH WORKERS ATTACKED It’s an experience that Tanmay Singhal, a recent After the matter came to across the country graduate of OP Jindal School, didn’t anticipate in the light, the Centre and the throughout the year. IN CITIES, 7 HELD IN INDORE first year of joining his father’s business. Their Delhi government swung Various nationals, Haryana-based firm, Sai Synergy, was a supplier of into action to trace people particularly from NEW DELHI (TIP): The Madhya Pradesh police fire protective gear that was used by oil rig workers in who attended the Indonesia, Malaysia, arrested seven people on Thursday for allegedly West Asia, till February. That’s when it received an congregation. Six people Thailand, Nepal, attacking health workers in Indore’s Tatt Patti Bakhal SOS from the textile and health ministries of the from Telangana and one Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri area on Wednesday, as several such incidents of attacks Government of India. Director of Research and from Jammu and Kashmir, Lanka and Kyrgyzstan on health workers were reported from different parts of Development in the textiles ministry, Balram Kumar, who attended the event, come for Tabligh the country. reached out to the company to attend a meeting. died due to coronavirus. activities. After the incidents, the Central government asked the Source: HT The Centre said 2,100 All such foreign state police to ensure security of health workers. foreigners visited India for nationals report their The residents of a locality in Indore pelted stones at Third coronavirus case Tablighi activities since arrival at Tablighi Markaz healthcare workers who went there to screen people in January 1 and all of them at Banglewali Mosque in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Two female found in Mumbai's Dharavi, first reported at Tablighi Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi doctors reportedly sustained injuries in the incident. Jammat's headquarters in and then they are detailed “We have been visiting the locality for the past three Asia's biggest slum Nizamuddin. for 'Chilla' activities to days for the screening of residents. We had information The Home Ministry also different parts of the about a person coming in contact with a Covid-19 MUMBAI (TIP): A 35-year-old doctor who has a said a total of 303 Tablighi country, the Home patient…We were talking to the person (the elderly clinic on the main road in Dharavi area of Mumbai activists had symptoms of Ministry said. woman) when, all of a sudden, residents got agitated tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, a civic COVID-19 and were While the Health and attacked us,” said one of the doctors. official said. referred to different Ministry said it was not Health department officials said that the incident This is a third Covid-19 case where the patient has a hospitals in Delhi. the time to find faults and happened when the workers sought to take an elderly connection with Dharavi, considered to be Asia's In a statement, the Home emphasised on woman to hospital for her medical examination as she biggest slum with a high population density. Ministry also said so far implementing was said to have come in contact with a Covid-19 An official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal 1,339 Tabligh Jamaat containment strategies, positive patient. Corporation said a doctor who had a clinic on workers have been shifted the arrangement of the The locality where this incident took place was Tatt Dharavi's main road and who was also attached as a to Narela, Sultanpuri and congregation, at a time Patti Bakhal area in Indore. surgeon to a prominent private hospital tested Bakkarwala quarantine when strict restrictions In Bihar, police and medical personnel were attacked positive for the virus. facilities, as well as to were in place in Delhi due by locals in Munger town when they visited a locality to "The building where he lives will be quarantined LNJP, RGSS, GTB, DDU to coronavirus, invited collect samples from people suspected to have and all high-risk contacts will be traced," the BMC Hospitals in Delhi and criticism. contracted coronavirus. Stones were thrown at the official said. AllMS, Jhajjar (Haryana). Kejriwal slammed the quick response team (QRT), comprising policemen and The doctor did not have any travel history, but The rest of them are being organisers of the an ambulance carrying medical personnel, when they further details were being probed, he added. screened for coronavirus. gathering, saying it was visited the Hazratganj locality late on Wednesday, said On April 1, a 56-year-old garment shop owner living In a digital press "highly irresponsible" on the SHO of Qasim Bazar police station Shailesh Kumar. in a Slum Rehabilitation Authority building in conference, Kejriwal said their part to hold such an Dharavi became the first person from the area to test 1,107 people, who attended event at a time when positive for coronavirus. the religious congregation thousands have died in registration of an FIR initiated. He died on the same evening. On Thursday morning in Nizamuddin West, have other countries due to the against the organisers and The Markaz in a a municipal sweeper who lived in Worli but was been quarantined. pandemic. added any lapse in statement said it has not posted at Dharavi tested positive. The Delhi Police has He said his government performance of the violated any provision of The BMC has already created containment zones cordoned off a major area has already written to officers related to the case law and offered its where these two cases were found and restricted the in Nizamuddin West. Delhi Lt Governor Anil will not be tolerated and premises for setting up a movement of over 2,500 persons in these areas. Tablighi Jamaat Baijal recommending the strict action will be quarantine facility. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 INDIA 15 Delhi AIIMS’ doctor tests World Bank approves USD 1 positive for coronavirus

NEW DELHI (TIP): A senior resident doctor of billion emergency funds for India AIIMS, Delhi has tested positive for COVID-19, official sources confirmed on Thursday. The doctor, from the Physiology Department, has now been admitted to the new private ward of the to tackle Covid-19 outbreak hospital and all those who had come in contact with him are being screened and advised home-quarantine WASHINGTON (TIP): The accordingly. World Bank has approved USD 1 The family members of the doctor will also be billion emergency funding for India screened and their samples will be tested, official to help it tackle the coronavirus sources said, adding further contact-tracing has been pandemic, which has claimed 76 initiated. lives and infected 2,500 people in the The source of the infection is yet to be ascertained country. but official sources said the doctor does not have any The World Bank's first set of aid foreign travel history so far. projects, amounting to USD 1.9 Two resident doctors of the Centre-run Safdarjung billion, will assist 25 countries, and Hospital in Delhi also have tested positive for COVID- new operations are moving forward 19, besides two doctors of two Delhi government-run in over 40 nations using the fast- hospitals who have also tested positive for the track process, the bank said on coronavirus infection, they said. Thursday. One of the Safdarjung Hospital doctors, who is part The largest chunk of the of the team treating COVID-19 patients at the hospital, emergency financial assistance has is believed to have contracted the disease during the gone to India - USD 1 billion. course of duty, the sources had said. "In India, USD 1 billion The other medico, a female resident doctor who is a emergency financing will support third-year post-graduate student of Biochemistry better screening, contact tracing, protect the poor and vulnerable. surveillance, and laboratory Department, had recently travelled abroad, they had and laboratory diagnostics; procure There will be a strong poverty systems, as well as strengthen said. personal protective equipment; and focus in these operations, with an essential health care delivery and Both of them showed symptoms of COVID-19 and set up new isolation wards," the emphasis on policy-based financing, intensive care. their test results came out positive two days ago. They World Bank said after its Board of and protecting the poorest In Pakistan, USD 200 million will are now undergoing treatment at the isolation ward of Executive Directors approved the households and the environment, it support preparedness and Safdarjung Hospital. first set of emergency support said. emergency response in the health “All doctors and staff who had come in contact with operations for developing countries "The World Bank Group is taking sector and include social protection them have been tested and so far nobody else has been around the world, using a dedicated, broad, fast action to reduce the and education measures to help the found positive for coronavirus infection,” said fast-track facility for COVID-19 spread of COVID-19 and we already poor and vulnerable cope with the sources. response. have health response operations immediate impacts of the At Sardar Patel Hospital and Delhi State Cancer In South Asia, the World Bank moving forward in over 65 pandemic, the bank said. Institute (DSCI) too, a doctor each has tested positive also approved USD 200 million for countries," said World Bank Group Responding to widespread supply for the coronavirus infection, the sources had said. Pakistan, USD 100 million for President David Malpass. chain disruptions, the World Bank Afghanistan, USD 7.3 million for the "We are working to strengthen is helping countries access Maldives and USD 128.6 million for (the) developing nations' ability to critically needed medical supplies Sri Lanka. respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by reaching out to suppliers on The World Bank said it was now and shorten the time to economic behalf of the governments. working to grant up to USD 160 and social recovery.The poorest and The World Bank is encouraging billion over the next 15 months to most vulnerable countries will others to provide financial support support measures to tackle the likely be hit the hardest, and our to developing countries for the pandemic which will focus on the teams around the world remain COVID-19 health response, said the immediate health consequences and focused on country-level and media statement. bolster economic recovery. regional solutions to address the A total of 1,002,159 COVID-19 The broader economic ongoing crisis," Malpass said. cases have been reported across programme will aim to shorten the According to the bank, USD 100 more than 175 countries and time to recovery, create conditions million will support Afghanistan to territories with 51,485 deaths for growth, support small and slow and limit the spread of COVID- reported so far, according to Johns medium enterprises, and help 19 through enhanced detection, Hopkins University data. Born during lockdown, Chhattisgarh twins named Corona and Covid

RAIPUR (TIP): The pandemic caused "The delivery happened after facing places but they let us go after noticing by a new virus may have brought the several difficulties and, therefore, my my condition," Verma said. world to its knees, but that has not husband and I wanted to make the day I was wondering what would happen deterred a couple in Chhattisgarh to memorable. in the hospital as it was midnight, but name their newborn twins as 'Corona' "Indeed the virus is dangerous and fortunately doctors and other staff were and 'Covid'. life-threatening but its outbreak made very cooperative," she said. The two words may evoke fear and people focus on sanitation, hygiene and "Our relatives, who wanted to reach devastation in minds of others, but for inculcate other good habits. Thus, we the hospital, could not make it as bus the Raipur-based couple they symbolise thought about these names," she said, and train services were stopped due to triumph over hardships as the twins - a giving reasons for their unusual the lockdown," said Verma, who already boy and a girl - were born during the decision. has a two-year-old daughter. ongoing coronavirus-enforced "When the hospital staff also started The twins were born in Dr BR nationwide lockdown which has calling the babies as Corona and Covid, Ambedkar Memorial Hospital. disrupted normal life. we finally decided to name them after Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the The names, they said, would remind the pandemic," she said. hospital, Shubhra Singh, said the them about all the hardships they The couple, originally from Uttar mother and the newborns were conquered amid the lockdown, ahead of Pradesh, resides in a rented house in the discharged recently and they were in a successful delivery on the intervening Purani Basti area of the state capital. good health. night of March 26-27 at a government "On late night of March 26, I suddenly As soon as Verma reached the hospital hospital here. experienced severe labour pain and with her husband, arrangements were However, the couple said they might somehow my husband arranged an made to perform a caesarean section on change their decision later and rename ambulance operated under 102 Mahtari her as it was a complicated case, Singh their kids. Express service. said. I was blessed with the twins - a boy "As no vehicular movement was "Within 45 minutes of their arrival, and a girl - in the early hours on March Corona (girl) for now," Preeti Verma, the allowed on roads due to the lockdown, the delivery was done successfully," the 27. We have named them Covid (boy) and 27-old mother of the newborns, told PTI. we were stopped by police at various PRO said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 16 CORONAVIRUS CRISIS FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 Europe’s hospitals running out of ICU meds for COVID-19 LONDON (TIP): Nine leading European university hospitals are warning they will run out of essential medicines needed for COVID-19 patients in intensive care in less than two weeks as they are increasingly crushed by the Corona death rate is lower than pandemic. The European University previously reported, but it's still Hospital Alliance said that without countries cooperating to ensure a deadlier than seasonal flu steady supply of these drugs, doctors and nurses might no longer ow many people die after being infected with be able to provide adequate the novel coronavirus? Fewer than previously intensive care for people critically Hcalculated, according to a study released ill with the new coronavirus. Monday, but still more than die from the flu. In a statement published this The research, published in the medical journal The week and sent to national Lancet Infectious Diseases, estimated that about governments, the group said that 0.66% of those infected with the virus will die. aside from the need for protective hospitals to buy alternative drugs group noted that some governments That coronavirus death rate, which is lower than gear and ventilators, “the most or try other doses on patients. had reacted to the shortages by earlier estimates, takes into account potentially urgent need now is for the drugs “It is extremely worrying that refusing to export drugs elsewhere, milder cases that often go undiagnosed -- but it's still that are necessary for intensive care overworked and often less- and warned this would prevent far higher than the 0.1% of people who are killed by patients.” experienced nurses and doctors-in- drugs from reaching hospitals in the flu. They wrote that existing stocks of training, drafted to fill the gaps, dire need of the medicines. When undetected infections aren't taken into muscle relaxants, sedatives and have to use products and dosages “No single country in Europe has account, the Lancet study found that the coronavirus painkillers were likely to run out in that they are not used to,” the group the production facilities to provide death rate was 1.38%, which is more consistent with two days in the hardest-hit wrote, on behalf of hospitals in all the drugs (or protective gear or earlier reports. hospitals, and in two weeks in Austria, Britain, France, Germany, ventilators) needed,” they wrote. Early in March, for example, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the others. Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, “Coordinated European action will director of the US National Institute of Allergy and The shortage has led some Sweden and Spain. The hospital be of vital importance.” Infectious Diseases, said that "if you just do the math, the math is about 2%." But he emphasized that the number could go down, ECUADOR BUILDS saying that "as a group it's going to depend completely France’s coronavirus death on what the factor of asymptomatic cases are." 'SPECIAL CAMP' FOR That's because death rates typically only consider toll jumps as nursing reported coronavirus cases, which tend to be more CORONAVIRUS severe, and thus brought to the attention of health care workers. Asymptomatic cases -- or mild cases -- may not always be counted. homes included VICTIMS AS BODIES In this study, researchers tried to estimate the true PARIS (TIP): - The "infection fatality rate." In other words, out of coronavirus death count LIE IN HOMES everybody infected -- not just those sick enough to get in France surged to nearly QUITO (TIP): Ecuador's government tested -- how many people will die? 5,400 people on Thursday said on Thursday it was building a after the health ministry "special camp" for coronavirus victims in Putin orders non-working began including nursing the country's largest city of Guayaquil, home fatalities in its data. where an outbreak has killed over 80 month to curb coronavirus The pandemic had people, with many bodies left at home for claimed the lives of 4,503 days. MOSCOW (TIP): President Vladimir Putin on patients in hospitals by President Lenin Moreno said the Thursday ordered most Russians to stay off work Thursday, up 12% on the official total of 120 deaths across the until the end of the month as part of a partial previous day's 4,032, said Andean nation, among the highest tallies economic shutdown to curb the spread of the Jerome Salomon, head of in Latin America, was "short" as coronavirus. the health authority. A provisional tally showed the coronavirus had authorities had been unable to keep up Speaking in a televised address to the nation on killed a further 884 people in nursing homes and other care facilities, with the virus' spread. Thursday, Putin said he was extending the non- he added. "The reality always exceeds the number working policy he ordered earlier for this week to This makes for a total of 5,387 lives lost to coronavirus in France - an of tests and the speed with which we can remain in force throughout April. He emphasized increase of 1,355 over Wednesday's cumulative total - although data act," Moreno said in televised comments. that all employees should continue earning their has not yet been collected from all of the country's 7,400 nursing A unit of police officers and soldiers, regular salaries during the period. homes. tasked with burying coronavirus victims, Putin said some essential industries will keep "We are in France confronting an exceptional epidemic with an was now collecting as many as 150 bodies operating, and grocery stores and pharmacies will unprecedented impact on public health," Salomon told a news a day from homes in Guayaquil, up from remain open. conference. 30 several days ago, Moreno said. He said Russia's virus-prevention strategies have The country's broad lockdown is likely to be extended beyond April Residents in Guayaquil have bought time and helped slow down the outbreak but 15, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Thursday, extending a complained they have no way to dispose also warned that the number of cases will continue confinement order to try and deal with the crisis that began on March of relatives' remains due to strict climbing. 17. quarantine and curfew measures “The threat remains, and experts believe that the The government was racing to try to ensure it can produce or designed to prevent spread of the virus. epidemic is yet to reach its peak in the world, procure itself certain medications needed to treat coronavirus Last week, authorities said they had including our country,” Putin said. patients as stocks were running low, Philippe told TF1 TV, echoing removed 100 corpses from homes in the Putin said it would be up to regional authorities concerns across Europe as the pandemic places a huge strain on port city. to decide which companies and organizations could hospitals in Italy, Spain and elsewhere. Several locals have taken to social keep working in their areas depending on the More than two-thirds of all the known nursing home deaths have media to appeal for help, posting videos of situation. been registered in France's Grand Est region, which abuts the border dead relatives lying in their residences. Earlier this week, the Russian parliament with Germany. Others families left bodies in the street for empowered the cabinet to introduce the state of It was the first region in France to be overwhelmed by a wave of authorities to collect. emergency allowing it to tighten restrictions — an infections that has rapidly moved west to engulf greater Paris, where Moreno said the government expected authority that previously had belonged only to the hospitals are desperately trying to add intensive care beds to cope with the total number of deaths in Guayaquil's president. the influx of critically ill patients. surrounding province of Guayas, home to Some Kremlin critics have assailed Putin for The care sector has called for blanket testing for all staff, with the 3.8 million Ecuadoreans, to reach stopping short of declaring a nationwide lockdown, virus often entering nursing homes through employees. More than 1 between 2,500 and 3,500. "We're building a opting instead for the ill-defined non-working million people live in France's care homes. special camp for the fallen," he said. order. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 CORONAVIRUS CRISIS 17 DIARRHEA IS FIRST SIGN UP TO 25% OF PEOPLE OF ILLNESS FOR SOME COVID-19 PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 MAY NOT ome patients with COVID-19 experience gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly Sdiarrhea, as the first sign of illness, according to a new study. Among this subset of patients — who have mild SHOW SYMPTOMS disease overall — respiratory symptoms show up only later in the illness, and some never develop significant portion of respiratory symptoms at all, the authors said. COVID-19 patients may never The findings are important because those without Ashow coronavirus symptoms classic symptoms of COVID-19 — such as cough, at all — a key factor aiding the shortness of breath and fever — may go undiagnosed spread of the virus, according to a and could potentially spread the illness to others, the top U.S. health official. researchers said. As many as 25% of people Still, they note that digestive problems are common infected with the new coronavirus overall and don't necessarily mean that a person has remain asymptomatic, Dr. Robert COVID-19. But doctors should recognize that sudden Redfield, director of the Centers for digestive symptoms in people with a possible COVID- Disease Control and Prevention, 19 contact "should at least prompt consideration of told NPR this week. the illness," the authors wrote in their paper, "That's important, because now published ahead of print Monday (March 30) in The you have individuals that may not American Journal of Gastroenterology. "Failure to have any symptoms that can recognize these patients early and often may lead to contribute to transmission," unwitting spread of the disease." Redfield said. The study is not the first to report digestive What's more, even if people do get symptoms as a sign of COVID-19. For example, a study sick, they may shed the virus up to posted March 18 in the same journal found that, 48 hours before they show among about 200 COVID-19 patients at three hospitals symptoms, Redfield added. "This in Wuhan, China, around 50% reported at least one helps explain how rapidly this virus Morbidity and Mortality Weekly asymptomatic spread, the CDC is digestive symptom, and 18% reported diarrhea, continues to spread across the Report found that, of the more than "aggressively" reviewing its vomiting or abdominal pain. However, that study and country, because we have 150 non-travel related COVID-19 recommendations on the use of face others have tended to focus on patients with severe asymptomatic transmitters and we cases in Singapore, 6.4% appeared masks and whether people should illness, rather than those with mild disease. have individuals who are to involve asymptotic transmission. wear them if they don't have In the new study, the researchers analyzed transmitting 48 hours before they In another study, published March symptoms, Redfield said. Currently, information from 206 patients at Union Hospital, become symptomatic," Redfield 19 in the journal Emerging the agency recommends face masks Tongji Medical College in Wuhan, which was said. Infectious Diseases, scientists only for health care providers and designated as a hospital for COVID-19 patients. To be Recent studies from other reviewed data on COVID-19 in people who are sick with COVID-19. included in the study, patients needed to have a mild countries also show that China outside of Hubei Province, Still, there is a concern that such illness, without difficulty breathing or low blood asymptomatic transmission of and found that 12.6% of cases a recommendation could reduce the oxygen levels. COVID-19 is likely occurring. For appeared to involve asymptomatic supply of face masks for health care Overall, 48 patients (23%) were admitted with example, a study published today transmission. workers who desperately need digestive symptoms only, 89 (43%) with respiratory (April 1) in the CDC journal In light of this data on them. symptoms only and 69 (33%) with both respiratory and digestive symptoms. Among all patients with digestive symptoms (117 patients), about 67 (58%) had diarrhea, and of these, Fact check: Are blood type and 13 (20%) experienced diarrhea as the first symptom of their illness. Patients' diarrhea lasted from one to 14 days, with an average duration of five days, the report said. About one-third of patients with digestive susceptibility to coronavirus linked? symptoms never experienced a fever. Patients with digestive symptoms tended to seek utlets have reported that people with type A health care later than those with respiratory blood type are more likely to contract the new symptoms, an average of 16 days from the start of Ocoronavirus, although many failed to emphasize their symptoms, compared with 11 days for those with that the research lacks peer-review, a large sample size respiratory symptoms, the study found. Those with and that experts have told the public not to be digestive symptoms also took longer to clear the virus concerned. from their body (test negative for COVID-19), taking The claim gained popularity through a series of about 41 days on average, compared with 33 days for widely shared Facebook posts. Its momentum has those with respiratory symptoms only. continued with Science Focus, MSN, the South Florida Finally, those with digestive symptoms were much Sun Sentinel and local broadcast news outlets in Iowa more likely to have the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and Virginia running stories. detected in their stool, with about 73% having positive The claim is based on new research from a group of stool samples, compared with 14% of those with medical experts at hospitals and universities in China. respiratory symptoms only.This finding suggests, but The researchers come from an array of institutions, does not definitely confirm, that that virus infects the including the National Clinical Research Center for gastrointestinal tract, the authors said. Infectious Diseases, the Renmin Hospital at Wuhan University and the School of Medicine at the Southern University of Science and Technology in China. The study was published in March on medRxiv, a blood groups of the public in the region, led nonprofit founded by the Cold Spring Harbor researchers to conclude that blood group A was more Laboratory, Yale University and BMJ. MedRxiv is a susceptible to the virus than other blood groups, while preprint server where researchers share preliminary blood group O had a lower chance. findings before peer review. The model makes research But this research has not been peer reviewed or accessible to other experts without having to wait for published in a medical or academic journal, which the often-lengthy peer review and journal publication means other experts in the field have not analyzed its process. research methodology, citations or significance. Its Researchers studied 2,173 people from three hospitals intent is primarily to “generate debate among experts,” in Wuhan and Shenzhen, China, who tested positive for PolitiFact wrote. the coronavirus. “Preprints are preliminary reports of work that have Their conclusions showed 37.75% of the sampled not been certified by peer review,” medRxiv’s site reads. people were blood type A, 26.42% were blood type B, “They should not be relied on to guide clinical practice 10.03% were blood type AB and 25.80% were blood type or health-related behavior and should not be reported O. These data, when compared to the proportions of in news media as established information.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA 18 BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 RAVEENA TANDON SPILLS THE BEANS ON HER ROLE IN KGF 2 he Mohra actress Raveena Tandon went live with TPinkvilla on Instagram and shared many interesting insights from her life. The actress revealed details of her role from the highly anticipated film KGF: Chapter 2. This south THERE IS CONSTANT flick will feature Yash in the lead. Raveena goes on to add that she LEARNING AND UNLEARNING plays a crucial role in this film and Yash is like the anti-hero, yet the FOR ACTORS: MANISHA film audience won't be able to make out easily the real side to these ith time and the kind of roles that she is being characters. offered now, actor Manisha Koirala believes She adds that unless people see Wshe has changed from being spontaneous to the film on the big screen, they methodical in her approach towards acting. won't be able to guess it. As per The actor, one of the most popular faces in the 1990s news reports, the Bade Miyan Chote and 2000s films such as Bombay, Khamoshi, Dil Se, Miyan actress will be essaying the says she is enjoying doing something new with the role of a cop in the southern film characters she is playing today. which is touted to be a high- “The roles that I used to do earlier didn’t require me intensity thriller. to have specific skills or way of doing the role. Today, The Yash starrer is the second the roles that I am doing require me to do that so I part of the blockbuster film KGF. want to put in that extra hour, extra effort. This film is helmed by ace director “I feel when you are challenged, you push your Prashanth Neel. On being quizzed boundaries and you try to excel in that direction. I love about her shoot for KGF 2, Raveena this whole thing of becoming a method actor from says that she luckily wrapped up spontaneous actor. And if I can bring in the her portion for the shoot before the spontaneity and method together that will be great. I lockdown was issued by the love harnessing my skills, I love pushing boundaries,” government. Manisha told PTI in an interview here. Raveena also mentions that the Due to changing styles of storytelling, the 49-year- character she played in Satta had old actor believes artistes should always be open to glimpses of her real personality. any kind of challenge that is thrown at them. ANUSHKA IS GRATEFUL SELF-ISOLATION IS SURREAL, SAYS FOR ‘FOOD, WATER AND A ANANYA PANDAY ROOF’ OVER HER HEAD

he calls herself a "serial chiller", and actor Ananya Panday seems to Sbe making the most of her time with her sister, Rysa, during the 21-day lockdown. From baking cookies, taking part in quarantakshri, to painting, she has her hands full. "It's best to make the most of it since we aren't able to go out," the actor says. With work taking a backseat, the 21- year-old is missing the sets. "It's a very different time and a surreal feeling for nushka Sharma is trying to spread some me, because ever since I've started positivity amid the national lockdown due shooting, I've never stayed at home for Ato coronavirus outbreak. She is also this long. I've been working back-to-back praying for families who are struggling to get and never got this long a break. I would “basic” things. take a break from work for not more The Zero actor posted a photo of herself with than three days. But now, it has been husband Virat Kohli and their pet. Along with it, more than a week and I'm already she wrote, “Every dark cloud had a silver lining. missing work. I hope the crisis gets over And this time, while it may seem like the worst and I can get back to it soon," she shares. time and in so many ways it actually is, has also The shootings of Ananya's upcoming forcefully made us all stop and deal with things films — Khaali Peeli opposite Ishaan we might have been running away from because Khatter and Fighter alongside Vijay either we were ‘busy’ or it was convenient to say Devarakonda — have also got pushed as we were ‘busy’. If this time is respected for what a result. "It has affected my work and it is, it will enable more light to shine through. everyone else's as well. The shooting of This time has also made us all realise what’s two of my films has got pushed. truly important. For me just having food, water Everything is postponed, leading to and a roof over my head and the good health of major losses, but health is more my family seems MOST important. Everything important than anything else," says else is a bonus that I bow my head in gratitude Panday. for.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 HOLLYWOOD 19 SOPHIE TURNER SHARES HOW SHE AND JOE JONAS ARE QUARANTINING ophie Turner revealed how she and husband Joe Jonas are Sspending their time quarantining amid the coronavirus pandemic during her appearance on Tuesday's episode of TBS' Conan. "I'm very, very safe. Very, very quarantined. I'm kind of loving it," the actress told host Conan O'Brien. After admitting that she's an introvert, Turner said that she is HOBBS AND SHAW comfortable staying isolated at home. "If I could stay at home all day I would, SEQUEL IN WORKS so this is great for me," she said. "I ollywood star Dwayne Johnson has leave the house like once a day anyway confirmed that the second part of to walk my dogs, and then that's it." HHobbs & Shaw is in development. Continued Turner, "I see how people Starring Johnson and Jason Statham, are finding it difficult, but I don't Hobbes & Shaw is the first spin-off from understand how people are really the Fast & Furious series. struggling to practice social The 2019 action film was directed by distancing. I'm like, 'All you have to do David Leitch. is stay at home and, like, get drunk.'" Over the weekend, Dwayne Johnson One part of quarantining that gave an update on Hobbs & Shaw 2 during Turner said she particularly enjoys is an Instagram Live Q&A session. that she doesn't have to get dressed up. “We are developing now the next film, The actress then showed O'Brien that the next (Hobbs & Shaw) movie, and I’m she was wearing sweatpants. pretty excited about it. Just gotta figure While some couples have had a hard out the creative right now, and the time being stuck in their homes all day, direction we’re going to go,” the former Turner said that she and her singer- professional wrestler said. actor husband haven't gotten sick of Dwayne Johnson also thanked fans for each other yet. making the first film a “huge success”. "Everything seems to be working out just spend time with me," she said. "It's began performing DJ sets on Also featuring Idris Elba and Vanessa in my favor here because Joe's like a like prison for him, but it's great for Instagram Live to pass the time. "He's Kirby,Hobbs & Shaw opened to favourable real social butterfly, so I struggle to me." DJing really, really loudly while I'm reviews and grossed over USD 760 million kind of lock him down and have him Turner also shared that Jonas has trying to read my scripts," she said. worldwide. EMILIA CLARKE PROMISES VIRTUAL RITA WILSON CALLS HERSELF A DINNER DATE IN EXCHANGE FOR COVID-19 SURVIVOR

ctor Rita Wilson called herself a COVID-19 DONATION ‘COVID 19 survivor’ after Areturning home from quarantine in Australia. Rita who tested positive for the coronavirus alongside husband Tom Hanks in Australia earlier this month in an Instagram post thanked God for both her good health and continued success. As the couple acclimatised back into normal life in Los Angeles, Rita marked the importance of the date, 29 March, while sharing a series of pictures. “This date, March 29, represents a time of great happiness. I was on Broadway starring with Larry David in his play Fish In The Dark before finding out I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. March 29 also marks five years of being cancer free after having had a ame of Thrones star Emilia Monday, Clarke said 12 donors will be bilateral mastectomy...... One year ago Clarke has offered a dinner date to randomly selected from around the world on March 29, I was honoured with a star Gpeople donating money to for a virtual dinner with her. on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a SameYou, her charity that supports “We’ll cook it together and eat it street, that as a child, I’d walk on and those recovering from brain injuries and together. And we will discuss lots of read all the names of the stars I strokes, in the wake of the coronavirus things, isolation and fear and also funny admired, never believing one day my given, and my continued good health, pandemic. videos. And, you know, the fact that I can’t name would be on one of those stars. even now as a Covid-19 survivor. Please The new initiative by the foundation really cook. So it’s going to be fun,” the 33- And one year ago today, I released my take a moment today to acknowledge the aims to help the National Health Service, year-old said in the clip. fourth album, Halfway to Home,” Rita amazing creation your bodies are and to the publicly funded healthcare system of Clarke has set the donation amount to wrote. thank it for doing so much.” the UK, free up beds for coronavirus 250,000 pounds. The drive is in partnership She further added: “All of this would Expressing her gratitude Wilson patients by helping people recover from with the Spaulding Rehabilitation not be possible without good health. So, thanked god, fans, and also the medical brain injuries at home. Hospital in Massachusetts and the today, March 29, I am celebrating the professionals who got her through that In a video shared on Instagram on University College London Hospital. beauty of this life, the blessings God has time. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 20 VIRTUAL FILM FEST FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 ReelAbilities Film Fest NY 2020 Goes Virtual By Mabel Pais "We feel that these stories still need to be told and that creating community is as important as ever. For the first time ever, we will present the majority of our films, Q+As, and conversations online. We believe this will allow us to advance our mission of accessibility, making our films and conversations available to our community at times when gathering together in person is not possible." - Isaac Zablocki: Director, ReelAbilities Film Festival - New York "The current coronavirus restrictions are a doorway to new opportunities for us to be even more accessible and reach a wider audience. We offer a chance to connect at a time of solitude by bringing these films into people's homes and allowing further interaction via live streamed Q+As and panels." - Yaara Kedem, Associate Director, ReelAbilities Film Festival - New York he Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's 12th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, has Tdecided to shift the planned festival from a live public event to a virtual format in partnership with Vimeo A11y, in light of the current COVID-19 recommendations. The festival runs on its planned dates Closing Night, Bedlam Photo / JCCManhattan/ReelAbilities-Film-Fest of March 31 to April 6th. The updated virtual festival schedule is online at reelabilities.org/newyork. The Q+As with filmmakers directly after the film screening join them live. festival runs on its planned dates of March 31 to April finishes. Films will then be available for streaming for *Will there be a Q+A with filmmakers after the 6th. The updated virtual festival schedule is online at the following 24 hours. Q+As will be recorded and made films? reelabilities.org/newyork available for those who cannot join them live. There will be a Q+A after the first play of the film Isaac Zablocki, the director of ReelAbilities Film FAQs concludes. Q+As will feature filmmakers and guests with Festival: New York said, "We feel that these stories still *Can I share the screening link with others? a moderator. Audiences will be able to type in questions need to be told and that creating community is as No. Links to films are only for the individual who and questions will be selected by the moderator.Recorded important as ever. For the first time ever, we will present purchased a ticket. You may not forward or share the link versions of the Q+A will be available as well. the majority of our films, Q+As, and conversations with others. *Are the films still going to include accessibility online. We believe this will allow us to advance our *If I want to cancel, will I receive a refund for aids? mission of accessibility, making our films and tickets I already purchased? Yes, all the films will be streamed with open captions conversations available to our community at times when If you already purchased a ticket, your ticket is still and an option for audio description. Q+As will feature gathering together in person is not possible." valid and you will be able to receive a link to the virtual live captioning. Films will be available online for 24 hours beginning at film. If you would like to cancel and receive a refund *Will screenings and events still take place at the scheduled start time and Q+As with filmmakers and instead, please email [email protected]. venues other than the Marlene Meyerson JCC guests will take place after the film's first screening *How much will tickets cost for the virtual film Manhattan? concludes. Films will still be fully accessible, presented screenings? No. All films and events at other venues will be with open captions and audio description. Q+As and Tickets for virtual film screenings are available at a $5 canceled. panels will be broadcast in interactive live stream with general admission price and a $15 supporter price. About ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York captioning. *Will there be a festival pass available for the Yaara Kedem, the associate director of ReelAbilities virtual festival? ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest film festival in Film Festival: New York, said, "We will continue to No. You may purchase standalone tickets to films. the world dedicated to promoting awareness and provide a platform to support our filmmakers and *What films and events will take place virtually? appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions phenomenal films and to develop our community at a The full schedule of films and events is available at of people with disabilities. Founded in New York in 2007 time in which fewer options are available. Filmmakers reelabilities.org/newyork by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, the festival who are now experiencing many cancellations of their *Are the virtual screenings available to users presents award-winning films by and about people with screenings worldwide have been thrilled with this new located outside the US? disabilities. Post-screening discussions and other direction and are supportive in our efforts to make their No. Due to screening rights restrictions, streamed engaging programs bring communities virtually films available to ReelAbilities audiences. The current films and conversations will only be accessible to people together to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the coronavirus restrictions are a doorway to new located within the US territories. diversity of our shared human experience. The New York opportunities for us to be even more accessible and reach *What events will physically take place? festival is the launching pad for an international a wider audience. We offer a chance to connect at a time None. Events will either take place virtually or will be program and its selections run satellite ReelAbilities of solitude by bringing these films into people's homes cancelled. Check the updated schedule at festivals in over 20 cities worldwide. Learn more at and allowing further interaction via live streamed Q+As www.reelabilities.org reelabilities.org/newyork and panels." Rabbi Joy Levitt, the executive director of *How will I receive access to the film? About the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, said, "Because so You will receive an email link with instructions to much of our work at our buildings is about bringing access the film after purchasing tickets to a screening. Together with its community, the Marlene Meyerson people together, this feels like the right time to think out The film will only be available starting at the scheduled JCC Manhattan creates opportunities for people to of the box (quite literally) and serve our community start time. connect, grow, and learn with progressive programming beyond our buildings." *I won't be able to watch the film at the scheduled within an ever-changing Jewish landscape. The JCC HOW IT WORKS start time. Is there a way for me to still watch the events extend beyond neighborhood boundaries, film? reaching people at all stages of their lives. Learn more at The films will be available to stream for users who sign Yes. The streaming links to the films will be available jcc manhattan.org. up online, based on scheduled screening times. for 24 hours after the initial start time. Q+As will be (Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Screenings will be followed by interactive live-streamed recorded so that they are available for those who cannot Entertainment, Health & Wellness, and Spirituality) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 NY/NJ/CT 21 Mayor Bill de Blasio Calls for Draft of Essential Medical Personnel NEW YORK (TIP): As New York City will expand service to include all children works to quickly quadruple the number of and adults across the five boroughs hospital beds throughout the city, Mayor starting on Friday, April 3. Sites will de Blasio, April 2, called on the federal begin grab-and-go adult meal service, government to institute an essential draft serving three meals a day, Monday of all private medical personnel to help in through Friday. Adults and children can the fight against COVID-19. The United pick up three meals at a time and no adult States must mobilize a national response will be turned away. There is no to meet the rapidly growing demand for registration or identification required. medical personnel - first in New York and Meal hubs will operate from 7:30 AM- then other localities throughout the 11:30 AM for children and families and country. 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM for adults. Since March "Our City faces unprecedented 16, the Department of Education's free challenges in the weeks ahead," said meals programs have served Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Every ventilator approximately 1.2 million meals to and doctor can save life, which is why families and students at over 440 Meal we are marshalling every possible Hubs sites across the city. Meal Hub resource to our City in record time. But locations can be found at here or text NYC the facts remain the same: the federal FOOD to 877-877. Our City faces unprecedented challenges in the weeks ahead," said Mayor Bill de Blasio government must step up and provide Relief for Small Businesses the reinforcements we need. The battle modeled off a new study from the CDC City has made a formal request of the will be long, and we cannot fight it published April 1st, which outlines the federal government, which can be read The Paycheck Protection Program alone." possibility of pre-symptomatic COVID-19 here. (PPP) opens up Friday,April 3rd. The $350 Citywide as of 6:00 PM on April 2, there transmission in Singapore. To preserve the City's supply of billion federal loan program is open to are 49,707 positive cases of COVID-19 and New Yorkers should not use surgical or ventilators, City hospitals are training small businesses or nonprofits with fewer 1,562 fatalities. There are 9,343 confirmed N95 masks as face covers. Masks must be staff on how to use BiPap machines, than 500 employees. The program is open cases in the Bronx, 13, 290 in Brooklyn, preserved for health care workers and which can keep some patients from on a first come, first serve basis. Those 7,398 in Manhattan, 16,819 in Queens, and first responders. requiring a ventilator. If you are willing who are interested should apply here. 2,822 in Staten Island. New Yorkers should continue to to donate or sell a ventilator to New York Stay Informed As of 6:00 PM on April 2, there were at practice social distancing measures. City, please call 833-NYC-0040 or visit least 9,680 people hospitalized. Of those Critical Supplies NYC.gov/HelpNow. Over 800,000 New Yorkers have signed individuals, at least 2,240 were in the ICU. Health + Hospitals also needs 1,000 up for the City's COVID text notification New Recommendations for Face The City is currently working to nurses, 300 respiratory therapists, and 150 system to get regular updates on the dispatch 400 ventilators from the federal physicians by Sunday, April 5th to latest developments with coronavirus in Covering stockpile that were distributed by the adequately treat every COVID-19 patient. New York City text COVID to 692-692. The Department of Health and Mental State. While these ventilators will sustain Expanding DOE Meal Hubs to all New Yorkers can text COVIDESP to 692- Hygiene is advising all New Yorkers to the City for a short, interim period, a 692 for updates in Spanish. You will cover their noses and mouths using a minimum of 2,500-3,000 ventilators must New Yorkers receive regular SMS texts with the latest scarf, bandana, or piece of clothing when be procured by Sunday to carry the City To ensure every New York City resident news and developments. If you have any in public to reduce the risk of through the next week. The City still can access nutritious meals, the questions on finding medical care call transmission. This recommendation is needs a total of 15,000 ventilators. The Department of Education's Meal Hubs 311. Face Masks Recommended for New Indian American Student at UVA Develops Coronavirus Tracker Yorkers Going Out in Public NEW YORK CITY (TIP): New guidance, it's another thing that Yorkers should wear face coverings we've needed to get adjusted to," said when they go outside and will be Barbot, a medical doctor who did around other people, Mayor Bill de her residency in pediatrics. "But I Blasio advised Thursday in his daily think New Yorkers are resilient and briefing on what is being done in the adaptable and people have been national hotspot for Covid-19 rising to the occasion." Barbot said infections. Emphasizing that the people should ensure that, even coverings need not be a professional with a face covering, they are surgical mask, de Blasio said staying six feet away from each scarves and bandanas will suffice. other unless they live together Computer science students Soukarya Ghosh and James Yun are The recommendation came as new under the same roof. Children the creators of the public service website TrackCorona reports show asymptomatic should also wear face coverings transmission of the virus could be more frequent while outside in the city. NEW YORK (TIP): TrackCorona, a COVID-19 tracking than previously thought. To save professionally made masks for health care website developed by two University of Virginia students, "What that means is, when you put on that face workers, de Blasio encouraged New Yorkers to make James Yun and Soukarya Ghosh, and friends at Virginia covering, you're protecting everyone else," de Blasio their own. Recounting a recent conversation with Tech and Stanford University, is proving to be a valuable said. The White House is expected to issue similar President Trump, the mayor said he emphasized the public service for anyone who wants to know more about guidance nationwide. country is at war. the development of the pandemic. The website went live in Though Americans had previously been told masks "This is a wartime dynamic," he said, calling this early February with only a smattering of clicks by people were not necessary, that guidance has changed as paradigm shift one that Washington has yet to fully who already knew about the site. Now, more than 300,000 researchers learned more about the virus. As many understand."We're in the middle of a war; we can feel people in 193 countries have visited the website about 1.4 as 25% of people with the virus never show it here in New York City." million times. "We're averaging more than 40,000 users per symptoms, CDC Director Robert Redfield said earlier De Blasio also called for a kind of national draft of day for the last week, with a record 50,000 users on March this week. New York City health commissioner health care workers of any experience level to work 12," said Ghosh, a third-year computer science and Oxiris Barbot reflected on the developing guidelines on the front lines of the virus fight. mathematics major who helped lead development of the in the press conference Thursday. "It is a message In separate remarks from Albany this morning, site. "We're on trajectory for 50,000 more on the 16th." that we have been conveying to New Yorkers over the New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called his state a (Read full story at www.theindianpanorama.news) last couple of weeks, and each time we've given new microcosm of the rest of the country. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 22 WORLD FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

China’s Shenzhen city bans eating cats, dogs Spanish jobless claims jump BEIJING (TIP): Shenzhen has become the first Chinese city to ban by over 300,000 in March the sale and consumption of dogs and cats, a move that comes after the Covid MADRID (TIP): Spain registered a outbreak was linked to wildlife meat, leap of 302,265 jobless claims in March prompting authorities to ban the trade due to the “extraordinary impact” of and eating of wild animals, a media the coronavirus pandemic, the labour report said on Thursday. ministry said on Thursday. The new law will come into force on It is reportedly the biggest monthly May 1, the BBC report said. increase on record in the eurozone’s In February, Chinese authorities fourth-largest economy,which has been banned the trade and consumption of locked down since March 14 to try to wild animals. The move came after it curb the spread of the virus. emerged that a wet market in Wuhan The pandemic “changed the trend” in could have been the starting point for unemployment figures for March, after the outbreak of the new coronavirus, only 2,857 workers filled jobless claims providing the means for the virus to in the first 12 days of the month, the travel from animals to humans. ministry said in a statement. News of this led the Chinese The services sector recorded the government to crack down strongly on most job losses, with 206,016 jobless the trade and on the markets that sold claims in a country where tourism such products. accounts for around 12 percent of The pandemic was still raging national output. across the world, posing a test for Tourism worldwide has been countries and regions, as the global hammered by the pandemic, as number of confirmed cases increased governments imposed travel A Spanish flag flutters as a woman wearing a face mask walks in Madrid on April 2. AFP to 9,37,567, according to the latest restrictions and airlines grounded fourth quarter of 2019, according to The limits expire on April 12 but update by the Johns Hopkins scores of flights. national statistics institute INE. Madrid will likely further extend them University's Center for Systems Meanwhile, the number of That is the second highest jobless as COVID-19 cases continue rising Science and Engineering (CSSE). — unemployed in Spain hit 3.54 million in rate in the eurozone after Greece. although at a slower pace. IANS March, the labour ministry said. Since it imposed the lockdown, Spain Spain has the world’s second-highest Its monthly figure is a different has tightened restrictions further, with death toll after Italy, with the virus so Red Cross delivers aid measure from the quarterly non-essential workers in the nation of far claiming 9,053 lives, while the to Ukraine unemployment rate, which is based on around 47 million people asked to stay number of confirmed cases has passed surveys and stood at 13.8 percent in the at home from March 30. the 100,000 mark. AFP GENEVA (TIP): A planeload of medical supplies for COVID-19 patients and other relief goods has arrived in Ukraine to help people enduring a six- year-old conflict in the country’s east, Italy urgently seeks safe exit from the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Thursday. Eastern Ukraine, where Russian- punishing lockdown backed separatists emerged in 2014, reported its first coronavirus infection ROME (TIP): Italy’s coronavirus on Tuesday and the ICRC said several epidemic may be slowing, but critics more cases had been confirmed there warn the government is falling seriously since. behind on strategies to lift the punishing The 14 metric tonnes of supplies will nationwide lockdown and reboot the go to hospitals and detention centres economy. and serve both sides of the front line in Nearly 12,500 people have died of the the region, known as the Donbass, virus so far according to official data. where the situation could become Despite a slowdown in new death and “disastrous” given the state of the infection rates the government has health system, the ICRC said. extended an economically crippling Items such as disinfectant fluids, lockdown until “at least” mid-April over syringes or IV fluids will help fight fears of a second wind. Covid-19 in the strife-torn country. — But poverty and unemployment Reuters numbers are already skyrocketing. Analysts have warned the eurozone’s third-largest economy will suffer its Antarctica was home to worst recession in decades, contracting rainforests 90 million six per cent in 2020 should the lockdown last through to May. yrs ago “It’s horrible to have to choose LONDON (TIP): Researchers have between putting the economy in a corner unearthed evidence of rainforests or exposing many people to the risk of near the South Pole 90 million years dying,” US expert Paul Romer told Italy’s percentage points—billions of euros a “the more rigorous and efficient we are ago, a finding which suggests that the Fatto Quotidiano daily Wednesday. week. in combatting the epidemic, the sooner climate at this time was exceptionally The government needs “a credible Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told we can restart”. warm with a higher level of carbon plan to revoke the shutdown very soon, opposition leaders Wednesday: “We must His department was planning dioxide in the atmosphere than while guaranteeing the safety of workers plan a return to normality,and it must be economic support measures worth some previously thought. The scientists, even if the virus is still present,” said the done gradually and must allow everyone, 500 billion euros, he said in an interview. including those from Imperial College co-winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize for eventually, to return to work safely.” But According to official figures, just over London in the UK, discovered forest Economics. he has yet to publish a blueprint. 100,000 people have been infected in Italy soil pertaining to a time between 145 Italy’s business lobby Confindustria Finance Minister Roberto Gualtieri since the epidemic began, but experts and 66 million years ago within 900 said Tuesday each additional week said the recession forecasts were say there could be anywhere between kilometres of the South Pole. PTI beyond the end of May could see the “realistic”, but warned against jumping 700,000 and six million cases—up to 10 economy shrink by an additional 0.75 the gun on easing the lockdown, saying per cent of the population. AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 WORLD 23

19 killed in massive UK extends work visas for Indian, forest fire in China BEIJING (TIP): Eighteen foreign doctors firefighters and one farm worker died while fighting a massive LONDON (TIP): In a relief to forest fire in southwest China’s foreign doctors, including from India, Sichuan Province, state-run whose visas were set to expire in media reported on Tuesday. The October this year, the UK government fire started on a local farm at has extended the deadline by one year 3.51 pm on Monday and quickly amid the country's fight against the spread to the nearby mountains coronavirus pandemic. due to the strong winds. Those The UK government on Tuesday killed include 18 firefighters and confirmed that foreign doctors, a local forest farm worker who including from India, whose visas are led the way for the firefighters. set to expire before October this year They were trapped in the fire due will get an automatic extension for one to a sudden change in the wind year as they battle the coronavirus direction, the report said. PTI pandemic for the country's National Health Service (NHS). 1st heatwave The extension, announced by UK recorded in Home Secretary Priti Patel, will apply to around 2,800 migrant doctors, nurses Antarctica and paramedics employed by the NHS SYDNEY (TIP): Even the whose visa is due to expire before world’s coldest continent is not October 1. immune to rising global "Doctors, nurses and paramedics from temperatures, with scientists all over the world are playing a leading Exemptions recording the first-ever heatwave role in the NHS' efforts to tackle event in Antarctica over the 2019- coronavirus and save lives. We owe The extension to NHS visas will not only be fee-free and automatic but 20 summer period. them a great deal of gratitude for all also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). “Heatwaves are classified as that they do," said Patel. "I don't want The free of charge extension will also apply to their family members. three consecutive days with both them distracted by the visa process. extreme maximum and minimum That is why I have automatically To get more doctors and nurses on the frontline, the restriction on the temperatures,” University of extended their visas – free of charge – amount of hours student nurses and doctors can work in the NHS has Wollongong biologist Sharon for a further year,” the Indian-origin also been lifted. Robinson explained. minister said. Scientists are concerned about On top of these changes, pre- nurses more time to pass their exams, The latest move could be seen as a the effect that the heatwave registered overseas nurses who are whilst they spend the immediate term sign that the UK government may be could have on Antarctica’s currently required to sit their first working on the frontline. having a rethink on the surcharge, ecology — both positive and skills test within three months and to Trainee doctors and nurses will also hiked from 400 pounds to 624 pounds per negative. pass the test within eight months, will not be limited by the number of hours year and aimed at boosting NHS funds, “Most life exists in small ice- now have this deadline extended to the they can work in the NHS during term being imposed on medics working for free oases in Antarctica, and end of the year. This will give overseas time, the Home Office said. the health service. PTI largely depends on melting snow and ice for their water supply,” Australian Antarctic Division applied Antarctic ecologist Dana 136-year-old Van Gogh painting stolen Bergstrom, said. “Melted ice flooding can provide additional water to these from Dutch museum closed by coronavirus desert ecosystems, leading to increased growth and reproduction of mosses, lichens, THE HAGUE (TIP): A painting by microbes and invertebrates, he Dutch master Vincent van Gogh was said.” It is believed that the stolen in an overnight smash-and-grab unusual temperatures were raid on a museum that was closed to linked to meteorological patterns prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which occurred in the Southern police and the museum said Monday. Hemisphere during spring and The Singer Laren museum east of summer of 2019. — IANS Amsterdam said “The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring 1884” by the Dutch Australia pledges master was taken in the early hours of $80 bn wage Monday. By early afternoon, all that could be seen from the outside of the subsidy museum was a large white panel SYDNEY (TIP): Australia will covering a smashed door in the spend A$130 billion to subsidise building's glass facade. the wages of an estimated 6 Museum General Director Evert van inch) oil on paper painting shows a declined before his death in 1890. million people, marking a third Os said the institution that houses the person standing in a garden surrounded Police said in a statement that the thief tranche of stimulus designed to collection of American couple William by trees with a church tower in the or thieves smashed a glass door to get limit the fallout of the and Anna Singer is “angry,shocked, sad” background. into the museum. That set off an alarm coronavirus pandemic on the at the theft. It dates to a time when the artist had that sent officers rushing to the museum country's economy. Prime The value of the work, which was on moved back to his family in a rural area but by the time they got there the Minister Scott Morrison said the loan from the Groninger Museum in the of the Netherlands and painted the life painting and whoever stole it were gone. six months of funding was northern Dutch city of Groningen, was he saw there, including his famous work A team including forensics and art necessary to ensure businesses not immediately known. Van Gogh's “The Potato Eaters,” in mostly somber theft experts was studying video footage were able to retain staff and paintings, when they rarely come up for tones. and questioning neighbours. Van Os said bounce back when the crisis had sale, fetch millions at auction. Later, he moved to southern France, the museum's security worked passed. Police are investigating the theft. where he developed a far more colourful, “according to protocol,” but he added: The 25-by-57-centimeters (10-by-22- vibrant style of painting as his health “Obviously we can learn from this.”AP THE INDIAN PANORAMA 24 WOMEN FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 DELICIOUS DETOX WATERS FOOD CORNER TO BURN BODY FAT hen it comes to slimming down through Wdetoxification, drinking plenty of water comes as the ‘evergreen’ piece of advice. It is even better to start your day with a glass of lemon water to flush out the toxins and prevent further buildups. But what if your fat Crispy Fried Chicken Wontons burning as well as weight loss procedure becomes a bit more Ingredients delicious? Well, here some tasty fat- Chicken - 300 gms, cooked, minced, Onion - 2, large, burning detox water recipes for minced, Spring Onions - 3, minced, green parts only, Egg - 2, you. separated, egg yolks beaten well, Fish Sauce - 2 tblsp, Sugar - 2 tblsp, Pepper Powder - 1 tsp, Wonton Wrappers - 20 to 25, Aloe Vera Detox Drink separated, Oil as required An aloe infused drink is highly effective in improving digestion, Method strengthening the immune system, Mix the chicken, onions, spring onions, egg white, fish and supporting detoxification. sauce, pepper powder and sugar in a large bowl.Mix well Scoop the pulp out of a large fresh for 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly stiff. aloe leaf and add it to two cups of Separate the wonton wrappers and cut each into purified water. Also, add the juice of triangles. Add 1 or 2 tblsp of the chicken mixture on a large lemon. Blend everything sticks to a bottle of distilled water. digestion, and detoxification. each triangle. Brush the edges with the egg yolk and well in a blender and enjoy! Keep it in the refrigerator for a place another triangle on top. couple of hours and you will be Press the edges and seal completely. Heat oil in a deep Watermelon Detox Water good to go. Watermelon, Kiwi, And frying pan over medium flame. Fry the prepared The best thing about watermelon Strawberry Detox wontons for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until golden is that it can nourish our body with brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil. essential vitamins and minerals Pineapple And This detox water recipe is a fruity while flushing the toxins out of it. Sugarcane Detox delight. Slice up half of a TANDOORI CHICKEN WRAPS Hence, cut a handful of chunks or watermelon, a couple of kiwis, and slices of watermelon and keep these Those who have an inclination a handful of strawberries. Add Ingredients submerged in a bottle of water for 2- towards tropical flavor would love them to a bottle of water and allow Tortillas (or Plain Rotis/Naans) - 4, cooked and kept 3 hours. The simple detox drink is this delicious infusion with the whole thing to sit for 2 to 3 hours warm, Chicken Breasts - 2, skinless, boneless, cut into small ready. amazing fat-burning power. Add a inside the refrigerator. Vitamin A pieces, Plain Yogurt - 2tblsp, Ginger Garlic Paste - 3 tsp, Red cup of fresh pineapple chunks and and E present in this delicious detox Chilli Powder - 4 to 5 tsp (adjust as preferred), Garam Masala Lemon And Ginger Detox two medium-sized sugarcane sticks water will eliminate free radicals Powder - 2 tsp, Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp, Juice of 1/2, Lime Both lemon and ginger are to a jug full of purified water. Let it from your body and eventually flush Lettuce as required, torn, Salt as per taste, Black Pepper wonderful natural detox agents. stay in the fridge for the whole the toxins out of your colon. Powder as per taste, Oil as required Hence, prepare this infusion by night. Add a few ice cubes before adding the juice of half a lemon and sipping. Cucumber, Grapefruit, Method one-inch freshly grated ginger to a Lemon, And Lime Detox Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Combine the bottle of water. Drink it every Lemon, Mint And yogurt, ginger garlic paste, redchilli powder, coriander morning in an empty stomach and Cucumber Detox This amazing fruity goodness not powder, garam masala powder and lime juice. you will get rid of unwanted body only helps in burning excess body Mix well.Season with salt and pepper powder. fat within a few months. Make thin wedges of a small fat but also makes weight loss faster. Finally add the chicken pieces and mix everything. cucumber, slice up a whole lemon, Peel and slice half of a fresh Keep aside for 10 to 15 minutes. Apple And Cinnamon Detox and take a handful of fresh mint cucumber, chop half of a medium- Then add to the pan and cook, stirring from time to This apple-cinnamon concoction leaves. Add all these ingredients to a sized grapefruit, cut lemon and lime time, for 5 to 10 minutes.Once the chicken is cooked, is a perfect slimming water with pitcher full of distilled or spring into thin rings and add all these to a remove the pan from the flame. absolutely zero calories. All you water and keep it in the refrigerator pitcher full of spring water. Let it sit Place the warm tortillas (or rotis) on a flat surface. need to do is to add a thinly sliced overnight for seeping. This in the fridge for 3-4 hours and you Add some lettuce and top up with some of the chicken red apple and a couple of cinnamon concoction helps a lot in hydration, are ready to slim down! mixture and roll it up tightly. Home remedies to prevent split ends ay goodbye to expensive salon visits and commercial water and lemon juice. Leave it on for an hour and wash off. hair care products and try out these super cheap home Sremedies Papaya Blend a ripe papaya and half cup of curd to get a pulpy OIL paste and apply it as a hair mask for 30 minutes before The protective sheathing that covers your hair and acts as washing it off. a barrier against mechanical, chemical and environmental damage is actually oil-based. Oil also keeps your hair well Cream nourished and moisturized. Whisk a tablespoon of cream with half cup of milk and apply this mixture to your hair for 15 minutes before rinsing Eggs it off. Beat one egg with almond or olive oil and honey.Apply this mixture like a hair mask and wash off after half an hour. Honey Mix a spoonful of honey with some curd and apply this on Mayonnaise the tips of your hair. Let this stay on your strands for 20 Wet and towel dry your hair. Apply half a cup of mayo and minutes and rinse it. leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo and rinse. Dal Bananas Take black lentils and grind it into a smooth powder. Add They are rich in natural oils, potassium, zinc, iron, and a spoon of fenugreek seeds to it and mix this with a cup of vitamins A, C, and E. Once or twice a week, blend together curd. Let this stay for two hours and wash it off with a mild one ripe banana, two tablespoons of curd, a few drops of rose shampoo. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 HEALTH 25 START YOUR DAY WITH A TEASPOON OF GHEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH here is no doubt that ghee is considered as healthy fat and Tis often recommend to be consumed raw by drizzling it over hot cooked meals. Ghee enhances the absorption in the small intestine and decreases the acidic pH of our gastrointestinal tract. Cow’s ghee is a natural source of antioxidant which eliminates free radicals and inhibits oxidation process. According to Ayurveda, drinking ghee in the morning on an empty stomach treats the body like rasa, which is a major source of nutrition for every single cell in the body. It also says that ghee improves the process of cell rejuvenation which helps in the healing process of the ASPIRIN DOES NOT LOWER body. So much so that it even helps in losing weight. The butyric acid RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S OR and medium-chain triglycerides in ghee help in mobilising stubborn DEMENTIA: STUDY body fats and flushing them out of the body leading to increase in good One can also grind raw in reducing belly fat. The ven though it is believed that baby aspirin cholesterol. But one should not go turmeric and one teaspoon presence of omega-3 and administered daily curtails the risk of overboard with the consumption. ghee and make a morning omega-6 fatty acids help lose Ecardiovascular disease and even aids in delaying drink. body fat. cognitive decline, a new report in The New York Times Here’s how you need to Lack of sleep or stress or too which quotes a study, has come with a newer start your day with ghee Some of the benefits of much work may end up leaving revelation. It suggests that taking a low-dose aspirin starting the day with ghee dark circles around your eyes. might not prove to be beneficial in lowering the risk of Consume one teaspoon of Turn to ghee to reduce them in Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia in cow’s ghee with warm water in It naturally lubricates the joints no time. You just need to apply it older men and women. the morning. and promotes the formation of lightly around the eyes before In order to arrive at the result, the study examined You can also mix a teaspoon of lubricants in the bone joints. bedtime. 19,114 men and women. ghee with raw turmeric and It acts as a natural moisturiser Ghee is a super-rich source of They were above 70 years of age and did not suffer boil it. Consuming this and helps the skin to glow from fatty acids and antioxidants from dementia or any heart disease at the outset. Half concoction every morning within. that makes it an excellent among them were asked to take a daily 100-milligram helps improve immunity and Ghee comes packed with conditioner for dry and frizzy aspirin. cure dry cough. essential amino acids that help hair. The other half were given a placebo. After following up for five years, checking up on them annually, scientists deduced that there was “no difference between the groups in diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment”. Eating too much salt can Even though a decline in cognitive function was noticed, the speed and the gradation of decline in both the groups were similar. No effect was also traced in subgroups like those who were obese, suffered from weaken immune system: Study diabetes or those who smoked. “If you’re 70 or older and healthy, without evidence ating too much salt in your food can weaken of cardiovascular disease, it’s very difficult to improve your immune system, a new study suggests, on your success. The relatively low risk of dementia in Emaking it difficult for the body to fight this study was not further lowered with aspirin,” Dr bacterial infections. Anne B Newman, a professor of epidemiology at the For the study, researchers from the University University of Pittsburgh and co-author was quoted as Hospital of Bonn fed a high-salt diet to mice and saying. found them to suffer from severe bacterial infections. Human volunteers were also given extra six grams of salt each day–which is about the salt content of two PAGE SPONSORED BY fast-food meals–and they were found to have developed immune deficiencies. DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND According to World Health Organisation (WHO), people should not consume more than 0.17 ounces of DR. SATISH ANAND salt per day, which is roughly about one teaspoon of Former Chairman, Board of salt. Trustees, AAPI National According to lead author Dr Katarzyna Jobin, E-Mail: University of Würzburg, the body keeps the salt [email protected] concentration in the blood and in the various organs constant. The additional salt consumed with food is filtered out by kidneys and excreted through urine. GITANJLI ANAND The kidneys have a sodium chloride sensor that helps Former President, India in salt excretion. This sensor causes glucocorticoids Association of Long Island to accumulate in the body, restricting the function of (IALI) common types of immune cells in the body, as E-mail: reported by Daily Mail. [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 26 SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 USING ZOOM WHILE WORKING FROM HOME? HERE ARE THE PRIVACY RISKS TO WATCH OUT ow that you've finished choosing your custom Zoom background, mercifully sparing your Nfellow workers-from-home the sight of a growing SUPER PINK MOON: NASA'S pile of gym socks behind your desk, you might think you've got a handle on the conference call software du TOP TIPS FOR APRIL jour. Unfortunately, there are a few other data security considerations to make if you want to hide your dirty SKYWATCHERS laundry. With the novel coronavirus causing a surge in work- kywatchers are in for a treat in April when the from-home activity,Zoom has quickly become the video super pink moon, the biggest supermoon of meeting app of choice. And with that popularity, S2020, lights up the night sky. privacy risks are extending to a greater number of The April full moon is the closest supermoon of the users. From built-in attention-tracking features to year, which means that it is the largest, according to recent upticks in "Zoom-bombing" (where uninvited EarthSky.“That’s because this full moon more closely attendees break into and disrupt meetings), Zoom's coincides with lunar perigee – the moon’s closest security practices have been drawing more attention. point to Earth in its monthly obit – than any other full On Monday,those practices drew the scrutiny of New moon in the year 2020,” the website explains. York's Attorney General Letitia James. James's office Supermoons happen when the moon’s elliptical sent Zoom a letter outlining privacy vulnerability orbit brings it to the closest point to the Earth while concerns, and asking what steps, if any, the company the moon is full. The phrase was coined in 1979, has put in place to keep users safe, given the increased according to NASA. traffic on its network. By Wednesday, security them if any attendees go more than 30 seconds without The space agency explains that the moon will be at researchers had uncovered another two bugs that could Zoom being in focus on their screen. perigee, at 2:08 pm EDT on April 7. The moon will be allow hackers to take control of webcams and full at 10:35 pm EDT that day. microphones on Zoom users' Macs. Cloud snitching “For the best view of this lovely spring Moon, find Privacy experts have previously expressed concerns For paid subscribers, Zoom's cloud recording an open area and watch as the Moon rises just above about Zoom: In 2019, the video-conferencing software feature can either be a life-saver or a catastrophic the horizon, at which point it will appear its biggest experienced both a webcam hacking scandal, and a bug faux pas waiting to happen. and take on a golden hue!,” explains the Old Farmer’s that allowed snooping users to potentially join video If the feature is enabled on the account, a host can Almanac, on its website. meetings they hadn't been invited to. This month, the record the meeting along with its text transcription The April full moon is known as the pink moon, on Electronic Frontier Foundation cautioned users and a text file of any active chats in that meeting, and account of the herb moss pink, also known as wild working from home about the software's onboard save it to the cloud where it can later be accessed by ground phlox, according to NASA. In the eastern U.S., privacy features. other authorized users at your company, including the herb moss pink is one of the earliest widespread Here are some of the privacy vulnerabilities in Zoom people who may have never attended the meeting in flowers of Spring, the space agency explains, on its that you should watch out for while working remotely. question. website. “Other names for this Moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among Tattle-tale Data gossip coastal tribes the Fish Moon, as this was the time that Employers, managers and workers-from-home, By now, you're used to hearing it from the privacy- the shad swam upstream to spawn,” it says. beware. Zoom's tattle-tale attention-tracking feature minded: Don't use Facebook to log in to other sites and Skygazers recently enjoyed the stunning March full can tell your meeting host if you aren't paying attention software unless you want Facebook to have data on what moon, or worm moon, which was also a supermoon. to their meticulously-composed visual aids. Whether you're doing. Fair enough. But what to do when Zoom gets you're using Zoom's desktop client or mobile app, a caught sending some of your analytics data to Facebook -- Seattle techies launch a talent meeting host can enable a built-in option which alerts whether or not you even have a Facebook account? agency for robot actors eattle entrepreneurs Forest Gibson and Jared NASA finds ‘cosmic homicide’ in deep space Cheshier today launched The Aigency, a new Stalent agency for robot actors. stronomers have discovered The company connects film production studios, an "intermediate-mass" event organizers, and other media groups with Ablack hole that they believe is robots. The plan is to replicate what traditional talent the "best evidence" of a "cosmic agencies do for human actors and actresses, but homicide." instead for robots and “virtual beings.” The The research, published in The company’s initial “talent” includes a pair of Boston Astrophysical Journal Letters, Dynamics robots named Zero and One. shows the black hole is significantly The idea may sound far-fetched. But Gibson smaller than supermassive black assured that it is for real. holes that are at the core of large “We figured that the idea already sounds crazy galaxies but still larger than other enough to be an April Fools joke so we are just black holes. It is believed to weigh embracing the timing,” he said. 50,000 times the mass of the sun. Gibson and Cheshier are co-founders at Pluto VR, a "Intermediate-mass black holes Seattle virtual reality startup. They have years of are very elusive objects, and so it is media production, gaming, VR/AR development, and critical to carefully consider and marketing experience. rule out alternative explanations The Aigency is part of the Boston Dynamics early for each candidate," the study's lead adopter program, which helped the firm land a pair of author, Dacheng Lin, said in a 3XMM J215022.4-055108, and found it the thermal spectral state, a state four-legged Spot robots. statement. "That is what Hubble has was not in the center of a galaxy, commonly seen and well Media producers pay The Aigency to provide the allowed us to do for our candidate." which gave them hope it was an understood in accreting stellar- robots and built out any additional technology These intermediate-mass black elusive IMBH. mass black holes." needed. holes are believed to the "missing "This is much more reliable than In October 2019, Fox News “We handle the logistics of getting the robots on set link" in black hole evolution. It was using X-ray luminosity alone as reported the Milky Way had stolen and into character for their performance,” Gibson discovered thanks to two X-ray typically done before for previous several dwarf galaxies from the said. “We then support the media and promotions of observations and NASA's Hubble IMBH candidates," Lin added. "The neighboring Large Magellanic the production via social media, red carpet events, Space Telescope, which launched in reason why we can use the spectral Cloud (LMC) galaxy, including the and press tours with our talent. This is similar to how April 1990. fits to estimate the IMBH mass for Carina and Fornax, as part of a media producers would go about casting actors Lin and the other researchers our object is that its spectral merger between the two that is still represented by agents.” looked at the X-ray source, known as evolution showed that it has been in ongoing. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 BIZ & FINANCE 27 10% global GDP needed to tide over Covid-19 crisis: UN

NEW DELHI (TIP): The Covid-19 crisis is likely to have a profound and negative effect on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and AFTER MEGA-MERGER, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change because of which a post- SIX INDIAN BANKS WILL crisis coordination mechanism is vital to ensure that all countries CEASE TO EXIST have adequate fiscal space to recover, the March 2020 report of NEW DELHI (TIP): The new financial year has the United Nations stated. seen the merger of six public sector banks into four (the anchor banks) in a bid to make them globally Titled ‘Socio-Economic Impact of competitive. Covid-19: Shared Responsibility, As per the government’s mega consolidation plan, Global Solidarity’, the report offers Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India suggestions on global responses to will merge into Punjab National Bank (PNB); tackle the pandemic, which Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank; Andhra Bank and included creating a corpus fund of Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India; and at least 10% of the global GDP, debt Allahabad Bank into Indian Bank. restructuring to help fragile The exercise assumes significance as it is taking economies, and dismantling place at a time when the entire country is under the sanctions and other trade barriers, grip of the Covid-19 outbreak, which has triggered a especially to allow medicinal and sustainable living by 2030. The Paris implementation of the SDGs. If this 21-day lockdown. related products. Agreement signed in 2016, were to happen, the negative impact Experts said merger at this point of time will not be The cost of remittances - a lifeline meanwhile, aims to specifically would be felt across sectors, the UN very smooth and seamless. However, heads of the in the developing world - should be combat climate change. report warned. anchor banks exuded confidence. brought as close to zero as possible, According to the report, the “A hard truth is that we could “We don’t foresee any problem it is going as per the the report stated, adding that the pandemic’s impact on the have been better prepared for this plan. We have reviewed in the light of this situation International Monetary Fund, the environment is likely to be positive crisis. The MDGs and the SDGs also. Certain modification in implementation we have World Bank and other international in the short term as drastic could have put us on track towards a done so that there is no disruption for employees and financial institutions will be reduction in economic activity has world with access to universal customers. We are ensuring zero disruption,” Union critical to this endeavour. reduced CO2 emissions and health coverage and quality health Bank of India Managing Director Rajkiran Rai G told Sustainable Development Goals pollution in many areas. care... Instead… most countries are news agency PTI. (SDGs) were adopted by all member However, once countries resume characterised by weak, fragmented Following the consolidation, there will be seven states of the UN back in 2015, and economic activity, the report warns health systems that do not ensure large public sector banks (PSBs), and five smaller aimed at improving the future of of the “significant risk” that the universal access and capacity ones. The PNB will become second largest after the countries across several areas, nations would be tempted to divert needed to face the Covid-19 health State Bank of India (SBI), Canara Bank fourth, Union including environment, health care, all political capital and limited crisis,” the report said. Bank of India fifth and Indian Bank seventh biggest gender equality, education and financial resources away from the Source: HT public sector lender. British Airways could suspend Gold slips as dollar OIL JUMPS AS TRUMP TALKS 36,000 employees: Report UP TRUCE HOPES FOR AG-owned British Airways is expected to announce holds firm; US jobs SAUDI-RUSSIA PRICE WAR a suspension of about 36,000 of its employees, BBC INews reported on Wednesday. SINGAPORE (TIP): Crude oil futures surged The airline has reached a broad deal with the Unite data awaited on Thursday after US President Donald Trump union that will include suspension of jobs of 80% of old prices edged lower on Thursday as the dollar held said he expected Saudi Arabia and Russia to reach BA’s cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and those firm, while investors awaited key US jobless data a deal soon to end their oil price war and Russian working at head office, the news agency reported, Gamid mounting signs of a recession due to the President Vladimir Putin called for a solution to adding that no staff were expected to be made worsening coronavirus outbreak. “challenging” oil markets. redundant. Talks with the union are still ongoing, Spot gold fell 0.4 per cent to $1,584.50 per ounce by 0312 Brent crude futures rose 5.9 per cent, or $1.46, to British Airways said in a brief statement to Reuters. GMT, after rising 1.2 per cent on Wednesday. US gold futures $26.20 as of 0418 GMT, while US West Texas British Airways had said on Tuesday it was rose 0.4 per cent to $1,597.20 per ounce. Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 4.6 per temporarily suspending flights from Gatwick Airport, “It is tracking against the dollar index. But primarily, gold cent or 94 cents, at $21.25. Britain’s second-busiest airport, as the aviation sector is in consolidation and sideways movement than anything Trump said he had talked recently with the reels under the coronavirus crisis. else,” said Avtar Sandu, a senior commodities manager at leaders of both Russia and Saudi Arabia and Phillip Futures. believed the two countries would make a deal to RBI allows export proceeds to The dollar held overnight gains as investors rushed to the end their price war within a “few days” – lowering security of the world’s most liquid currency given the production and bringing prices back up. be kept abroad for 15 months massive disruption to global trade due to the pandemic. He also said he would be meeting with oil Factories fell quiet across much of the world in March, executives, where he is expected to discuss a range lose on the heels of the repo rate cut and with sharp slowdowns in Germany and Japan of options to help the industry amid the sharp hit moratorium on term loans, the Reserve Bank of overshadowing a modest improvement in China, while new to demand as the coronavirus outbreak has CIndia (RBI) on Wednesday allowed exporters to orders in the United States slumped to an 11-year low. hammered industrial activity and kept cars off the keep their proceeds outside India for 15 months and The metal is taking cues from other markets in the short road. Speaking at a government meeting on hiked the Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit of term, but “fundamentals are still supportive in the long run” Wednesday, Putin said that both oil producers and state governments by 30 per cent to cushion the impact amid quantitative easing and lower interest rates, Sandu consumers should find a solution that would of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. The said. improve the “challenging” situation of global oil central bank has provided relief to the banking sector’s Gold is considered an attractive investment during times markets. capital requirements. of political or economic uncertainty. It is highly sensitive to Some analysts cautioned there is still a long way The RBI said the time period for realisation and interest rates, as lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of to go before any output cut agreement is struck. repatriation of export proceeds made up to or on July holding the non-yielding bullion. With markets facing 15 million barrels per day 31, 2020 has been extended to 15 months from the date of The World Health Organization’s director-general, Tedros (bpd) of oversupply in the second quarter and export. “The measure will enable the exporters to Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Wednesday that his agency, storage maxing out in April, extraordinary realise their receipts, especially from COVID-19 affected the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund curtailments of oil supply will be needed in May countries within the extended period and also provide backed debt relief to help developing countries cope with the and June, said Kang Wu, head of Asia analytics at greater flexibility to the exporters to negotiate future pandemic’s social and economic consequences. S&P Global Platts. export contracts with buyers abroad,” the RBI said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 28 ASTROLOGY FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

Bejan Daruwalla is world's most famous astrologertoday. He appears regularly on world wide TV shows. Bejan who has been a professor in English, hasauthored a number of books on astrology. India'sPrime Minister Narendra Modi , on March 29, 2012,lunched one of Bejan's books, '2012- End of theWorld? Bejan contributes to a number of journals andnewspapers in many parts of the world which includeBerkley Communications Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological (London) Times of India(Delhi, Mumbai, consultations. He can be reached at Kolkata, Chennai) and The IndianPanorama ( [email protected] and on phone New York and Texas). Bejan's predictionshave mostly been correct and 011-91-8141234275 people the world overrely on his predictions. www.bejandaruwalla.com

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the World's most trusted astrologer Bejan Daruwalla. Latest correct prediction: Modi's historic victory Weekly Horoscope April 6 - April 12, 2020 ARIES: Ganesha says you look to gain LEO: Ganesha says all the new experiences SAGITTARIUS: The period favours travels / insights through the study of philosophy, will broaden your life and you grow meetings / conferences / interviews / trips / more metaphysics and the occult. With more exponentially as a person who matters. You brain power / contacts / communication / optimism and self-confidence in your life, you will have arrived at a very significant juncture correspondence / contracts. You are reaching out in are willing to take risks. You may take to in life. The work front continues to expand all directions and growing as a person. This is an gambling or speculation, or you may drop the with new ties and collaborations. There is excellent time for most kinds of relationships. While normal props that have kept you secure all money to be made and expenses also soar. Plug you meet new people, you also keep in touch with old along. You want to expand your consciousness the bucket you may end up spending more than friends. Be humble and grateful for existence is and to experience every facet of the world. you earn. All in all, a good phase says Ganesha. throwing a number of opportunities your way. TAURUS: You may take to yoga and VIRGO: You are galloping ahead and this is CAPRICORN :Ganesha says that you have the meditation or go guru-shopping to get more a period of culmination in your professional potential to become a truly better person as all clarity. You feel the time has come to and personal life. There are tangible results influences favour you and help you grow. You will understand yourself better with regard to the and you feel good as you bask in learn new techniques of yoga and meditation and world. Ganesha blesses you. This is a stable accomplishment and applause. You are will take to alternative healing as a therapy of phase you make substantial progress. You also confident about handling any challenge choice. But do not be obsessed with health issues. want a change from the rut. You need to move thrown your way.You do too many things at the They will sort out on their own. Do not become a away from the mundane world of work and same time and could face the danger of hypochondriac. The Moon raises your sensitivities achievement and may decide to travel. overextending yourself. Plan your moves well to a sharp, cutting edge. GEMINI: You want to take a long trip for a so that you are not concerned later. AQUARIUS: You enter a lucky phase and are direct experience of life. You also want to help LIBRA: There is new love and you spend helped by strangers and friends alike. You are also the less fortunate in the society. You want to happy moments with your paramour without a constantly looking for opportunities that can benefit help the underdog. You are filled with mercy care in the world. This is a great time to be, you. Your sense of timing is acute and your and compassion. Your life has many turns but says Ganesha. While at work runs smoothly, sensitivity to others is greater than usual. You do they are all profitable. You want to grow into a you sometimes feel that you do not get the well and reap benefits as a result of all this. You well-rounded personality and Ganesha says recognition that you deserve. Remain humble make significant gains in your personal and that you are on the right track. You try with your feet placed firmly on the ground. domestic life. You spend lavishly on home everything all at once. You are restless for Like has many lessons to teach; do not act improvements and there is a decided upswing in results. arrogant and smug. your affairs. CANCER: The impact of this influence is SCORPIO: You will be involved in many PISCES: You meet new people all the time and if significant. Various aspects of your life will be different aspects of work and will be meeting you are less arrogant or ego driven you will learn a transformed. You will encounter new friends people from all over the world. These new lot. This can be a very profitable period but it is all up and experiences and will be richer for it. interactions will broaden your outlook to you, says Ganesha. If you can change your There will be positive energy in your life and tremendously. You may also travel overseas on perspective, you will surmount many roadblocks. you will be shown the mirror and made to face a new assignment. The future looks bright with This is a steadying influence. At this time, you are yourself. In the beginning you will resist it but unlimited potential. Ganesha is with you. Your able to combine breadth of vision with sharp the less you resist facing yourself, the better ambitions are at their peak and you will do perception and intellect and see very clearly where for you. well, asserts Ganesha. you are headed.

Birthday Horoscope April 6 - April 12, 2020

APRIL 6: Ganesha says there are no big APRIL 8: You've got discipline for your business relationship. Fortunately, you obstacles to seeking fulfilment to your ambitions, compassion for others' aide, know what to say to make things right. desires today, although, even in the little and the ability to late-night think about APRIL 11: Look for evening compatibility things, you may lean toward excess. The the deeper agenda for your plan. within the family with one note of dissent. one caveat is an unexpected fiscal don't APRIL 9: You've got an enthusiastic, Make a stretch for harmony instead and help anyone'smood. positive, confident attitude that attracts all will be good. APRIL 7: Tune into your intuitive or good luck and opportunity. Life just APRIL 12: If you're looking to set your psychic awareness for emotional expands to even-better proportions. way during the daytime, try something information. Don't get side-tracked by a APRIL 10 Jealousy, envy, or resentment innovative, and don't cross the lines of tiff. Follow your soulful urges. could get in the way of a personal or consideration to confrontation. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 SPIRITUALITY 29 HANUMAN JAYANTI: WORSHIP THE LORD, CONQUER DIFFICULTIES he holy Hanuman Jayanti or Hanumath Jayanti festival Tcelebrates the birth of Hanuman as per Hindu calendar, one of the prominent heroes of the Indian super epic Ramayana. Hanuman Jayanti is observed in the Chaitra lunar month where a number of spiritual discourses are held in a majority of Hindu temples. This festival is celebrated with immense devotion by Hindus of all hues and in particular by the devotees of Hanuman or Hanuman Bhakts. The different aspects of Hanuman are remembered and worshipped on Hanuman Jayanti festival day. This year, Hanuman Jayanti falls on Wednesday 8th April, 2020, as per Hindu Panchang. Lord Hanuman, a dedicated disciple of the Hindu Lord Rama, is worshipped all over the India by the Hindu people for his deep devotion to the god Rama. At the day of Hanuman Jayanti celebration, all the Hanuman temples become full of crowd as people started puja from early morning after a holy bath. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people of Hindu religion as an important festival of the Hindus. It is a great Hindu ritual celebrated in cultural and traditional way. People worship Lord Hanuman as a symbol of devotion, magical powers, strength and energy. People read Hanuman Chalisa as it has ability to conquer the evil spirits and provide Significance of Hanuman to visit the heaven king, Indra and became the daughter of Kunjar (king of peace to the mind. The devotees of Lord Jayanti Celebration welcomed there through the dance the monkeys on earth) and got married Hanuman visit Hanuman temples at this presented by a damsel named, to the Kapiraj Kesari of the Mount day after a holy in the early morning, Hanuman Jayanti celebration Punjiksthala. However, saint was not Sumeru. She gave birth to the Hanuman apply red tilak (vermillion) to the indicates the balanced coexistence of the used of that type dance and started with the help of five divine factors such foreheads of Hanuman idol, read whole human fraternity with the meditating on his God. After the end of as curse and blessings of the saint Hanuman Chalisa, offer Prasad of nature’s incredible creature, Lord dance, he was asked by the Indra about Angira, her prayers, blessings of Lord laddoo, do Aarti by chanting mantras Hanuman from Vanara community. the performance of dance. He was silent Shiva, blessings of Vayu deva and and Aarti songs, make round of the People from the Hindu religion worship and said that I was in deep meditation to Putreshti Yagna’s fruit. It is considered temple and so many rituals. As Lord Lord Hanuman as a divine creature. This my Almighty because I have no interest that Lord Shiva had to rebirth as a Hanuman was born to the Vanara celebration has lots of importance to all in such dance. It was very ashamed to the human being on the earth in his 11th community having reddish orange color however Brahmacharis, wrestlers and Indra and damsel; she started Rudra avatar in the form of Hanuman as body, that’s why it is seen to all the bodybuilders are specially inclined disappointing the saint and then cursed He could not serve to the Lord Rama by Hanuman temples having reddish towards this celebration. There are by the Angira that “Behold! You shall being in His real form. orange colored Hanuman idol. After many names through which Lord degrade to earth from Swarg. You will be The whole Vanara community puja, people apply red Sindur to their Hanuman is famous among his devotees born as a female monkey in the including all the human fraternity was own foreheads as a Prasad and distribute like Bajrangabali, Pavanasuta, mountain forests”. happy and celebrated his birthday with laddoo Prasad among people to get Pavankumar, Mahavira, Balibima, She then felt sorry and regretted to the great enthusiasm and joy by dancing, blessed with what they have prayed to Marutsuta, Anjanisut, Sankat Mochan, saint then a merciful saint supported her singing and lots of activities. From then, their God Hanuman. Anjaneya, Maruti, Rudra and many through blessings like, “A great devotee it was started celebrating as a Hanuman In the Maharashtra, it is more. of Paramatma will be born to you. He Jayanti by his devotees to get strength commemorated to the Purnima in the Hanuman avatar is considered as the will forever serve Paramatma”. She and wisdom like him. Hindu Lunar month of Chaitra. 11th Rudra avatar of the Lord Siva with However, according to other Hindu great devotion, strength, knowledge, PAGE SPONSORED BY calendar, it falls on 14th day divine power, bravery, intelligence, spirit (chaturdashi) of Ashvin month in the for selfless service and etc. He has ARISH K. SAHANI dark fortnight. After puja, Prasad is devoted his life only for his Lord Rama distributed among people to have full and Mata Sita and never shows his Serving Since 1972 blessings. bravery and intelligence without any Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it is purpose. The devotees of the Lord celebrated in Margazhi month (between Hanuman always pray him for getting Arish K Sahani (Father) December and January) in the belief blessed with the same for their bright that Lord Hanuman was born to the future. He is worshipped in many ways Shiv Sahani (Son) amavasya in the Margazhi month. In by his devotees; some meditates by Odisha, it is celebrated on 1st day in the repeating his name many times to get Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) month of Baisakha (in April). In power, fame, success and etc in the life Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it is whereas some reads the Hanuman 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 celebrated on 10th day of Vaishaka Chalisa to get the same. [email protected] month in the Krishna Paksha. It is the 41 History behind Celebration days long celebration in the Andhra “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” Pradesh which starts from the Chaitra of Hanuman Jayanti Purnima and ends at 10th days of the “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” Krishna Paksha of Vaishakha month. Once, a great saint named Angira went “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA 30 CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 31 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 32 TURN PAGE FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 contd from page 1 "At the current burn rate, we have enough countries. ventilators for six days. But we need this like now. Not In his second interaction through video conference Coronavirus cases hit 1 million talking about two months, three months, four months," with Chief Ministers after last month's Janata Curfew, worldwide, deaths pass 52,000 he said, adding that, "We need these materials now." the Prime Minister while taking stock of the current The Governor has complained that the 50 States are situation underscored the importance of coordinated market has ever witnessed, and economists warn competing against each other for protective gear and action, need to avoid overlaps in efforts of stakeholders unemployment could reach levels not seen since the breathing machines, or are being outbid by the federal and setting up district-level crisis management groups Depression, as the economic damage piles up around government, in a competition he likened to being on and district surveillance officers. the world. eBay. In France, a top health official in the country's Thanking the states for supporting the lockdown The bleak news Thursday, April 2, - a record- hard-hit eastern region said American officials decision due to which India had achieved some success shattering 6.6 million new unemployment claims on swooped in at a Chinese airport to spirit away a in limiting the spread of the disease, he praised them top of last week's unprecedented 3.3 million - came as planeload of masks that France had ordered. for working together as a team to check the spread of the competition for scarce ventilators, masks and other "On the tarmac, the Americans arrive, take out cash the virus, an official release said. protective gear seemed to grow more desperate and and pay three or four times more for our orders, so we He appealed to leaders to reach out to community deaths mounted with alarming speed in Italy, Spain really have to fight," Dr. Jean Rottner, an emergency chiefs and social welfare organizations at the state, and New York, the most lethal hot spot in the nation, room doctor in Mulhouse, told RTL radio. district, town and block levels to build up a united front with nearly 2,400 lives lost. Nine leading European university hospitals warned based on community approach in the battle against the The mounting economic fallout almost certainly they will run out of essential medicines for COVID-19 pandemic. Stressing exit strategy, he asked states to signals the onset of a global recession, with job losses patients in intensive care in less than two weeks. send suggestions since it was important to ensure a that are likely to dwarf those of the Great Recession A shipment of nearly 5,900 medical masks that staggered re-emergence of the population once the more than a decade ago. Alabama's Montgomery County received from the U.S. lockdown ended while reiterating the importance of Though the tally reported by Johns Hopkins government stockpile was unusable because of dry rot, social distancing. University show 1 million infections, with over 50,000 the emergency management director said. The masks He said in the next few weeks, testing, tracing, deaths, the true numbers are believed to be much had a 2010 expiration date, according to the city of isolation and quarantine should remain the areas of higher, because of testing shortages, many mild cases Montgomery. focus. Highlighting the necessity of maintaining that have gone unreported, and suspicions that some President Donald Trump acknowledged on supply of essential medical products, availability of countries are covering up the extent of their Wednesday, April1, that the federal stockpile is nearly raw material for manufacture of medicines and outbreaks. depleted of the protective equipment needed by doctors medical equipment, he said it was necessary to ensure With over 220,000 people infected in the U.S. and the and nurses, and some "horrific" days lie ahead. In one availability of separate, dedicated hospital facilities death toll topping 5,300, sobering preparations were of the worst hotspots around the country, Louisiana, for affected patients. under way. The Federal Emergency Management deaths climbed to at least 310 and confirmed infections As of Friday, April 3 morning, India reported 2449 Agency asked the Pentagon for 100,000 body bags spiked 42% to nearly 9,200, in what Governor John Bel cases, with 73 deaths. because of the possibility funeral homes will be Edwards attributed in part to backlogged test results overwhelmed, the military said. finally coming back from laboratories. Coronavirus Outbreak in New The Democratic Party pushed its nominating "We want people focused on what they can do about Jersey Accelerates with 537 convention back a month, to mid-August. And federal it. Don't be despondent. Don't despair. Don't throw your authorities proposed a $611,000 fine against the Seattle- hands up," he said. "We can determine how bad it gets Deaths area nursing home connected to at least 40 coronavirus by whether we comply with the social distancing, the coronavirus and thanked the state troopers and deaths, accusing it of infractions that included failure stay-at-home order and all the hygiene we've been Army Corps of Engineers for their speedy work that to report and rapidly manage the outbreak. promoting." For most people, the coronavirus causes they said would save lives. Elsewhere around the world, the number of people mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. The 250-bed hospital at the Meadowlands Exposition applying for welfare benefits has gone up manifold. In But for others, especially older adults and people with Center should be ready to take non-COVID-19 patients Britain it increased nearly tenfold to almost 1 million health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like Monday, said Col. Patrick Callahan, superintendent of in the past couple of weeks. European Unionestimates pneumonia. Over 200,000 people worldwide have the State Police. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the at least a million on the continent lost their jobs over recovered, according to Johns Hopkins' count. coronavirus. the same period, and say the actual number is probably With large portions of America under lockdown to Murphy called it an "extraordinary effort" to build far higher. Spain alone added over 300,000 to its try to contain the scourge, job losses for the world's the hospital. "Of course, this is only the end of the unemployment rolls in March. biggest economy could double to 20 million, and beginning as opposed to the beginning of the end," But the job losses there appear to be far smaller than unemployment could spike to as high as 15% by the end Murphy said to a room of workers. "God bless you all in the U.S. because of Europe's greater social safety of the month, many economists have said. and thank you for everything you've done to get this nets, including government programs to reduce Unemployment in the U.S. hasn't been that high since going." workers' hours without laying them off, in the hope of the tail end of the Depression, just before the U.S. Menendez, who led the effort to get the hospital as bringing them back quickly once the crisis passes. entered World War II. well as two others under construction, in Edison and With its healthcare system in dire shape, Spain Laid-off workers can tap money made available in Atlantic City, told the workers, "we're hopefully going reported a record one-day number of deaths, 950, the $2.2 trillion rescue measure passed by Congress. It to save lives." bringing its overall toll to about 10,000, despite signs adds $600 a week to unemployment benefits, extends The field hospital will serve as a "step-down" facility that the infection rate is slowing. eligibility to 39 weeks and for the first time wraps in for patients that would otherwise go to area hospitals to Italy recorded 760 more deaths, for a total of 13,900, part-timers and workers in the so-called gig economy, alleviate pressure on them. However, Callahan said the the worst of any country, but new infections continued such as Uber drivers. Many recently unemployed field hospital could be ramped up for intensive care to level off. Over 10,000 medical personnel in Italy have workers have reported frustrations with jammed use. "It's rudimentary," Callahan said,"but the care will been infected and 69 doctors have died, authorities phone lines and overloaded websites as they try to be the same as every hospital in the state of New said. India, into its second week of nationwide apply for unemployment benefits. (With inputs from Jersey." lockdown appears comfortable with the numbers, but Agencies) Rows of one-bed units are set up in blocks inside the in days to come the numbers are feared to go up, exposition center. The beds look similar to Army cots notwithstanding government of India's strict India's Prime Minister calls upon and each has a white curtain for privacy. Murphy, enforcement of social distancing. As on April 3 CM's to Prepare Common Exit looking inside one of the units, said it looks like a "very morning, the total number of detected cases reported basic setup." Workers also outfitted the center with a were 2511, with 69 deaths. Strategy post lockdown temporary pharmacy, showers, sinks, toilets, nurse's The competition for ventilators, masks and other staggered appearance of people after the end of the station and break room for health care workers. vital supplies was cutthroat. In New York, Governor lockdown while forewarning that the situation of the New Jersey, a state of 9 million people, has the Andrew Cuomo warned that the State is quickly global Covid-19 pandemic remains far from second-most cases among U.S. states, after New York. running out of breathing machines. satisfactory amid speculation of a second wave in some THE INDIAN PANORAMA PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Mohammad Shahzad, Zia Khan , Nisha Rani CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu E-mail [email protected]; Phone: 646-247-9458 VICE PRESIDENT: Chitagam Saluja Vaaho Photographers, Vijay Shah -Photo Journalist. LUDHIANA: A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma www.theindianpanorama.news CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja DISTRIBUTOR : Sukhwinder Singh Published by Prof. Indrajit Saluja ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bidisha Roy CORRESPONDENTS : The Indian Panorama CONSULTING EDITOR: Deepak Dwivedi SACRAMENTO: Parminder S. Aujla P.O. 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THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 TRAVEL 33 SERENITY IN THE LAP OF DHAULADHAR ike other hill stations in North flowers and is thronged by devotees from India, Palampur rarely vies for all over the country. From behind the Lattention with gimmicks and that's temple stairs, one can reach Binwa where its charm lies. A small town stream. There is a lot that one can do nestled in the lap of the snow-covered here, such as relaxing on the banks of Dhauladhar range, Palampur in this mountain stream or picnicking with Himachal Pradesh is a perfect weekend loved ones. getaway from Delhi and other nearby places. The picturesque natural beauty, SOBHA SINGH ART GALLERY tea gardens, deodar forests, gurgling Sardar Sobha Singh, a well-known mountain streams, ancient temples, contemporary painter, started his hidden monasteries and warm people painting career in Andretta, around 18 welcome you to this heaven. It has km from Palampur. He stayed in this something to offer to everyone—amazing remote village in the foothills of the landscape and lush green tea gardens for Himalayas for around 38 years. The place photographers and nature lovers, serene where he stayed and painted has been pine forests for those looking for some converted into an art gallery by his moments of quietude, old temples and adopted daughter Bibi Gurcharan Kaur, monasteries for religious souls and and now managed by Gurcharan Kaur's activities like paragliding and trekking son Hirdaypal Singh. At the art gallery, for the adventurous lot. Weather is one can see a range of original works of pleasant throughout the year. Winter the artist as well as some of his personal months, from November to February, belongings. Sobha Singh Museum, offer amazing views of the beautiful BILLING displaying photographs depicting the life Dhauladhar range covered in snow. You old seem to be celebrating life. There is a of the artist, has been added to the can snow trek to places like Billing and small canteen behind the main prayer Billing is a beautiful hilltop from complex recently. enjoy splendid views of Kangra Valley hall where you can have noodles, thukpa, where you get stunning views of from up there. And if you want to relax tea etc. Be there during sunset to enjoy Dhauladhars and Kangra Valley.It is also MCLEOD GANJ in the pleasant weather away from the an amazing view, when the golden rays one of the world's best paragliding sites. McLeod Ganj is a Tibetan crowd and heat the city, visit during engulf the entire forest, fields and A picturesque zig-zag uphill route from establishment where you would love to summers. With greenery all around, the villages. Bir takes you to Billing. If you are spend an evening. Popular places to visit valley is at its natural best during visiting the place during winters, you here include Tsuglagkhang Complex, monsoons. You would need at least 3-4 BAROT can snow trek from Bir to Billing. Sitting Dalai Lama Temple, Tibetan Museum, days to explore popular places to visit in Barot is a small village nestled in the at a height of 2290 m above sea level, Tibetan Library and Archives, Tibetan and around Palampur, such as: lap of the Himalayas on the banks of the admiring the surroundings and Children's Village, Bhagsu Temple, Uhl River and surrounded on both sides relishing a cup of hot tea in the cold Bhagsu Falls and Naddi. You can roam SHERABLING MONASTERY by parts of the Dhauladhar range. weather are some of the things that be around in the market that is full of Situated in the foothills of Kangra Around 75 km from Palampur, it's a enjoyed here. If you love adventure then options that you can buy—funky Valley is Palpung Sherabling Monastic perfect off-beat getaway for those who go for paragliding, but you need to make jewellery, hand-knitted woollens, Seat in Upper Bhattu region. A quiet want to relax in the middle of serene requisite arrangements at Bir only. carpets, shawls, t-shirts and artefacts. walk through the pine forest with nature away from the crowd. You can There are some awesome restaurants colourful Buddhist prayer flags on the even take a trolley from Jogindernagar BAIJNATH and cafes that serve delicious Chinese, sides of the road takes you to the gompa. to reach here. Spend a day trout fishing, Rediscover history at an ancient Lord Tibetan and Italian food. If you are The monastery has shrine halls, a nature walking or just relaxing. You can Shiva Temple in Baijnath. This 13th- looking for a peaceful place to practice monastic college, a school, a library, a also visit the former summer palace of century shrine reflects early medieval yoga, there are some places in the museum, an exhibition hall and a Mandi rulers. Barot serves as the north Indian temple architecture known outskirts that offer a serene dispensary,and all these are nestled deep gateway to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary as Nagara style. During the festival of environment and a lovely view of inside the pine forest. It's like a different which is home to a variety of flora and Maha Shivaratri, there is a grand 5-day Kangra Valley and Dhauladhars. world altogether in the middle of serene fauna, including goral, Himalayan black celebration held at the temple. The whole McLeod Ganj also is the base for many nature where cheerful kids, youth and bear and pheasants. complex is decorated with marigold treks. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 34 SPORTS FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 Wimbledon cancelled for 1st time since WW-2, back in Jun-Jul 2021 LONDON (TIP): The Wimbledon Championships were cancelled for the first time since World War Two on Wednesday as the coronavirus FIFA chief says football will be pandemic struck another blue- riband sports event off the calendar totally different after coronavirus and wiped out the entire tennis grasscourt season. ootball will be totally different when it While the decision had looked eventually resumes after the coronavirus inevitable for some time, since the Foutbreak, the head of global soccer body FIFA virtual shutdown of world sport Gianni Infantino said on Thursday. and the postponement of the Tokyo “Football will come back, and when it does, we’ll Olympics, Wimbledon had been one celebrate coming out of a nightmare together,” he of the few events not to have been told the Italian news agency ANSA in an interview. officially cancelled or postponed. “There is one lesson, however, that both you and But after emergency talks me must have understood: the football that will come between the various stakeholders after the virus will be totally different…(more) over the last few days, the All inclusive, more social and more supportive, England Lawn Tennis Club connected to the individual countries and at the same (AELTC) announced that it was time more global, less arrogant and more impossible for the grasscourt Grand welcoming.” Slam, scheduled for June 29-July 12, Championships will instead be extended the suspension of He added: “We will be better, more human and to take place. staged from June 28 to July 11, professional tennis for another five more attentive to true values.” “It is with great regret that the 2021.” weeks to July 13. Last week, Infantino told Gazzetta dello Sport that main board ... have today decided Following the cancellation of the “At this time, tournaments taking it was the right time to take a step back and reform a that The Championships 2020 will grasscourt Major, and with the place from July 13, 2020 onwards are sport where fixture lists have become overloaded and be cancelled due to public health pandemic worsening in Europe and still planning to proceed as per the financial resources increasingly concentrated in the concerns linked to the coronavirus the US, the men’s ATP Tour, published schedule,” said a joint hands of a few elite clubs. epidemic,” the AELTC said in a women’s WTA Tour and the statement from the governing He suggested there could be “fewer, but more statement. “The 134th International Tennis Federation bodies. interesting tournaments. Maybe fewer squads, but more balance. Fewer, but more competitive, matches Ben Stokes to ‘Enjoy batting with MS Dhoni, AB to safeguard the health of the players.” race against Delhi Shooting World Cup F1 drivers in de Villiers the most’: Virat Kohli faces cancellation NEW DELHI (TIP): Pressure is building up on the virtual GP National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to call off ngland cricketer the upcoming shooting World Cup in New Delhi after Ben Stokes will the cancellation of the Munich edition owing to the Etest his driving Covid-19 pandemic. skills against five The Delhi World Cup, originally scheduled to be Formula One drivers, held from March 15-26, was postponed barely four including Ferrari’s days before the start of the event. It was then decided Charles Leclerc, in the to hold the tournament in two parts — rifle and pistol sport’s second virtual competitions from May 5-12, while shotgun grand prix this weekend. competitions were slated for June 2-9. The World Cup However, with the Munich World Cup being winning all-rounder will cancelled, sources close to the NRAI said the sport’s team up with Thai racer apex body in India is also under pressure to follow Alexander Albon in the suit, considering the uncertainty arising out of the Red Bull lineup for his unprecedented health crisis. first esports “There is pressure, especially after the competition. cancellation in Munich, which was to be held after McLaren’s Lando Delhi. Given that lockdowns are being enforced not Norris and the Williams irat Kohli joined Kevin Pietersen was stumped off a wide delivery in this just in India, how shooters will prepare for an event pairing of George in an informal chat on Instagram match. Kohli was the first bowler to take like a World Cup now,” a source said. Russell and Nicholas Von Thursday, with the two a wicket off the zeroth delivery of his “Going by the views of many associated with the Latifi will also be cricketers taking the opportunity of T20I career. sport in India, the writing is on the wall and the competing along with being isolated in their homes to talk Talking about that, Kohli said, “I am the NRAI would do well to announce it now rather than retired British grand about various things. only bowler to have picked up a wicket doing it much later,” another source added. prix winner and TV When Pietersen asked Kohli to name without bowling a legitimate delivery. It pundit Johnny Herbert. his favourite batting partner, Kohli was zero balls and one wicket. You were so The virtual race is the named MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers. embarrassed that you didn’t even look at second in a new series “Two people I have enjoyed most batting me.” Answering a few other questions, organised by Formula with, well I like to bat with people who some of which Pietersen relayed from One to provide some run well and understand my calling. So fans, Kohli said he would pick Cristiano light entertainment in with MS Dhoni for India and with AB de Ronaldo over Lionel Messi if asked to the absence of any real Villiers otherwise. With AB the choose one. He also said he would never life action due to the partnership just flows. We don’t even shave because he does not look good coronavirus pandemic. talk cricket,” he said. without a beard. He also said his best Norris and Latifi were Kohli and Pietersen also talked about cricketing memory is winning the 2011 the only current F1 an unusual moment from 2011, when ICC World Cup and the worst cricketing drivers to compete in the Kohli picked up his first T20I wicket – off memory is the horrendous tour of first race. his 0th delivery. Pietersen, his wicket, England he had in 2014. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 35 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 36 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

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DR. VK RAJU IS A DR. LEELA RAJU IS CLINICAL AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PROFESSOR OF OPHTHALMOLOGY OPHTHALMOLOGY AT WEST VIRGINIA AT NYU LANGONE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

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