Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too.

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Touted as the greatest plan in modern history to revive global trade, the BRI has been the biggest vehicle for China's chequebook diplomacy.

The loans have crippled many poor economies and now, some of them are waking up to this fact -- for instance Afghanista and Myanmar..&nbsp;

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China claims to have signed agreements with 138 countries. Estimates say the BRI projects will cost over a trillion dollars.

China is running this lending operation for access and power.

While many countries are already drowning in Chinese debt without realizing it, Afghanistan and Myanmar have taken the first step by&nbsp;rejecting Chinese loans.

China's renewed push in Afghanistan is a curious case. At first, China wanted nothing to do with this country as ridden by violence, it made no business sense.

However, Beijing sensed an opportunity as soon as Trump said he wanted to exit Afghanistan. Ever since, China has been trying to take CPEC into Afghanistan.

But Kabul sees the pitfalls. Afghanistan's national debt stand at over 1.3 billion dollars, and China wants to give more loans to Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani has declined the loan.

In Myanmar, the auditor general has cautioned the government against Chinese loans.

Myanmar is already busy paying back loans taken during decades of misgovernance under the military junta. But, Myanmar is firmly in China's grip. So, saying no to chinese loans won't be easy...

China is Myanmar's largest lender, and its biggest trading partner.

Myanmar's current national debt stands at 10 billion dollars -- 40 percent of this debt is already owed to China.

From 1988 to 2010, China gave out massive loans to Myanmar. These loans have been coming due since 2018, and&nbsp;Myanmar is paying back around 500 million dollars per year, including principal and four percent interest rate.

This is a classic example of China's preadatory lending.

The auditor general has pointed out that loans from China come at higher interest rates compared to loans from financial institutions like the world bank or the IMF. He said, "I would like to remind government ministries to be more restrained in using Chinese loans."

However, will the government listen?

In January, Chinese President Xi&nbsp;Jinping and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi agreed to speed up projects under the BRI. This resulted in 33 agreements, from mega power projects to railways.

Myanmar has already suffered once, it must not repeat the mistake again.

China's gameplan

Chinese financial institutions lend money for BRI projects. Construction contracts are awarded to mostly Chinese firms.

A Chinese company receives much of the proceeds of the loan and then projects tend to suffer delays or cancellations. There are corruption concerns, and the host country ends up with a massive pile of debt.

Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too.

Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too. Touted as the greatest plan in modern history to revive global trade, the BRI has been the biggest vehicle for China's chequebook diplomacy. The loans have crippled many poor economies and now, some of them are waking up to this fact -- for instance Afghanista and Myanmar.. Also read| Australian sentenced to death in China for smuggling meth in checked flight luggage China claims to have signed agreements with 138 countries. Estimates say the BRI projects will cost over a trillion dollars. China is running this lending operation for access and power. While many countries are already drowning in Chinese debt without realizing it, Afghanistan and Myanmar have taken the first step by rejecting Chinese loans. China's renewed push in Afghanistan is a curious case. At first, China wanted nothing to do with this country as ridden by violence, it made no business sense. However, Beijing sensed an opportunity as soon as Trump said he wanted to exit Afghanistan. Ever since, China has been trying to take CPEC into Afghanistan. But Kabul sees the pitfalls. Afghanistan's national debt stand at over 1.3 billion dollars, and China wants to give more loans to Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani has declined the loan. In Myanmar, the auditor general has cautioned the government against Chinese loans. Myanmar is already busy paying back loans taken during decades of misgovernance under the military junta. But, Myanmar is firmly in China's grip. So, saying no to chinese loans won't be easy... China is Myanmar's largest lender, and its biggest trading partner. Myanmar's current national debt stands at 10 billion dollars -- 40 percent of this debt is already owed to China. From 1988 to 2010, China gave out massive loans to Myanmar. These loans have been coming due since 2018, and Myanmar is paying back around 500 million dollars per year, including principal and four percent interest rate. This is a classic example of China's preadatory lending. The auditor general has pointed out that loans from China come at higher interest rates compared to loans from financial institutions like the world bank or the IMF. He said, "I would like to remind government ministries to be more restrained in using Chinese loans." However, will the government listen? In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi agreed to speed up projects under the BRI. This resulted in 33 agreements, from mega power projects to railways. Myanmar has already suffered once, it must not repeat the mistake again. China's gameplan Chinese financial institutions lend money for BRI projects. Construction contracts are awarded to mostly Chinese firms. A Chinese company receives much of the proceeds of the loan and then projects tend to suffer delays or cancellations. There are corruption concerns, and the host country ends up with a massive pile of debt.

Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan

India's Tata Motors Ltd expects to shed about 1,100 temporary jobs at Jaguar Land Rover after it raised the cost-cutting target at its luxury unit by 1 billion pounds ($1.26 billion) to ride out the disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Tata Motors expects to save 5 billion pounds in costs by March 2021 at its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unit, the Indian automaker`s Chief Financial Officer PB Balaji said on Monday, adding 3.5 billion pounds of the savings had already been achieved.

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It will also reduce capital expenditure at JLR to 2.5 billion pounds for the current fiscal year, from the more than 3 billion pounds it has spent annually in previous years.

"Conserving cash and prioritising capital expenditure, and targeting investment spending to the right areas is our focus," Balaji told reporters, after the company posted a fourth quarter loss.

We anticipate that up to 1,100 agency employees will be affected, a JLR spokeswoman said in a separate statement.

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Tata Motors is reviewing all its businesses and would consider exiting those that do not add strategic value, as part of a broader effort to save 60 billion rupees ($789 million) in its domestic business in the fiscal year to 2021.

The automaker on Monday posted a consolidated fourth quarter net loss of 98.94 billion rupees, as coronavirus lockdowns across its markets ravaged sales, including at JLR.

Total revenue from operations fell 27.7% to 624.93 billion rupees in the quarter, which ended March 31. 
JLR, which contributes the bulk of Tata Motors` revenues, reported a pre-tax loss of 501 million pounds for the period after it took a hit of 800 million pounds because of the novel coronavirus, Balaji said.

He said there were signs sales were recovering in China, one of JLR`s biggest markets, as well as in the United States and in Europe, with strong orders for Land Rover`s sport-utility vehicle Defender and Range Rover`s Evoque. 
JLR`s boss Ralf Speth, who has led the company since 2010, will step down from his role at the end of his contract term in September.

($1 = 76.0446 Indian rupees) 
($1 = 0.7954 pounds)

India's Tata Motors Ltd expects to shed about 1,100 temporary jobs at Jaguar Land Rover after it raised the cost-cutting target at its luxury unit by 1 billion pounds ($1.

India's Tata Motors Ltd expects to shed about 1,100 temporary jobs at Jaguar Land Rover after it raised the cost-cutting target at its luxury unit by 1 billion pounds ($1.26 billion) to ride out the disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Tata Motors expects to save 5 billion pounds in costs by March 2021 at its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unit, the Indian automaker`s Chief Financial Officer PB Balaji said on Monday, adding 3.5 billion pounds of the savings had already been achieved. Also read| Petrol, diesel prices hiked again in India It will also reduce capital expenditure at JLR to 2.5 billion pounds for the current fiscal year, from the more than 3 billion pounds it has spent annually in previous years. "Conserving cash and prioritising capital expenditure, and targeting investment spending to the right areas is our focus," Balaji told reporters, after the company posted a fourth quarter loss. We anticipate that up to 1,100 agency employees will be affected, a JLR spokeswoman said in a separate statement. Also read| 'Buying bikes like toilet paper': Coronavirus causes a surge in bicycle sales Tata Motors is reviewing all its businesses and would consider exiting those that do not add strategic value, as part of a broader effort to save 60 billion rupees ($789 million) in its domestic business in the fiscal year to 2021. The automaker on Monday posted a consolidated fourth quarter net loss of 98.94 billion rupees, as coronavirus lockdowns across its markets ravaged sales, including at JLR. Total revenue from operations fell 27.7% to 624.93 billion rupees in the quarter, which ended March 31. JLR, which contributes the bulk of Tata Motors` revenues, reported a pre-tax loss of 501 million pounds for the period after it took a hit of 800 million pounds because of the novel coronavirus, Balaji said. He said there were signs sales were recovering in China, one of JLR`s biggest markets, as well as in the United States and in Europe, with strong orders for Land Rover`s sport-utility vehicle Defender and Range Rover`s Evoque. JLR`s boss Ralf Speth, who has led the company since 2010, will step down from his role at the end of his contract term in September. ($1 = 76.0446 Indian rupees) ($1 = 0.7954 pounds)

Tata Motors to shed 1,100 JLR jobs after pandemic hits earnings

Chairman of Baloch National Movement (BNM), Khalil Baloch, has said in a statement that the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is part of China's global Belt and Road project under which Beijing is working in Balochistan to achieve its strategic goals.

"CPEC project has been portrayed as an economic project by Pakistani parliamentary parties, including the National Party, who have secured financial incentives by supporting Pakistan and China. The National Party has fully supported the federal government of Pakistan in negotiating to sell Balochistan to China under Nawaz Sharif's government. Today, the time has proved that Pakistan has mortgaged most of Balochistan, including Gwadar to China in order to maintain its occupation and crush the Baloch independence movement." said Khalil Baloch.

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He added, "This is an enigma of our national survival and the conspiracies are exposed to separate the Baloch coast from us in the coming years."

Khalil Baloch said since the day the Baloch leadership has continuously notified the world that China is rapidly building a naval base on the Baloch coast and in the future, Jwani and Gwadar will be important bases of the Chinese navy.

"Sadly, the world powers have either ignored the Baloch national voice or they have compromised with China for their short-term economic interests," he further said.

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The CPEC project will have far-reaching political and military consequences for the region and its impact will be the same for all other countries in the region, including Balochistan.

"Today, China is swiftly shifting the balance of power in the region. This is not only a catastrophic move for Balochistan but other countries in the region will not be spared of its effects. India will be directly affected by Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean and Chinese military presence near the Strait of Hormuz could lead to war in the region," said the Baloch nationalist leader.

He said that China is gaining ground in Balochistan and becoming a new colonial power in the region.

"Thousands of Chinese are already in different areas of Balochistan, including Gwadar and Saindak to complete the CPEC and Saindak projects," he said.

"The Forbes journal has revealed Chinese military compound in Gwadar by affirming our position that, China is strengthening its military bases at an important strategic location like Gwadar under the shadow of economic projects. Several large military bases are being built. In future, the Chinese invasion of the entire Baloch coast will be the most significant concern for the Baloch national existence and identity after the occupation of Pakistan," he said.

Khalil Baloch said that the Baloch have suffered immensely from the resistance against the 'imperialist' CPEC project.

"Many villages have been destroyed and Pakistan army has done aerial bombardment on the route of the CPEC project. Thousands of families are forced to migrate and live in different areas. Many people have been killed and detained in torture cells. These brutalities are continued on a daily basis in Balochistan," he said in a statement.

Khalil Baloch said that the world powers should realise that the Chinese expansionist ambitions and military presence in Balochistan will not only affect the Baloch, rather, it will affect the countries of the region, including India, in particular, and across the world.

"Chinese imperialist ambitions are not limited to Balochistan, but the Belt and Road Initiative is a global project that has apparently divided the world. An important part of the Belt and Road Initiative consists of Gwadar port and CPEC. Balochistan will continue to resist all imperialist plans, including CPEC," he stated.

"Balochistan has paid a huge price by opposing these projects and we will not hesitate to defend our land in the future. But this war must be fought by the entire civilised world, including the countries of the region. We have made it clear multiple times that the Baloch are willing to unite with any power in line with their national interests against China's imperialist ambitions," added the Baloch leader.

He said, "We believe that further silence will bring destruction to the entire region, including Balochistan."

 
&nbsp;

Chairman of Baloch National Movement (BNM), Khalil Baloch, has said in a statement that the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is part of China's global Belt and Road project under which Beijing is working in Balochistan to achieve its strategic goals.

Chairman of Baloch National Movement (BNM), Khalil Baloch, has said in a statement that the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is part of China's global Belt and Road project under which Beijing is working in Balochistan to achieve its strategic goals. "CPEC project has been portrayed as an economic project by Pakistani parliamentary parties, including the National Party, who have secured financial incentives by supporting Pakistan and China. The National Party has fully supported the federal government of Pakistan in negotiating to sell Balochistan to China under Nawaz Sharif's government. Today, the time has proved that Pakistan has mortgaged most of Balochistan, including Gwadar to China in order to maintain its occupation and crush the Baloch independence movement." said Khalil Baloch. Also read| COVID-19: Pak minister warns 1.2 million cases by July end; total infected cases cross 142,000 He added, "This is an enigma of our national survival and the conspiracies are exposed to separate the Baloch coast from us in the coming years." Khalil Baloch said since the day the Baloch leadership has continuously notified the world that China is rapidly building a naval base on the Baloch coast and in the future, Jwani and Gwadar will be important bases of the Chinese navy. "Sadly, the world powers have either ignored the Baloch national voice or they have compromised with China for their short-term economic interests," he further said. Also Read| Imran Khan's relationship with Army on the rocks amid COVID-19 outbreak The CPEC project will have far-reaching political and military consequences for the region and its impact will be the same for all other countries in the region, including Balochistan. "Today, China is swiftly shifting the balance of power in the region. This is not only a catastrophic move for Balochistan but other countries in the region will not be spared of its effects. India will be directly affected by Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean and Chinese military presence near the Strait of Hormuz could lead to war in the region," said the Baloch nationalist leader. He said that China is gaining ground in Balochistan and becoming a new colonial power in the region. "Thousands of Chinese are already in different areas of Balochistan, including Gwadar and Saindak to complete the CPEC and Saindak projects," he said. "The Forbes journal has revealed Chinese military compound in Gwadar by affirming our position that, China is strengthening its military bases at an important strategic location like Gwadar under the shadow of economic projects. Several large military bases are being built. In future, the Chinese invasion of the entire Baloch coast will be the most significant concern for the Baloch national existence and identity after the occupation of Pakistan," he said. Khalil Baloch said that the Baloch have suffered immensely from the resistance against the 'imperialist' CPEC project. "Many villages have been destroyed and Pakistan army has done aerial bombardment on the route of the CPEC project. Thousands of families are forced to migrate and live in different areas. Many people have been killed and detained in torture cells. These brutalities are continued on a daily basis in Balochistan," he said in a statement. Khalil Baloch said that the world powers should realise that the Chinese expansionist ambitions and military presence in Balochistan will not only affect the Baloch, rather, it will affect the countries of the region, including India, in particular, and across the world. "Chinese imperialist ambitions are not limited to Balochistan, but the Belt and Road Initiative is a global project that has apparently divided the world. An important part of the Belt and Road Initiative consists of Gwadar port and CPEC. Balochistan will continue to resist all imperialist plans, including CPEC," he stated. "Balochistan has paid a huge price by opposing these projects and we will not hesitate to defend our land in the future. But this war must be fought by the entire civilised world, including the countries of the region. We have made it clear multiple times that the Baloch are willing to unite with any power in line with their national interests against China's imperialist ambitions," added the Baloch leader. He said, "We believe that further silence will bring destruction to the entire region, including Balochistan."

BNM chief slams China for its imperialist ambitions in Balochistan

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday.

The talks, known as the intra-Afghan dialogue, will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after years of fighting.

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No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place after the two sides settle differences on the release by the Afghan government of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, which could be as soon as the end of next week.

"The first intra-Afghan meeting will happen in Doha," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Reuters, adding that the Islamist group was ready to hold intra-Afghan talks within a week of the release of 5,000 prisoners.

The Afghan government has released 3,000 Taliban prisoners so far under an agreement signed between the United States and the insurgent group in February.

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That deal outlined a roadmap for withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and peace talks to end the 19-year war.

The government wants talks to begin as soon as possible but has issues with the release of a few hundred high-profile Taliban prisoners, a senior government official told Reuters.

The official said the government had offered an alternative prisoner release list to the Taliban.

The spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, Sediq Sediqqi, said on Twitter that Doha had been agreed as the venue for the first talks but said no permanent venue had been agreed.

The Qatari capital was the venue for signing the deal between the United States and Taliban. The insurgent group has had a political office in Doha since 2013.

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday.

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday. The talks, known as the intra-Afghan dialogue, will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after years of fighting. Also read: Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place after the two sides settle differences on the release by the Afghan government of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, which could be as soon as the end of next week. "The first intra-Afghan meeting will happen in Doha," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Reuters, adding that the Islamist group was ready to hold intra-Afghan talks within a week of the release of 5,000 prisoners. The Afghan government has released 3,000 Taliban prisoners so far under an agreement signed between the United States and the insurgent group in February. Also read: Attacks on checkpoint in various Afghan regions leave scores of terrorists dead, injured That deal outlined a roadmap for withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and peace talks to end the 19-year war. The government wants talks to begin as soon as possible but has issues with the release of a few hundred high-profile Taliban prisoners, a senior government official told Reuters. The official said the government had offered an alternative prisoner release list to the Taliban. The spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, Sediq Sediqqi, said on Twitter that Doha had been agreed as the venue for the first talks but said no permanent venue had been agreed. The Qatari capital was the venue for signing the deal between the United States and Taliban. The insurgent group has had a political office in Doha since 2013.

Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.

Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, demanded Esper explain whether the funds had been cut and if so from which accounts.

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"Will the execution of such funding cuts impact the US military presence on the ground in Afghanistan?" they asked in the letter, requesting a reply by June 26.

"If the administration has determined that this cut in security assistance does not diminish our ability to pursue our national security objectives, what conditions have changed to create such a sizeable surplus?" they added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/eight-killed-in-armed-attack-on-clinic-in-eastern-afghanistan-including-political-figure-305659">Also read:&nbsp;Eight killed in armed attack on clinic in Eastern Afghanistan, including political figure</a>

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the reduction on March 23 to try to force Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah to end a feud that had helped stall US-led peace-making efforts in Afghanistan.

Ghani and Abdullah on May 17 signed a power-sharing deal, raising questions whether Washington would reduce the funding.

After nearly two decades of fighting the Taliban, the United States is looking to extricate itself and to achieve peace between the US-backed government and the militant group. But despite the pact between Ghani and Abdullah, peace talks between the government and the Taliban have yet to occur.

Reuters reported on April 5 the reduction would come from funds for Afghan security forces and, on May 20, that the Pentagon had not withheld the money despite Pompeo`s March 23 vow to cut it "immediately."

On June 1, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said he thought the money had been cut and referred questions to the Pentagon.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the letter.

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, demanded Esper explain whether the funds had been cut and if so from which accounts. Also watch: New Polio cases reported in Afghanistan | Balkh, Herat, Badakhshan "Will the execution of such funding cuts impact the US military presence on the ground in Afghanistan?" they asked in the letter, requesting a reply by June 26. "If the administration has determined that this cut in security assistance does not diminish our ability to pursue our national security objectives, what conditions have changed to create such a sizeable surplus?" they added. Also read: Eight killed in armed attack on clinic in Eastern Afghanistan, including political figure Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the reduction on March 23 to try to force Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah to end a feud that had helped stall US-led peace-making efforts in Afghanistan. Ghani and Abdullah on May 17 signed a power-sharing deal, raising questions whether Washington would reduce the funding. After nearly two decades of fighting the Taliban, the United States is looking to extricate itself and to achieve peace between the US-backed government and the militant group. But despite the pact between Ghani and Abdullah, peace talks between the government and the Taliban have yet to occur. Reuters reported on April 5 the reduction would come from funds for Afghan security forces and, on May 20, that the Pentagon had not withheld the money despite Pompeo`s March 23 vow to cut it "immediately." On June 1, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said he thought the money had been cut and referred questions to the Pentagon. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the letter.

US senators ask Pentagon if $1 billion in Afghan aid was cut

An AirAsia pilot,&nbsp;fitness blogger and a digital influencer, Gaurav Taneja, has been suspended from the airlines following a controversial video that the pilot posted on his&nbsp;YouTube channel - Flying Beast.

Gaurav Taneja was an&nbsp;an Airbus A320 captain with AirAsia India. In his vlog posted on June 14, he alleged the airline of&nbsp;violating several safety protocols and&nbsp;endangering lives of passengers on board.

His main allegation about&nbsp;the company is that Air Asia India does not allow the employees to take sick leaves and does not follow proper security protocols, among other allegations.

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He claimed that the company made him work on his off days when he claimed his sick leave. He further explained how the top management of the airlines got involved and complained about his rare sick leave request.&nbsp;

The Captain was asked to undergo&nbsp;lifestyle counselling and medical tests again, which Gaurav claims was a trial at tainting his reputation.

"When I started protesting against this, the chief of flight safety said in an email that I report sick and fatigue frequently. They (management) also suggested undergoing lifestyle counselling and medical," Taneja said in his video.

In his video, he gave a detailed explanation with dates of how the events unfurled. From March to June, he talked about various points where the airlines have ignored the health and safety guidelines onboard. He even mentioned his efforts of raising the issue on&nbsp;22-23 March for about 40 minutes as safety-related guidelines were not being followed by the airline.

He claimed he raised the issue with higher authorities, but there was no response from the company. Fearing the lack of safety, he decided to not fly on March 24.

On 4 May, I was shown a show cause notice which stated that the company incurred losses because of my actions. It was clear administration issues were labelled on me. It was clear that they are unhappy with me for pointing out safety lapses," he said.

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Today I have been officially suspended from <a href="https://twitter.com/AirAsiaIndian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirAsiaIndian</a> for standing up for safe operations of an aircraft and its passengers.<a href="https://twitter.com/AwakenIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AwakenIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabkeLiye?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabkeLiye</a>
— Gaurav Taneja (@flyingbeast320) <a href="https://twitter.com/flyingbeast320/status/1272165310963974145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The pilot had been hinting about his revelations in his recent tweets where he claimed that there was a specific reason behind the surge of articles related to Air Asia India's safety procedures. Following that, he was suspended from his job, and he later posted the video explaining the reasons behind his suspension.

He claims his contract with the airlines has been brought under the scanner by using the excuse of post-COVID budget cuts. However, the real reason, he claims, is that he dared to stand against the company and the lack of safety protocols.

An AirAsia pilot, fitness blogger and a digital influencer, Gaurav Taneja, has been suspended from the airlines following a controversial video that the pilot posted on his YouTube channel - Flying Beast.

An AirAsia pilot, fitness blogger and a digital influencer, Gaurav Taneja, has been suspended from the airlines following a controversial video that the pilot posted on his YouTube channel - Flying Beast. Gaurav Taneja was an an Airbus A320 captain with AirAsia India. In his vlog posted on June 14, he alleged the airline of violating several safety protocols and endangering lives of passengers on board. His main allegation about the company is that Air Asia India does not allow the employees to take sick leaves and does not follow proper security protocols, among other allegations. × He claimed that the company made him work on his off days when he claimed his sick leave. He further explained how the top management of the airlines got involved and complained about his rare sick leave request. The Captain was asked to undergo lifestyle counselling and medical tests again, which Gaurav claims was a trial at tainting his reputation. "When I started protesting against this, the chief of flight safety said in an email that I report sick and fatigue frequently. They (management) also suggested undergoing lifestyle counselling and medical," Taneja said in his video. In his video, he gave a detailed explanation with dates of how the events unfurled. From March to June, he talked about various points where the airlines have ignored the health and safety guidelines onboard. He even mentioned his efforts of raising the issue on 22-23 March for about 40 minutes as safety-related guidelines were not being followed by the airline. He claimed he raised the issue with higher authorities, but there was no response from the company. Fearing the lack of safety, he decided to not fly on March 24. On 4 May, I was shown a show cause notice which stated that the company incurred losses because of my actions. It was clear administration issues were labelled on me. It was clear that they are unhappy with me for pointing out safety lapses," he said. Today I have been officially suspended from @AirAsiaIndian for standing up for safe operations of an aircraft and its passengers.@AwakenIndia #SabkeLiye — Gaurav Taneja (@flyingbeast320) June 14, 2020 × The pilot had been hinting about his revelations in his recent tweets where he claimed that there was a specific reason behind the surge of articles related to Air Asia India's safety procedures. Following that, he was suspended from his job, and he later posted the video explaining the reasons behind his suspension. He claims his contract with the airlines has been brought under the scanner by using the excuse of post-COVID budget cuts. However, the real reason, he claims, is that he dared to stand against the company and the lack of safety protocols.

Whistleblower Gaurav Taneja suspended after #BoycottAirAsiaIndia trends on Twitter

While the number of coronavirus cases has been on a constant rise in the western state of India, the government has decided to allow students to return to their classrooms from July.

The decision has been taken only for the schools located in the non-red zones, and only for selected classes.

As of now, students of only classes IX, X and XII will be allowed to go back. In addition to the schools, the attendees, including the staff and students, should only be from the non-red zones (non-containment zones).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-rise-to-over-58000-in-mumbai-305916">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus cases rise to over 58,000 in Mumbai</a>

All other schools located in red zones will have to continue online teaching. "Though in some areas schools could not be opened, the process of teaching cannot be stopped. The use of digital technology to reach out with students should be adopted," the issued circular read.

Classes VI to VIII will be allowed to resume classroom teachings from August.

The schools will have to make sure everyone wears a facemask at all times, and all norms of social distancing are followed.

The decision was announced after&nbsp;School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad met the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

"Classes of Standard 1 and 2 are exempted from online teaching. However, for remaining standards certain hours per week have been defined by the government. We are trying to use All India Radio (AIR) network as well to reach out to students with the curriculum," Gaikwad said.

While the number of coronavirus cases has been on a constant rise in the western state of India, the government has decided to allow students to return to their classrooms from July.

While the number of coronavirus cases has been on a constant rise in the western state of India, the government has decided to allow students to return to their classrooms from July. The decision has been taken only for the schools located in the non-red zones, and only for selected classes. As of now, students of only classes IX, X and XII will be allowed to go back. In addition to the schools, the attendees, including the staff and students, should only be from the non-red zones (non-containment zones). Also read: Coronavirus cases rise to over 58,000 in Mumbai All other schools located in red zones will have to continue online teaching. "Though in some areas schools could not be opened, the process of teaching cannot be stopped. The use of digital technology to reach out with students should be adopted," the issued circular read. Classes VI to VIII will be allowed to resume classroom teachings from August. The schools will have to make sure everyone wears a facemask at all times, and all norms of social distancing are followed. The decision was announced after School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad met the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. "Classes of Standard 1 and 2 are exempted from online teaching. However, for remaining standards certain hours per week have been defined by the government. We are trying to use All India Radio (AIR) network as well to reach out to students with the curriculum," Gaikwad said.

COVID 19: Maharashtra high schools to reopen from July amid rising cases

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-watch-anymore-donald-trump-warns-nfl-and-us-soccer-if-players-kneel-during-anthem-305951">'Won't watch anymore': Donald Trump warns NFL and US Soccer if players kneel during anthem</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/15/144885-untitled-design-3.jpg?itok=VNQuZxQL" />

Protests broke out after George Floyd's death giving momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-near-79-million-mark-brazil-emerging-as-new-covid-19-epicentre-306055">Global coronavirus cases near 7.9 million-mark; Brazil emerging as new COVID-19 epicentre</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/09/144015-corona.jpg?itok=j5wYASv4" />

With 2,094,069 cases and 115,732 deaths, the US continues with the world’s highest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, according to the CSSE.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-did-a-better-job-at-containing-covid-19-than-the-us-most-countries-believe-306071">China did a better job at containing COVID-19 than US, most countries believe</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/15/144956-untitled-design-2.jpg?itok=Bm2h61-_" />

Only three out of the participant 53 countries believed that the US had done a better job than its Chinese counterpart.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-france-will-not-take-down-any-of-its-statues-306001">Emmanuel Macron says France will not take down any of its statues</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/17/137170-111827890061089327.jpg?itok=jIqKjRu-" />

Macron said that France will be 'uncompromising against racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination' and added that new measures would be taken for 'equality'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-court-sentences-us-ex-marine-to-16-years-in-prison-in-spy-case-305996">Russian court sentences US ex-marine to 16 years in prison in spy case</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/15/144907-shamtrial.jpg?itok=oVupgtPw" />

Russia's prosecutor during the trial, however, stressed that the ex-marine had information on Russia's state secret.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uns-human-rights-body-to-examine-racism-and-police-brutality-in-the-united-states-306002">UN's human rights body to examine racism and police brutality in the United States</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/15/144910-untitled-design-2.jpg?itok=zNS-WT_g" />

According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-has-exposed-deep-seated-internal-crises-in-us-putin-305979">Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/32312-trupm-20171109122908.JPG?itok=EmHwLych" />

Russia has the third-highest number of coronavirus cases after the United States and Brazil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-protester-rescues-injured-white-man-during-anti-racist-protest-in-uk-305929">Black protester rescues injured white man during anti-racist protest in UK</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/15/144875-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=3CoNxHis" />

Hutchinson said that the man’s life was ‘under threat’ as the crowds of people became ‘almost like a stampede’ on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-moon-urges-north-to-keep-peace-deals-return-to-talks-305956">South Korea's Moon urges North to keep peace deals, return to talks</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/08/02/104791-southkorea-japan-laborers.jpg?itok=GOxyRret" />

The recent flaring of tension between the neighbours stoked fear of a military provocation by the North, and posed another setback amid stalled talks to rein in its nuclear and missile programmes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-activists-detained-for-publishing-censored-content-set-to-face-criminal-trial-305920">Chinese activists detained for publishing censored content set to face criminal trial</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/36107-handcuffs-20170905042910-20171218121650.png?itok=fRTi6F0c" />

Beijing police have detained Chen Mei and Cai Wei on April 19 for publishing articles on the health crisis on GitHub, an open-source website.

'Won't watch anymore': Donald Trump warns NFL and US Soccer if players kneel during anthem Protests broke out after George Floyd's death giving momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement.

'Won't watch anymore': Donald Trump warns NFL and US Soccer if players kneel during anthem Protests broke out after George Floyd's death giving momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement. Global coronavirus cases near 7.9 million-mark; Brazil emerging as new COVID-19 epicentre With 2,094,069 cases and 115,732 deaths, the US continues with the world’s highest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, according to the CSSE. China did a better job at containing COVID-19 than US, most countries believe Only three out of the participant 53 countries believed that the US had done a better job than its Chinese counterpart. Emmanuel Macron says France will not take down any of its statues Macron said that France will be 'uncompromising against racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination' and added that new measures would be taken for 'equality'. Russian court sentences US ex-marine to 16 years in prison in spy case Russia's prosecutor during the trial, however, stressed that the ex-marine had information on Russia's state secret. UN's human rights body to examine racism and police brutality in the United States According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States. Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin Russia has the third-highest number of coronavirus cases after the United States and Brazil. Black protester rescues injured white man during anti-racist protest in UK Hutchinson said that the man’s life was ‘under threat’ as the crowds of people became ‘almost like a stampede’ on Saturday. South Korea's Moon urges North to keep peace deals, return to talks The recent flaring of tension between the neighbours stoked fear of a military provocation by the North, and posed another setback amid stalled talks to rein in its nuclear and missile programmes. Chinese activists detained for publishing censored content set to face criminal trial Beijing police have detained Chen Mei and Cai Wei on April 19 for publishing articles on the health crisis on GitHub, an open-source website.

Top 10 world news today: Trump warns NFL players, Macron forbids removing statues and more

The current times are tough, and what makes it worse is the lack of human touch when someone needs compassion and a shoulder to rely on.

To make sure that their patients do not feel the grim of these tough situations, doctors of a COVID centre in the Changlang district of&nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh decided to put on a happy face for their patients, quite literally.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-american-kshama-sawant-leads-black-lives-matter-protests-in-seattle-306007">Also read: Indian-American Kshama Sawant leads 'Black lives matter' protests in Seattle</a>

Inspired by a doctor from&nbsp;San Diego, a group of doctors in Arunachal Pradesh pasted pictures of them smiling on the top of their white PPE suits, that the medics have to wear while treating the coronavirus patients.

Devansh Yadav, a former doctor at AIIMS Delhi, and the current DC of the district, tweeted about the group of doctors, "Our #covidwarriors at Covid care centers in #changlang,&nbsp;bring human touch to patient care by displaying their photographs in front of PPEs!!"

He also encouraged other COVID centres to follow the idea.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/covidwarriors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#covidwarriors</a> at Covid care centers in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/changlang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#changlang</a>, bring human touch to patient care by displaying their photographs in front of PPEs!! 
 
Helps in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> counseling &amp; shows the face of those behind masks to the patients in distress!! <a href="https://t.co/YyaNk7RoRd">pic.twitter.com/YyaNk7RoRd</a>
— Devansh Yadav (@Devansh_IAS) <a href="https://twitter.com/Devansh_IAS/status/1272062618920906752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The doctors are hoping to lessen the anxiety and stress levels of the patients who are admitted in the COVID centre, and are already constantly in pain.

The idea is to make the situation less tense as a lot of experts believe that the doctors being covered in a PPE suit from head to toe often scares the patients and makes them less comfortable with the medics.

This idea was initiated by a&nbsp;respiratory therapist,&nbsp;Roberto Martinez, from San Diego who pasted a smiling picture of himself on his PPE suit.

The current times are tough, and what makes it worse is the lack of human touch when someone needs compassion and a shoulder to rely on. To make sure that their patients do not feel the grim of these tough situations, doctors of a COVID centre in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh decided to put on a happy face for their patients, quite literally.

The current times are tough, and what makes it worse is the lack of human touch when someone needs compassion and a shoulder to rely on. To make sure that their patients do not feel the grim of these tough situations, doctors of a COVID centre in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh decided to put on a happy face for their patients, quite literally. Also read: Indian-American Kshama Sawant leads 'Black lives matter' protests in Seattle Inspired by a doctor from San Diego, a group of doctors in Arunachal Pradesh pasted pictures of them smiling on the top of their white PPE suits, that the medics have to wear while treating the coronavirus patients. Devansh Yadav, a former doctor at AIIMS Delhi, and the current DC of the district, tweeted about the group of doctors, "Our #covidwarriors at Covid care centers in #changlang, bring human touch to patient care by displaying their photographs in front of PPEs!!" He also encouraged other COVID centres to follow the idea. Our #covidwarriors at Covid care centers in #changlang, bring human touch to patient care by displaying their photographs in front of PPEs!! Helps in #COVID19 counseling & shows the face of those behind masks to the patients in distress!! pic.twitter.com/YyaNk7RoRd — Devansh Yadav (@Devansh_IAS) June 14, 2020 × The doctors are hoping to lessen the anxiety and stress levels of the patients who are admitted in the COVID centre, and are already constantly in pain. The idea is to make the situation less tense as a lot of experts believe that the doctors being covered in a PPE suit from head to toe often scares the patients and makes them less comfortable with the medics. This idea was initiated by a respiratory therapist, Roberto Martinez, from San Diego who pasted a smiling picture of himself on his PPE suit.

Smiling through PPE kits: Doctors put up smiling photos on PPE suits to destress patients

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