Governments of America, Britain and Canada have accused Russian hackers of trying to steal their coronavirus research. The charge is that Russian hackers tried to steal intelligence from universities, companies and other health care organizations.

America has named one group - cozy bear which is also known as APT29, the same group was implicated in the hacking of the Democratic Party in 2016.

The United States, the United Kingdom and Canada - all three are pointing fingers at Russian spies.

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Vaccine research is a top target for spies right now with countries signing blank cheques to get their hands on a vaccine that works but there are attempts to steal it. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that they are trying to get their hands on it.

The United States seems to be a prime target. In May, America had claimed that Iran and China have tried to hack American research but the Trump administration tried to single out China. The US president himself brought it up during a press interaction.&nbsp;

Clearly, Trump isn’t happy since it is a race against time as everyone wants a vaccine but getting their first has its perks. &nbsp;Firstly, the country gets to control the global supply and the cost - &nbsp;it’s an opportunity to make money, and whoever gets there first will have the upper hand on the world stage and that country with the help of allies will pull the adversaries down.

Also, &nbsp;national pride will be involved and the leader of the country is likely to witness his support swell.

There are 140 vaccines in pre-clinical stage presently.&nbsp;These vaccines are being developed by pharma companies, universities and independent efforts around the world. Pre-clinical stage means that at this stage researchers give the vaccine to animals to see if it triggers an immune response.&nbsp;

Nineteen vaccines are in Phase-1 of clinical testing which is given to a small group of people. In this phase, researchers see if the vaccine is safe, and the immune response it creates. Eleven vaccines are in Phase-2 which is being administered to hundreds of people. At this stage, researchers learn about the safety of the vaccine and its correct dosage.

As of today, only three vaccines are in Phase 3 with&nbsp;large-scale efficacy trials one step away from final approval. During this stage the vaccine is tested on thousands of people. Researchers test&nbsp;the vaccine for effectiveness including side effects.

Research is being conducted around the world but four countries are the ones to watch out for - in the United States, the Moderna vaccine has entered its final stage of human trials.

In the United Kingdom, Oxford University has initiated human trials of its vaccine. Scientists in Itay have devised five test vaccines with two selected for further trials.

In India, reports say that there are 30 different vaccines under development. The government is putting its weight on Covaxin which is under human trials.

Governments of America, Britain and Canada have accused Russian hackers of trying to steal their coronavirus research. The charge is that Russian hackers tried to steal intelligence from universities, companies and other health care organizations.

Governments of America, Britain and Canada have accused Russian hackers of trying to steal their coronavirus research. The charge is that Russian hackers tried to steal intelligence from universities, companies and other health care organizations. America has named one group - cozy bear which is also known as APT29, the same group was implicated in the hacking of the Democratic Party in 2016. The United States, the United Kingdom and Canada - all three are pointing fingers at Russian spies. Vaccine research is a top target for spies right now with countries signing blank cheques to get their hands on a vaccine that works but there are attempts to steal it. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that they are trying to get their hands on it. The United States seems to be a prime target. In May, America had claimed that Iran and China have tried to hack American research but the Trump administration tried to single out China. The US president himself brought it up during a press interaction. Clearly, Trump isn’t happy since it is a race against time as everyone wants a vaccine but getting their first has its perks. Firstly, the country gets to control the global supply and the cost - it’s an opportunity to make money, and whoever gets there first will have the upper hand on the world stage and that country with the help of allies will pull the adversaries down. Also, national pride will be involved and the leader of the country is likely to witness his support swell. There are 140 vaccines in pre-clinical stage presently. These vaccines are being developed by pharma companies, universities and independent efforts around the world. Pre-clinical stage means that at this stage researchers give the vaccine to animals to see if it triggers an immune response. Nineteen vaccines are in Phase-1 of clinical testing which is given to a small group of people. In this phase, researchers see if the vaccine is safe, and the immune response it creates. Eleven vaccines are in Phase-2 which is being administered to hundreds of people. At this stage, researchers learn about the safety of the vaccine and its correct dosage. As of today, only three vaccines are in Phase 3 with large-scale efficacy trials one step away from final approval. During this stage the vaccine is tested on thousands of people. Researchers test the vaccine for effectiveness including side effects. Research is being conducted around the world but four countries are the ones to watch out for - in the United States, the Moderna vaccine has entered its final stage of human trials. In the United Kingdom, Oxford University has initiated human trials of its vaccine. Scientists in Itay have devised five test vaccines with two selected for further trials. In India, reports say that there are 30 different vaccines under development. The government is putting its weight on Covaxin which is under human trials.

Coronavirus vaccine wars: US accuses Russian hacker group APT29 of trying to steal data

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates.

“I'm not sure how much he understands the significance of the border clash. I don’t think he knows anything about the history of these clashes over the decades between India and China. He may have been briefed on it, but history doesn’t really stick with him," Bolton said, in an exclusive conversation with WION, India’s first international news channel.

The former US NSA told Palki Sharma, WION's Executive Editor, “I don’t know which way he would go and I don’t think he knows either. I think he sees the geostrategic relationship with China for example exclusively through the prism of trade.&nbsp;And trade is important because China has stolen intellectual property from the United States and other countries, engaged in forceful technology transfers for decades and it forms a major part of their economic success and therefore military power. And that’s really how far it goes."

"I don’t know what Trump will do after the November elections once the guard rail is removed. He'll be back. He won't be criticising Beijing for putting Uyghurs in concentration camps or repressing Hong Kong. He will be back to the big China trade deal. So, if things were to develop between India and China in a more critical fashion, I'm not sure where he would come down," he added.

“Let me make sure, I have understood this right. That if things were to escalate between India and China at this moment, there is no guarantee that Donald Trump will back India against China?” Palki Sharma&nbsp;asked.

“That is correct," Bolton said, adding, “I think his gut instinct for the next four months is to take anything off the table that complicates what is already a difficult election campaign for him. So what he would want is quiet along the border whether it&nbsp;benefits China or India. From his point of view - no news is good news.”

HERE ARE A FEW EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW:

WION: Do you think things are developing for the worse between India and China? There is a lot of back and forth. The November elections are still a few months away. Do you think it could escalate to a limited conflict?&nbsp;

John Bolton: Well, I hope it does not at the present time because with four months to go for an American election, you are simply not going to get Donald Trump's attention. The fact is China has been behaving in a belligerent fashion, all around its periphery, certainly in the East and South China sea. Its relations with Japan has declined, with India, you are well aware of the facts there.

I think this is China’s effort to assert itself through not just political and military means but also through the Belt and Road initiative and others to gain increased sway over countries that have become economically dependent on it.

Sri Lanka has been subject to this death diplomacy and Pakistan and many countries in Central Asia. I think China has a grand strategy and it's pursuing it, the United States has been asleep at the switch and so have many other countries. It is time to wake up and talk more among ourselves. For example, trilateral been a big advocate of greater tri-lateral cooperation between India, Japan, and the United States and I think that makes a lot of sense.

WION: Why is China on a warpath with the world right now? What do you make of Xi Jinping's moves at a time like this? Why is he picking fights with the world in the middle of a pandemic?&nbsp;

John Bolton: It goes back before the pandemic. He sees American weakness when he sees Donald Trump and I think he is right. When Trump sits across the table with Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;it’s not a contest of equals. It always made me worry about what he might give away. The Pandemic has probably persuaded Xi Jinping to be more assertive to cover up as they have been covering up these past 6 months despite how bad the medical effect of the disease was in China and on the Chinese economy and what they did to cover up the source and consequence of the disease.”

It is indicative of the government we are dealing with in Beijing. They didn’t cooperate internationally and tried to use the World Health organization for their own purposes and I'm&nbsp;afraid largely succeeded.

WION: What happened after India's Balakot strikes on Pakistan? How did Trump and the White house assess the situation? What was conveyed to Delhi and Islamabad?

John Bolton: It took place when we were in Hanoi for the second summit with Kim Jong-un and both Mike Pompeo and me were there and away from our base of operations in Washington.

We spent hours on the phone with Ajit Doval and others in India and counterparts in Pakistan. My assessment was and I said publicly at the time and told Ajit as well - we thought India had acted in self-defence and the actions were appropriate and we think there were responsible steps to de-escalate what could have been a very serious crisis.

WION: The US president has repeatedly offered to mediate in Kashmir and he has been told it is a bilateral issue. Why does he keep repeating these offers?

John Bolton: (Laughs) You know, I can remember several times where I have explained India’s longstanding position on Kashmir and it just doesn’t sink in. There is no explanation for it. We&nbsp;tell him India thinks it’s a bilateral issue and it has to be resolved by negotiation with Pakistan. Donald Trump thinks everything is a deal and who better to mediate it than him and you are going to hear it again and if he wins, you are going to hear it for the next four years.&nbsp;

The interview will air on WION on Saturday at 9:30 pm and on Sunday 10:30 pm. It will also be available on wionews.com,&nbsp;and on its social media platforms.

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates.

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates. “I'm not sure how much he understands the significance of the border clash. I don’t think he knows anything about the history of these clashes over the decades between India and China. He may have been briefed on it, but history doesn’t really stick with him," Bolton said, in an exclusive conversation with WION, India’s first international news channel. The former US NSA told Palki Sharma, WION's Executive Editor, “I don’t know which way he would go and I don’t think he knows either. I think he sees the geostrategic relationship with China for example exclusively through the prism of trade. And trade is important because China has stolen intellectual property from the United States and other countries, engaged in forceful technology transfers for decades and it forms a major part of their economic success and therefore military power. And that’s really how far it goes." "I don’t know what Trump will do after the November elections once the guard rail is removed. He'll be back. He won't be criticising Beijing for putting Uyghurs in concentration camps or repressing Hong Kong. He will be back to the big China trade deal. So, if things were to develop between India and China in a more critical fashion, I'm not sure where he would come down," he added. “Let me make sure, I have understood this right. That if things were to escalate between India and China at this moment, there is no guarantee that Donald Trump will back India against China?” Palki Sharma asked. “That is correct," Bolton said, adding, “I think his gut instinct for the next four months is to take anything off the table that complicates what is already a difficult election campaign for him. So what he would want is quiet along the border whether it benefits China or India. From his point of view - no news is good news.” HERE ARE A FEW EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW: WION: Do you think things are developing for the worse between India and China? There is a lot of back and forth. The November elections are still a few months away. Do you think it could escalate to a limited conflict? John Bolton: Well, I hope it does not at the present time because with four months to go for an American election, you are simply not going to get Donald Trump's attention. The fact is China has been behaving in a belligerent fashion, all around its periphery, certainly in the East and South China sea. Its relations with Japan has declined, with India, you are well aware of the facts there. I think this is China’s effort to assert itself through not just political and military means but also through the Belt and Road initiative and others to gain increased sway over countries that have become economically dependent on it. Sri Lanka has been subject to this death diplomacy and Pakistan and many countries in Central Asia. I think China has a grand strategy and it's pursuing it, the United States has been asleep at the switch and so have many other countries. It is time to wake up and talk more among ourselves. For example, trilateral been a big advocate of greater tri-lateral cooperation between India, Japan, and the United States and I think that makes a lot of sense. WION: Why is China on a warpath with the world right now? What do you make of Xi Jinping's moves at a time like this? Why is he picking fights with the world in the middle of a pandemic? John Bolton: It goes back before the pandemic. He sees American weakness when he sees Donald Trump and I think he is right. When Trump sits across the table with Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin, it’s not a contest of equals. It always made me worry about what he might give away. The Pandemic has probably persuaded Xi Jinping to be more assertive to cover up as they have been covering up these past 6 months despite how bad the medical effect of the disease was in China and on the Chinese economy and what they did to cover up the source and consequence of the disease.” It is indicative of the government we are dealing with in Beijing. They didn’t cooperate internationally and tried to use the World Health organization for their own purposes and I'm afraid largely succeeded. WION: What happened after India's Balakot strikes on Pakistan? How did Trump and the White house assess the situation? What was conveyed to Delhi and Islamabad? John Bolton: It took place when we were in Hanoi for the second summit with Kim Jong-un and both Mike Pompeo and me were there and away from our base of operations in Washington. We spent hours on the phone with Ajit Doval and others in India and counterparts in Pakistan. My assessment was and I said publicly at the time and told Ajit as well - we thought India had acted in self-defence and the actions were appropriate and we think there were responsible steps to de-escalate what could have been a very serious crisis. WION: The US president has repeatedly offered to mediate in Kashmir and he has been told it is a bilateral issue. Why does he keep repeating these offers? John Bolton: (Laughs) You know, I can remember several times where I have explained India’s longstanding position on Kashmir and it just doesn’t sink in. There is no explanation for it. We tell him India thinks it’s a bilateral issue and it has to be resolved by negotiation with Pakistan. Donald Trump thinks everything is a deal and who better to mediate it than him and you are going to hear it again and if he wins, you are going to hear it for the next four years. The interview will air on WION on Saturday at 9:30 pm and on Sunday 10:30 pm. It will also be available on wionews.com, and on its social media platforms.

Trump may not back India against China in case of conflict, says former US NSA John Bolton to WION

China’s boom has been powered by debt as the Communist Party began chasing superpower status with a credit card and the world knows when you buy something with a credit card, you are spending money that you don’t really have and one day you will have to return it.&nbsp;

The Communist Party has set ambitious targets for itself. It wants to dominate this century and wants to be the ultimate superpower by dethroning America. It's a mission requires cash and a lot of it.

There are three telltale signs that the Dragon is running out of cash. Firstly, China's tax revenue growth has dropped. In 2018, tax revenues grew by 6.2 per cent. In 2019 it was less than four per cent. Secondly, China's budget deficit is growing. It touched almost five per cent last year but the world knows these figures are fudged.

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) says the shortfall is not five per cent but more than 12 per cent and finally, the Belt and Road is full of roadblocks even before the pandemic, it was widely believed that it was an over-ambitious plan.&nbsp;

In 2016, China gave 46 loans worth well over $1 billion dollars all of it went for overseas investment projects. In 2018, China only funded 28 projects and now, due to the coronavirus projects have been delayed.&nbsp;

There are also demands for debt relief as some countries have even shelved projects. The BRI project is Xi Jinping’s dream but, it could now become the reason for his downfall. The reason is simple - it costs too much.&nbsp;

A report in 2017 estimated China needed $5 trillion dollars in the next five years to keep the BRI project going which basically means BRI’s five-year budget from 2017 to 2022 is $5 trillion. &nbsp;

The Chinese state and its subsidiaries have lent around $1.5 trillion to 150 countries in the form of direct loans making China the world’s biggest lender in the world- bigger than the World Bank or the IMF.&nbsp;

China-backed international institutions have also pitched in including China’s silk road infrastructure fund, the Asian infrastructure investment bank and the new development bank based in Shanghai.&nbsp;

According to numbers from 2017, their contribution is around 190 billion dollars.&nbsp;

However, there are no answers on how China is getting the rest of the money but Beijing has a bigger headache right now which is the demand for debt relief from countries which cannot afford to pay right now.&nbsp;

At home, China is struggling with banks in poor health and abroad Chinese cash has gone to high-risk countries. The organisation for economic co-operation and development(OECD) ranks countries based on their risk profile.

In the list of 20 names, 17 can be deemed as high-risk who have weak credit ratings. The risk of default is very high since the Belt and Road Initiative began China has lent up to $350 billion to member countries. about half of them are high-risk debtors.

Several of them have called for debt relief in the last two decades even as China has embarked on a lending spree. It became the largest banker for the developing world but now it faces potential collapse.

China’s boom has been powered by debt as the Communist Party began chasing superpower status with a credit card and the world knows when you buy something with a credit card, you are spending money that you don’t really have and one day you will have to return it.

China’s boom has been powered by debt as the Communist Party began chasing superpower status with a credit card and the world knows when you buy something with a credit card, you are spending money that you don’t really have and one day you will have to return it. The Communist Party has set ambitious targets for itself. It wants to dominate this century and wants to be the ultimate superpower by dethroning America. It's a mission requires cash and a lot of it. There are three telltale signs that the Dragon is running out of cash. Firstly, China's tax revenue growth has dropped. In 2018, tax revenues grew by 6.2 per cent. In 2019 it was less than four per cent. Secondly, China's budget deficit is growing. It touched almost five per cent last year but the world knows these figures are fudged. The International Monetary Fund(IMF) says the shortfall is not five per cent but more than 12 per cent and finally, the Belt and Road is full of roadblocks even before the pandemic, it was widely believed that it was an over-ambitious plan. In 2016, China gave 46 loans worth well over $1 billion dollars all of it went for overseas investment projects. In 2018, China only funded 28 projects and now, due to the coronavirus projects have been delayed. There are also demands for debt relief as some countries have even shelved projects. The BRI project is Xi Jinping’s dream but, it could now become the reason for his downfall. The reason is simple - it costs too much. A report in 2017 estimated China needed $5 trillion dollars in the next five years to keep the BRI project going which basically means BRI’s five-year budget from 2017 to 2022 is $5 trillion. The Chinese state and its subsidiaries have lent around $1.5 trillion to 150 countries in the form of direct loans making China the world’s biggest lender in the world- bigger than the World Bank or the IMF. China-backed international institutions have also pitched in including China’s silk road infrastructure fund, the Asian infrastructure investment bank and the new development bank based in Shanghai. According to numbers from 2017, their contribution is around 190 billion dollars. However, there are no answers on how China is getting the rest of the money but Beijing has a bigger headache right now which is the demand for debt relief from countries which cannot afford to pay right now. At home, China is struggling with banks in poor health and abroad Chinese cash has gone to high-risk countries. The organisation for economic co-operation and development(OECD) ranks countries based on their risk profile. In the list of 20 names, 17 can be deemed as high-risk who have weak credit ratings. The risk of default is very high since the Belt and Road Initiative began China has lent up to $350 billion to member countries. about half of them are high-risk debtors. Several of them have called for debt relief in the last two decades even as China has embarked on a lending spree. It became the largest banker for the developing world but now it faces potential collapse.

China's debt trap increases amid budget deficit, BRI roadblock

Monday sneaks up with painful regularity. Chaos disguised as excitement knocks a book off the side table. The son was trying to “borrow” a pen. I’m given to believe that my only surviving pen is the distance between him and Shakespearean glory. And so it is consumed in the spirit of motherly sacrifice. Online classes resume today, why am I still asleep? Parce que.&nbsp;

Thankfully my role is largely of compulsory observation, not to be undermined one bit, since it takes a special quality to observe a mess at close quarters with equanimity. The children trust Alexa with the morning alarm and the help with their breakfast. I must play the audience, the indefatigable spammer of critique and the reluctant provider of stationery.&nbsp;

The commotion reaches a crescendo by 9 am. The receipt of a class code is a seismic event on WhatsApp. Parents who have spent the weekend in punishing anticipation flood the timeline with the same message. They’ve been able to log in. Hallelujah! The children, who until then, were getting ready as if going for the Olympic games, suddenly turn into the very pictures of disinterest.&nbsp;

One pushes his luck with a new extortion plan.&nbsp;

“Why don’t I have a new school bag?"

“Because you don’t need one right now.”

I’m reminded of the bags sitting in my cupboard and how need has little to do with it. The flip side of encouraging free thinking and expression is that it’s practised and perfected on parents.&nbsp;

The next task is conquering the mute button. Children are the very opposite of fish. They come programmed with a default unmute setting. After 30 excruciating seconds of sitting still, they start revealing their true colours. They want to wave, make faces, swing the chair, smile, yawn, do everything right now.&nbsp;

“Good morning children, please put yourselves on mute,” the teacher intonates. This is to be the most repeated phrase for the next few hours. Mute yourselves. The sentiment by the end of it will be more like - suit yourselves.&nbsp;

They begin with place value and face value. What more scintillating subject could one think of for a Monday morning! The first class is a most distressing reacquaintance with Mathematics, the serial crusher of spirit. The teacher gets a boy’s name wrong. Other boys snigger. I look daggers at mine and drown back into my phone.&nbsp;

Tiny popping sounds emerge. Amid a serious discussion on healthy eating, the son is popping the bubble wrap still clinging to a leg of his chair. By some acrobatic miracle, I tear it out from under the table, evading his swinging legs.&nbsp;

“Is river a proper noun or a common noun?”

A pair of wide open eyes, framed by raised eyebrows, is trained on me over the laptop screen. If a hopeful question mark had a face, this would be it. I’m not helping you, I whisper. The smile crumbles, and the eyes exude betrayal. The teacher has moved to the next child, leaving behind a trail of sulk that only a Kinder Joy will erase.&nbsp;

“May I go to the toilet ma’am,” chimes a classmate.&nbsp;

Mute yourselves.&nbsp;

Hehe haha.&nbsp;

Mute yourselves.&nbsp;

Grrrr.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Monday sneaks up with painful regularity. Chaos disguised as excitement knocks a book off the side table. The son was trying to “borrow” a pen. I’m given to believe that my only surviving pen is the distance between him and Shakespearean glory.

Monday sneaks up with painful regularity. Chaos disguised as excitement knocks a book off the side table. The son was trying to “borrow” a pen. I’m given to believe that my only surviving pen is the distance between him and Shakespearean glory. And so it is consumed in the spirit of motherly sacrifice. Online classes resume today, why am I still asleep? Parce que. Thankfully my role is largely of compulsory observation, not to be undermined one bit, since it takes a special quality to observe a mess at close quarters with equanimity. The children trust Alexa with the morning alarm and the help with their breakfast. I must play the audience, the indefatigable spammer of critique and the reluctant provider of stationery. The commotion reaches a crescendo by 9 am. The receipt of a class code is a seismic event on WhatsApp. Parents who have spent the weekend in punishing anticipation flood the timeline with the same message. They’ve been able to log in. Hallelujah! The children, who until then, were getting ready as if going for the Olympic games, suddenly turn into the very pictures of disinterest. One pushes his luck with a new extortion plan. “Why don’t I have a new school bag?" “Because you don’t need one right now.” I’m reminded of the bags sitting in my cupboard and how need has little to do with it. The flip side of encouraging free thinking and expression is that it’s practised and perfected on parents. The next task is conquering the mute button. Children are the very opposite of fish. They come programmed with a default unmute setting. After 30 excruciating seconds of sitting still, they start revealing their true colours. They want to wave, make faces, swing the chair, smile, yawn, do everything right now. “Good morning children, please put yourselves on mute,” the teacher intonates. This is to be the most repeated phrase for the next few hours. Mute yourselves. The sentiment by the end of it will be more like - suit yourselves. They begin with place value and face value. What more scintillating subject could one think of for a Monday morning! The first class is a most distressing reacquaintance with Mathematics, the serial crusher of spirit. The teacher gets a boy’s name wrong. Other boys snigger. I look daggers at mine and drown back into my phone. Tiny popping sounds emerge. Amid a serious discussion on healthy eating, the son is popping the bubble wrap still clinging to a leg of his chair. By some acrobatic miracle, I tear it out from under the table, evading his swinging legs. “Is river a proper noun or a common noun?” A pair of wide open eyes, framed by raised eyebrows, is trained on me over the laptop screen. If a hopeful question mark had a face, this would be it. I’m not helping you, I whisper. The smile crumbles, and the eyes exude betrayal. The teacher has moved to the next child, leaving behind a trail of sulk that only a Kinder Joy will erase. “May I go to the toilet ma’am,” chimes a classmate. Mute yourselves. Hehe haha. Mute yourselves. Grrrr. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Online learning - the new school of hard knocks

Dear President Xi,

Hope this finds you well and safe from the ravages of the virus you’ve gifted us. You’ll appreciate that thanks are not in order and shall not be extended. Suffice to say, we’re doing the best we can, given the soup, a&nbsp;certain kind of soup has landed us in. This has been the most unsavoury business in a century and might I add that your conduct isn’t helping at all. &nbsp;

The pandemic was bad enough, and for a while, at least in the beginning, the world seemed prepared to concede that it may not have been entirely your fault. But you did not play a straight bat, if you know what I mean, and now find yourself on a sticky wicket. Play wisely now, dear Sir, or you shall be out.

If I may be so impertinent to suggest that the first thing you must do is give your advisors the marching orders, preferably not towards any border towns, as you may have already realized the futility of such ill-advised adventures. Your courtiers have not been telling you the truth, not even a close estimation of it. Quite the contrary, in fact. They’ve led you to believe that China is at the centre of the world and your wish is the world’s command. I’m afraid that’s not the case, and fervently hope it never is.&nbsp;

In keeping with our neighbourly duties, we at WION decided to apprise you of the cracks appearing in your propaganda walls, and forewarn you about your roof leaking with falsehoods. Our forthrightness seems to have not agreed with your team for they have now blocked us. While we suffered your intrusions into our borders, our phones, our homes, even our Diwali decorations in the spirit of neighbourly forbearance, your blocking of our channel was most unbecoming and graceless. Nonetheless, all’s not lost and you’re in luck that you’re dealing with the land of Buddha where people are blessed with the faculty of immense patience.&nbsp;

So let me start by introducing you to the concept of free speech. Fret not, it may be new to you and may take a while to understand, but once you do you shall find yourself discovering its joys. Free speech operates on the principle that every human being, Communist or otherwise, Han Chinese or Uighur Chinese, has the right to say what he or she thinks. It often involves thoughts that you’d much rather not be acquainted with, or in your particular case would want to erase any traces of. Free speech has its advantages, like rendering water canons and the security law in Hong Kong redundant. Imagine the possibilities!

It is on the concept of free speech that a free press works. It tells you stories, ideally based on facts, that your deputies won’t. Blocking it is a disservice to yourself and your people. You’ve boxed yourself in an echo chamber of yes-men; I imagine it can be frustrating, an existence devoid of varied opinion, emotion and vigour. Your belligerence betrays this frustration. So as the first sign of making amends, which our persistent hope is that you want to, you must unblock WION.&nbsp;

Mr President, you like to show the world that you’re an avid reader of the classics. Why, you share reading lists comprising Greek, French, German and Russian writers, which people in China dutifully like! As a teenager working in the poor yellow earth of Northern Shaanxi, you were reportedly obsessed by the Shakespearean question “to be, or not to be.” I urge you to ask yourself that question again and decide not to be the leader who goes down in history as the one who led his country to ruin to fulfill his ambition, and satiate his hunger for power and land. May I recommend a reading of the Bhagwad Gita to douse your lust for what doesn’t belong to you. You had a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead the largest country in the world, but your greed is whittling it away, one dispute at a time.&nbsp;

I’m not holding my breath for you to see the point I’m making, but I’ll be none the worse for trying to make you see it.&nbsp;

Sincerely, 
Palki Sharma&nbsp; 
Executive Editor,&nbsp; 
WION - WORLD IS ONE

Dear President Xi, Hope this finds you well and safe from the ravages of the virus you’ve gifted us. You’ll appreciate that thanks are not in order and shall not be extended.

Dear President Xi, Hope this finds you well and safe from the ravages of the virus you’ve gifted us. You’ll appreciate that thanks are not in order and shall not be extended. Suffice to say, we’re doing the best we can, given the soup, a certain kind of soup has landed us in. This has been the most unsavoury business in a century and might I add that your conduct isn’t helping at all. The pandemic was bad enough, and for a while, at least in the beginning, the world seemed prepared to concede that it may not have been entirely your fault. But you did not play a straight bat, if you know what I mean, and now find yourself on a sticky wicket. Play wisely now, dear Sir, or you shall be out. If I may be so impertinent to suggest that the first thing you must do is give your advisors the marching orders, preferably not towards any border towns, as you may have already realized the futility of such ill-advised adventures. Your courtiers have not been telling you the truth, not even a close estimation of it. Quite the contrary, in fact. They’ve led you to believe that China is at the centre of the world and your wish is the world’s command. I’m afraid that’s not the case, and fervently hope it never is. In keeping with our neighbourly duties, we at WION decided to apprise you of the cracks appearing in your propaganda walls, and forewarn you about your roof leaking with falsehoods. Our forthrightness seems to have not agreed with your team for they have now blocked us. While we suffered your intrusions into our borders, our phones, our homes, even our Diwali decorations in the spirit of neighbourly forbearance, your blocking of our channel was most unbecoming and graceless. Nonetheless, all’s not lost and you’re in luck that you’re dealing with the land of Buddha where people are blessed with the faculty of immense patience. So let me start by introducing you to the concept of free speech. Fret not, it may be new to you and may take a while to understand, but once you do you shall find yourself discovering its joys. Free speech operates on the principle that every human being, Communist or otherwise, Han Chinese or Uighur Chinese, has the right to say what he or she thinks. It often involves thoughts that you’d much rather not be acquainted with, or in your particular case would want to erase any traces of. Free speech has its advantages, like rendering water canons and the security law in Hong Kong redundant. Imagine the possibilities! It is on the concept of free speech that a free press works. It tells you stories, ideally based on facts, that your deputies won’t. Blocking it is a disservice to yourself and your people. You’ve boxed yourself in an echo chamber of yes-men; I imagine it can be frustrating, an existence devoid of varied opinion, emotion and vigour. Your belligerence betrays this frustration. So as the first sign of making amends, which our persistent hope is that you want to, you must unblock WION. Mr President, you like to show the world that you’re an avid reader of the classics. Why, you share reading lists comprising Greek, French, German and Russian writers, which people in China dutifully like! As a teenager working in the poor yellow earth of Northern Shaanxi, you were reportedly obsessed by the Shakespearean question “to be, or not to be.” I urge you to ask yourself that question again and decide not to be the leader who goes down in history as the one who led his country to ruin to fulfill his ambition, and satiate his hunger for power and land. May I recommend a reading of the Bhagwad Gita to douse your lust for what doesn’t belong to you. You had a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead the largest country in the world, but your greed is whittling it away, one dispute at a time. I’m not holding my breath for you to see the point I’m making, but I’ll be none the worse for trying to make you see it. Sincerely, Palki Sharma Executive Editor, WION - WORLD IS ONE

An open letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping

When President Xi Jinping was sworn-in for a second term, he declared that China has now stood up, grown rich, become strong, and is moving towards the centre stage.

Xi announced&nbsp;that China wants a greater role on the world stage.&nbsp;However, growing disputes, debt-trap diplomacy and lapses during the Covid-19 pandemic are hurting China on the world stage. 
 
Let's measure where china stands in the world and how its expansionist agenda has upended the international rules-based order.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-could-hit-drug-markets-as-in-2008-crisis-united-nations-308473">Also Read: Pandemic could hit drug markets as in 2008 crisis: United Nations</a>

As of today, at least 10 countries have a dispute with China. These disputes range from diplomatic tussles to territorial claims. The United States and Australia are fighting a trade war with China. India is engaged in a border standoff and there are multiple flashpoints on the high seas - the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

The list of disputes is much longer, but China buys the silence of many countries. It repossesses smaller countries when they can't keep up with debt payments. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-who-warns-possible-lack-of-oxygen-as-cases-near-10-million-308449">Also Read: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million</a>

Furthermore, China has been blamed for concealing the early spread of the virus. Initially, more than 60 countries initially pushed for a probe into the Wuhan virus outbreak and its origins. And now, the list includes over 100 countries.

Chinese propaganda claims it's already a superpower, ready to takeover global institutions and reshape the world. But, the growing disputes, the debt traps and demands to make China pay clearly indicate that Beijing can't impose its rule on the world.

When President Xi Jinping was sworn-in for a second term, he declared that China has now stood up, grown rich, become strong, and is moving towards the centre stage.

When President Xi Jinping was sworn-in for a second term, he declared that China has now stood up, grown rich, become strong, and is moving towards the centre stage. Xi announced that China wants a greater role on the world stage. However, growing disputes, debt-trap diplomacy and lapses during the Covid-19 pandemic are hurting China on the world stage. Let's measure where china stands in the world and how its expansionist agenda has upended the international rules-based order. × Also Read: Pandemic could hit drug markets as in 2008 crisis: United Nations As of today, at least 10 countries have a dispute with China. These disputes range from diplomatic tussles to territorial claims. The United States and Australia are fighting a trade war with China. India is engaged in a border standoff and there are multiple flashpoints on the high seas - the South China Sea and the East China Sea. The list of disputes is much longer, but China buys the silence of many countries. It repossesses smaller countries when they can't keep up with debt payments. Also Read: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million Furthermore, China has been blamed for concealing the early spread of the virus. Initially, more than 60 countries initially pushed for a probe into the Wuhan virus outbreak and its origins. And now, the list includes over 100 countries. Chinese propaganda claims it's already a superpower, ready to takeover global institutions and reshape the world. But, the growing disputes, the debt traps and demands to make China pay clearly indicate that Beijing can't impose its rule on the world.

Where does China stand on the world stage?

At a time, when the sentiment is growing in India to boycott China-made products over tensions in Indo-China border and Beijing's mishandling of coronavirus, as a nation we must say that it is not practical immediately.

Not until India can create compelling domestic alternatives.

In a move to protect India companies from the predatory threat from foreign (Chinese) companies, govt has tightened its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy norms in listed/unlisted companies.

But India is handing over its construction projects to Chinese firms. This is for a tunnel near the national capital. The company is Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co Ltd (STEC). It has emerged as the lowest bidder to carve an underground tunnel in the national capital region.

Five bidders participated in the process, including India’s Larsen &amp; Toubro.

STEC made the lowest bid at Rs 1,126 crore and L&amp;t had the second-lowest bid at Rs 1,170 crore.

Now, demands are being made to give the contract to an Indian firm. Financial gains of a few crores today could jeopardize national security tomorrow. No doubt, the Chinese company's bid is backed by the Chinese government.

Countries usually get carried away by such cheap Chinese services and -- lose sight of national security. Countries also lose self-reliance, their domestic companies lose the edge and in time, they start losing projects in every bid.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for self-reliance as a way to overcome the ravages of the pandemic. Self-reliance is a way to get the economy back on its feet.

Self-reliance can also be a way to overcome the Chinese aggression at the border and in the business.

At a time, when the sentiment is growing in India to boycott China-made products over tensions in Indo-China border and Beijing's mishandling of coronavirus, as a nation we must say that it is not practical immediately.

At a time, when the sentiment is growing in India to boycott China-made products over tensions in Indo-China border and Beijing's mishandling of coronavirus, as a nation we must say that it is not practical immediately. Not until India can create compelling domestic alternatives. In a move to protect India companies from the predatory threat from foreign (Chinese) companies, govt has tightened its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy norms in listed/unlisted companies. But India is handing over its construction projects to Chinese firms. This is for a tunnel near the national capital. The company is Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co Ltd (STEC). It has emerged as the lowest bidder to carve an underground tunnel in the national capital region. Five bidders participated in the process, including India’s Larsen & Toubro. STEC made the lowest bid at Rs 1,126 crore and L&t had the second-lowest bid at Rs 1,170 crore. Now, demands are being made to give the contract to an Indian firm. Financial gains of a few crores today could jeopardize national security tomorrow. No doubt, the Chinese company's bid is backed by the Chinese government. Countries usually get carried away by such cheap Chinese services and -- lose sight of national security. Countries also lose self-reliance, their domestic companies lose the edge and in time, they start losing projects in every bid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for self-reliance as a way to overcome the ravages of the pandemic. Self-reliance is a way to get the economy back on its feet. Self-reliance can also be a way to overcome the Chinese aggression at the border and in the business.

Self-reliance: Key to face Chinese aggression at the border and in business

The death of rising Hindi filmstar Sushant Singh Rajput has fuelled a fresh discussion about mental health in India and suicide as a leading cause of death for young Indians.

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The mental health issues are estimated to affect 15 crore Indians, less than a fifth - 3 crore - are seeking the care of one form or another.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 1,34,516 people committed suicide in the year 2018.

And there are various reasons behind these suicides from academic pressure to money, relationship, abuse and violence. But what unifies most of the suicide cases is stress and depression.

And neither stress nor depression is new to India. Stress has been an integral part of Indians' life and Indians' natural ability to cope with it was once a matter of pride.&nbsp;

But in recent years, mental health has become a troubling issue for India. At least 1 in 20 Indians today has a history of depression and 15% of Indians suffer from a mental health issue.

Suicides, especially by the young Indians are a growing concern.

The NCRB data shows that 10,159 students died by suicide in 2018, an increase from 9,905 in 2017, and 9,478 in 2016.

Poverty due to failed agrarian system is also one of the major reasons behind suicides in India.

According to the NCRB, 10,349 persons involved in farming sector (consisting of 5,763 farmers or cultivators and 4,586 agricultural labourers) committed suicides during 2018, accounting for 7.7% of total suicides victims.

“Out of 5,763 farmer or cultivator suicides, 5,457 were male and 306 were female during 2018. Out of 4,586 suicides committed by agricultural labourers during 2018, 4,071 were male and 515 were female, the report stated.

According to one study, &nbsp;at least 82% of Indians are suffering from stress because of work, health or finances. India has the highest suicide rate in South East Asia. At least 338 Indians have killed themselves during the coronavirus lockdown.

Numerous individuals experiencing stress and depression have communicated that it was so hard to discuss mental health issues in India, because of an absence of comprehension about it and the taboos surrounding the topic.

There is a need to end the stigma attached to mental health. India must make mental healthcare more accessible and affordable.

When the problem is stress or depression, the answer can never be suicide and not the glorification of it.

Clinical specialists, nonetheless, state that suicide is a genuine medical issue, however, is preventable with opportune, proof-based mediations.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death of rising Hindi filmstar Sushant Singh Rajput has fuelled a fresh discussion about mental health in India and suicide as a leading cause of death for young Indians.

The death of rising Hindi filmstar Sushant Singh Rajput has fuelled a fresh discussion about mental health in India and suicide as a leading cause of death for young Indians. The mental health issues are estimated to affect 15 crore Indians, less than a fifth - 3 crore - are seeking the care of one form or another. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 1,34,516 people committed suicide in the year 2018. And there are various reasons behind these suicides from academic pressure to money, relationship, abuse and violence. But what unifies most of the suicide cases is stress and depression. And neither stress nor depression is new to India. Stress has been an integral part of Indians' life and Indians' natural ability to cope with it was once a matter of pride. But in recent years, mental health has become a troubling issue for India. At least 1 in 20 Indians today has a history of depression and 15% of Indians suffer from a mental health issue. Suicides, especially by the young Indians are a growing concern. The NCRB data shows that 10,159 students died by suicide in 2018, an increase from 9,905 in 2017, and 9,478 in 2016. Poverty due to failed agrarian system is also one of the major reasons behind suicides in India. According to the NCRB, 10,349 persons involved in farming sector (consisting of 5,763 farmers or cultivators and 4,586 agricultural labourers) committed suicides during 2018, accounting for 7.7% of total suicides victims. “Out of 5,763 farmer or cultivator suicides, 5,457 were male and 306 were female during 2018. Out of 4,586 suicides committed by agricultural labourers during 2018, 4,071 were male and 515 were female, the report stated. According to one study, at least 82% of Indians are suffering from stress because of work, health or finances. India has the highest suicide rate in South East Asia. At least 338 Indians have killed themselves during the coronavirus lockdown. Numerous individuals experiencing stress and depression have communicated that it was so hard to discuss mental health issues in India, because of an absence of comprehension about it and the taboos surrounding the topic. There is a need to end the stigma attached to mental health. India must make mental healthcare more accessible and affordable. When the problem is stress or depression, the answer can never be suicide and not the glorification of it. Clinical specialists, nonetheless, state that suicide is a genuine medical issue, however, is preventable with opportune, proof-based mediations. (With inputs from agencies)

Suicide can't be the answer to stress and depression

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while speaking exclusively to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma said that the coronavirus pandemic has triggered multiple challenges in India.

"Our first priority was to save&nbsp;lives, the only approach available was the lockdown," Sitharaman said adding, "the government is very clear - we will stand by our industry, entrepreneurs, and farmers."

"We need our economy to be supported and we will support it," India's finance minister asserted.

On the next course of action over the lockdown, Sitharaman stated that there are signs people want&nbsp;to return to work while acknowledging that the government faces difficulty in attending to the need of every citizen.

However, the finance minister said that "reopening is a clear risk", though she added that "we have to go along and take a risk as we can't hold back people from functioning normally for too long."

The finance minister said that the impact of the lockdown on employment was difficult to assess at this stage, although she added that some employers were getting back workers at 20-30 per cent strength.

The finance minister added that it was impossible to say anything on India's growth right now as an analysis can be made only when the lockdown is lifted.

"Impossible for me to make any guesses," the finance minister told WION's&nbsp;Palki Sharma.

Sitharaman had recently unveiled&nbsp;Rs 20 lakh crore economic relief package aimed at MSMEs, migrants and farmers. India's finance minister explained that "we need to make sure that the money goes to the right places".

"What we are spending right now, we need to see where it goes," the finance minister said. "Our macroeconomic fundamentals are strong, were are able to face the lockdown due to strong fundamentals," she said.

"Indian entrepreneurs will be able to come out to restart the economy."

"Even after the pandemic, the two countries that will&nbsp;be growth engines are India and China," the finance minister said.

"PM Modi is very clear - we stand with the industry," Sitharaman added.

On the government's aim to become a $5 trillion economy, the finance minister said, "our Budget estimates will have to be relooked, none of my assumptions will hold good."

"The extent the impact of this pandemic is still not clear, things have changed from the last Budget."

"We started seeing green shoots in Q4, the numbers from the last quarter gave&nbsp;a feeling that revival was happening," she said.

"We won't do an estimate now, it is my duty to prepare, we have to be ready to help and support."

"We are ready for the expected contraction and have the full support of the prime minister and we will make sure everyone gets required support."

Expanding on the steps taken towards fighting the virus and the rise of India's PPE and pharma industry, the finance minister said research labs of at least eight big vaccine producers are now engaged in the race to develop the vaccine.

"India will set the pace on vaccine development,"&nbsp;the minister said.

"India will be the food basket of the world, we can be the supplier to the globe, Indian farmers need all the strength."

"We expect our agriculture sector to contribute to the world, we are giving a good hearing to the affected industries."

Delivering a message to global investors, the finance minister said India believes in the&nbsp;rule of law. PM Modi has laid emphasis on corruption free, policy-driven approach, she said.

"Policy is what we are working on - more friendly policy, earlier, Indians went out of the country for opportunities, if we create the right environment in India our youth can find interesting, challenging opportunities in the country."

"This should be a big draw for our investors, we have improved a lot in terms of keeping the youth in India with good challenging positions but we have a lot to do."

On the question of hostile takeovers, the minister told WION, "We will certainly do something to make sure that Indian industries don't get picked up at a throwaway price."

With the pandemic putting pressure on health care, the minister said, "We shall give more money for the health infrastructure, not just putting money in public health infrastructure, we are also giving our viability gap funding to private players."

"We want to strengthen health infrastructure, expanding capacities to train more doctors &amp; nurses."

The minister said her own family has been very supportive throughout the difficult period.

"My family has been absolutely supportive, I was a bit worried about the elders in my house," she informed.

"I had to take a lot more precautions, my family has got adjusted as these are very difficult times."

"The entire country has braved this pandemic," the minister said.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while speaking exclusively to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma said that the coronavirus pandemic has triggered multiple challenges in India.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while speaking exclusively to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma said that the coronavirus pandemic has triggered multiple challenges in India. "Our first priority was to save lives, the only approach available was the lockdown," Sitharaman said adding, "the government is very clear - we will stand by our industry, entrepreneurs, and farmers." "We need our economy to be supported and we will support it," India's finance minister asserted. On the next course of action over the lockdown, Sitharaman stated that there are signs people want to return to work while acknowledging that the government faces difficulty in attending to the need of every citizen. However, the finance minister said that "reopening is a clear risk", though she added that "we have to go along and take a risk as we can't hold back people from functioning normally for too long." The finance minister said that the impact of the lockdown on employment was difficult to assess at this stage, although she added that some employers were getting back workers at 20-30 per cent strength. The finance minister added that it was impossible to say anything on India's growth right now as an analysis can be made only when the lockdown is lifted. "Impossible for me to make any guesses," the finance minister told WION's Palki Sharma. Sitharaman had recently unveiled Rs 20 lakh crore economic relief package aimed at MSMEs, migrants and farmers. India's finance minister explained that "we need to make sure that the money goes to the right places". "What we are spending right now, we need to see where it goes," the finance minister said. "Our macroeconomic fundamentals are strong, were are able to face the lockdown due to strong fundamentals," she said. "Indian entrepreneurs will be able to come out to restart the economy." "Even after the pandemic, the two countries that will be growth engines are India and China," the finance minister said. "PM Modi is very clear - we stand with the industry," Sitharaman added. On the government's aim to become a $5 trillion economy, the finance minister said, "our Budget estimates will have to be relooked, none of my assumptions will hold good." "The extent the impact of this pandemic is still not clear, things have changed from the last Budget." "We started seeing green shoots in Q4, the numbers from the last quarter gave a feeling that revival was happening," she said. "We won't do an estimate now, it is my duty to prepare, we have to be ready to help and support." "We are ready for the expected contraction and have the full support of the prime minister and we will make sure everyone gets required support." Expanding on the steps taken towards fighting the virus and the rise of India's PPE and pharma industry, the finance minister said research labs of at least eight big vaccine producers are now engaged in the race to develop the vaccine. "India will set the pace on vaccine development," the minister said. "India will be the food basket of the world, we can be the supplier to the globe, Indian farmers need all the strength." "We expect our agriculture sector to contribute to the world, we are giving a good hearing to the affected industries." Delivering a message to global investors, the finance minister said India believes in the rule of law. PM Modi has laid emphasis on corruption free, policy-driven approach, she said. "Policy is what we are working on - more friendly policy, earlier, Indians went out of the country for opportunities, if we create the right environment in India our youth can find interesting, challenging opportunities in the country." "This should be a big draw for our investors, we have improved a lot in terms of keeping the youth in India with good challenging positions but we have a lot to do." On the question of hostile takeovers, the minister told WION, "We will certainly do something to make sure that Indian industries don't get picked up at a throwaway price." With the pandemic putting pressure on health care, the minister said, "We shall give more money for the health infrastructure, not just putting money in public health infrastructure, we are also giving our viability gap funding to private players." "We want to strengthen health infrastructure, expanding capacities to train more doctors & nurses." The minister said her own family has been very supportive throughout the difficult period. "My family has been absolutely supportive, I was a bit worried about the elders in my house," she informed. "I had to take a lot more precautions, my family has got adjusted as these are very difficult times." "The entire country has braved this pandemic," the minister said.

Our first priority was to save lives, only approach available was the lockdown: Nirmala Sitharaman to WION

India's finance minister Nirmala <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-first-priority-was-to-save-lives-only-approach-available-was-the-lockdown-nirmala-sitharaman-to-wion-301916">Sitharaman</a> while speaking to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma said "Our macroeconomic fundamentals are strong, we were are able to face the lockdown due to strong fundamentals."

The minister told WION that the government is ready to help the industry to emerge from the pandemic.

"PM Modi is very clear - we stand with the industry," the finance minister said while asserting that the Indian entrepreneurs will be able to come out to restart the economy.

On the government's aim to hit the $5 trillion figure for the economy, the finance minister said that things have&nbsp;changed since the last Budget.

"Our Budget estimates will have to be relooked, none of my assumptions will hold good," she said.

"We won't do an estimate now, it is my duty to prepare, we have to be ready to help and support."

"We are ready for the expected contraction and have the full support of the prime minister and we will make sure everyone gets required support."

Sitharaman said her ministry was "seeing green shoots in Q4" with the numbers in the last quarter showing some hopes of a revival but the pandemic made it impossible, although she added that "we are ready for the expected contraction and have the full support of the prime minister and we will make sure everyone gets required support."

The minister told WION that the government is working towards more "friendly policies" in order to attract investors.

"If we create the right environment in India our youth can find interesting, challenging opportunities in the country," the finance minister stated.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while speaking to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma said "Our macroeconomic fundamentals are strong, we were are able to face the lockdown due to strong fundamentals.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while speaking to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma said "Our macroeconomic fundamentals are strong, we were are able to face the lockdown due to strong fundamentals." The minister told WION that the government is ready to help the industry to emerge from the pandemic. "PM Modi is very clear - we stand with the industry," the finance minister said while asserting that the Indian entrepreneurs will be able to come out to restart the economy. On the government's aim to hit the $5 trillion figure for the economy, the finance minister said that things have changed since the last Budget. "Our Budget estimates will have to be relooked, none of my assumptions will hold good," she said. "We won't do an estimate now, it is my duty to prepare, we have to be ready to help and support." "We are ready for the expected contraction and have the full support of the prime minister and we will make sure everyone gets required support." Sitharaman said her ministry was "seeing green shoots in Q4" with the numbers in the last quarter showing some hopes of a revival but the pandemic made it impossible, although she added that "we are ready for the expected contraction and have the full support of the prime minister and we will make sure everyone gets required support." The minister told WION that the government is working towards more "friendly policies" in order to attract investors. "If we create the right environment in India our youth can find interesting, challenging opportunities in the country," the finance minister stated.

Our Budget estimates will have to be relooked, says Sitharaman to WION

Every night I begin my show with the death toll. I can tell you there is no joy in doing so. By the time the day ends, and the race to get the news done is over, you’re left with a weight that crushes your spirit. In the news business, we often talk about death. Beyond a point, it’s all statistics. Sometimes it feels personal.

I lost my father two months back. It was so sudden, I’m still processing it. I have still not learned to refer to him in the past tense. I haven’t been home since and I’m not looking forward to it. A fall, an internal injury and gone in 3 days. One moment, he’s scolding me for having left the kids behind to come and see him, the next I’m being asked if we agree to the terms and conditions of him being put on a ventilator. He was a difficult person. And just like that, he went on from being a person to a body. The night he passed, the hospital staff asked me to sign something. In disbelief, I remember nodding, not sure why I was trying to reassure them. I told the nurse to be strong. She returned a sad smile. I remember stroking his arm. It was cold and bloated. I said sorry to him and all the things I couldn’t say when he was alive. He did not encourage conversation. As I said, a difficult person. Body. My father. I saw him as asleep not dead.

Many years ago, I remember lingering around the body of my grandmother, imagining her frowning upon how my parents were carrying out the rituals, punctuating the complaints with her witty one-liners. I almost expected her to swat my hand and order me to get about my business. The whole setting felt like a dismal, sadistic prank. She still lurks in my head, mostly arguing with me. These are the two closest people I’ve lost. I feel their loss deeply, but never felt any fear around what was left of them.

It hasn’t been so in other cases. I’m still ashamed of what happened with a neighbour. An old couple, very caring and kind. The man passed away when I was at work. When I returned home, I saw people gathered. I should have gone too. I did not. I was too scared to face whatever lay on the other side of their door. The gloom of death, the grief, the loss of words and appropriate expressions I struggle with, in situations like these. It was extremely immature of me. The family never spoke to me after that. I left the society a few months later. I couldn’t summon the courage to tell them I’m sorry for their loss and I’m scared. It was awful, still disturbs me.

But nothing can match what’s happening now. There’s a stigma attached to death. The fear of infection. There are no rituals, no final goodbyes. These ceremonies can be taxing, but they serve a purpose. The logistics of managing the event keeps your mind off the sense of loss. A coronavirus death has none of it. No friends to see you off. No one to hold those who are left behind. You die alone in an isolation ward. You grieve alone behind a mask. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain of those who lose their loved ones and must suffer the injustice of being denied the last touch and hug. Is there anything worse than death? It is death infected with fear and devoid of dignity.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Every night I begin my show with the death toll. I can tell you there is no joy in doing so. By the time the day ends, and the race to get the news done is over, you’re left with a weight that crushes your spirit.

Every night I begin my show with the death toll. I can tell you there is no joy in doing so. By the time the day ends, and the race to get the news done is over, you’re left with a weight that crushes your spirit. In the news business, we often talk about death. Beyond a point, it’s all statistics. Sometimes it feels personal. I lost my father two months back. It was so sudden, I’m still processing it. I have still not learned to refer to him in the past tense. I haven’t been home since and I’m not looking forward to it. A fall, an internal injury and gone in 3 days. One moment, he’s scolding me for having left the kids behind to come and see him, the next I’m being asked if we agree to the terms and conditions of him being put on a ventilator. He was a difficult person. And just like that, he went on from being a person to a body. The night he passed, the hospital staff asked me to sign something. In disbelief, I remember nodding, not sure why I was trying to reassure them. I told the nurse to be strong. She returned a sad smile. I remember stroking his arm. It was cold and bloated. I said sorry to him and all the things I couldn’t say when he was alive. He did not encourage conversation. As I said, a difficult person. Body. My father. I saw him as asleep not dead. Many years ago, I remember lingering around the body of my grandmother, imagining her frowning upon how my parents were carrying out the rituals, punctuating the complaints with her witty one-liners. I almost expected her to swat my hand and order me to get about my business. The whole setting felt like a dismal, sadistic prank. She still lurks in my head, mostly arguing with me. These are the two closest people I’ve lost. I feel their loss deeply, but never felt any fear around what was left of them. It hasn’t been so in other cases. I’m still ashamed of what happened with a neighbour. An old couple, very caring and kind. The man passed away when I was at work. When I returned home, I saw people gathered. I should have gone too. I did not. I was too scared to face whatever lay on the other side of their door. The gloom of death, the grief, the loss of words and appropriate expressions I struggle with, in situations like these. It was extremely immature of me. The family never spoke to me after that. I left the society a few months later. I couldn’t summon the courage to tell them I’m sorry for their loss and I’m scared. It was awful, still disturbs me. But nothing can match what’s happening now. There’s a stigma attached to death. The fear of infection. There are no rituals, no final goodbyes. These ceremonies can be taxing, but they serve a purpose. The logistics of managing the event keeps your mind off the sense of loss. A coronavirus death has none of it. No friends to see you off. No one to hold those who are left behind. You die alone in an isolation ward. You grieve alone behind a mask. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain of those who lose their loved ones and must suffer the injustice of being denied the last touch and hug. Is there anything worse than death? It is death infected with fear and devoid of dignity. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Dealing with death

An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe - Oil wars, a failing economy, the risk of COVID-19 with a collapsed health care system, dictatorship, drug trafficking, terrorism, complex internal politics and the interests of global powers in a South American nation; might seem like the plot of a fictional movie however it is a stark reality in Venezuela.

An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe - Oil wars, a failing economy, the risk of COVID-19 with a collapsed health care system, dictatorship, drug trafficking, terrorism, complex internal politics and the interests of global powers in a South American nation; might seem like the plot of a fictional movie however it is a stark reality in Venezuela. Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaidó, spoke about the crisis within a crisis, to Palki Sharma Upadhyay on the global leadership series on WION. The ongoing political crisis in Venezuela has divided the international community - while 60+ countries back interim President Juan Guaidó and others support Nicolas Maduro who runs the country. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world and oil revenue accounts for 99% of exports. On being asked about oil prices plunging after OPEC struck a historic deal to reduce production, he said, "Venezuela has enormous potential not only in oil but also in energy. We have the fifth-largest gas reserve in the world, we have significant mineral potential, we have a privileged climate for agribusiness; We are the Latin American country with the greatest potential for agro-industrial growth, even more than Brazil." He continued, "For us, the tragedy is not the price of oil; The tragedy today for Venezuela is that we went from producing three and a half million barrels a day to just producing between 500 thousand and 700 barrels a day, a consequence of corruption, of the ineffectiveness of this dictatorship; that's the real tragedy. "For years we had a Macroeconomic Stabilization Fund precisely to go through these episodes of economic difficulty as a result of our economic dependence on oil, unfortunately, the dictatorship also stole that Stabilization Fund and today it exposes us to this social vulnerability as a result of institutional weakness consequence that Maduro isolated himself from the international concert by not recognizing the legitimate National Assembly, by trying to steal an election, by linking himself with terrorist groups like Hezbollah, such as the ELN, both groups are in the region," he revealed. “In the future, it remains an important lever (oil) coupled with the great potential that Venezuela has geopolitically because we are in the middle of the American continent, we also have a privileged climate during the year, and it offers enormous potential for companies that want to come to invest in Venezuela, he added. On being questioned about the role of China in providing financial aid and healthcare supplies to the country and a potential debt trap he said, " Regrettably, our oil industry is now destroyed, limiting our capacities of being able to have healthy trade ties not just in the region, but with the world. For us, once we’ve gone through the dictatorship and the pandemic, the challenge is to be able to have healthy commercial relations with China, with India and with the world. Unfortunately, today this is not possible because the dictators that usurped the Executive Power in Venezuela have preferred to link themselves with drug trafficking, terrorism and destruction of the Amazon to try to exploit our gold." He continued, "China, in recent years, has not given financial support to the dictatorship because they don’t have the Parliament’s approval - which I preside, as President in charge. It is recognized by 60 countries of the world and our struggle to recover our democracy.” How is Venezuela coping with the pandemic? - Interim President Juan Guaidó stated, "We are going through a complex humanitarian emergency that already has 15% to 20% of the population at the risk of death. We have the second-largest migrant flow on the planet - after Syria - A country that is at war. Our health system has collapsed. 60% of our public hospitals do not have piped water. 80% of our employees don't even have soap at the moment. There are only 84 respirators for a population of more than 30 million people. The Venezuelan minimum wage today is $4 a month. An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Venezuela - an oil country that today only has oil, and unfortunately they destroyed our oil industry." Speaking about his personal experiences with the dictatorship he exclaimed, "In Venezuela in addition to the COVID-19 virus, we live with the virus of the dictatorship that has haunted us for years. I have 16 people from my team kidnapped, imprisoned or tortured. They have persecuted us for years, they have murdered journalists, they have murdered community leaders. The confinement also gives a different perspective of how to live in persecution; my uncle, for example, is being tortured in cells of military counterintelligence; My four previous Heads of Office - one has been kidnapped and three in exile." He added, "It is particularly difficult for us to be able to respond to our people by facing two viruses simultaneously: one of dictatorship and fascism; and one of COVID-19; but we are very firm, attending the teams that are persecuted today; and attending above all our people with the tools that we have at our disposal." "Today the majority of our population - more than 90% according to opinion studies - wants a (political) change. They want to live with dignity" he stated. "We must always put the citizen first, attend to their needs, and for this reason, we are making every effort to obtain the necessary humanitarian aid - even recognized by the dictatorship at this time.", he mentioned on being asked about the political division affecting the response to the pandemic in the country. On his party’s claims that the pandemic would give Maduro diplomatic legitimacy, he stated," Maduro is already unrecoverable to say the least. He has violated human rights, as laid out by the United Nations and the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He is being indicted for terrorism and drug trafficking - it is as if the drug cartels are usurping functions. It is exactly what is happening today in Venezuela. They are using the State power to finance world terrorism and commercialize drug trafficking." He added, "On the contrary, we have proposed a solution, an alternative, not only to the emergency but also to the situation in Venezuela. We call it the Government of National Emergency, it is a constitutional figure in Venezuela that today is also supported by more than 60 countries and it is a global solution to the emergency, to the crisis within a health crisis, and to be able to lead us again to a democracy that all Venezuelans want." About the accountability of China for the COVID-19 outbreak, he maintained, " I believe that as a global society, today we all have to take responsibility; not only a country or two, we must be jointly responsible for what is happening. I think that at this moment, as is the fight against climate change, as is the interdependence between nations, we have to be able to prevent something like this in the future; it is evident that we cannot face an emergency like this in the future with the vulnerability that we have today between countries. In the case of Venezuelans, in the case of Latin America, the current vulnerability of our health systems has to deeply call our attention so that we never go through a situation like this again, but rather prepare for the future, and of course what we want to bequeath to future generations." Talking about relations with India he said, "India with its big pharmaceutical companies can even collaborate and help a lot. It is the largest democracy in the world today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made important policy expansions on the economy front. Today, India also has an important refiner for Venezuelan oil. In the future, we must continue to strengthen these relations between our countries." About India's role in providing life-saving drugs during this critical time, he responded”, I think that some countries that have built capacities, that have enormous potential, also have a duty to humanity today; it is a matter of a win-win situation; we must safeguard the world economy because then a potential recession will affect all economies, not only those that today cannot withstand the pandemic, potential markets, job creation, economic growth in the world will affect even the potential nations". About a future after the pandemic, he said, " I think the answer can’t be to close borders in the future, for example; surely there will be some who will be tended to close borders or prevent mobility, I think it is the opposite, that we have to open up in access to information, in sharing information more transparently, we must be aware of the global economy necessarily to be able to support the premises in an interrelated world. Great difficulties also provide great opportunities; I hope this helps us to become aware of the world as a global society. We are going to have to do our part to open borders, we have an opportunity, a turning point in humanity."

In the wake of the historic OPEC deal, the country with the World’s largest oil reserves struggles to survive

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Palki Sharma

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