India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Wednesday that domestic passenger flights will recommence from May 25, the Centre issued the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) charting out the DO's and Don't as airline companies brace itself for travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

India's aviation minister on flights SOPs

Usually, Australian newspapers are hardly read in India. However, recently, the Australian portal The Daily Telegraph’s article, in a befitting reply to the Chinese Consul General’s letter alleging it of &nbsp;“ignorance,” “prejudice,” and “arrogance,” in its reports and opinions on China’s response to Covid-19, went viral in Indian social media circles. It unleashed debates on the post-corona world order among the Indian intellectuals generally obsessed with Pakistan and its jihadist wars in India. &nbsp;It seemed as if the article awakened the usually insular Indian masses from their civilizational slumber and got them seriously thinking about the threat posed by China to the rules-based world order.&nbsp;

The western world got its taste of the world order with the &nbsp;“Chinese Characteristics” only in the recent past as they came to know of the horrors of Xinjiang’s “vocational training centers,” muscle-flexing by Chinese Navy in the South China Sea, and China’s unfair trade practices. However, India tasted the bitter pill in 1962 only, when Mao’s China backstabbed India’s statesman-philosopher PM Nehru, hell-bent on harnessing the strengths of Indo-Chinese civilizational ties, by starting a war in Himalayan peaks that not only brought India’s growing global stature to a grinding halt, but also shattered Nehru from within, ultimately leading to his untimely demise, leaving India’s nascent democracy leaderless. &nbsp;

China and Corona have shaken our notions of stability and made us all apprehensive and fearful of the world order with the so-called “Chinese characteristics.” &nbsp;The world community’s faith in China’s intentions, institutions, innovations, inventions, and investments has shattered almost beyond redemption. World leaders have raised the pitch in favour of finding new alternatives to reduce the economic dependence on China and new alliances to protect the rules-based order against the depredations of revanchist China. However, the current state of frenzy and panic may mislead even the sanest minds and lead us to blame the “country China and its people” for all the mayhem. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, anyone with primary exposure to Asian history will understand that not China and its people, but China’s Communist Party (CCP) is an existential threat to rules-based world order, standing firmly on the twin pillars of liberal democracy and free and fair trade. Any systematic thought about deterring China has to begin with differentiating between China and the Chinese Communist Party, the two entities primarily at ideological and foundational crossroads. Hence, &nbsp;we must all refrain from any frenzied racial outburst against China as a country, and its people as it is likely to play into the hands of CCP, giving it a powerful weapon to mobilize popular support by rousing nationalist sentiments.&nbsp;

At the most fundamental level, the CCP has devastated China’s great civilizational legacy and ethos. The great Chinese civilization derives its vibrancy and soul from the spiritual legacy of the Buddhist and &nbsp;Confucious thought, preaching peace, a quest for spiritual purity, love, and respect for contrary thoughts and belief-systems. Despite its lofty claims to restore China’s rightful place in the world, CCP’s totalitarianism and extremism, in essence, is a complete undoing of all the paramount values China’s glorious civilization stands for. Not long ago, CCP’s Mao-led party-state massacred Buddhists and decimated their monasteries in Tibet, and implemented the “great leap forward,” leading to the death of tens of millions of its people in the devastating famines that followed it. Later, insecurities emanating from the fears of a popular revolt against his authority due to the devastating famines, Mao brought “cultural revolution” to get rid of all the “bourgeoisie elements.” However, in effect, the despot wanted to silence all the dissidents and critiques, leading the purges of millions of his ideological opponents. And, with them, China’s break with its spiritual and cultural refinements of Buddhist-Confucious past was complete. Today, CCP’s mind-games with complex jargons like “whole-process democracy” &nbsp;and “benevolent rule,” which it also calls “democracy with Chinese characteristics,” are simply to counter the western challenge to its dictatorial political system by orchestrating ideological foundations to prove its political system, superior to the western one. However, such expressions are mere outer trappings to protect a corrupt political system and governance model existing under fragile foundations and a perpetual threat of popular revolt, for being inherently anti- ‘Chinese.’ &nbsp;

CCP’s world order stands for forced disappearances and displacements, politically-motivated purges, persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, fake news and disinformation campaigns, supporting despots and rogue states, and encouraging their nuclear blackmail, &nbsp;and shielding UN-designated terrorists and terror-sponsoring nations at the UN bodies, and crushing human rights. Its “economic aggression” &nbsp;strategy includes theft of trade secrets and intellectual property, unfair trade practices hindering the access of foreign companies to Chinese markets, and forced technology transfers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At home, CCP has created the most intrusive public monitoring and &nbsp;Orwellian high-tech surveillance state. With the state-controlled media, rigid internet censorships, face recognition technology, and draconian restrictions on a free debate on religious and political issues in the Universities, the CCP silences public criticism and maintains a firm grip on the information flow in China. It has prevented the exposure of Chinese society to all outside influences by denying access to foreign intellectuals, media persons, and independent observers from the UN bodies and global NGOs. The respect for privacy is anathema for CCP. Not long ago, CCP’s repressive state machinery massacred thousands of students demanding democracy in Tiennman square. In Xinjiang province, home to around 13 million Muslims of Turkic, Uyghur and Kazakh ethnicities, CCP runs the most sophisticated and high-tech detainment camps, in the name of “vocational education centers, where the inmates are subjected to rigorous indoctrination to rid them of all Islamic influences. CCP treats Islam like a ‘mental illness.’ Those observing fundamental Islamic practices such as Namaz, Rozas, and beards find themselves in the detainment camps. &nbsp;

CCP’s hatred for democracy and human rights does not stop at its frontiers. In the last few years, CCP has brazenly extended its vision of anti-human rights and anti-democratic political and governance model beyond its borders. China’s party-state uses its economic clout to silence all those entities, including companies, countries, individuals, NGOs, and academic institutions, who criticize its human rights record. &nbsp;OIC countries, usually vocal about the Muslim causes across the globe, conveniently turned a blind eye to Xinjiang and applauded China’s counter-terrorism measures that have led to a “stronger sense of fulfilment, happiness, and security. &nbsp;Hence, what happens in &nbsp;Xinjiang, stays in Xinjiang, thanks to the overriding economic interests of OIC nations. Major BRI-recipient Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan often frets and fumes on twitter over sporadic incidents of Islamophobia in India. However, he preferred to keep silent over Xinjiang, while his diplomats lauded China for “providing care to its Muslim citizens,” thanks to China’s “no-strings” grants and diplomatic support. &nbsp;

Chinese business organizations can hardly dare to ignore the dictates of CCP. When Houston Rockets’ General Manager displeased the Chinese government by supporting Hongkong protesters on social media, all of the 11 official Chinese business partners of the National Basketball Association suspended ties with the league. Similarly, the sheer number of Chinese students and on Western campuses and large research grants are powerful enough to dissuade them from displeasing China by allowing debates and seminars on China’s human rights abuses and repression, with the participation of Chinese dissidents. &nbsp;Recently, a “powerful person” in the Harvard management stopped Teng Biao, a Chinese dissident and a visiting fellow at Harvard Universit, from holding an event on his and other dissidents’ experiences of human rights abuses in China. &nbsp;

CCP’s state is selling high-tech surveillance technology to 60 states with weak privacy protections, including dictatorships such as Zimbabwe, Philippines, and Kyrgyzstan. China also intimidates UN member countries to support its position in international bodies. At UNHRC, China has been consistent in obstructing the passage of UN resolutions and sanctions against its cohorts like Venezuela, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia, for gross human rights violations.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In its BRI ambit, China is supporting corrupt and ruthless dictators with “no-strings-attached loans,” in complete disregard for their track-record of environmental safety and human rights abuses. Such dubious and clandestine loans also come easy in return for the recipient country’s support and silence over China’s repression and Human Rights violations. China has invested 62 billion dollars in &nbsp;CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), a part of BRI, China’s multi-trillion dollar infrastructure project. Its terror-sponsoring ally Pakistan has displaced the local Shia Muslims in PoJK (Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan), opposing Chinese investments and encroachment of their lands. In one of the most shameless attempts at demographic engineering, they have colonized the area with Wahhabi extremists, Pak army veterans, and terrorist cadres, quite expectedly, China has been a supporting accomplice in such heinous crimes against humanity. Those who oppose are silenced through a plethora of ISI’s (Pakistan’s dreadful spy agency), covert measures including tortures and targeted killings. At the UNSC and FATF, in addition to supporting dreaded terrorists like Hafiz Saed and Masood Azhar, China has shielded Pakistan with impunity, preventing the global bodies’ action against it for financing and sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir. &nbsp;Further, Chinese loans have sent many countries into a never-ending debt trap.&nbsp;

It’s time to confront China&nbsp;

Until the last year, the strategists were concerned about the Chinese threat to the world order. However, after COVID-19 killing thousands across the globe, &nbsp;CCP has revealed itself as not merely a threat to the world order. Instead, in its new or real avatar, it comes out as an existential threat to the entire humanity. As I am writing this piece, China has already found a berth at UNHRC despite its blemished human rights record, &nbsp;aggressed in the Sikkim’s (India) Naku La, and intruded with its coastguard into the waters of Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands. &nbsp;

Further, the way CCP’s party-state has spread disinformation about the origin of the virus, manipulated WHO, influenced or maybe coerced prestigious media houses and influential think-tanks to project it as a savior in its corona-mitigation efforts, vehemently resisted an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, threatened Australia with trade sanctions for advocating an inquiry into the virus’ origins, and intimidated the EU’s external action service to drop the reference to its global disinformation campaign to improve its image, in its report, hardly leaves any doubt about CCP’s future intent to upset the world order and methods it will employ to achieve that. &nbsp;

With Xi Jinping’s eternal presidency, the CCP has gone back to the era of Mao-styled strong man rule. This time it commands robust economic strength, state-of-the-art technology in communications and defense, and a revanchist desire; hence, the tremors are spreading across the globe. Corona is just a glimpse into what lies ahead. Also, China braces the world’s fastest declining population, corona crisis and economic slowdown, which will result in job losses and a fall in the standards of living. It will result in public protest and outrage against the government, demanding more political participation. Most likely, Xi-led CCP will double down with more repression, censorships, purges, and a hyper-nationalist foreign policy. In the international arena, it may result in China firming up its ties with despots and terror-sponsoring nations by giving them nuclear technology, aggressive incursions in the South China Sea, and brazen subversion of international conventions, treaties, and institutions. &nbsp;

Hence, it is time to confront CCP. Moreover, the confrontation has to be holistic. From a principled stand against its human rights abuses and strategically thought-out efforts countering its economic and military aggression to a systematic campaign exposing CCP and its inhuman side, the world community has to deter CCP on every front. It has to be a united effort. With Americans in a self-imposed diplomatic quarantine mode, Australia, Japan and India have a lot to contribute, in saving China and the rest of the world, from a revanchist regime that refuses to respect life and play by the rules.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Usually, Australian newspapers are hardly read in India. However, recently, the Australian portal The Daily Telegraph’s article, in a befitting reply to the Chinese Consul General’s letter alleging it of “ignorance,” “prejudice,” and “arrogance,” in its reports and opinions on China’s response to Covid-19, went viral in Indian social media circles.

Usually, Australian newspapers are hardly read in India. However, recently, the Australian portal The Daily Telegraph’s article, in a befitting reply to the Chinese Consul General’s letter alleging it of “ignorance,” “prejudice,” and “arrogance,” in its reports and opinions on China’s response to Covid-19, went viral in Indian social media circles. It unleashed debates on the post-corona world order among the Indian intellectuals generally obsessed with Pakistan and its jihadist wars in India. It seemed as if the article awakened the usually insular Indian masses from their civilizational slumber and got them seriously thinking about the threat posed by China to the rules-based world order. The western world got its taste of the world order with the “Chinese Characteristics” only in the recent past as they came to know of the horrors of Xinjiang’s “vocational training centers,” muscle-flexing by Chinese Navy in the South China Sea, and China’s unfair trade practices. However, India tasted the bitter pill in 1962 only, when Mao’s China backstabbed India’s statesman-philosopher PM Nehru, hell-bent on harnessing the strengths of Indo-Chinese civilizational ties, by starting a war in Himalayan peaks that not only brought India’s growing global stature to a grinding halt, but also shattered Nehru from within, ultimately leading to his untimely demise, leaving India’s nascent democracy leaderless. China and Corona have shaken our notions of stability and made us all apprehensive and fearful of the world order with the so-called “Chinese characteristics.” The world community’s faith in China’s intentions, institutions, innovations, inventions, and investments has shattered almost beyond redemption. World leaders have raised the pitch in favour of finding new alternatives to reduce the economic dependence on China and new alliances to protect the rules-based order against the depredations of revanchist China. However, the current state of frenzy and panic may mislead even the sanest minds and lead us to blame the “country China and its people” for all the mayhem. However, anyone with primary exposure to Asian history will understand that not China and its people, but China’s Communist Party (CCP) is an existential threat to rules-based world order, standing firmly on the twin pillars of liberal democracy and free and fair trade. Any systematic thought about deterring China has to begin with differentiating between China and the Chinese Communist Party, the two entities primarily at ideological and foundational crossroads. Hence, we must all refrain from any frenzied racial outburst against China as a country, and its people as it is likely to play into the hands of CCP, giving it a powerful weapon to mobilize popular support by rousing nationalist sentiments. At the most fundamental level, the CCP has devastated China’s great civilizational legacy and ethos. The great Chinese civilization derives its vibrancy and soul from the spiritual legacy of the Buddhist and Confucious thought, preaching peace, a quest for spiritual purity, love, and respect for contrary thoughts and belief-systems. Despite its lofty claims to restore China’s rightful place in the world, CCP’s totalitarianism and extremism, in essence, is a complete undoing of all the paramount values China’s glorious civilization stands for. Not long ago, CCP’s Mao-led party-state massacred Buddhists and decimated their monasteries in Tibet, and implemented the “great leap forward,” leading to the death of tens of millions of its people in the devastating famines that followed it. Later, insecurities emanating from the fears of a popular revolt against his authority due to the devastating famines, Mao brought “cultural revolution” to get rid of all the “bourgeoisie elements.” However, in effect, the despot wanted to silence all the dissidents and critiques, leading the purges of millions of his ideological opponents. And, with them, China’s break with its spiritual and cultural refinements of Buddhist-Confucious past was complete. Today, CCP’s mind-games with complex jargons like “whole-process democracy” and “benevolent rule,” which it also calls “democracy with Chinese characteristics,” are simply to counter the western challenge to its dictatorial political system by orchestrating ideological foundations to prove its political system, superior to the western one. However, such expressions are mere outer trappings to protect a corrupt political system and governance model existing under fragile foundations and a perpetual threat of popular revolt, for being inherently anti- ‘Chinese.’ CCP’s world order stands for forced disappearances and displacements, politically-motivated purges, persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, fake news and disinformation campaigns, supporting despots and rogue states, and encouraging their nuclear blackmail, and shielding UN-designated terrorists and terror-sponsoring nations at the UN bodies, and crushing human rights. Its “economic aggression” strategy includes theft of trade secrets and intellectual property, unfair trade practices hindering the access of foreign companies to Chinese markets, and forced technology transfers. At home, CCP has created the most intrusive public monitoring and Orwellian high-tech surveillance state. With the state-controlled media, rigid internet censorships, face recognition technology, and draconian restrictions on a free debate on religious and political issues in the Universities, the CCP silences public criticism and maintains a firm grip on the information flow in China. It has prevented the exposure of Chinese society to all outside influences by denying access to foreign intellectuals, media persons, and independent observers from the UN bodies and global NGOs. The respect for privacy is anathema for CCP. Not long ago, CCP’s repressive state machinery massacred thousands of students demanding democracy in Tiennman square. In Xinjiang province, home to around 13 million Muslims of Turkic, Uyghur and Kazakh ethnicities, CCP runs the most sophisticated and high-tech detainment camps, in the name of “vocational education centers, where the inmates are subjected to rigorous indoctrination to rid them of all Islamic influences. CCP treats Islam like a ‘mental illness.’ Those observing fundamental Islamic practices such as Namaz, Rozas, and beards find themselves in the detainment camps. CCP’s hatred for democracy and human rights does not stop at its frontiers. In the last few years, CCP has brazenly extended its vision of anti-human rights and anti-democratic political and governance model beyond its borders. China’s party-state uses its economic clout to silence all those entities, including companies, countries, individuals, NGOs, and academic institutions, who criticize its human rights record. OIC countries, usually vocal about the Muslim causes across the globe, conveniently turned a blind eye to Xinjiang and applauded China’s counter-terrorism measures that have led to a “stronger sense of fulfilment, happiness, and security. Hence, what happens in Xinjiang, stays in Xinjiang, thanks to the overriding economic interests of OIC nations. Major BRI-recipient Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan often frets and fumes on twitter over sporadic incidents of Islamophobia in India. However, he preferred to keep silent over Xinjiang, while his diplomats lauded China for “providing care to its Muslim citizens,” thanks to China’s “no-strings” grants and diplomatic support. Chinese business organizations can hardly dare to ignore the dictates of CCP. When Houston Rockets’ General Manager displeased the Chinese government by supporting Hongkong protesters on social media, all of the 11 official Chinese business partners of the National Basketball Association suspended ties with the league. Similarly, the sheer number of Chinese students and on Western campuses and large research grants are powerful enough to dissuade them from displeasing China by allowing debates and seminars on China’s human rights abuses and repression, with the participation of Chinese dissidents. Recently, a “powerful person” in the Harvard management stopped Teng Biao, a Chinese dissident and a visiting fellow at Harvard Universit, from holding an event on his and other dissidents’ experiences of human rights abuses in China. CCP’s state is selling high-tech surveillance technology to 60 states with weak privacy protections, including dictatorships such as Zimbabwe, Philippines, and Kyrgyzstan. China also intimidates UN member countries to support its position in international bodies. At UNHRC, China has been consistent in obstructing the passage of UN resolutions and sanctions against its cohorts like Venezuela, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia, for gross human rights violations. In its BRI ambit, China is supporting corrupt and ruthless dictators with “no-strings-attached loans,” in complete disregard for their track-record of environmental safety and human rights abuses. Such dubious and clandestine loans also come easy in return for the recipient country’s support and silence over China’s repression and Human Rights violations. China has invested 62 billion dollars in CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), a part of BRI, China’s multi-trillion dollar infrastructure project. Its terror-sponsoring ally Pakistan has displaced the local Shia Muslims in PoJK (Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan), opposing Chinese investments and encroachment of their lands. In one of the most shameless attempts at demographic engineering, they have colonized the area with Wahhabi extremists, Pak army veterans, and terrorist cadres, quite expectedly, China has been a supporting accomplice in such heinous crimes against humanity. Those who oppose are silenced through a plethora of ISI’s (Pakistan’s dreadful spy agency), covert measures including tortures and targeted killings. At the UNSC and FATF, in addition to supporting dreaded terrorists like Hafiz Saed and Masood Azhar, China has shielded Pakistan with impunity, preventing the global bodies’ action against it for financing and sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir. Further, Chinese loans have sent many countries into a never-ending debt trap. It’s time to confront China Until the last year, the strategists were concerned about the Chinese threat to the world order. However, after COVID-19 killing thousands across the globe, CCP has revealed itself as not merely a threat to the world order. Instead, in its new or real avatar, it comes out as an existential threat to the entire humanity. As I am writing this piece, China has already found a berth at UNHRC despite its blemished human rights record, aggressed in the Sikkim’s (India) Naku La, and intruded with its coastguard into the waters of Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands. Further, the way CCP’s party-state has spread disinformation about the origin of the virus, manipulated WHO, influenced or maybe coerced prestigious media houses and influential think-tanks to project it as a savior in its corona-mitigation efforts, vehemently resisted an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, threatened Australia with trade sanctions for advocating an inquiry into the virus’ origins, and intimidated the EU’s external action service to drop the reference to its global disinformation campaign to improve its image, in its report, hardly leaves any doubt about CCP’s future intent to upset the world order and methods it will employ to achieve that. With Xi Jinping’s eternal presidency, the CCP has gone back to the era of Mao-styled strong man rule. This time it commands robust economic strength, state-of-the-art technology in communications and defense, and a revanchist desire; hence, the tremors are spreading across the globe. Corona is just a glimpse into what lies ahead. Also, China braces the world’s fastest declining population, corona crisis and economic slowdown, which will result in job losses and a fall in the standards of living. It will result in public protest and outrage against the government, demanding more political participation. Most likely, Xi-led CCP will double down with more repression, censorships, purges, and a hyper-nationalist foreign policy. In the international arena, it may result in China firming up its ties with despots and terror-sponsoring nations by giving them nuclear technology, aggressive incursions in the South China Sea, and brazen subversion of international conventions, treaties, and institutions. Hence, it is time to confront CCP. Moreover, the confrontation has to be holistic. From a principled stand against its human rights abuses and strategically thought-out efforts countering its economic and military aggression to a systematic campaign exposing CCP and its inhuman side, the world community has to deter CCP on every front. It has to be a united effort. With Americans in a self-imposed diplomatic quarantine mode, Australia, Japan and India have a lot to contribute, in saving China and the rest of the world, from a revanchist regime that refuses to respect life and play by the rules. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China is not just a challenge to the liberal World Order, but an existential threat to humanity

The Wuhan Coronavirus has infected more than 44,00,000 people worldwide. India is now reporting more than 80,000 confirmed cases. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you the latest numbers.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: More than 44,00,000 cases worldwide

From the United States, to Europe and Africa - leading countries are now building pressure on China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how a global alliance to take on China is shaping up.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: 5 ways the world is cornering China

The Coronavirus pandemic has kicked off a new cold war between the US and China. Two allies of the United States - Australia & Japan have taken a strong position against China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the Trump administration is taking on China & recruiting allies.

Gravitas: US v/s China: A new cold war

After several lawsuits were filed against the US in China - the Chinese state media is threatening the Americans. Reports say China and Russia plan to initiate a probe into US labs. Beijing is also mulling punitive counter measures. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese state media threatens US with counter lawsuits

On Monday, the WHO will hold a vote to determine whether Taiwan should be allowed to participate as an observer. Which way will India vote? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why India must consider a shift in its stand, and back Taiwan.

Gravitas: Will India vote in favour of Taiwan on Monday?

The US has claimed that China is trying to steal American research on Covid-19. Now, an American researcher has been arrested - allegedly for failing to disclose his ties to China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Why is America arresting researchers with links to China

The Coronavirus outbreak has put US President Donald Trump's re-election bid in jeopardy. With less than 180 days left in the US election, President Trump has begun blaming Former President Barack Obama. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: Coronavirus outbreak: Why is Trump blaming Obama?

With over 2,00,000 cases, Brazil is being called the new epicentre of the Coronavirus. But Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is busy fighting federal governors and is encouraging his supporters to violate the lockdown. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyaygets you a report.

Gravitas: Is Brazil the new coronavirus epicentre?

The Coronavirus pandemic is no longer a health crisis, it has become a humanitarian crisis. Millions across the world are at risk of dying because they do not have the comfort of a home or a daily meal. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: A humanitarian crisis

India records the biggest surge in covid 19 cases in 24 hours. India is now the highest single day spike in covid 19 cases. Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamilnadu and Gujarat these four states are most effected by covid 19

India's daily surge in Covid 19 cases,Maharashtra,Delhi,Tamilnadu and Gujarat are worst

No more touching in the elevators as a Thai shopping mall in Bangkok installed foot pedals for customers to step on instead of pressing the buttons, lowering the risk of having to be exposed to germs.

No more touching: Thai mall installs foot pedals in elevators

US President Donald Trump has said that he is pleased that the United States tops the list in terms of coronavirus cases in the world. On Monday, Donald Trump said he views it as "badge of honour".

Donald Trump views highest COVID-19 cases as 'Badge of Honour'

As Japan's restaurants and bars slowly open up from a coronavirus lockdown, many are looking to reassure the public that dining out is safe again and one Japanese-style izakaya pub thinks it has found the perfect solution.

New normal? Japanese pub disinfects customers with spray machine

A park in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn has installed social distancing circles to help people enjoy the outdoors while respecting the latest coronavirus guidelines.

Circles drawn in Brooklyn park to foster social distancing

Boisterous mariachi music usually heard at family celebrations and birthday parties has burst out into the open on the empty streets of Colombia's capital, Bogota. Surprised residents often record the serenades on their cell phones and some sing along.

Mariachis delight quarantined Colombians with joyous street music

Israeli inventors have developed a coronavirus mask that lets diners eat food without taking it off, a device they say could make a visit to a restaurant less risky.

This PAC Man-like mask is operated by a lever which has to be squeezed to open the slot near the mouth so that the food can pass through. There is another option as well, wherein the slot opens automatically when a spoon or fork comes near it. 
 
“The mask will be opened mechanically by hand remote or automatically when the fork is coming to the mask,” said Asaf Gitelis, vice president of Avtipus Patents and Inventions.

The mask is yet not available to the public. Once this&nbsp;product hits the market, customers will have to shell out a premium of $2.85 above the price of a normal medical mask.

Meanwhile, even though the restrictions have been eased and restaurants worldwide are reopening, eating out is not recommended by experts right now.

Israel has largely reopened its economy after a dramatic drop in cases of the novel coronavirus. Israel was one of the first countries to close its borders and impose increasingly stringent restrictions on movement to hamper the domestic outbreak.&nbsp;

The deadly coronavirus which originated from China's Wuhan city last year has claimed 325,681 lives and infected over 5 million people. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

Israeli inventors have developed a coronavirus mask that lets diners eat food without taking it off, a device they say could make a visit to a restaurant less risky.

Israeli inventors have developed a coronavirus mask that lets diners eat food without taking it off, a device they say could make a visit to a restaurant less risky. This PAC Man-like mask is operated by a lever which has to be squeezed to open the slot near the mouth so that the food can pass through. There is another option as well, wherein the slot opens automatically when a spoon or fork comes near it. “The mask will be opened mechanically by hand remote or automatically when the fork is coming to the mask,” said Asaf Gitelis, vice president of Avtipus Patents and Inventions. The mask is yet not available to the public. Once this product hits the market, customers will have to shell out a premium of $2.85 above the price of a normal medical mask. Meanwhile, even though the restrictions have been eased and restaurants worldwide are reopening, eating out is not recommended by experts right now. Israel has largely reopened its economy after a dramatic drop in cases of the novel coronavirus. Israel was one of the first countries to close its borders and impose increasingly stringent restrictions on movement to hamper the domestic outbreak. The deadly coronavirus which originated from China's Wuhan city last year has claimed 325,681 lives and infected over 5 million people. (With inputs from Reuters)

Israeli company invents masks diners can wear while eating out

US President: So when we have a lot of cases, I don't look at that as a bad thing

China recorded five new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, down from six a day earlier, the National Health Commission reported on Wednesday. Four of the new cases were local transmissions and asymptomatic cases in Jilin Province and one was an imported case involving a traveller from overseas, the commission said in a statement, compared with three imported cases reported the previous day.

COVID-19 pandemic: Renewed lockdown in China's Jilin province

South Korea's high schools opened for the first time this year on Wednesday (May 20), with seniors returning to classes in the first wave of a phased plan to open all schools after months of delay in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

COVID-19 Pandemic: South Korean students return to schools

Italy's financial capital Milan seemed to take a breath of fresh air on Monday (May 18) as the country further eased some of the lockdown regulations.

Italy: Fashion stores in Milan open on Monday

After virus China has now come up with designer mask to protect people from Covid-19.These designer masks are being sold in Beijing market as 16 dollar each.These masks are matches with your outfit. Its made by trikini,a three piece bikini.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Designer Masks in sold in Chinese Market

While the rest of the world is grappling COVID-19, China is very strategically preparing itself for a post-COVID-19 world. Its economy is capitalistic and centrally directed. Additionally, military capabilities are being built and alliances are being developed so that Xi Jinping can flex muscle as a global superpower after the crisis. The truth is that China will remain significantly influential in Asia and Africa after the coronavirus pandemic. For this reason, India is the strongest candidate in the region that can stand up to China. This is because India has a viable geographical location, a strong, young workforce and large economy. And it is President Trump who can help India stand up to and get ahead of China.&nbsp;

For the past few decades, China has slowly and steadily expanded influence in South Asia. At present, China is very visibly stepping in and assisting weaker nations fight coronavirus. The intention is to control them in the future. Unlike President Trump who has been quite verbose in blaming China, PM Modi has chosen to not openly call China out for the pandemic. Instead, India has strategically changed policy and provisions. For instance, foreign direct investment (FDI) rules were changed in April. The new rules required any ‘border-sharing country’ to get the Government of India’s official approval to invest in India. China was displeased and belligerently called the rules discriminatory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moreover, a significant number of Indian intellectuals want Taiwan to be an active part of World Health Organization meetings. This will successfully check back China’s dominance exerted on the WHO. Since India will be leading the executive board of WHO’s next meeting, there is a strong consensus that PM Modi should agree to Taiwan acting as an observer. Furthermore, India has respected a ‘One China Policy’ for decades. Now, Indian policy experts are aggressively asserting that China should recognize a ‘One India Policy’ as well. Specifically, this will require China to give up its claims on Indian territory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For quite some time now, America has called upon India to step up and play a more dominant role in the Indo-Pacific region. The timing could not be better. The Modi-Trump ‘bromance’ is going stronger than ever. With a preferred defence partnership and strong trade ties, US-China relations could never be better. Moreover, the American government has publicly stated that the USA needs to reduce dependence on China. One way to do this is reforming American global supply chains. This process has already begun.&nbsp;&nbsp;

American multinational corporations and companies are also moving out of China. Thanks to President Trump’s encouragement, a plethora of these firms are relocating to India. The recent Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan economic stimulus package is very strategic because it attracts FDI to India in several ways. MSME’s are getting strong, significant support. Beneficial labour market reforms are getting implemented. Manufacturing is being boosted and tax exemptions for setting up companies will result in new enterprises in labour-intensive sectors like food processing and textiles. The impact? This economic stimulus package provides greater ease of doing business, much-needed labour reforms and some serious tax incentives for Indian and foreign companies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the USA being one of India’s largest foreign direct investors, this economic stimulus package makes India economically attractive. With President Trump in office, there is no doubt that substantial American foreign investment will come to India. In fact, the United States of America will indubitably become India’s preferred investor. Among others, another nation that will invest in India is Japan who is reportedly at present incentivizing its firms to leave China. With this steady foreign direct investment flow, India can diversify imports and break free from Chinese dependence. Taking advantage of presently solid defence ties with the USA, India can overcome Chinese bullying for good.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For India, President Trump is indisputably the preferred candidate to win the upcoming American presidential election. Democratic candidate Joe Biden will do very little for India. His personal ties and lenient policies towards China that have come out on public record will only weaken India-USA relations over the next few years. To add, if Biden is elected, China will be able to continue its nationalistic agenda. This agenda may include bioterrorism. The world has seen the terrifying impact with the coronavirus pandemic bringing down even the strongest and most capable nations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over 100 countries have signed a resolution which seeks an investigation to learn the origin of the coronavirus disease. If China is to blame, there will certainly be severe consequences for Xi Jinping. India needs to take advantage of this momentum. Present circumstances and sentiment offer an invaluable opportunity for India to become the unquestionable leader of the region and exert influence over China. For this to happen, there is no better time for PM Modi to play the ‘Trump’ card.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

While the rest of the world is grappling COVID-19, China is very strategically preparing itself for a post-COVID-19 world. Its economy is capitalistic and centrally directed.

While the rest of the world is grappling COVID-19, China is very strategically preparing itself for a post-COVID-19 world. Its economy is capitalistic and centrally directed. Additionally, military capabilities are being built and alliances are being developed so that Xi Jinping can flex muscle as a global superpower after the crisis. The truth is that China will remain significantly influential in Asia and Africa after the coronavirus pandemic. For this reason, India is the strongest candidate in the region that can stand up to China. This is because India has a viable geographical location, a strong, young workforce and large economy. And it is President Trump who can help India stand up to and get ahead of China. For the past few decades, China has slowly and steadily expanded influence in South Asia. At present, China is very visibly stepping in and assisting weaker nations fight coronavirus. The intention is to control them in the future. Unlike President Trump who has been quite verbose in blaming China, PM Modi has chosen to not openly call China out for the pandemic. Instead, India has strategically changed policy and provisions. For instance, foreign direct investment (FDI) rules were changed in April. The new rules required any ‘border-sharing country’ to get the Government of India’s official approval to invest in India. China was displeased and belligerently called the rules discriminatory. Moreover, a significant number of Indian intellectuals want Taiwan to be an active part of World Health Organization meetings. This will successfully check back China’s dominance exerted on the WHO. Since India will be leading the executive board of WHO’s next meeting, there is a strong consensus that PM Modi should agree to Taiwan acting as an observer. Furthermore, India has respected a ‘One China Policy’ for decades. Now, Indian policy experts are aggressively asserting that China should recognize a ‘One India Policy’ as well. Specifically, this will require China to give up its claims on Indian territory. For quite some time now, America has called upon India to step up and play a more dominant role in the Indo-Pacific region. The timing could not be better. The Modi-Trump ‘bromance’ is going stronger than ever. With a preferred defence partnership and strong trade ties, US-China relations could never be better. Moreover, the American government has publicly stated that the USA needs to reduce dependence on China. One way to do this is reforming American global supply chains. This process has already begun. American multinational corporations and companies are also moving out of China. Thanks to President Trump’s encouragement, a plethora of these firms are relocating to India. The recent Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan economic stimulus package is very strategic because it attracts FDI to India in several ways. MSME’s are getting strong, significant support. Beneficial labour market reforms are getting implemented. Manufacturing is being boosted and tax exemptions for setting up companies will result in new enterprises in labour-intensive sectors like food processing and textiles. The impact? This economic stimulus package provides greater ease of doing business, much-needed labour reforms and some serious tax incentives for Indian and foreign companies. With the USA being one of India’s largest foreign direct investors, this economic stimulus package makes India economically attractive. With President Trump in office, there is no doubt that substantial American foreign investment will come to India. In fact, the United States of America will indubitably become India’s preferred investor. Among others, another nation that will invest in India is Japan who is reportedly at present incentivizing its firms to leave China. With this steady foreign direct investment flow, India can diversify imports and break free from Chinese dependence. Taking advantage of presently solid defence ties with the USA, India can overcome Chinese bullying for good. For India, President Trump is indisputably the preferred candidate to win the upcoming American presidential election. Democratic candidate Joe Biden will do very little for India. His personal ties and lenient policies towards China that have come out on public record will only weaken India-USA relations over the next few years. To add, if Biden is elected, China will be able to continue its nationalistic agenda. This agenda may include bioterrorism. The world has seen the terrifying impact with the coronavirus pandemic bringing down even the strongest and most capable nations. Over 100 countries have signed a resolution which seeks an investigation to learn the origin of the coronavirus disease. If China is to blame, there will certainly be severe consequences for Xi Jinping. India needs to take advantage of this momentum. Present circumstances and sentiment offer an invaluable opportunity for India to become the unquestionable leader of the region and exert influence over China. For this to happen, there is no better time for PM Modi to play the ‘Trump’ card. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Now is the time for PM Narendra Modi to play the ‘Trump’ card

Chinese fashion designer Zhou Li is combining fashion with function, by creating trendy silk masks embroidered with orchids, camellias and Chinese characters symbolizing good luck, as she believes there will be a long-term demand for masks to protect people's health amid ongoing concerns about the coronavirus.

Chinese designer creates fashionable masks and suits to prevent coronavirus spread

An Austrian minister has become the honorary godmother of a baby elephant born at Vienna Zoo. A small ceremony to mark the occasion was held at the newly-reopened zoo.

Austrian minister becomes godmother to baby elephant

A growing number of African countries have made it compulsory to wear masks in public to prevent the spread of the highly infectious respiratory disease. Fashion lovers in the continent's biggest cities are combining style and safety by donning colourful masks, sometimes coordinating the fabric with their outfits.

Style-conscious Africans turn compulsory masks into fashion accessories

A Palestinian artist uses her time during a 14-day quarantine to create educational drawings for children, showing them proper methods of protecting themselves against the coronavirus.

Palestinian artist educates children on coronavirus using cartoons

Museums in Spanish city of Valencia opened for the first time on Monday (May 18) on International Museum Day as the region entered in 'Phase 1' of the de-escalation plan over the coronavirus emergency.

Art and culture returned to Spaniards on International Museum Day

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum&nbsp;scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation.&nbsp;

In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN.

What has changed Now?&nbsp;

Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder&nbsp;of &nbsp;‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy.&nbsp;

Global politics over health Issue&nbsp;

In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence.&nbsp;

Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition.&nbsp;

What should India do?&nbsp;

India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19.

Likely outcome&nbsp;

Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence.&nbsp;It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them.

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation. In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN. What has changed Now? Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder of ‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy. Global politics over health Issue In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence. Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition. What should India do? India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19. Likely outcome Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence. It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why does India need to back Taiwan’s reentry to the World Health Assembly?

As a nation, India’s response to Coronavirus has remained a series of hotchpotch decisions. India, as a nation. failed to formally create a national consensus on tackling pandemic. The first response of the Narendra Modi government was unilateral, whereby a lockdown was put in place without formally taking state governments on board.

The lockdown created panic within the community of migrant workers which continues to simmer till date. By end of 40 days, state governments and opposition prevailed upon the government and now India has almost opened up as if the state has decided to live with new pandemic without a cure or vaccine in sight.

On the whole, India’s poor were badly impacted. First, it was affected by the loss of job and then by exposure to the virus because of migration back to their natal place.

Even political parties could not decide on a common response on the pandemic leading to intense politicisation of the narrative. One CM wanted them to stay so that construction work could kickstart and another wanted them back to the state.

On every issue, the principal opposition party has differed from the ruling dispensation. The lack of consensus created a stumbling effect, whereby states after states resumed normal work as if nothing has happened.

The lockdown 4.0 version coincided with rising curve and India crossing 1,00,000 mark with doubling rate reduced to 12 days. India, unlike China, does not even have a social grid in place whereby movement of people can be restricted without creating social unrest.

Today, India’s political leadership has decided to live with the virus. It is a decision which does not have poor on board. It is a decision akin to what the Centre took where without consultation it decided to impose a national lockdown without factoring issues related to migrant workers.

The Prime Minister, in the end, did give in to the state chief ministers but the decision looked more like a compulsion than choice. India politicians also did not show the coherence of thought. PM declared that it is almost like a wartime situation. World over, political parties come together when a nation goes to war. In India’s case, partisan politics reigned supreme almost mimicking the United States of America where the absence of common ground continues to create confusion in policy circles.

In India too, there has been no middle ground between mass testing and social distancing approach. It is for this reason the political leadership has only done a good job in bits and pieces. Only individual decisions worked well. A national approach remains absent. The example in case is liquor sale which was kickstarted under duress as state government were falling short of money. Even during the worst, liquor and smoke shops weren’t closed.

India’s political class instead of fighting the virus tried to politically appropriate it without understanding that virus understands no barriers and damage it can cause to social and economic infrastructure can be long term.

On the whole, India's response continues to remain tepid and piecemeal. Centre did announce a package but still does not have a coherent policy to deal with labour and has left it to the state govt to deal with under the guise of concurrent list.

Today political leaders should ask&nbsp;a question - why migrant workers did not trust the state (governments) cutting across political parties. Why didn’t they stay put, despite the assurance? Why did migrant workers choose to walk thousands of kilometres despite knowing that they could be better off where they are? The answer is simple.

India’s poor do not have faith in the state. It is the biggest truth to emerge from the pandemic. They chose to travel 100s of km back to their homes to die rather than suffer the ignominy of dying in a workplace which doesn’t care for anything except the work hours.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As a nation, India’s response to Coronavirus has remained a series of hotchpotch decisions. India, as a nation. failed to formally create a national consensus on tackling pandemic.

As a nation, India’s response to Coronavirus has remained a series of hotchpotch decisions. India, as a nation. failed to formally create a national consensus on tackling pandemic. The first response of the Narendra Modi government was unilateral, whereby a lockdown was put in place without formally taking state governments on board. The lockdown created panic within the community of migrant workers which continues to simmer till date. By end of 40 days, state governments and opposition prevailed upon the government and now India has almost opened up as if the state has decided to live with new pandemic without a cure or vaccine in sight. On the whole, India’s poor were badly impacted. First, it was affected by the loss of job and then by exposure to the virus because of migration back to their natal place. Even political parties could not decide on a common response on the pandemic leading to intense politicisation of the narrative. One CM wanted them to stay so that construction work could kickstart and another wanted them back to the state. On every issue, the principal opposition party has differed from the ruling dispensation. The lack of consensus created a stumbling effect, whereby states after states resumed normal work as if nothing has happened. The lockdown 4.0 version coincided with rising curve and India crossing 1,00,000 mark with doubling rate reduced to 12 days. India, unlike China, does not even have a social grid in place whereby movement of people can be restricted without creating social unrest. Today, India’s political leadership has decided to live with the virus. It is a decision which does not have poor on board. It is a decision akin to what the Centre took where without consultation it decided to impose a national lockdown without factoring issues related to migrant workers. The Prime Minister, in the end, did give in to the state chief ministers but the decision looked more like a compulsion than choice. India politicians also did not show the coherence of thought. PM declared that it is almost like a wartime situation. World over, political parties come together when a nation goes to war. In India’s case, partisan politics reigned supreme almost mimicking the United States of America where the absence of common ground continues to create confusion in policy circles. In India too, there has been no middle ground between mass testing and social distancing approach. It is for this reason the political leadership has only done a good job in bits and pieces. Only individual decisions worked well. A national approach remains absent. The example in case is liquor sale which was kickstarted under duress as state government were falling short of money. Even during the worst, liquor and smoke shops weren’t closed. India’s political class instead of fighting the virus tried to politically appropriate it without understanding that virus understands no barriers and damage it can cause to social and economic infrastructure can be long term. On the whole, India's response continues to remain tepid and piecemeal. Centre did announce a package but still does not have a coherent policy to deal with labour and has left it to the state govt to deal with under the guise of concurrent list. Today political leaders should ask a question - why migrant workers did not trust the state (governments) cutting across political parties. Why didn’t they stay put, despite the assurance? Why did migrant workers choose to walk thousands of kilometres despite knowing that they could be better off where they are? The answer is simple. India’s poor do not have faith in the state. It is the biggest truth to emerge from the pandemic. They chose to travel 100s of km back to their homes to die rather than suffer the ignominy of dying in a workplace which doesn’t care for anything except the work hours. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The biggest truth to emerge from coronavirus pandemic is that India’s poor do not trust the state

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