An Islamic course in Indonesia that usually runs during Ramadan has moved online this year due to social distancing measures designed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Islamic Ramadan school switches to virtual classroom in Indonesia

Resident of Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca neighborhood were treated to live music Wednesday (May 06) when members of the municipal guard band brought out their instruments for play for locals under lockdown.

'Happiness for the people' - Rio band plays tunes for residents under lockdown

<p>Kate, Britain`s Duchess of Cambridge, launched a project on Thursday to encourage Britons to submit pictures of their current daily lives and the work of "Helpers and Heroes" to capture a snapshot of the nation in coronavirus lockdown.<br />
<br />
The "Hold Still" project, being run by London`s National Portrait Gallery, aims to document the spirit and mood of the public during the six-week lockdown during which they have been subject to strict limits on their movements and gatherings.<br />
<br />
Britain has the highest official death toll from the new coronavirus in Europe, according to figures released on Tuesday, and there has been a widespread outpouring of support for healthcare workers and others carrying out essential jobs since measures were introduced to try to curb the COVID-19 outbreak.<br />
<br />
Kate, the gallery`s patron and herself a keen photographer, said the project sought to capture the "resilience, bravery, kindness" that people were experiencing in such extraordinary times.<br />
<br />
"We`ve all been struck by some of the incredible images we`ve seen which have given us an insight into the experiences and stories of people across the country," she said in a statement.<br />
<br />
"Some desperately sad images showing the human tragedy of this pandemic and other uplifting pictures showing people coming together to support those more vulnerable."<br />
<br />
Kensington Palace said the project was open to submissions from Britons of all ages and abilities, with 100 shortlisted pictures, selected by the emotion and experience they convey rather technical quality, to feature in a digital exhibition.</p>


Kate, Britain`s Duchess of Cambridge, launched a project on Thursday to encourage Britons to submit pictures of their current daily lives and the work of "Helpers and Heroes" to capture a snapshot of the nation in coronavirus lockdown.

Kate, Britain`s Duchess of Cambridge, launched a project on Thursday to encourage Britons to submit pictures of their current daily lives and the work of "Helpers and Heroes" to capture a snapshot of the nation in coronavirus lockdown. The "Hold Still" project, being run by London`s National Portrait Gallery, aims to document the spirit and mood of the public during the six-week lockdown during which they have been subject to strict limits on their movements and gatherings. Britain has the highest official death toll from the new coronavirus in Europe, according to figures released on Tuesday, and there has been a widespread outpouring of support for healthcare workers and others carrying out essential jobs since measures were introduced to try to curb the COVID-19 outbreak. Kate, the gallery`s patron and herself a keen photographer, said the project sought to capture the "resilience, bravery, kindness" that people were experiencing in such extraordinary times. "We`ve all been struck by some of the incredible images we`ve seen which have given us an insight into the experiences and stories of people across the country," she said in a statement. "Some desperately sad images showing the human tragedy of this pandemic and other uplifting pictures showing people coming together to support those more vulnerable." Kensington Palace said the project was open to submissions from Britons of all ages and abilities, with 100 shortlisted pictures, selected by the emotion and experience they convey rather technical quality, to feature in a digital exhibition.

Duchess Kate Middleton launches photo project to capture lockdown Britain

Uber Technologies Inc will cut about 3,700 full-time jobs and Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi will forgo his base salary for the remainder of the year, the company said on Wednesday.

COVID-19 pandemic has hit ride-hailing firms, Uber to cut 3,700 jobs

Watch today in 'WION In Focus': Some stories related to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

WION In Focus: Some stories related to coronavirus pandemic | COVID-19 | Coronavirus News

China reported a surge in exports and a plunge in imports after restrictions imposed on movement to contain the novel coronavirus. Exports rose 3.5 per cent whereas imports fell 14.2 per cent in the same period according to data.

China’s April export rose and imports plunged amid COVID-19 pandemic

<p>The world today is faced with an unprecedented global crisis that has transcended boundaries and impacted not just the global economy but the daily lives of billions across the world. In the face of the COVID-19 adversity, it is imperative that world leaders exhibit camaraderie and empathy to steer through these testing times together. It is, therefore, heartening to see how some nations are leading the world by cooperating with other countries to combat the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this regard, the G20 group have rallied together to help fulfil the unmet needs of the hour. Under the presidency of Saudi Arabia, virtual conferences are being held frequently by the various sub-committees. The idea of the first virtual summit, for instance, was conceived during a phone call between India and Saudi Arabia last month. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively interacting with other countries – he spoke to his counterparts in Kuwait, Jordan, UAE, and Bahrain – it is the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India that has been crucial in leading the fight against the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India–Saudi ties have been evolving since the inception of Saudi Arabia. Recently, though, the ties have deepened even further. The two countries have been strategic allies and have worked to rapidly deepen trade, economic ties, along with their cultural and energy partnership.</p>

<p>Over the past decade, premiers of both countries have made high-profile visits which have led to enhanced cooperation. The India-Saudi partnership is enriched by sustained people-to-people interaction. Approximately three million Indians reside in Saudi Arabia and send remittances home. Bilateral trade between the countries amounts to approximately $34 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia is the 15th largest market in the world for Indian exports, with agricultural products being a sizeable export from India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two nations have stood together on a number of issues including the security of the region. They stand firmly against terrorism and have founded reputable knowledge sharing platforms. But it is the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak that has really highlighted the strength of the India-Saudi Arabia partnership.</p>

<p>In the face of the pandemic, the two regional powers have united to ensure the health and safety of all. &nbsp;Saudi Arabia recently announced a slew of measures to benefit millions of expatriates living there, including Indians. The Kingdom is providing coronavirus-related medical care free of charge to all expatriates. Saudi Arabia has been quick to launch country-wide awareness campaigns around COVID-19. These are being run in Hindi, Urdu and other languages so as not to leave anyone out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In what can be termed an act of compassion, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has decided to extend the validity of exit and return visas that expire between February 25 and May 24, 2020, at no charge. And India has recognised Saudi Arabia for these gestures. In a telephonic conversation, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked Prince Faisal, Finance Minister of Saudi Arabia, for taking care of Indians there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is, therefore, not surprising that when it came to setting an agenda to combat COVID 19, both India and Saudi Arabia took the first step. The Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit was one of the first international consultations on the issue. Held under the Saudi presidency, it witnessed participation from Prime Minister Modi. The meeting resulted in a commitment from member countries to overcome the pandemic, along with the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG), United Nations (UN), and other international organisations.</p>

<p>Addressing international trade disruptions and safeguarding the economy were set as immediate priorities. Saudi Arabia has already pledged $500 million to various international organisations to support global efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>In the second virtual meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared policy measures undertaken by the Indian government and the Reserve Bank of India to support the poor and the most vulnerable during the ongoing crisis. Furthermore, the G20 countries agreed to suspend debt service payments for the world's poorest countries through the end of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the Extraordinary G20 Energy Ministers’ virtual meeting, India’s Energy Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appreciated the collective efforts of OPEC and OPEC-plus countries. As Saudi Arabia is one of the largest suppliers of crude oil and LPG to India, the recent events have been followed very closely.</p>

<p>The situation today has led to strategic ties being formed in the healthcare sector as well. But it should be said that these ties could not have been formed if there weren’t existing ties between countries already.</p>

<p>The Middle East - and in particular Saudi Arabia &nbsp;- is very important in the Indian context; nearly 40 billion dollars are received in remittances from this region, with a bulk coming from Saudi Arabia. Apart from this, the region has very strong cultural ties to the subcontinent. It is, therefore, imperative that the security of this space be maintained and partnerships be deepened to minimise the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>In this coronavirus-driven scenario, both Saudi Arabia and India have a tall task ahead of them, one that be achieved through co-operation with other players in the region as well.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The world today is faced with an unprecedented global crisis that has transcended boundaries and impacted not just the global economy but the daily lives of billions across the world.

The world today is faced with an unprecedented global crisis that has transcended boundaries and impacted not just the global economy but the daily lives of billions across the world. In the face of the COVID-19 adversity, it is imperative that world leaders exhibit camaraderie and empathy to steer through these testing times together. It is, therefore, heartening to see how some nations are leading the world by cooperating with other countries to combat the pandemic. In this regard, the G20 group have rallied together to help fulfil the unmet needs of the hour. Under the presidency of Saudi Arabia, virtual conferences are being held frequently by the various sub-committees. The idea of the first virtual summit, for instance, was conceived during a phone call between India and Saudi Arabia last month. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively interacting with other countries – he spoke to his counterparts in Kuwait, Jordan, UAE, and Bahrain – it is the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India that has been crucial in leading the fight against the pandemic. India–Saudi ties have been evolving since the inception of Saudi Arabia. Recently, though, the ties have deepened even further. The two countries have been strategic allies and have worked to rapidly deepen trade, economic ties, along with their cultural and energy partnership. Over the past decade, premiers of both countries have made high-profile visits which have led to enhanced cooperation. The India-Saudi partnership is enriched by sustained people-to-people interaction. Approximately three million Indians reside in Saudi Arabia and send remittances home. Bilateral trade between the countries amounts to approximately $34 billion. Saudi Arabia is the 15th largest market in the world for Indian exports, with agricultural products being a sizeable export from India. The two nations have stood together on a number of issues including the security of the region. They stand firmly against terrorism and have founded reputable knowledge sharing platforms. But it is the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak that has really highlighted the strength of the India-Saudi Arabia partnership. In the face of the pandemic, the two regional powers have united to ensure the health and safety of all. Saudi Arabia recently announced a slew of measures to benefit millions of expatriates living there, including Indians. The Kingdom is providing coronavirus-related medical care free of charge to all expatriates. Saudi Arabia has been quick to launch country-wide awareness campaigns around COVID-19. These are being run in Hindi, Urdu and other languages so as not to leave anyone out. In what can be termed an act of compassion, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has decided to extend the validity of exit and return visas that expire between February 25 and May 24, 2020, at no charge. And India has recognised Saudi Arabia for these gestures. In a telephonic conversation, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked Prince Faisal, Finance Minister of Saudi Arabia, for taking care of Indians there. It is, therefore, not surprising that when it came to setting an agenda to combat COVID 19, both India and Saudi Arabia took the first step. The Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit was one of the first international consultations on the issue. Held under the Saudi presidency, it witnessed participation from Prime Minister Modi. The meeting resulted in a commitment from member countries to overcome the pandemic, along with the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG), United Nations (UN), and other international organisations. Addressing international trade disruptions and safeguarding the economy were set as immediate priorities. Saudi Arabia has already pledged $500 million to various international organisations to support global efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second virtual meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared policy measures undertaken by the Indian government and the Reserve Bank of India to support the poor and the most vulnerable during the ongoing crisis. Furthermore, the G20 countries agreed to suspend debt service payments for the world's poorest countries through the end of the year. At the Extraordinary G20 Energy Ministers’ virtual meeting, India’s Energy Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appreciated the collective efforts of OPEC and OPEC-plus countries. As Saudi Arabia is one of the largest suppliers of crude oil and LPG to India, the recent events have been followed very closely. The situation today has led to strategic ties being formed in the healthcare sector as well. But it should be said that these ties could not have been formed if there weren’t existing ties between countries already. The Middle East - and in particular Saudi Arabia - is very important in the Indian context; nearly 40 billion dollars are received in remittances from this region, with a bulk coming from Saudi Arabia. Apart from this, the region has very strong cultural ties to the subcontinent. It is, therefore, imperative that the security of this space be maintained and partnerships be deepened to minimise the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this coronavirus-driven scenario, both Saudi Arabia and India have a tall task ahead of them, one that be achieved through co-operation with other players in the region as well. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Saudi-India alliance is crucial in the fight against COVID-19

Tennis in the time of coronavirus serves up a new sort of court as World Club players take their game to Munich's now empty squares and boulevards.

Urban tennis conquers city squares in corona times

Two white lions have been born in the Paphos Zoo in Cyprus. The one and a half week old lion cubs - one boy and one girl - were born to Zeus and Hera, two eight year old white lions that were brought to Cyprus from a zoo in South Africa.

Two white lions born in Cyprus zoo amidst 'peace and quiet'

A wearable device the size of a postage stamp is being tested by researchers at Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab as a way to monitor and catch early signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Small wearable device monitors virus symptoms

From the isolation, Tejerina and his wife, Geraldine, were inspired to find a way to help essential workers. They began cooking and delivering meals for police, doctors and nurses. Ever the marketer, Tejerina dubbed his project, "Taking Care of Those Who Care For Us."

Bolivian couple springs into action to feed coronavirus frontliners during lockdown

Brazil's shot put champion Darlan Romani is not letting lockdown get in the way of preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, using an unused plot of land in a residential area of Sao Paulo state to keep up his winning form.

Nothing weighs down Brazil shot putter as he improvises Olympic training in lockdown

Children have always had a unique way of expressing themselves and UNICEF Brazil came up with the "Feelings on Paper" program to get children to use their creativity to help them deal with the stress and worry over lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Happiness, sadness, boredom: Brazilian children channel emotions through art during lockdown

<p>Anyone who, at this juncture, states, categorically, that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease that mutated in animal populations, acquiring the ability to infect humans and did so via bats in the Wuhan Seafood Market, has not read or does not understand the scientific literature.</p>

<p>Yes, coronaviruses have previously “jumped” from animals to humans, but does not mean COVID-19 did.</p>

<p>First of all, it was already known by the end of January 2020 that the initial patients hospitalised between December 1-10, 2019 had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-china-lying-about-the-science-of-covid-19-297002">not visited</a> the Wuhan Seafood Market and by the beginning of February 2020, a scientific report established that there were<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7079563/"> no bats </a>sold in that market.</p>

<p>Those observations alone should have immediately raised doubts within the scientific community about the validity of a naturally-occurring theory for COVID-19. &nbsp;</p>

<p>There is also no evolutionary pathway that conclusively demonstrates that COVID-19 was the product of a natural process.</p>

<p>Questioning the naturally-occurring theory for the origin of COVID-19 is especially warranted given the presence of the unique furin polybasic cleavage site that does not exist in any of the yet-identified coronavirus close relatives.</p>

<p>There are, however, other reasons for scientists to doubt the naturally-occurring theory.</p>

<p>Viruses can change naturally or artificially through mutation, recombination events or both. Given the sophistication of modern techniques, the two can be indistinguishable. Nevertheless, sometimes clues are left behind.</p>

<p>The claim that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring is based nearly entirely on a single, but widely-cited Nature Medicine article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2,” which compares the structure of COVID-19 to what the authors consider its closest relative found in animal populations, specifically, the bat coronavirus RaTG13.</p>

<p>RaTG13 was isolated by Wuhan Institute of Virology scientists from Yunnan Province bats in July 2013, but, strangely, its sequence was not submitted for publication until January 2020 and was unknown to the scientific community before then.</p>

<p>It does not appear that anyone outside of China has verified the sequence of RaTG13 nor have any independent laboratories had an opportunity to conduct experiments on a strain critical to the naturally-occurring theory. One author <a href="https://nerdhaspower.weebly.com/">suggests</a> the RaTG13 sequence might be fabricated.</p>

<p>For the sake of argument, let’s consider the sequence accurate.</p>

<p>The naturally-occurring theory for the origin of COVID-19, which is entirely based on comparing its structure to RaTG13, begins to unravel when the genome of RaTG13 is examined more closely compared to the amino acid sequence.</p>

<p><a href="https://nerdhaspower.weebly.com/blog/scientific-evidence-and-logic-behind-the-claim-that-the-wuhan-coronavirus-is-man-made#comments">Comparing the sequences</a> in the S2 portion of the critical spike protein, between positions 647 and 1124, which would ordinarily <a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciaa203/5780800">tolerate mutations</a>, not a single amino acid changes. Yet, at the gene level, which codes for those amino acids, the two differ 79 times.</p>

<p>Stated simply, the <a href="https://nerdhaspower.weebly.com/blog/scientific-evidence-and-logic-behind-the-claim-that-the-wuhan-coronavirus-is-man-made#comments">statistical probability</a> of that occurring is 1 in 9,526,094, suggesting either COVID-19 or RaTG13 is not natural.</p>

<p>It is clearly premature to say definitively that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring when we do not fully know about what coronaviruses China has isolated, what experiments have been done with them and if the conclusions published by Chinese scientists are accurate, in particular, those conclusions published in 2020.</p>

<p>Since the outbreak began, China has flooded the scientific literature with subtle and sometimes not so subtle messages supporting its narrative that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring.</p>

<p>Despite the enormous number of comments made by Western media and the amount of digital ink expended by its so-called experts, the main evidence presented so far supporting the naturally-occurring theory of the origin of COVID-19 may be, at best, circumstantial or, at worst, completely wrong.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Anyone who, at this juncture, states, categorically, that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease that mutated in animal populations, acquiring the ability to infect humans and did so via bats in the Wuhan Seafood Market, has not read or does not understand the scientific literature.

Anyone who, at this juncture, states, categorically, that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease that mutated in animal populations, acquiring the ability to infect humans and did so via bats in the Wuhan Seafood Market, has not read or does not understand the scientific literature. Yes, coronaviruses have previously “jumped” from animals to humans, but does not mean COVID-19 did. First of all, it was already known by the end of January 2020 that the initial patients hospitalised between December 1-10, 2019 had not visited the Wuhan Seafood Market and by the beginning of February 2020, a scientific report established that there were no bats sold in that market. Those observations alone should have immediately raised doubts within the scientific community about the validity of a naturally-occurring theory for COVID-19. There is also no evolutionary pathway that conclusively demonstrates that COVID-19 was the product of a natural process. Questioning the naturally-occurring theory for the origin of COVID-19 is especially warranted given the presence of the unique furin polybasic cleavage site that does not exist in any of the yet-identified coronavirus close relatives. There are, however, other reasons for scientists to doubt the naturally-occurring theory. Viruses can change naturally or artificially through mutation, recombination events or both. Given the sophistication of modern techniques, the two can be indistinguishable. Nevertheless, sometimes clues are left behind. The claim that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring is based nearly entirely on a single, but widely-cited Nature Medicine article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2,” which compares the structure of COVID-19 to what the authors consider its closest relative found in animal populations, specifically, the bat coronavirus RaTG13. RaTG13 was isolated by Wuhan Institute of Virology scientists from Yunnan Province bats in July 2013, but, strangely, its sequence was not submitted for publication until January 2020 and was unknown to the scientific community before then. It does not appear that anyone outside of China has verified the sequence of RaTG13 nor have any independent laboratories had an opportunity to conduct experiments on a strain critical to the naturally-occurring theory. One author suggests the RaTG13 sequence might be fabricated. For the sake of argument, let’s consider the sequence accurate. The naturally-occurring theory for the origin of COVID-19, which is entirely based on comparing its structure to RaTG13, begins to unravel when the genome of RaTG13 is examined more closely compared to the amino acid sequence. Comparing the sequences in the S2 portion of the critical spike protein, between positions 647 and 1124, which would ordinarily tolerate mutations, not a single amino acid changes. Yet, at the gene level, which codes for those amino acids, the two differ 79 times. Stated simply, the statistical probability of that occurring is 1 in 9,526,094, suggesting either COVID-19 or RaTG13 is not natural. It is clearly premature to say definitively that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring when we do not fully know about what coronaviruses China has isolated, what experiments have been done with them and if the conclusions published by Chinese scientists are accurate, in particular, those conclusions published in 2020. Since the outbreak began, China has flooded the scientific literature with subtle and sometimes not so subtle messages supporting its narrative that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring. Despite the enormous number of comments made by Western media and the amount of digital ink expended by its so-called experts, the main evidence presented so far supporting the naturally-occurring theory of the origin of COVID-19 may be, at best, circumstantial or, at worst, completely wrong. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is China lying about the science of COVID-19?

<p>You probably saw the huge number of people congregated outside liquor stores. The excitement was around the fact that alcohol would now be available - ‘finally’ was how a friend put it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We saw long, patient, winding queues outside the liquor stores, some of them stretching out to over a kilometre. We also saw unruly excitable crowds, clamouring over each other for a bottle. Police used batons in Kolkata, shops had to be shut in Delhi, aartis and pujas were performed, and people clapped as customers walked out with their cartons - a wide range of reactions that tell us, a drink was missed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alcohol and the human race go back a long way. We officially started brewing liquor around 9000 years ago. The Chinese used rice, honey and fruit to make wine, Babylonians worshipped a wine goddess, grapes were one of the first fruits to be domesticated, and Indian gods themselves drank ‘som ras’. The love of alcohol is universal. It was adopted across continents (except perhaps Antarctica) with great enthusiasm. Every plant with sugar or starch was fermented - apples, grapes, rice, berries, corn, cacti, palms, potatoes. In harsh terrains like Central Asia, where there was no grain or fruit, the nomads used fermented horse milk - there was always a way. There are theories that suggest even as primates, our ancestors figured that overripe, rotting, fermented fruit, lying on the forest floor, had benefits.</p>

<p>It was no surprise that the demand for liquor was one of the topmost requests all through the lockdown, and not just from us. The state governments have also been urging the centre to allow them to open up. The ban on liquor stores was costing the government close to 700 crore rupees a day. For many states, it is a hefty 15-25&nbsp;&nbsp;per cent their tax revenue (except Bihar and Gujarat of course). An RBI report shows that all states and UT’s had budgeted Rs.1,75,501.42 crore from state excise duty on liquor. However, the planned flow of money dried up with the lockdown.</p>

<p>We guzzled 5.4 billion litres in 2016 and were expected to go up to about 6.5 billion litres by the end of 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alcohol has the power to alter our minds, foster creativity and importantly, releases chemicals that make us feel good, happier, less anxious. However, there exists another side. The intoxicating power of ethanol has always been a matter of concern. Greek literature is full of warnings, Mahabharata has a moral story, and in the present day, we have all the alarming statistics.</p>

<p>Consumption of alcohol is the worlds third-largest risk factor for disease and disability. The impact is not limited to the individual but often extends to family, friends and the extended community. It has a deep impact on a socio-economic level, where a huge percentage of meagre salaries are spent on intoxicants. It often leads to domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. It impacts productivity and increases absenteeism in the workplace. There are millions around the world who are suffering alcoholics, a huge number of people die in accidents due to drunk driving, this list could go on.</p>

<p>Obviously there is much to worry about the increasing acceptability and accessibility of alcohol. The world is drinking much more - a 70 per cent increase between 1990 and 2017. The fear is - it could get worse during a lockdown. There have been studies that indicate a direct correlation between consumption and higher levels of anxiety and stress.</p>

<p>After rice, potatoes and dal, we are now seeing panic buying of liquor. When you’re buying extra, the chances are you will be drinking more than normal too. Stress can be an excuse, or perhaps boredom, making up for lost time, a well-stocked bar at home, there are many reasons to reach out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We are vulnerable right now.&nbsp;A glass of wine or a tumbler of whiskey can bring a feeling of relief and a sense of celebration, but it can go the other way too. We have to be careful.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


You probably saw the huge number of people congregated outside liquor stores. The excitement was around the fact that alcohol would now be available - ‘finally’ was how a friend put it.

You probably saw the huge number of people congregated outside liquor stores. The excitement was around the fact that alcohol would now be available - ‘finally’ was how a friend put it. We saw long, patient, winding queues outside the liquor stores, some of them stretching out to over a kilometre. We also saw unruly excitable crowds, clamouring over each other for a bottle. Police used batons in Kolkata, shops had to be shut in Delhi, aartis and pujas were performed, and people clapped as customers walked out with their cartons - a wide range of reactions that tell us, a drink was missed. Alcohol and the human race go back a long way. We officially started brewing liquor around 9000 years ago. The Chinese used rice, honey and fruit to make wine, Babylonians worshipped a wine goddess, grapes were one of the first fruits to be domesticated, and Indian gods themselves drank ‘som ras’. The love of alcohol is universal. It was adopted across continents (except perhaps Antarctica) with great enthusiasm. Every plant with sugar or starch was fermented - apples, grapes, rice, berries, corn, cacti, palms, potatoes. In harsh terrains like Central Asia, where there was no grain or fruit, the nomads used fermented horse milk - there was always a way. There are theories that suggest even as primates, our ancestors figured that overripe, rotting, fermented fruit, lying on the forest floor, had benefits. It was no surprise that the demand for liquor was one of the topmost requests all through the lockdown, and not just from us. The state governments have also been urging the centre to allow them to open up. The ban on liquor stores was costing the government close to 700 crore rupees a day. For many states, it is a hefty 15-25 per cent their tax revenue (except Bihar and Gujarat of course). An RBI report shows that all states and UT’s had budgeted Rs.1,75,501.42 crore from state excise duty on liquor. However, the planned flow of money dried up with the lockdown. We guzzled 5.4 billion litres in 2016 and were expected to go up to about 6.5 billion litres by the end of 2020. Alcohol has the power to alter our minds, foster creativity and importantly, releases chemicals that make us feel good, happier, less anxious. However, there exists another side. The intoxicating power of ethanol has always been a matter of concern. Greek literature is full of warnings, Mahabharata has a moral story, and in the present day, we have all the alarming statistics. Consumption of alcohol is the worlds third-largest risk factor for disease and disability. The impact is not limited to the individual but often extends to family, friends and the extended community. It has a deep impact on a socio-economic level, where a huge percentage of meagre salaries are spent on intoxicants. It often leads to domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. It impacts productivity and increases absenteeism in the workplace. There are millions around the world who are suffering alcoholics, a huge number of people die in accidents due to drunk driving, this list could go on. Obviously there is much to worry about the increasing acceptability and accessibility of alcohol. The world is drinking much more - a 70 per cent increase between 1990 and 2017. The fear is - it could get worse during a lockdown. There have been studies that indicate a direct correlation between consumption and higher levels of anxiety and stress. After rice, potatoes and dal, we are now seeing panic buying of liquor. When you’re buying extra, the chances are you will be drinking more than normal too. Stress can be an excuse, or perhaps boredom, making up for lost time, a well-stocked bar at home, there are many reasons to reach out. We are vulnerable right now. A glass of wine or a tumbler of whiskey can bring a feeling of relief and a sense of celebration, but it can go the other way too. We have to be careful. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Liquor shops open: Do we have self-restraint - in queue and at home?

Officially, 4.4 million Italians were allowed to go back to work at construction sites, factories and manufacturing jobs deemed to be at lowest risk for contagion.

Italy eases lockdown restrictions; Construction, manufacturing sectors resumes activity

India records its deadliest day of Coronavirus outbreak. In last 24 hours, 195 people have lost their lives and 3900+ infected.

India records deadliest day of outbreak

On Tuesday, India has sent three naval ships to evacuate its citizens stranded in the Maldives and UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Three ships sent to evacuate Indians from the Maldives and UAE

<p>Racism and xenophobia are on the rise in China.</p>

<p>Videos of racism against African expats in China are still doing the rounds. Videos of 'perceived' coronavirus carriers being evicted from hotels. Videos of African citizens sleeping on the streets, being kicked, being spat on and being attacked.</p>

<p>Africa's anger is being&nbsp;fueled by these racist attacks African nationals are facing in China.&nbsp;A group of Nigerian lawyers is suing China. They are demanding $200 billion from Beijing. Now, a Nigerian Senator, Benjamin Kalu, has moved a motion on the 'institutional discrimination against Nigerians in China.'</p>

<p>Nigeria is not the first country in Africa to set the record straight. A number of other African governments have already lodged complaints with their respective Chinese embassies.</p>

<p>Last month, the government of Ghana had summoned the Chinese ambassador to express its disappointment. Uganda and Kenya also summoned the Chinese ambassador over the harassment and mistreatment of their nationals.</p>

<p>The African Union earlier this month expressed its "extreme concern" about the situation in Guangzhou and called on Beijing to take immediate corrective measures.<br />
<br />
Reports say thousands of African-origin people have been left homeless after being evicted over fears that they could be spreading the coronavirus. In fact, the outrage against<br />
<br />
China crosses continents. Kazakhstan summoned the Chinese ambassador a few weeks back to protest against an article by the Chinese state media.</p>

<p>An article which floated the idea that Kazakhstan was keen to become a part of China.</p>

<p>In April, the French government expressed disapproval over a Chinese diplomat's claims that France had left its older citizens to die.</p>

<p>Moreover, an internal report has warned that global anti-China sentiment is currently at its highest -- ever since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Racism and xenophobia are on the rise in China. Videos of racism against African expats in China are still doing the rounds. Videos of 'perceived' coronavirus carriers being evicted from hotels.

Racism and xenophobia are on the rise in China. Videos of racism against African expats in China are still doing the rounds. Videos of 'perceived' coronavirus carriers being evicted from hotels. Videos of African citizens sleeping on the streets, being kicked, being spat on and being attacked. Africa's anger is being fueled by these racist attacks African nationals are facing in China. A group of Nigerian lawyers is suing China. They are demanding $200 billion from Beijing. Now, a Nigerian Senator, Benjamin Kalu, has moved a motion on the 'institutional discrimination against Nigerians in China.' Nigeria is not the first country in Africa to set the record straight. A number of other African governments have already lodged complaints with their respective Chinese embassies. Last month, the government of Ghana had summoned the Chinese ambassador to express its disappointment. Uganda and Kenya also summoned the Chinese ambassador over the harassment and mistreatment of their nationals. The African Union earlier this month expressed its "extreme concern" about the situation in Guangzhou and called on Beijing to take immediate corrective measures. Reports say thousands of African-origin people have been left homeless after being evicted over fears that they could be spreading the coronavirus. In fact, the outrage against China crosses continents. Kazakhstan summoned the Chinese ambassador a few weeks back to protest against an article by the Chinese state media. An article which floated the idea that Kazakhstan was keen to become a part of China. In April, the French government expressed disapproval over a Chinese diplomat's claims that France had left its older citizens to die. Moreover, an internal report has warned that global anti-China sentiment is currently at its highest -- ever since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

African nations decry racism in China

With Ramadan starting on 23 April, Muslims around the world will refrain from food and drink every day from sunrise to sunset during the holiest month in Islam.

US Sizeable Muslim population observes Ramzan under cures

Independent India's largest evacuation effort is all set to begin to get back its citizen stranded abroad due to coronavirus crisis. As many as 1,92,000 people will be evacuated in the first phase of the exercise starting May 7th with the focus being on the gulf.

India's largest overseas evacuation to bring back 1.92 lakh nationals

Israel is one of the first countries in the world to order the reopening of schools after an extended period of lockdown, but many districts refused to reopen in the absence of clear health guidelines from the Ministry of Education

School reopen in Israel for first time since march 12

<p>Giving it a patriotic spin, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lashes-out-at-pompeo-calls-his-coronavirus-origin-theory-insane-296778">China</a> is branding its coronavirus victims as martyrs, but at the same time, Beijing is&nbsp;targetting the grieving relatives who want to know the truth about this outbreak.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
People who have lost their loved ones to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-us-china-cold-war-now-begun-295905">coronavirus pandemic</a> want explanation and compensation from the Chinese government.</p>

<p>But the government is in no mood to explain, instead, China is clamping down. It is censoring news articles about the outbreak and Wuhan's mourning survivors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who challenged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intel-shared-among-us-allies-contradicts-trumps-claims-says-coronavirus-outbreak-more-likely-came-from-market-296696">Communist Party narrative </a>are being singled out. Some residents reached out to an activist, Yang Zhan Qing, seeking help to sue the government.</p>

<p>However, they were silenced just like the whistleblowers, doctors and the journalists. Some Bereaved family members&nbsp;have faced police interrogation. Moreover, lawyers have been warned not to file any suit against the government.</p>

<p>The Communist Party does not want anyone to challenge the official narrative. So, they are making sure that no one raises a question.</p>

<p>Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases. COVID-19 has infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic till date.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Giving it a patriotic spin, China is branding its coronavirus victims as martyrs, but at the same time, Beijing is targetting the grieving relatives who want to know the truth about this outbreak.

Giving it a patriotic spin, China is branding its coronavirus victims as martyrs, but at the same time, Beijing is targetting the grieving relatives who want to know the truth about this outbreak. People who have lost their loved ones to the coronavirus pandemic want explanation and compensation from the Chinese government. But the government is in no mood to explain, instead, China is clamping down. It is censoring news articles about the outbreak and Wuhan's mourning survivors. Those who challenged the Communist Party narrative are being singled out. Some residents reached out to an activist, Yang Zhan Qing, seeking help to sue the government. However, they were silenced just like the whistleblowers, doctors and the journalists. Some Bereaved family members have faced police interrogation. Moreover, lawyers have been warned not to file any suit against the government. The Communist Party does not want anyone to challenge the official narrative. So, they are making sure that no one raises a question. Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases. COVID-19 has infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic till date.

Coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government: Report

The U.S. Senate convened in Washington for the first time in nearly six weeks on Monday, despite concern it might put lawmakers and staff at risk of contracting the coronavirus

U.S. Senate returns to Washington amid pandemic

The Swiss government's coronavirus aid package should be used to make the country's economy more sustainable and help tackle climate change, environmentalists said on Monday (May 4).

Swiss environmentalists demand green reconstruction after coronavirus crisis

Loyal followers of "Saint Jesus Malverde" paid tribute to the popular narco figure on Sunday (May 03) to mark the anniversary of the execution of Jesus Malverde in Culiacan, in Mexico's state of Sinaloa.

Mexicans celebrate anniversary of "narco saint" despite pandemic

Fire leapt from the masked performer's twirling baton as the festive Ramadan float drove through the back streets of East Jerusalem, with children cheering and parents watching from balconies.

With fire, light and music, bringing Ramadan to a fun-starved Jerusalem

To keep customers and staff safe, Taiwanese-style hot pot restaurant in Bangkok, Hanji Hot Pot has installed plastic screens in between tables to maintain social distance between customers.

Thai hot pot restaurant separates diners with plastic screens after restrictions eased

The Silva twins were supposed to be on an international tour with their dance company last week, performing for large crowds to cheers and applause. Instead, they found themselves on their terrace, practising to the sound of the ocean in the light of the sunset, occasionally interrupted by their two rambunctious dogs.

Dance on rooftops, seaside sunsets: Cuban artists find inspiration in coronavirus quarantine

A dog grooming service in Bangkok re-opened after lockdown on Monday (May 4) to welcome furry dogs in need of hair cuts but business is not the same from before the coronavirus outbreak which forced business around the world, including in Thailand, to close for months.

Scruffy dogs head to the groomer as Thai lockdown eases

<p>Days after pop diva Madonna stated that she had coronavirus antibodies, the singer was slammed for flouting social distancing norms and partying with filmmaker and celebrity photographer Steven Klein. It was Klein's birthday party that the singer was attending.<br />
<br />
Pictures of the star hugging and mixing with those in attendance have gone viral and she has been receiving a lot of flak online for it.<br />
<br />
Sharing a picture with the star, Steven wrote, “Some things stay for an eternity … and then some = masterpieces + friendships”.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_t5MkWJN0n/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Some things stay around for an eternity......... and then some = masterpieces + friendships 🔥⭐️💪@Madonna #2020 #zoom #masterpieces #bday #quarantine #madonnafamilyandfriends #quarantinelife #zoom #dsquared2 #dsquared #mcqueen</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevenkleinstudio/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Steven Klein</a> (@stevenkleinstudio) on <time datetime="2020-05-03T07:19:41+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 3, 2020 at 12:19am PDT</time></p>
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<p>However, according to Michele L Ruiz, an artist manager, the party was a virtual one.</p>

<p>Sharing a video where Madonna can be seen standing in a room with at least 8 people, Michele wrote, Madonna was “in her own home w/her faMily and crew that she has been quarantining with. There were about 5 people that came to her home (or Steven's?) to celebrate Steven's bday, and all of these people have been quarantined for over a month as well. Please stop the Madness - she would never put herself or her children at risk!!!”</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_tzZ3iH8OS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">M made an appearance at @stevenkleinstudio 's Virtual Birthday Party ( thank you, @bartschland 😘 ) - such a blast!!! M called his Bday cake a Covid Cake 😂 She's too fucking cute!!! We are living in some crazy tiMes! But trying to make the most of it, and still have soMe fun!!! #HappyBirthdayStevenKlein🎈🎉🥂 #VirtualParty #TheyAreHereForHER !!! 😂 #ZooM #NYCNightlife ##Quarantine #NYCPAUSE @madonna - Susanne's gorgeous top hat &amp; corset by @sparkylestudio 💎 *** P.S. This was an online party. She was in her own home w/her faMily and crew that she has been quarantining with. There were about 5 people that came to her home (or Steven's?) to celebrate Steven's bday, and all of these people have been quarantined for over a month as well. Please stop the Madness - she would never put herself or her children at risk!!! ***</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/micheleruiznyc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Michele L. Ruiz</a> (@micheleruiznyc) on <time datetime="2020-05-03T06:29:26+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 2, 2020 at 11:29pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>The footage that has been released online shows attendees enjoying the party without wearing any mask or maintain social distance.<br />
<br />
Fans of the singer are miffed that she attended a party just a few days after revealing she had undergone a test for antibodies and results came back positive.</p>

<p>On May 1, Madonna had posted the long video where she can be seen typing on a typewriter and reading from a paper that she had tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>


Days after pop diva Madonna stated that she had coronavirus antibodies, the singer was slammed for flouting social distancing norms and partying with filmmaker and celebrity photographer Steven Klein.

Days after pop diva Madonna stated that she had coronavirus antibodies, the singer was slammed for flouting social distancing norms and partying with filmmaker and celebrity photographer Steven Klein. It was Klein's birthday party that the singer was attending. Pictures of the star hugging and mixing with those in attendance have gone viral and she has been receiving a lot of flak online for it. Sharing a picture with the star, Steven wrote, “Some things stay for an eternity … and then some = masterpieces + friendships”. View this post on Instagram Some things stay around for an eternity......... and then some = masterpieces + friendships 🔥⭐️💪@Madonna #2020 #zoom #masterpieces #bday #quarantine #madonnafamilyandfriends #quarantinelife #zoom #dsquared2 #dsquared #mcqueen A post shared by Steven Klein (@stevenkleinstudio) on May 3, 2020 at 12:19am PDT × However, according to Michele L Ruiz, an artist manager, the party was a virtual one. Sharing a video where Madonna can be seen standing in a room with at least 8 people, Michele wrote, Madonna was “in her own home w/her faMily and crew that she has been quarantining with. There were about 5 people that came to her home (or Steven's?) to celebrate Steven's bday, and all of these people have been quarantined for over a month as well. Please stop the Madness - she would never put herself or her children at risk!!!” View this post on Instagram M made an appearance at @stevenkleinstudio 's Virtual Birthday Party ( thank you, @bartschland 😘 ) - such a blast!!! M called his Bday cake a Covid Cake 😂 She's too fucking cute!!! We are living in some crazy tiMes! But trying to make the most of it, and still have soMe fun!!! #HappyBirthdayStevenKlein🎈🎉🥂 #VirtualParty #TheyAreHereForHER !!! 😂 #ZooM #NYCNightlife ##Quarantine #NYCPAUSE @madonna - Susanne's gorgeous top hat & corset by @sparkylestudio 💎 *** P.S. This was an online party. She was in her own home w/her faMily and crew that she has been quarantining with. There were about 5 people that came to her home (or Steven's?) to celebrate Steven's bday, and all of these people have been quarantined for over a month as well. Please stop the Madness - she would never put herself or her children at risk!!! *** A post shared by Michele L. Ruiz (@micheleruiznyc) on May 2, 2020 at 11:29pm PDT × The footage that has been released online shows attendees enjoying the party without wearing any mask or maintain social distance. Fans of the singer are miffed that she attended a party just a few days after revealing she had undergone a test for antibodies and results came back positive. On May 1, Madonna had posted the long video where she can be seen typing on a typewriter and reading from a paper that she had tested positive for coronavirus.

Madonna parties with friends days after revealing she has tested positive for coronavirus

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