Over 50 crore Indians use smartphones. As of December 2019, India had 502.2 million smartphone users which meant that over 77 per cent of Indians access the internet through smartphones. As such the technology can be nurtured to become an important weapon to fight COVID-19 pandemic. China was an early mover involving apps to fight COVID-19.&nbsp;

People were required to install Health Code app, fill in personal details, and then were issued a QR code denoting quarantining status. South Korea asked all its inbound travellers to download a self-health check mobile app on their smartphones and submit their health credentials on this app during their 14-day incubation period. Many other countries used apps to complement state authorities in early contact tracing. &nbsp;

As the government of India announced a second phase of lockdown to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it also allowed for a guarded system of relaxation of norms for some safe areas. In order to identify the affected clusters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is encouraging citizens to download and use its location-based mobile app called Aarogya Setu. The app will be further used to issue an e-pass for people to move around the city freely through the ‘safe’ Zones. This idea was inspired by the Chinese government’s colour-coded smartphone app to check the movement of citizens. The Aarogya Setu app has reached 50 million users in just 13 days, becoming the highest downloaded app globally. &nbsp;

Aarogya Setu is a COVID-19 contact tracing app developed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT. It detects and tracks the user’s movement with the help of GPS and Bluetooth sensors and sends out a notification if they come in contact with infected people by using its database and algorithms. Users have to enter personal information while registering on the app and the data will be shared only with the government of India, excluding any third parties. Interestingly it is not the only contact tracing application proposed by the government. Several state governments have their own app like – COVA Punjab, GoK Direct by Kerala, Mahakavach by Maharashtra, Quarantine Watch by Karnataka, Test Yourself Goa and Test Yourself Puducherry.&nbsp;

As countries race to monitor and contain the outbreak, some experts say several human rights, including the right to privacy, are at serious risk. Normalising the act of surveillance further increases the threat of setting the stage for politically motivated use of information. To say the least, it is a two-edged sword, helpful in fighting a disease which can also later be turned against the app users at the command of the authorities. It is an ethical conundrum. &nbsp;

First is the issue of privacy of a patient or a suspect regarding their identity. Second is the probability of misuse of data collected from users of the contact tracing app. Putting in perspective, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory asking not to “spread names or identity of those affected or under quarantine or their locality on the social media.” Indian Council Medical Research has also clarified that they will not disclose the identity of any patient. &nbsp;

Here the scope of the Right to Information Act (2005) becomes relevant. RTI Act generally does not permit disclosure of personal health information to any third parties. It is only in extraordinary conditions such as the larger public interest, the information could be shared.&nbsp;

In a path-breaking judgment of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, the Supreme Court affirmed the right to privacy as Fundamental Right. The Supreme Court has, however, clarified that like most other fundamental rights, the right to privacy is not an “absolute right”. A person’s privacy will be subject to competing state interests. Additionally like all other fundamental rights, the right to privacy too is subject to reasonable restrictions.&nbsp;

Some aspects of an individual’s life are private. As opposed to the information required under law, this may only be disclosed voluntarily. &nbsp;But we are at present in a state of health emergency. Our movement is restricted to protect the common cause over individual rights. Privacy cannot give the right to withhold all information regarding one's self from all institutions at all times. The very concept of societal coexistence is based upon the fact that interest of the community and society supersedes individual interest. &nbsp;

While recognising the privacy concerns raised by various individual and civil society members, the government has updated the privacy policy of Aarogya Setu in order to make it more citizen-friendly and transparent. The new privacy policy explicitly limits the purpose for which data is collected by the app can be used, and reiterates that personal information will not be shared with any third party except to carry out “necessary medical and administrative interventions”. &nbsp;

At the time of registration, the app collects personal information from each user, including name, phone number, age, sex, profession and countries visited in the last 30 days. The personal information is encrypted and uploaded to the government server. Location is also captured every 15 minutes to be only used by the government as anonymised, aggregated datasets for the purpose of generating reports, heat maps and other statistical visualisations for the purpose of the management of COVID-19 in the country or to provide general notifications pertaining to COVID-19 as may be required.&nbsp;

Privacy is not merely the right to control what kind of information is disclosed, but also the right to choose, control and limit to whom the disclosure is made. The fact of disclosure to an institution does not indicate the acquiescence of its disclosure to the general public. It is here that the second aspect of privacy comes into the picture. The viability of the Aarogya Setu App and the likelihood of misuse of data collected through this app is under scanner: Would these contact tracing app be used after the pandemic is over as a state surveillance device? Would the data collected by the app be misused by State authorities or third parties?&nbsp;

The data regarding health i.e. the risk assessment tests and location information will be retained on the mobile device for a period of 30 days from the date of the collection after which, if it has not already been uploaded to the server, will be purged from the app. After 45 days of being uploaded to the server, information related to people who have not tested positive will be deleted from the server. For those who tested positive, the information will be purged after 60 days of having been declared cured.&nbsp;

Up till now, Aarogya Setu is not mandatory. However, several government-aided companies and departments are issuing directives to their employees and staff to compulsorily download the app. A question may arise that if the government make the Aarogya Setu app mandatory for everyone would it survive the test of law in the present scenario?&nbsp;

The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 acts on assumption that in the case of infectious diseases, the right to privacy, of infected individuals must give way to the overriding interest of protecting public health. &nbsp;Also, COVID-19 has been declared a “disaster” under Section 10 of the National Disaster Management Act 2005. &nbsp;Accordingly, the Central Government through its National Disaster Management Authority may issue any direction to the states on the ‘disaster’ even though ‘health’ is a state subject. The Epidemic Diseases Act and National Disaster Management Act together may be read to provide the legal framework for the curtailments imposed by the government including collection of data by the Aarogya Setu App. Moreover, Section 69 of Information Technology Act, 2000, provides ample power to the government to collect, decrypt, and monitor data for maintaining public order. &nbsp;

Section 2 of Epidemic Disease Act empowers the state authorities to take such measures and, by public notice, prescribe such temporary regulations to be observed by the public or by any person or class of persons as shall be deemed necessary to prevent the outbreak of such disease or the spread thereof. Aarogya Setu app was designed to collect information from all individual to check the outbreak of disease. With the Act in force, it may provide legal backing to Aarogya Setu app to collect information. The National Disaster Management Act provides the blanket power to the central government to issue any direction including the extreme act of a nationwide lockdown. It may, in time, also include mandatory directive to download the Aarogya Setu app for everyone. &nbsp;

However, implementation of the mandatory directions to download the Aarogya Setu app for everyone is still very difficult to achieve. The all-encompassing executive power provided under the Epidemic Disease Act and National Disaster Management Act can be used to justify the collection of personal information at the moment for it is in the larger national interest, but only till the epidemic persists. Restrictions imposed on the right to privacy are only justified by the temporary powers invoked under the Epidemic Disease Act and National Disaster Management Act. The information collected during this period cannot be misused for another purpose by anyone including the government even after, as Fundamental right to Privacy subsists against the state. The people also have the protection under Section 43A and Section 72A of the amended Information Technology Act where there is a right to compensation for improper disclosure of personal information.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Over 50 crore Indians use smartphones. As of December 2019, India had 502.2 million smartphone users which meant that over 77 per cent of Indians access the internet through smartphones.

Over 50 crore Indians use smartphones. As of December 2019, India had 502.2 million smartphone users which meant that over 77 per cent of Indians access the internet through smartphones. As such the technology can be nurtured to become an important weapon to fight COVID-19 pandemic. China was an early mover involving apps to fight COVID-19. People were required to install Health Code app, fill in personal details, and then were issued a QR code denoting quarantining status. South Korea asked all its inbound travellers to download a self-health check mobile app on their smartphones and submit their health credentials on this app during their 14-day incubation period. Many other countries used apps to complement state authorities in early contact tracing. As the government of India announced a second phase of lockdown to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it also allowed for a guarded system of relaxation of norms for some safe areas. In order to identify the affected clusters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is encouraging citizens to download and use its location-based mobile app called Aarogya Setu. The app will be further used to issue an e-pass for people to move around the city freely through the ‘safe’ Zones. This idea was inspired by the Chinese government’s colour-coded smartphone app to check the movement of citizens. The Aarogya Setu app has reached 50 million users in just 13 days, becoming the highest downloaded app globally. Aarogya Setu is a COVID-19 contact tracing app developed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT. It detects and tracks the user’s movement with the help of GPS and Bluetooth sensors and sends out a notification if they come in contact with infected people by using its database and algorithms. Users have to enter personal information while registering on the app and the data will be shared only with the government of India, excluding any third parties. Interestingly it is not the only contact tracing application proposed by the government. Several state governments have their own app like – COVA Punjab, GoK Direct by Kerala, Mahakavach by Maharashtra, Quarantine Watch by Karnataka, Test Yourself Goa and Test Yourself Puducherry. As countries race to monitor and contain the outbreak, some experts say several human rights, including the right to privacy, are at serious risk. Normalising the act of surveillance further increases the threat of setting the stage for politically motivated use of information. To say the least, it is a two-edged sword, helpful in fighting a disease which can also later be turned against the app users at the command of the authorities. It is an ethical conundrum. First is the issue of privacy of a patient or a suspect regarding their identity. Second is the probability of misuse of data collected from users of the contact tracing app. Putting in perspective, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory asking not to “spread names or identity of those affected or under quarantine or their locality on the social media.” Indian Council Medical Research has also clarified that they will not disclose the identity of any patient. Here the scope of the Right to Information Act (2005) becomes relevant. RTI Act generally does not permit disclosure of personal health information to any third parties. It is only in extraordinary conditions such as the larger public interest, the information could be shared. In a path-breaking judgment of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, the Supreme Court affirmed the right to privacy as Fundamental Right. The Supreme Court has, however, clarified that like most other fundamental rights, the right to privacy is not an “absolute right”. A person’s privacy will be subject to competing state interests. Additionally like all other fundamental rights, the right to privacy too is subject to reasonable restrictions. Some aspects of an individual’s life are private. As opposed to the information required under law, this may only be disclosed voluntarily. But we are at present in a state of health emergency. Our movement is restricted to protect the common cause over individual rights. Privacy cannot give the right to withhold all information regarding one's self from all institutions at all times. The very concept of societal coexistence is based upon the fact that interest of the community and society supersedes individual interest. While recognising the privacy concerns raised by various individual and civil society members, the government has updated the privacy policy of Aarogya Setu in order to make it more citizen-friendly and transparent. The new privacy policy explicitly limits the purpose for which data is collected by the app can be used, and reiterates that personal information will not be shared with any third party except to carry out “necessary medical and administrative interventions”. At the time of registration, the app collects personal information from each user, including name, phone number, age, sex, profession and countries visited in the last 30 days. The personal information is encrypted and uploaded to the government server. Location is also captured every 15 minutes to be only used by the government as anonymised, aggregated datasets for the purpose of generating reports, heat maps and other statistical visualisations for the purpose of the management of COVID-19 in the country or to provide general notifications pertaining to COVID-19 as may be required. Privacy is not merely the right to control what kind of information is disclosed, but also the right to choose, control and limit to whom the disclosure is made. The fact of disclosure to an institution does not indicate the acquiescence of its disclosure to the general public. It is here that the second aspect of privacy comes into the picture. The viability of the Aarogya Setu App and the likelihood of misuse of data collected through this app is under scanner: Would these contact tracing app be used after the pandemic is over as a state surveillance device? Would the data collected by the app be misused by State authorities or third parties? The data regarding health i.e. the risk assessment tests and location information will be retained on the mobile device for a period of 30 days from the date of the collection after which, if it has not already been uploaded to the server, will be purged from the app. After 45 days of being uploaded to the server, information related to people who have not tested positive will be deleted from the server. For those who tested positive, the information will be purged after 60 days of having been declared cured. Up till now, Aarogya Setu is not mandatory. However, several government-aided companies and departments are issuing directives to their employees and staff to compulsorily download the app. A question may arise that if the government make the Aarogya Setu app mandatory for everyone would it survive the test of law in the present scenario? The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 acts on assumption that in the case of infectious diseases, the right to privacy, of infected individuals must give way to the overriding interest of protecting public health.  Also, COVID-19 has been declared a “disaster” under Section 10 of the National Disaster Management Act 2005. Accordingly, the Central Government through its National Disaster Management Authority may issue any direction to the states on the ‘disaster’ even though ‘health’ is a state subject. The Epidemic Diseases Act and National Disaster Management Act together may be read to provide the legal framework for the curtailments imposed by the government including collection of data by the Aarogya Setu App. Moreover, Section 69 of Information Technology Act, 2000, provides ample power to the government to collect, decrypt, and monitor data for maintaining public order. Section 2 of Epidemic Disease Act empowers the state authorities to take such measures and, by public notice, prescribe such temporary regulations to be observed by the public or by any person or class of persons as shall be deemed necessary to prevent the outbreak of such disease or the spread thereof. Aarogya Setu app was designed to collect information from all individual to check the outbreak of disease. With the Act in force, it may provide legal backing to Aarogya Setu app to collect information. The National Disaster Management Act provides the blanket power to the central government to issue any direction including the extreme act of a nationwide lockdown. It may, in time, also include mandatory directive to download the Aarogya Setu app for everyone. However, implementation of the mandatory directions to download the Aarogya Setu app for everyone is still very difficult to achieve. The all-encompassing executive power provided under the Epidemic Disease Act and National Disaster Management Act can be used to justify the collection of personal information at the moment for it is in the larger national interest, but only till the epidemic persists. Restrictions imposed on the right to privacy are only justified by the temporary powers invoked under the Epidemic Disease Act and National Disaster Management Act. The information collected during this period cannot be misused for another purpose by anyone including the government even after, as Fundamental right to Privacy subsists against the state. The people also have the protection under Section 43A and Section 72A of the amended Information Technology Act where there is a right to compensation for improper disclosure of personal information. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How secure is Aarogya Setu app?

Beijing has increased its funding to the W.H.O and is stockpiling tonnes of crude oil & crops. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the Chinese regime's post-pandemic strategy to strengthen China's position.

Gravitas: How China is exploiting a crisis of its own making | CoronavirusOutbreak

Sinopharm, a Chinese state-run company wants the Pakistan govt to conduct clinical trials of a vaccine on its citizens. Pakistan's National Institute of Health has agreed and is expecting 'positive' results. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how Pakistan is making its citizens guinea pigs for unproven cures.

Gravitas: Pakistani citizens 'guinea pigs' for Chinese firm? | Coronavirus Outbreak

US President Donald Trump has placed temporary curbs on immigration. Meanwhile, South Africa is deploying more than 70,000 soldiers to enforce a lockdown. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you the top developments on the Coronavirus outbreak for Thursday.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: The top developments for 23rd April

A Chinese citizen journalist who was missing for almost two months has resurfaced. Li Zehua reported from Wuhan during some of the worst weeks of the pandemic. After detention, Li has begun praising the Chinese establishment. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Has China silenced this citizen journalist? | Coronavirus

A new report claims that Chinese agents amplified fake news during the onset of the Coronavirus outbreak in the US. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about China's information warfare during this pandemic.

Gravitas: 'Chinese agents' amplifying fake news in US | Coronavirus Outbreak

On twitter, fake accounts of Pakistani origin are posing are Arabs - and pushing anti-India posts. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how during a pandemic, a disinformation campaign is compromising the fight against the Coronavirus.

Gravitas: Pakistanis pose as Arabs, push anti-India posts

The Wuhan Coronavirus has taken more than 1,80,000 lakh lives worldwide. In India, there are more than 21,000 confirmed cases. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronvirus: More than 26 lakh cases

New Yorkers applauded, banged pots and pans, and, shortly after the 7:00 p.m. "Clap Because We Care", broke into a collective rendition of the 1972 Bill Withers's classic "Lean on Me" from their windows and balconies to honour essential workers on Thursday (April 23).

New Yorkers sing 'Lean on Me' to honour essential workers

Students at a Brazilian research facility in the northeastern city of Salvador developed a disinfection station for the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the combat against the coronavirus.

Brazilian students develop hospital disinfection station

Two opera singers whose shows were cancelled due to coronavirus, find a different audience in the park.

Arias in open air as opera singers surprise Washington D.C. area park goers

Clapping, cheering and ringing bells, Londoners on Thursday (April 23) joined in a national show of appreciation for health care workers who are battling the spread of the coronavirus.

Claps and cheers: Londoners applaud workers battling coronavirus

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday derided Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell's suggestion that states whose finances are depleted by the coronavirus epidemic could declare bankruptcy as a "really dumb" idea and warned that financial markets would tank if that were allowed to happen.

New York Governor Cuomo slams Mitch McConnell's suggestion

From the United States to Australia, there are renewed calls for the closure of the Chinese wet markets. These markets have a history of being incubators of human diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO), the body tasked with controlling human diseases, says they are a source of livelihood.

WHO Director-General thinks these markets should be allowed to reopen as they are an important source of affordable food and livelihood for millions of people all over the world.

Wet markets in Yunnan province were the source of the SARS virus back in 2003, while coronavirus originated in the Wuhan wet markets. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, the Chinese regime won't accept these markets as the source of this virus. In fact, they have gone a step further.

China now says that these markets never existed. According to Geng Shuang, another 'outspoken' foreign ministry spokesperson in China said that there is no such thing as a 'wet market'. 
 
"First of all, I want to point out that there is no such thing as a "wildlife wet market" in China. In fact, there is no such thing as a "wet market" in China. Farmers 'markets and live poultry and seafood markets are more common. These markets sell fresh meat, fish, vegetables, seafood and other agricultural and sideline products, and there are a few markets that sell live poultry," he said.

We're being told that wet markets are like any other markets that sell fresh produce, that the term 'wet' refers to the fact that 'perishables' are being sold at these markets, not necessarily wildlife.

Wet markets have existed for several years in South Asia, but not all of them sell exotic meat. However, in China, they do.

China has done little to ensure that there is no wildlife trade. The Chinese agricultural ministry passed a draft which only exempted dogs from human consumption. Most wildlife was approved as 'farm-raised' species - the wildlife traders consider them species approved for slaughter.

China has deliberately left these loop-holes to keep business at these wet-markets going.

&nbsp;

From the United States to Australia, there are renewed calls for the closure of the Chinese wet markets. These markets have a history of being incubators of human diseases.

From the United States to Australia, there are renewed calls for the closure of the Chinese wet markets. These markets have a history of being incubators of human diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO), the body tasked with controlling human diseases, says they are a source of livelihood. WHO Director-General thinks these markets should be allowed to reopen as they are an important source of affordable food and livelihood for millions of people all over the world. Wet markets in Yunnan province were the source of the SARS virus back in 2003, while coronavirus originated in the Wuhan wet markets. Meanwhile, the Chinese regime won't accept these markets as the source of this virus. In fact, they have gone a step further. China now says that these markets never existed. According to Geng Shuang, another 'outspoken' foreign ministry spokesperson in China said that there is no such thing as a 'wet market'. "First of all, I want to point out that there is no such thing as a "wildlife wet market" in China. In fact, there is no such thing as a "wet market" in China. Farmers 'markets and live poultry and seafood markets are more common. These markets sell fresh meat, fish, vegetables, seafood and other agricultural and sideline products, and there are a few markets that sell live poultry," he said. We're being told that wet markets are like any other markets that sell fresh produce, that the term 'wet' refers to the fact that 'perishables' are being sold at these markets, not necessarily wildlife. Wet markets have existed for several years in South Asia, but not all of them sell exotic meat. However, in China, they do. China has done little to ensure that there is no wildlife trade. The Chinese agricultural ministry passed a draft which only exempted dogs from human consumption. Most wildlife was approved as 'farm-raised' species - the wildlife traders consider them species approved for slaughter. China has deliberately left these loop-holes to keep business at these wet-markets going.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson denies existence of wet markets

For the first time in the religion's 1400-year-history, the Grand Mosque in Mecca is closed on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslims-should-offer-namaz-at-homes-during-the-holy-month-of-ramzan-mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-292247">Ramzan</a>. In Madina too, the Prophet Mosque wears a deserted look.

It's no different at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque. This is a Ramzan under lockdown and Muslims around the world have begun their fasts under peculiar circumstances. From Africa to Asia, the coronavirus has cast a shadow of gloom and uncertainty 
 
Empty mosques, unprecedented ban on gatherings, no mass prayers and scaled-down iftars. These are desperate measures ushered in by desperate times. 
 
The pandemic has left people with no choice but to modify age-old religious customs&nbsp;a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-shadow-of-coronavirus-muslims-face-a-ramzan-like-never-before-293481#holiest-month-293465">Also read: In shadow of coronavirus, Muslims face a Ramzan like never before</a>

The rate of infection is high and nothing really is worth risking it. So, this year, Muslims worldwide are praying from home. Some have even considered skipping the fast as they are scared to weaken their immunity.

Reason over religion is the logic across borders, but Pakistan's leadership has bowed down to conservative clerics. prime minister Imran Khan has decided to leave the Mosques open during Ramzan.

The country already has over 11 thousand coronavirus cases, but the prime minister is choosing politics over people and vote over the virus.

Let's move to Indonesia now, the country of 26 million, has the world's largest Muslim population. There is a nation-wide travel ban, coupled with a stay-at-home order.

But neither of this is being respected at the conservative Aceh province. Thousands of worshippers attended the evening prayers.

It is the job of those on top to not give in to the demands of conservative imams. They need to prioritise the safety of people.

The ones outside high offices too need to realise that this Ramzan may not be as festive, but a sombre month is the need of the hour. 
&nbsp;

For the first time in the religion's 1400-year-history, the Grand Mosque in Mecca is closed on Ramzan. In Madina too, the Prophet Mosque wears a deserted look. It's no different at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque.

For the first time in the religion's 1400-year-history, the Grand Mosque in Mecca is closed on Ramzan. In Madina too, the Prophet Mosque wears a deserted look. It's no different at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque. This is a Ramzan under lockdown and Muslims around the world have begun their fasts under peculiar circumstances. From Africa to Asia, the coronavirus has cast a shadow of gloom and uncertainty Empty mosques, unprecedented ban on gatherings, no mass prayers and scaled-down iftars. These are desperate measures ushered in by desperate times. The pandemic has left people with no choice but to modify age-old religious customs a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus. Also read: In shadow of coronavirus, Muslims face a Ramzan like never before The rate of infection is high and nothing really is worth risking it. So, this year, Muslims worldwide are praying from home. Some have even considered skipping the fast as they are scared to weaken their immunity. Reason over religion is the logic across borders, but Pakistan's leadership has bowed down to conservative clerics. prime minister Imran Khan has decided to leave the Mosques open during Ramzan. The country already has over 11 thousand coronavirus cases, but the prime minister is choosing politics over people and vote over the virus. Let's move to Indonesia now, the country of 26 million, has the world's largest Muslim population. There is a nation-wide travel ban, coupled with a stay-at-home order. But neither of this is being respected at the conservative Aceh province. Thousands of worshippers attended the evening prayers. It is the job of those on top to not give in to the demands of conservative imams. They need to prioritise the safety of people. The ones outside high offices too need to realise that this Ramzan may not be as festive, but a sombre month is the need of the hour.

Ramzan in the times of coronavirus

The United Kingdom's COVID-19 numbers reveal a worrying trend. Minority communities in UK seem to be disproportionately affected by the coronavirus. Watch WION ground report from United Kingdom.

WION Ground Report: Minorities hit harder by COVID-19 in United Kingdom

In the battle against the coronavirus in Brazil, authorities in Rio de Janeiro imposed a mandatory use of masks for people walking on streets or using public transportation services. According to local media reports, only homemade and common masks are made compulsory for the public while professionals masks are kept for medical workers only to avoid any shortages.

Even statues in Brazil wear face masks amid coronavirus outbreak

Scientists in Britain began clinical trials of a potential COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday (April 23) as other vaccine developers across Europe also stepped up work on experimental shots against the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

Coronavirus potential vaccine human trials begin in UK

The UK has till now reported 18,000 COVID-19 deaths according to official figures but a study now suggests that the actual number might be double the official count. According to the report by the Financial Times, the coronavirus has already killed 41,000 people. Watch report.

UK's official COVID-19 death toll is above 18,000: Study shows high discrepancies in death toll

There are no comparable human events to the coronavirus pandemic anymore. Over 191,000 deaths and more than two million cases have been reported so far.

Half of humanity is under lockdown and the pandemic has caused the biggest recession in a decade. The&nbsp;impact of this pandemic beats any conflict or calamity in human history.&nbsp;

What signifies a war? 1. Death and human misery; 2. &nbsp;Bleeding economies; 3. Shortage of supplies; 4. The capture of territories; 5. The emergence of new powers. 
 
Isn't all of this happening right now?

This virus is lethal and it knows no border. The richest nations are the hardest hit. This virus has brought Europe down to its knees.

However, things are looking up in the country where the virus originated. China has reported no new coronavirus deaths for the ninth straight day.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Here's what else happens in a war - economies bleed, markets tank and that's exactly what's happening. The IMF expects the global economy to shrink by 3 per cent this year.

Lockdowns are causing job losses. In America, 26 million jobs have been lost in the last five weeks. The highest number of people have sought unemployment benefits since the great depression.

The third fallout of war is a massive shortage of supplies. Millions under lockdown are already hanging by the thread. The UN world food programme estimates that 265 million people are at risk of an acute food shortage.

At least 55 virus-hit countries will fail to meet 'nutrition demands' by the end of this year. The world is on the brink of a 'hunger pandemic'.

Here is the next side effect of war - the capture of new territories.&nbsp;China is controlling islands, tensions are rising over oil and warships are buzzing around this waterway.

Beijing is pumping money and taking control of world bodies like the WHO. Countries across the world are busy saving themselves from the virus as china usurps territories.

Lastly, the emergence of new powers. The existing world order is broken. Global institutions have failed, superpowers like the United States are bruised and bleeding. There's a leadership vacuum.

This virus has beaten our geopolitical imaginations. We think of armed conflicts and missiles, but other things too can kill and control.

If this isn't a war, what is?

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

There are no comparable human events to the coronavirus pandemic anymore. Over 191,000 deaths and more than two million cases have been reported so far. Half of humanity is under lockdown and the pandemic has caused the biggest recession in a decade.

There are no comparable human events to the coronavirus pandemic anymore. Over 191,000 deaths and more than two million cases have been reported so far. Half of humanity is under lockdown and the pandemic has caused the biggest recession in a decade. The impact of this pandemic beats any conflict or calamity in human history. What signifies a war? 1. Death and human misery; 2. Bleeding economies; 3. Shortage of supplies; 4. The capture of territories; 5. The emergence of new powers. Isn't all of this happening right now? This virus is lethal and it knows no border. The richest nations are the hardest hit. This virus has brought Europe down to its knees. However, things are looking up in the country where the virus originated. China has reported no new coronavirus deaths for the ninth straight day. Here's what else happens in a war - economies bleed, markets tank and that's exactly what's happening. The IMF expects the global economy to shrink by 3 per cent this year. Lockdowns are causing job losses. In America, 26 million jobs have been lost in the last five weeks. The highest number of people have sought unemployment benefits since the great depression. The third fallout of war is a massive shortage of supplies. Millions under lockdown are already hanging by the thread. The UN world food programme estimates that 265 million people are at risk of an acute food shortage. At least 55 virus-hit countries will fail to meet 'nutrition demands' by the end of this year. The world is on the brink of a 'hunger pandemic'. Here is the next side effect of war - the capture of new territories. China is controlling islands, tensions are rising over oil and warships are buzzing around this waterway. Beijing is pumping money and taking control of world bodies like the WHO. Countries across the world are busy saving themselves from the virus as china usurps territories. Lastly, the emergence of new powers. The existing world order is broken. Global institutions have failed, superpowers like the United States are bruised and bleeding. There's a leadership vacuum. This virus has beaten our geopolitical imaginations. We think of armed conflicts and missiles, but other things too can kill and control. If this isn't a war, what is? (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Coronavirus pandemic - is this a world war in disguise?

Palestinians in Gaza this year are facing the prospect of celebrations without the usual large gatherings for family meals or evening prayers, known as Tarawih. Palestinian officials have ordered the closure of schools, wedding halls, restaurants and mosques, sending tens of thousands into unemployment.

Palestinians in Gaza complete Ramzan shopping

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

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the COVID-19 pandemic shows the need to overhaul the World Health Organization, warning that Washington may never restore WHO funding and could even work to set up an alternative to the U.N. body instead.

Mike Pompeo: US may never restore funding to WHO

Celebrities who have offered personal properties for quarantine facility

In the context of the development of COVID 19, the international community is debating on two central questions: whether the post-COVID-19 would eclipse the American hegemony? Or whether the world order will become more China centred? A third aspect of the debate is whether the post-COVID -19 world orders will strengthen multipolarity.&nbsp;

Irrespective of the origin of COVID-19,  which America has termed the Chinese virus. One thing is certain that the post-COVID-19 will result in the different priorities of the international order. It's certain that America is going to lose its influence &nbsp;and power on world affairs. Not because it’s no more capable of dominating the international arena but rather, COVID 19 has jolted the faith of the international community in the capitalist liberal system sustained by the USA. The virus has exposed the structural weakness and eroded the legitimacy of the American system and due to the simple fact that the USA, despite being superpower has the largest number of deaths. This has caused irreparable damage to American authority and its liberal value system with a consequence that it has drastically lost its soft power.&nbsp;

On the other hand, as its reported China, where the COVID 19 erupted, has a relatively good record in saving people’s lives, though, the official statistics could also be wrong in lieu of the absence of free press. However, it’s more or less confirmed that China has recorded fewer deaths in comparison to America. All major international financial institutions including IMF and World Bank are pointing out that the China prospect of economic recovery is very good. Though China remains an economic powerhouse, however, it will not result in creating and establishing Chinese hegemony or China-centric world order. Because China does not have a good record in terms of freedom, development and other indicators of the regime of human rights. Therefore, even while the influence of America declines, the  resulting vacuum would not be filled by China.&nbsp;

This provides a very different kind of challenge before the Indian government. India must develop a future assessment of post-COVID 19 world order in order to grapple with the implications of assertive Chinese and not trust them ever again keeping in the mind, the track record of China, as well as, not to put all eggs in the USA's basket.&nbsp;

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
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In the context of the development of COVID 19, the international community is debating on two central questions: whether the post-COVID-19 would eclipse the American hegemony?

In the context of the development of COVID 19, the international community is debating on two central questions: whether the post-COVID-19 would eclipse the American hegemony? Or whether the world order will become more China centred? A third aspect of the debate is whether the post-COVID -19 world orders will strengthen multipolarity. Irrespective of the origin of COVID-19,  which America has termed the Chinese virus. One thing is certain that the post-COVID-19 will result in the different priorities of the international order. It's certain that America is going to lose its influence  and power on world affairs. Not because it’s no more capable of dominating the international arena but rather, COVID 19 has jolted the faith of the international community in the capitalist liberal system sustained by the USA. The virus has exposed the structural weakness and eroded the legitimacy of the American system and due to the simple fact that the USA, despite being superpower has the largest number of deaths. This has caused irreparable damage to American authority and its liberal value system with a consequence that it has drastically lost its soft power. On the other hand, as its reported China, where the COVID 19 erupted, has a relatively good record in saving people’s lives, though, the official statistics could also be wrong in lieu of the absence of free press. However, it’s more or less confirmed that China has recorded fewer deaths in comparison to America. All major international financial institutions including IMF and World Bank are pointing out that the China prospect of economic recovery is very good. Though China remains an economic powerhouse, however, it will not result in creating and establishing Chinese hegemony or China-centric world order. Because China does not have a good record in terms of freedom, development and other indicators of the regime of human rights. Therefore, even while the influence of America declines, the  resulting vacuum would not be filled by China. This provides a very different kind of challenge before the Indian government. India must develop a future assessment of post-COVID 19 world order in order to grapple with the implications of assertive Chinese and not trust them ever again keeping in the mind, the track record of China, as well as, not to put all eggs in the USA's basket. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

COVID 19: An end of American hegemony?

During this pandemic, fake news is spreading like wildfire in Europe. Several reports are pointing fingers at Russia - accusing the Russian media, trolls and blogs for spreading fake news. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Russia disinformation campaign in Europe? | Wuhan Coronavirus

A french school for stunt performers has come up with the #CUCchallenge that is going viral on social media. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Coronavirus lockdown: What is the CUC Challenge?

A number of Confucius institutes meant to promote Chinese language were operating in Sweden. The Swedish govt has now decided to shut these Beijing-backed schools. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: Why are Sweden-China ties turning hostile?

Everyone loves a bargain. I’m not talking about the Diwali sales, or the insane discounts online. Sometimes it happens on a much larger scale, involving countries and corporations, where the stakes are much higher.&nbsp;

The government recently announced stringent changes to the rules governing FDI in Indian companies, making government approval compulsory in case of investments from our neighbours (importantly, China). We are not the only ones worried.&nbsp;

The world has always been wary of Chinese money flowing into strategic sectors. But now the fear is palpable. The pandemic has unleashed an economic crisis. Stock markets across the globe have crashed, losing almost 35 per cent, and wiping off trillions of dollars. Companies, big and small, are struggling to cope with the COVID 19 crisis. The future of millions of business is uncertain. Valuations have dropped, and cash-rich opportunistic investors, are on the prowl looking for ‘deals’.&nbsp;

There is growing unease about predatory investments, and hostile takeovers of domestic companies by foreign agencies at a vulnerable time like this. Governments are clamping down - Australia, Germany, Spain, America, Italy and now India, are all introducing stricter rules to defend their domestic industry.&nbsp;

There was a time when concerns around China were limited to ‘key technology’ areas or ‘sensitive infrastructure’. But not anymore. Even small and medium-sized enterprises which are strong in their niche segments can be attractive acquisition targets.

China’s overseas investment policy has traditionally been politically driven, with nationalistic objectives - eg. ensuring the supply of natural resources, creating world-class companies through acquisitions, securing strategic assets in technology and national priority industries and so on. We’ve seen the row over Huawei, and numerous other examples dotting Europe and America, as well as closer home, in India.

It is a politically polarising issue. China has deep pockets, the state and its subsidiaries have lent about $1.5 trillion dollars in direct loans and trade credits to over 150 countries. 18 of the 30 unicorns in India are funded by the Chinese.&nbsp;

There are lessons from the past as well. Policymakers across continents are conscious of Chinese state-owned companies buying dozens of assets after the 2008 financial crisis, and also in Europe (Greece and Portugal) when their economies were hit by the European debt crisis. Most are afraid of their local economies being exploited again at an unprecedented time like this.&nbsp;

The Chinese origins of the pandemic make things even more difficult. It has led to a rise in anti-china sentiment, making a compelling narrative against the Asian superpower. It is fuelling public outrage and therefore also inviting political intervention.

Rules are being changed across the world. Calls for protectionism and self-reliance and growing stronger. Globalisation, the buzzword for the past twenty years or more, has started to unravel. There is no pretence anymore of higher moral principles or adherence to international standards of acceptable behaviour. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-why-chinese-firms-are-exploring-investment-opportunities-in-india-292449">Also read: Why Chinese firms are exploring investment opportunities in India</a>

Globalisation was built on trust, by creating bonds of mutual dependency. But we are seeing a resurgence of economic nationalism. Solidarity is giving way to self-interest.&nbsp;

Countries are moving away from multilateralism and putting themselves first. They are fighting to protect their own people and their own economies. The government are announcing stimulus packages and measures to save jobs and livelihoods. They are now also stepping up to change the rules of the game, and play watch guards to industry.&nbsp;

The mood at present is grim and suspicious. The months ahead are going to be volatile and dynamic. There will be economic and political consequences of the decisions taken today. We seem to be moving inwards, but the fact is that we are an interdependent world. Trust and transparency is the key to building a stable future. But how is the question.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Everyone loves a bargain. I’m not talking about the Diwali sales, or the insane discounts online. Sometimes it happens on a much larger scale, involving countries and corporations, where the stakes are much higher.

Everyone loves a bargain. I’m not talking about the Diwali sales, or the insane discounts online. Sometimes it happens on a much larger scale, involving countries and corporations, where the stakes are much higher. The government recently announced stringent changes to the rules governing FDI in Indian companies, making government approval compulsory in case of investments from our neighbours (importantly, China). We are not the only ones worried. The world has always been wary of Chinese money flowing into strategic sectors. But now the fear is palpable. The pandemic has unleashed an economic crisis. Stock markets across the globe have crashed, losing almost 35 per cent, and wiping off trillions of dollars. Companies, big and small, are struggling to cope with the COVID 19 crisis. The future of millions of business is uncertain. Valuations have dropped, and cash-rich opportunistic investors, are on the prowl looking for ‘deals’. There is growing unease about predatory investments, and hostile takeovers of domestic companies by foreign agencies at a vulnerable time like this. Governments are clamping down - Australia, Germany, Spain, America, Italy and now India, are all introducing stricter rules to defend their domestic industry. There was a time when concerns around China were limited to ‘key technology’ areas or ‘sensitive infrastructure’. But not anymore. Even small and medium-sized enterprises which are strong in their niche segments can be attractive acquisition targets. China’s overseas investment policy has traditionally been politically driven, with nationalistic objectives - eg. ensuring the supply of natural resources, creating world-class companies through acquisitions, securing strategic assets in technology and national priority industries and so on. We’ve seen the row over Huawei, and numerous other examples dotting Europe and America, as well as closer home, in India. It is a politically polarising issue. China has deep pockets, the state and its subsidiaries have lent about $1.5 trillion dollars in direct loans and trade credits to over 150 countries. 18 of the 30 unicorns in India are funded by the Chinese. There are lessons from the past as well. Policymakers across continents are conscious of Chinese state-owned companies buying dozens of assets after the 2008 financial crisis, and also in Europe (Greece and Portugal) when their economies were hit by the European debt crisis. Most are afraid of their local economies being exploited again at an unprecedented time like this. The Chinese origins of the pandemic make things even more difficult. It has led to a rise in anti-china sentiment, making a compelling narrative against the Asian superpower. It is fuelling public outrage and therefore also inviting political intervention. Rules are being changed across the world. Calls for protectionism and self-reliance and growing stronger. Globalisation, the buzzword for the past twenty years or more, has started to unravel. There is no pretence anymore of higher moral principles or adherence to international standards of acceptable behaviour. Also read: Why Chinese firms are exploring investment opportunities in India Globalisation was built on trust, by creating bonds of mutual dependency. But we are seeing a resurgence of economic nationalism. Solidarity is giving way to self-interest. Countries are moving away from multilateralism and putting themselves first. They are fighting to protect their own people and their own economies. The government are announcing stimulus packages and measures to save jobs and livelihoods. They are now also stepping up to change the rules of the game, and play watch guards to industry. The mood at present is grim and suspicious. The months ahead are going to be volatile and dynamic. There will be economic and political consequences of the decisions taken today. We seem to be moving inwards, but the fact is that we are an interdependent world. Trust and transparency is the key to building a stable future. But how is the question. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Firewall for China: Calls for self-reliance grow stronger

Online games are now facing censorship in China. Chinese censors are now forbidding online interactions between between foreigners and gamers in China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: China extends its censorship to online gaming

The Coronavirus outbreak has put China on the backfoot. At home, it has asked bureaucrats and party members to focus on unemployment. Meanwhile, The Chinese Foreign Ministry has criticized demands for reparations. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about China's post outbreak strategy.

Gravitas: Decoding China's post outbreak strategy | Wuhan Coronavirus

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