Studies suggests that strong social distancing, isolation & lockdown averted thousands of deaths in Europe. These non-medical interventions helped in curbing viral spread of coronavirus, eased the burden of countries health care systems.

COVID-19: Over 120,000 deaths averted in 11 countries

China's live animal markets are a threat and the even bigger threat is China's virus bank.&nbsp;

Here's a theory that has been doing the rounds that this coronavirus was a biological weapon which was made in a lab and unleashed on the world.&nbsp;

However, there is no evidence to back this theory.

It's a fact that China has invested huge amounts of money to study viruses. China has built a giant lab in Wuhan - Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The website of the institute declares that it has preserved more than 1500 different strains of viruses. 
The same page declares that this facility is the largest virus bank in Asia.

The safety practices of these labs are under question.&nbsp;

A report by the Washington Times makes a major claim that Chinese government researchers isolated more than two thousand animal viruses, and carried out scientific work on them just three miles from a wild animal market identified as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney says there are serious doubts over China's ability to handle deadly viruses.

If the coronavirus outbreak is any proof then it shows that China doesn't like playing by the rules. It doesn't follow international standards and doesn't bother about&nbsp;transparency.

For some, this situation brings back memories of the Chernobyl disaster. The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear accident that occurred in1986.

In January, China had ordered a draconian lockdown to stop the coronavirus from spreading. Some Chinese citizens compared the lockdown to the disaster in Chernobyl. 
&nbsp; 
There are three reasons why the Chernobyl disaster became a metaphor for the coronavirus outbreak. One, both are disasters that could have been avoided. Second, both became worse because of government mismanagement. Third, both saw the government crushing questions and voices of dissent. 
 
If and when the world gets down to demanding answers from china, the role of China's virus banks must be investigated.

&nbsp;

China's live animal markets are a threat and the even bigger threat is China's virus bank. Here's a theory that has been doing the rounds that this coronavirus was a biological weapon which was made in a lab and unleashed on the world.

China's live animal markets are a threat and the even bigger threat is China's virus bank. Here's a theory that has been doing the rounds that this coronavirus was a biological weapon which was made in a lab and unleashed on the world. However, there is no evidence to back this theory. It's a fact that China has invested huge amounts of money to study viruses. China has built a giant lab in Wuhan - Wuhan Institute of Virology. The website of the institute declares that it has preserved more than 1500 different strains of viruses. The same page declares that this facility is the largest virus bank in Asia. The safety practices of these labs are under question. A report by the Washington Times makes a major claim that Chinese government researchers isolated more than two thousand animal viruses, and carried out scientific work on them just three miles from a wild animal market identified as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney says there are serious doubts over China's ability to handle deadly viruses. If the coronavirus outbreak is any proof then it shows that China doesn't like playing by the rules. It doesn't follow international standards and doesn't bother about transparency. For some, this situation brings back memories of the Chernobyl disaster. The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear accident that occurred in1986. In January, China had ordered a draconian lockdown to stop the coronavirus from spreading. Some Chinese citizens compared the lockdown to the disaster in Chernobyl. There are three reasons why the Chernobyl disaster became a metaphor for the coronavirus outbreak. One, both are disasters that could have been avoided. Second, both became worse because of government mismanagement. Third, both saw the government crushing questions and voices of dissent. If and when the world gets down to demanding answers from china, the role of China's virus banks must be investigated.

Role of China's virology labs must be investigated: Report

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, spent two months denying that the coronavirus was a serious threat.

He let the beaches in Florida function as usual and the restaurants in Texas serve beer and steak. The country has the highest number of active cases in the world and counting. The confirmed number is likely to soar when tests for the virus become more widespread.

The United States is facing an emergency of epic proportions. With over 60,000 cases, every hospital in New York is filled to the brim with coronavirus patients. It's equally bad in the 213 cities across America.&nbsp;

The world's richest country has run out of masks - 91.5 per cent of American cities do not have an adequate supply of face-masks for first responders, 92.1 per cent do not have adequate test-kits, 85 per cent do not have ventilators and 62.4 per cent have not received any emergency equipment or supplies from their state. 
 
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Officials in states hard hit by the pandemic have pleaded with the Trump administration and manufacturers to speed up the production of ventilators to cope with a surge in patients struggling to breathe

The safety of every American is under threat, but the US President is busy celebrating his astounding TV ratings. In a series of tweets, he compared the ratings of his official briefings to primetime sitcoms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From downplaying the virus, Trump has now got down to normalising the pandemic. This indifference and willful neglect could spell catastrophe for an already struggling United States of America. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, spent two months denying that the coronavirus was a serious threat. He let the beaches in Florida function as usual and the restaurants in Texas serve beer and steak.

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, spent two months denying that the coronavirus was a serious threat. He let the beaches in Florida function as usual and the restaurants in Texas serve beer and steak. The country has the highest number of active cases in the world and counting. The confirmed number is likely to soar when tests for the virus become more widespread. The United States is facing an emergency of epic proportions. With over 60,000 cases, every hospital in New York is filled to the brim with coronavirus patients. It's equally bad in the 213 cities across America. The world's richest country has run out of masks - 91.5 per cent of American cities do not have an adequate supply of face-masks for first responders, 92.1 per cent do not have adequate test-kits, 85 per cent do not have ventilators and 62.4 per cent have not received any emergency equipment or supplies from their state. WATCH: × Officials in states hard hit by the pandemic have pleaded with the Trump administration and manufacturers to speed up the production of ventilators to cope with a surge in patients struggling to breathe The safety of every American is under threat, but the US President is busy celebrating his astounding TV ratings. In a series of tweets, he compared the ratings of his official briefings to primetime sitcoms. From downplaying the virus, Trump has now got down to normalising the pandemic. This indifference and willful neglect could spell catastrophe for an already struggling United States of America. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: US President Donald Trump's misplaced priorities

William is reportedly keen on resuming duties as an air ambulance pilot. The second in line to Britain's throne, William was once a pilot for air ambulance and would fly medical professionals to the scenes of emergencies. 
 
He spent two years with East Anglian Air Ambulance but stepped down in 2017 to carry out his royal duties on a full-time basis. 
 
Now, amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has reportedly shown interest to go back to his old job. 
 
A source close to the Prince has said he has expressed his desire to return to the frontline. While speaking to a British tabloid, the source said, "William has been seriously considering returning as an air ambulance pilot to help in the current pandemic. He knows the whole country is doing its bit and he wants to help." 
 
The source though added that the Prince returning to his old job seems unlikely considering he now is a senior member of the royal family with multiple duties. 
 
"It’s complicated as he was originally grounded from the job so that he could become a senior working royal. There are all sorts of practicalities to overcome such as fitting in on shift patterns. But he’s in the right place now if he wants to do it.” 
 
Earlier in March, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited staff at an NHS 111 call centre in Croydon. At the centre the Prince reportedly expressed how much he missed being a part of the emergency services.

The country has been gripped by the pandemic and Willaim's father, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-charles-is-now-out-of-virus-isolation-reports-289575">Prince Charles too has tested positive </a>for coronavirus. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the health minister too have tested positive for the virus. 
Meanwhile, the couple on Sunday has also advocated the importance of mental health amid lockdown and self-isolation across the world.

William is reportedly keen on resuming duties as an air ambulance pilot. The second in line to Britain's throne, William was once a pilot for air ambulance and would fly medical professionals to the scenes of emergencies.

William is reportedly keen on resuming duties as an air ambulance pilot. The second in line to Britain's throne, William was once a pilot for air ambulance and would fly medical professionals to the scenes of emergencies. He spent two years with East Anglian Air Ambulance but stepped down in 2017 to carry out his royal duties on a full-time basis. Now, amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has reportedly shown interest to go back to his old job. A source close to the Prince has said he has expressed his desire to return to the frontline. While speaking to a British tabloid, the source said, "William has been seriously considering returning as an air ambulance pilot to help in the current pandemic. He knows the whole country is doing its bit and he wants to help." The source though added that the Prince returning to his old job seems unlikely considering he now is a senior member of the royal family with multiple duties. "It’s complicated as he was originally grounded from the job so that he could become a senior working royal. There are all sorts of practicalities to overcome such as fitting in on shift patterns. But he’s in the right place now if he wants to do it.” Earlier in March, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited staff at an NHS 111 call centre in Croydon. At the centre the Prince reportedly expressed how much he missed being a part of the emergency services. The country has been gripped by the pandemic and Willaim's father, Prince Charles too has tested positive for coronavirus. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the health minister too have tested positive for the virus. Meanwhile, the couple on Sunday has also advocated the importance of mental health amid lockdown and self-isolation across the world.

Prince William wants to resume his duties as air ambulance pilot amid pandemic scare

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on Tuesday said she will contribute an amount of Rs 25 lakhs to Maharashtra Chief Minister`s relief fund to combat the coronavirus crisis. 
 
The veteran singer has joined the growing list of names from the entertainment industry to support the country in the fight against COVID-19. 
 
Earlier, singer Adnan Sami had on Monday announced his support and contribution to the Chief Minister`s Relief Fund, without disclosing the amount. 
 
Other celebrities who have chipped in support of the fight are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-akshay-kumar-to-hrithik-roshan-indian-celebs-come-forward-to-help-daily-wage-earners-amid-lockdown-289290">Akshay Kumar, Kapil Sharma</a>, Shilpa Shetty, Rajkummar Rao, and Varun Dhawan. Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, and Sara Ali Khan also recently announced their support to aid the battle against COVID-19. 
 
The country is under a 21-day lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed 32 lives and infected at least 1251 people.

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on Tuesday said she will contribute an amount of Rs 25 lakhs to Maharashtra Chief Minister`s relief fund to combat the coronavirus crisis.

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on Tuesday said she will contribute an amount of Rs 25 lakhs to Maharashtra Chief Minister`s relief fund to combat the coronavirus crisis. The veteran singer has joined the growing list of names from the entertainment industry to support the country in the fight against COVID-19. Earlier, singer Adnan Sami had on Monday announced his support and contribution to the Chief Minister`s Relief Fund, without disclosing the amount. Other celebrities who have chipped in support of the fight are Akshay Kumar, Kapil Sharma, Shilpa Shetty, Rajkummar Rao, and Varun Dhawan. Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, and Sara Ali Khan also recently announced their support to aid the battle against COVID-19. The country is under a 21-day lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed 32 lives and infected at least 1251 people.

Lata Mangeshkar donates Rs 25 lakh to Maharashtra CM relief fund to combat COVID-19

By Samantha Vanderslott, Andrew Pollard, Tonia Thomas

Since humans haven’t previously been exposed to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), our bodies aren’t well equipped to deal with being infected by it. A vaccine would allow the body to safely develop an immune response to COVID-19 that could prevent or control infection.

But it takes time to develop safe and effective vaccines – usually five to ten years on average. Despite promising reports about potential coronavirus vaccines being developed worldwide, it could still take an estimated 12-18 months to develop one.

It’s becoming quicker to develop new vaccines than it was in the past as we can build on research from vaccines used for other diseases. During outbreaks, more resources and funding may also become available, which can speed up the process. Products might also be considered for use even before being formally granted licences to control the disease in severely affected areas during emergencies.

The development of a potential novel coronavirus vaccine is being partly led by experts who were already developing vaccines for other coronaviruses. This type of virus was identified as a possible cause of the next big pandemic as the other coronaviruses SARS and MERS have been responsible for two global outbreaks in the last 20 years. Research on vaccines for these coronaviruses was already undergoing clinical trials.

The first new vaccine to enter human trials for COVID-19 was developed by the US firm Moderna Therapeutics. About 35 other companies and academic institutions are also working on COVID-19 vaccines. Most are currently in “pre-clinical testing”, including one being developed by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford. The vaccine candidate was identified in January and is nearing the clinical testing phase.

During development, a vaccine needs to go through the following steps:

1. Basic understanding of the virus 
 
In the past, most studies of human viruses looked at how the virus altered or affected human or animal cells in the lab. Scientists first identify the proteins and sugars on the surface of the viruses or infected cells, then study whether these proteins can be used to produce an immune response.

In the present case, this stage was made easier for researchers after Chinese scientists found and published the genetic sequence of novel coronavirus in January. Researchers worldwide have been able to identify the structure of proteins that make up the virus, create a genetic history of the family of viruses, and determine when the first human was infected. It also enabled diagnostic testing kits to be developed, and lets researchers identify potential treatment options.

2. Vaccine candidates

This may involve isolating the live virus before inactivating or weakening it and then determining whether this modified virus, which is known as a vaccine candidate, might produce immunity in people.

Sometimes the live virus is not part of the process. Instead, its genetic sequence is used to make the vaccine. The genetic sequence can also be used to make recombinant proteins, a vaccine production method that has been used before for vaccines like hepatitis B.

Researchers now know how to manufacture and test the relevant vaccine and check it has been made properly. They even know about likely doses, including how many doses will be needed to build immunity. This background knowledge speeds up the development of each new vaccine made using the same technology.

3. Pre-clinical testing

Initial safety testing is usually carried out in animals to give an idea of responses in humans. These are also used to see how effective the vaccine is at preventing the disease, and allows researchers to adapt the vaccine.

During an outbreak, different research groups often work together to speed up this process.

4. Clinical trials – testing in humans 
 
This step is where many promising potential vaccines fail. There are three phases of a clinical trial:

1.Testing on a few dozen healthy volunteers, looking at how safe the vaccine is, and if it has any adverse effects; 
2. Testing on several hundred people for efficacy (a “target population” who are ideally those most at risk of the disease); 
3.Testing on several thousand people for efficacy and safety. 
 
Through these phases the vaccine needs to show it’s safe, leads to a strong immune response, and provides effective protection against the virus. During an outbreak, experimental vaccines may be used in severely affected populations if they’re at high risk of disease, before progressing to regulatory approval.

5. Regulatory approvals 
 
If regulators have approved similar products before, approval can be accelerated – although this is not likely for COVID-19. Use of a vaccine before full licensure can be considered in a public health emergency.

6.Production 
 
Once a vaccine has been produced at a small scale and passed safety tests, it can be used in clinical trials. However, significant manufacturing capacity, such as infrastructure, personnel and equipment, will be needed to produce large quantities of a vaccine for use. Quality control is also needed. All of these processes are very carefully monitored. Once licensed, policy must be developed to decide how to prioritise those who should be vaccinated, such as those in the most high-risk groups and locations.

Along the way, if any of these vaccine “candidates” are shown to be unsafe or ineffective, researchers must return to the laboratory to develop a new candidate. This is why vaccine development can be a long and uncertain process.

(Samantha Vanderslott is Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Sciences, University of Oxford)

(Andrew Pollard is Professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity, University of Oxford)

(Tonia Thomas is Vaccine Knowledge Project Manager) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-vaccine-here-are-the-steps-it-will-need-to-go-through-during-development-134726">original article</a>) 
 
&nbsp;

By Samantha Vanderslott, Andrew Pollard, Tonia Thomas Since humans haven’t previously been exposed to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), our bodies aren’t well equipped to deal with being infected by it.

By Samantha Vanderslott, Andrew Pollard, Tonia Thomas Since humans haven’t previously been exposed to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), our bodies aren’t well equipped to deal with being infected by it. A vaccine would allow the body to safely develop an immune response to COVID-19 that could prevent or control infection. But it takes time to develop safe and effective vaccines – usually five to ten years on average. Despite promising reports about potential coronavirus vaccines being developed worldwide, it could still take an estimated 12-18 months to develop one. It’s becoming quicker to develop new vaccines than it was in the past as we can build on research from vaccines used for other diseases. During outbreaks, more resources and funding may also become available, which can speed up the process. Products might also be considered for use even before being formally granted licences to control the disease in severely affected areas during emergencies. The development of a potential novel coronavirus vaccine is being partly led by experts who were already developing vaccines for other coronaviruses. This type of virus was identified as a possible cause of the next big pandemic as the other coronaviruses SARS and MERS have been responsible for two global outbreaks in the last 20 years. Research on vaccines for these coronaviruses was already undergoing clinical trials. The first new vaccine to enter human trials for COVID-19 was developed by the US firm Moderna Therapeutics. About 35 other companies and academic institutions are also working on COVID-19 vaccines. Most are currently in “pre-clinical testing”, including one being developed by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford. The vaccine candidate was identified in January and is nearing the clinical testing phase. During development, a vaccine needs to go through the following steps: 1. Basic understanding of the virus In the past, most studies of human viruses looked at how the virus altered or affected human or animal cells in the lab. Scientists first identify the proteins and sugars on the surface of the viruses or infected cells, then study whether these proteins can be used to produce an immune response. In the present case, this stage was made easier for researchers after Chinese scientists found and published the genetic sequence of novel coronavirus in January. Researchers worldwide have been able to identify the structure of proteins that make up the virus, create a genetic history of the family of viruses, and determine when the first human was infected. It also enabled diagnostic testing kits to be developed, and lets researchers identify potential treatment options. 2. Vaccine candidates This may involve isolating the live virus before inactivating or weakening it and then determining whether this modified virus, which is known as a vaccine candidate, might produce immunity in people. Sometimes the live virus is not part of the process. Instead, its genetic sequence is used to make the vaccine. The genetic sequence can also be used to make recombinant proteins, a vaccine production method that has been used before for vaccines like hepatitis B. Researchers now know how to manufacture and test the relevant vaccine and check it has been made properly. They even know about likely doses, including how many doses will be needed to build immunity. This background knowledge speeds up the development of each new vaccine made using the same technology. 3. Pre-clinical testing Initial safety testing is usually carried out in animals to give an idea of responses in humans. These are also used to see how effective the vaccine is at preventing the disease, and allows researchers to adapt the vaccine. During an outbreak, different research groups often work together to speed up this process. 4. Clinical trials – testing in humans This step is where many promising potential vaccines fail. There are three phases of a clinical trial: 1.Testing on a few dozen healthy volunteers, looking at how safe the vaccine is, and if it has any adverse effects; 2. Testing on several hundred people for efficacy (a “target population” who are ideally those most at risk of the disease); 3.Testing on several thousand people for efficacy and safety. Through these phases the vaccine needs to show it’s safe, leads to a strong immune response, and provides effective protection against the virus. During an outbreak, experimental vaccines may be used in severely affected populations if they’re at high risk of disease, before progressing to regulatory approval. 5. Regulatory approvals If regulators have approved similar products before, approval can be accelerated – although this is not likely for COVID-19. Use of a vaccine before full licensure can be considered in a public health emergency. 6.Production Once a vaccine has been produced at a small scale and passed safety tests, it can be used in clinical trials. However, significant manufacturing capacity, such as infrastructure, personnel and equipment, will be needed to produce large quantities of a vaccine for use. Quality control is also needed. All of these processes are very carefully monitored. Once licensed, policy must be developed to decide how to prioritise those who should be vaccinated, such as those in the most high-risk groups and locations. Along the way, if any of these vaccine “candidates” are shown to be unsafe or ineffective, researchers must return to the laboratory to develop a new candidate. This is why vaccine development can be a long and uncertain process. (Samantha Vanderslott is Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Sciences, University of Oxford) (Andrew Pollard is Professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity, University of Oxford) (Tonia Thomas is Vaccine Knowledge Project Manager) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

Coronavirus vaccine: Here are the steps it will need to go through during development

WION has started #ASKWION campaign where we are pleased to answer all your Covid-19 related queries. Use #AskWion and send us your questions on Twitter tagging us.

Here are answers to some of the important questions related to Coronavirus which can help you protect yourself from the pandemic.

Q: Is alcoholic hand rub good for sanitising during Covid19? 
A: Yes. Using a sanitiser with 70 per cent alcohol concentration is safe.

Q: How does stay at home strategy work?&nbsp; 
A: While most of us are home, we can easily identify the onus of the infection, where it is coming from. That helps in better containment and better handling of the situation.

Q: Should a person who has recently returned from foreign, is under 14-day quarantine and shows no active symptoms of Covid19 be tested? 
A: Incubation period of this virus is 1-14 days. Within this timeframe, symptoms are evident. If the person does not show symptoms within 14 days, then the person is not infected. But, for foreign returned individuals, 14-day self-quarantine is advised.

&nbsp;Q: What type of mask is advised for protection against coronavirus? 
Mask is not mandatory but social distancing is necessary because this virus spreads through microdroplets. A simple 3 ply surgical mask is sufficient for Covid19.

Q: How can we contribute towards preventing the spread of Covid19? 
A: Stay at home is the key. It is crucial for preventing community transmission. If the entire nation follows this, we will see the difference. The number of cases will go down. Repeated hand washing, maintaining social distance will certainly make a difference.

&nbsp;

WION has started #ASKWION campaign where we are pleased to answer all your Covid-19 related queries. Use #AskWion and send us your questions on Twitter tagging us.

WION has started #ASKWION campaign where we are pleased to answer all your Covid-19 related queries. Use #AskWion and send us your questions on Twitter tagging us. Here are answers to some of the important questions related to Coronavirus which can help you protect yourself from the pandemic. Q: Is alcoholic hand rub good for sanitising during Covid19? A: Yes. Using a sanitiser with 70 per cent alcohol concentration is safe. Q: How does stay at home strategy work? A: While most of us are home, we can easily identify the onus of the infection, where it is coming from. That helps in better containment and better handling of the situation. Q: Should a person who has recently returned from foreign, is under 14-day quarantine and shows no active symptoms of Covid19 be tested? A: Incubation period of this virus is 1-14 days. Within this timeframe, symptoms are evident. If the person does not show symptoms within 14 days, then the person is not infected. But, for foreign returned individuals, 14-day self-quarantine is advised. Q: What type of mask is advised for protection against coronavirus? Mask is not mandatory but social distancing is necessary because this virus spreads through microdroplets. A simple 3 ply surgical mask is sufficient for Covid19. Q: How can we contribute towards preventing the spread of Covid19? A: Stay at home is the key. It is crucial for preventing community transmission. If the entire nation follows this, we will see the difference. The number of cases will go down. Repeated hand washing, maintaining social distance will certainly make a difference.

What type of mask is advised for protection against coronavirus? and other coronavirus-related queries answered

To fight the coronavirus, citizens were locked inside their homes in China, a draconian lockdown was announced, online criticism was tracked and dissent stifled.

The World Health Organisation hailed Beijing's response. Essentially, it turned a blind eye to Xi Jinping regime's dictatorial diktats. Appreciating China's model&nbsp;is an endorsement to authoritarianism.

Beijing has been dishing out advice to some of the worst affected countries, asking them to follow the Chinese model, but the truth is democracies have performed better than dictatorial regimes.

For instance - South Korea, a democracy whose response is now considered as the gold standard. It reined in the virus without shutting anything down. In fact, Seoul's handling of the outbreak is just the opposite of China.

It is a response with transparency at its core, South Korea did not restrict the movement of people, instead, it implemented focused and mandatory quarantine for infected patients. The public was advised to stay indoors, avoid public events, wear masks and practice good hygiene.

These orders were backed up with aggressive testing. South Korea carried out up to 15 thousand tests a day. &nbsp;A comprehensive tracking system was implemented to monitor those infected.

Taiwan's response too was far better than China. Taiwan has reported a little more than 300 confirmed cases and only five deaths. After battling SARS, Taiwan set up a central command centre for epidemics.

After the coronavirus outbreak, the centre put together a list of 124 action items, this included a comprehensive effort to screen new arrivals from abroad.

Those who were infected were largely put under complete isolation at home. To ensure compliance, a fine of more than 33 thousand dollars was imposed. There were no mass lockdowns too.

The Singapore model has been praised by experts too.&nbsp;

So, in no way, China's&nbsp;model institutionalised oppression, erased facts and enabled a cover-up.

World leaders should be wary of the coronavirus dictatorship. As the case of China has shown, dictatorial regimes have only made this outbreak worst.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

To fight the coronavirus, citizens were locked inside their homes in China, a draconian lockdown was announced, online criticism was tracked and dissent stifled.

To fight the coronavirus, citizens were locked inside their homes in China, a draconian lockdown was announced, online criticism was tracked and dissent stifled. The World Health Organisation hailed Beijing's response. Essentially, it turned a blind eye to Xi Jinping regime's dictatorial diktats. Appreciating China's model is an endorsement to authoritarianism. Beijing has been dishing out advice to some of the worst affected countries, asking them to follow the Chinese model, but the truth is democracies have performed better than dictatorial regimes. For instance - South Korea, a democracy whose response is now considered as the gold standard. It reined in the virus without shutting anything down. In fact, Seoul's handling of the outbreak is just the opposite of China. It is a response with transparency at its core, South Korea did not restrict the movement of people, instead, it implemented focused and mandatory quarantine for infected patients. The public was advised to stay indoors, avoid public events, wear masks and practice good hygiene. These orders were backed up with aggressive testing. South Korea carried out up to 15 thousand tests a day. A comprehensive tracking system was implemented to monitor those infected. Taiwan's response too was far better than China. Taiwan has reported a little more than 300 confirmed cases and only five deaths. After battling SARS, Taiwan set up a central command centre for epidemics. After the coronavirus outbreak, the centre put together a list of 124 action items, this included a comprehensive effort to screen new arrivals from abroad. Those who were infected were largely put under complete isolation at home. To ensure compliance, a fine of more than 33 thousand dollars was imposed. There were no mass lockdowns too. The Singapore model has been praised by experts too. So, in no way, China's model institutionalised oppression, erased facts and enabled a cover-up. World leaders should be wary of the coronavirus dictatorship. As the case of China has shown, dictatorial regimes have only made this outbreak worst. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: China's authoritarianism vs democracy and transparency

Lockdown in India, apart from other things, will be defined by the visuals of migrant workers trudging along the national highway to their respective homes. It seemed that planners completely forgot about the crores of migrant and daily wage workers in the city. As the lockdown set in and so did the panic in the poor sections of society.

Imagine, despite the law in place that people would be catered to by civic agencies, Delhi erupted and people chose to walk back to their natal places rather than staying where they were. It was a true reflection of people’s lack of trust in the Indian state. Despite repeated requests by the state government, migrants refused to go back to their respective temporary residences in Delhi. The chaos was evident, and rumours added to the confusion that buses are being made available for them at the border.

Why didn’t the government account for the dislocation remains a mystery? The point to be noted is that despite the inconvenience, the public at large did not become violent. The migrants did not break any law per se. Technically, they were not supposed to move out of their residences but on the way out, even at the toughest moment, there was discipline and nobility in their silent march. There was no destruction of public property.&nbsp;

There was no sloganeering. It was heart-wrenching to see that poor&nbsp;displayed more grace and discipline in such trying times.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too apologised for the inconvenience but insisted that hardship is required to tackle the outbreak. It is happening for the second time that people have reposed immense trust in the Prime Minister. First, it was demonetisation when the nation was taken by surprise by his decision. This time too, the country was given a notice of 4 hours to prepare for the lockdown. Poor people once again have given leeway to the Prime Minister and it is time that the government must pay back silent marchers by helping them. Many are getting ostracised in their own villages as they are not being allowed to enter.&nbsp;

Many might have got the infection on the way. The government must do everything to restore the dignity of India’s labour&nbsp;by diverting the best and most material resources to them. The long and silent march of the people from the national capital Delhi was a reflection of deep inequality which still exists in cities. We may have built tall buildings and fancy malls but the hands those build them remain empty. I hope and pray that they are taken care of and lockdown does not worsen the condition of India daily wage labourer in the unorganised sector.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Lockdown in India, apart from other things, will be defined by the visuals of migrant workers trudging along the national highway to their respective homes. It seemed that planners completely forgot about the crores of migrant and daily wage workers in the city.

Lockdown in India, apart from other things, will be defined by the visuals of migrant workers trudging along the national highway to their respective homes. It seemed that planners completely forgot about the crores of migrant and daily wage workers in the city. As the lockdown set in and so did the panic in the poor sections of society. Imagine, despite the law in place that people would be catered to by civic agencies, Delhi erupted and people chose to walk back to their natal places rather than staying where they were. It was a true reflection of people’s lack of trust in the Indian state. Despite repeated requests by the state government, migrants refused to go back to their respective temporary residences in Delhi. The chaos was evident, and rumours added to the confusion that buses are being made available for them at the border. Why didn’t the government account for the dislocation remains a mystery? The point to be noted is that despite the inconvenience, the public at large did not become violent. The migrants did not break any law per se. Technically, they were not supposed to move out of their residences but on the way out, even at the toughest moment, there was discipline and nobility in their silent march. There was no destruction of public property. There was no sloganeering. It was heart-wrenching to see that poor displayed more grace and discipline in such trying times. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too apologised for the inconvenience but insisted that hardship is required to tackle the outbreak. It is happening for the second time that people have reposed immense trust in the Prime Minister. First, it was demonetisation when the nation was taken by surprise by his decision. This time too, the country was given a notice of 4 hours to prepare for the lockdown. Poor people once again have given leeway to the Prime Minister and it is time that the government must pay back silent marchers by helping them. Many are getting ostracised in their own villages as they are not being allowed to enter. Many might have got the infection on the way. The government must do everything to restore the dignity of India’s labour by diverting the best and most material resources to them. The long and silent march of the people from the national capital Delhi was a reflection of deep inequality which still exists in cities. We may have built tall buildings and fancy malls but the hands those build them remain empty. I hope and pray that they are taken care of and lockdown does not worsen the condition of India daily wage labourer in the unorganised sector. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Week 2 of coronavirus lockdown: Grace under fire

We are living through unprecedented times. The world as we know has been profoundly altered. Some sectors have been hit hard (hospitality, retail, aviation etc) and some have been indirect beneficiaries (remote working tools, digital media, mobile gaming). As we go through this turbulence, I do a deep dive to see the impact on the gaming industry. &nbsp;

Global Gaming is a $149 billion industry, with mobile gaming accounting for 46 per cent of revenues i.e. $68 billion (growing at nearly 9 per cent), expected to achieve $180 billion by 2021. 2.2 billion gamers across the world mean that the business of fun is serious business. &nbsp;

Typically, gaming as a sector is more resilient than other tech sectors in down cycles. In 2008, a Nielsen study revealed that players devoted 1-2 hours of additional gameplay, corresponding with a secular rise in average minutes/month played in 2008 continuing through Q1 2009. When console sales declined, gamers migrated to mobile, web-based or second-hand games. Real annual economic growth among game makers topped 10 per cent between 2005-2009 even as economies contracted.&nbsp;

In times of stress and forced solitude, the immersive and social nature of games can bring people together like no other medium can. Last week, Verizon reported that videogame usage in the US was up 75 per cent in comparison to video streaming which increased by 12 per cent (while overall web traffic was up nearly 20 per cent and social media usage remained largely flat). A week back, Steam hit its all-time concurrent user peak of 20 million users. In China, average weekly downloads of apps/games during the first two weeks of February jumped 40 per cent compared with the average for the whole of 2019. Revenues followed a similar trajectory. Daily usage of games increased by 40 per cent to 159 minutes. Report says Honor of Kings achieved a new record of 150M DAUs; other titles like Peacekeeper Elite achieved 100M DAU’s. Certain genres i.e. card games, board games, female-focused content also did particularly well.&nbsp;

Given that games deliver a higher value to price proposition there is an increasing desire to get more value out of games often at the cost of costlier forms of entertainment. As discretionary expenditure on vacations/dining out/events etc wanes those freed up consumer dollars divert to gaming. However, as the inevitable unemployment events take place, certain demographics of gamers will cut back on playing and spending. The substitution effect above will tend to offset any direct demand destruction. &nbsp;

On the e-sports side, conspicuous lack of sports competitions will drive enthusiasts to virtual sporting events. ESL Pro League reported a 27 per cent year over year increase in online viewership with its Counter-Strike: Global Offensive&nbsp;March 16 event. However, actual e-sports tournaments/ticket sales will take a hit with cancellations.&nbsp;

In India, gaming is witnessing a similar boost. Time spent and mobile game downloads both increased by 20-30 per cent, over a time span of a week across the board for companies like Adda52, WinZO, Games 24*7, Gametion and many others. However, fantasy games will be impacted due to the eventual cancellation of IPL/sports matches and have to experiment with content, resort to daily rewards and other give-aways to retain users. As anxiety, stress, boredom and desire for stimulation all trigger, it will result in an increase in wagering/lottery style real money games. Cost of user acquisition will go down as ad inventory frees but conversely ad-based business models will be impacted as brands pull back. Games streaming and influencers will see a surge in popularity. In a milestone event, two home-grown streamers, CarryMinati and Mortal attracted 200,000 concurrent users on a live stream last week. &nbsp;

On the flip side, global supply chain disruptions will impact console sales/peripherals given that China is a major supplier. Expect wider disruption in manufacturing and sales of smartphones particularly as factory units shut down. Delays in the release of next-generation consoles will adversely impact console studios in the mid-term. AAA updates and new game releases will be pushed back. Live operations for mobile games due to remote working could be a challenge if the current period of lock-down extends further. Cancellation of GDC/E3 events will hurt small indies hoping for product launches. &nbsp;

While an extended period of social distancing could result in lost productivity games companies are far better prepared than other entertainment industries (TV studios/content producers etc) on building products with remote teams. Glu Mobile recently launched Disney Sorcerers Arena in the midst of remote working without disruption. &nbsp;

There is no doubt that Covid-19 will have far-reaching consequences. However, as we seek to soothe frayed nerves, a little escapism, frivolity and seeking alternate realities where you have some control won’t be a bad thing. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

We are living through unprecedented times. The world as we know has been profoundly altered. Some sectors have been hit hard (hospitality, retail, aviation etc) and some have been indirect beneficiaries (remote working tools, digital media, mobile gaming).

We are living through unprecedented times. The world as we know has been profoundly altered. Some sectors have been hit hard (hospitality, retail, aviation etc) and some have been indirect beneficiaries (remote working tools, digital media, mobile gaming). As we go through this turbulence, I do a deep dive to see the impact on the gaming industry. Global Gaming is a $149 billion industry, with mobile gaming accounting for 46 per cent of revenues i.e. $68 billion (growing at nearly 9 per cent), expected to achieve $180 billion by 2021. 2.2 billion gamers across the world mean that the business of fun is serious business. Typically, gaming as a sector is more resilient than other tech sectors in down cycles. In 2008, a Nielsen study revealed that players devoted 1-2 hours of additional gameplay, corresponding with a secular rise in average minutes/month played in 2008 continuing through Q1 2009. When console sales declined, gamers migrated to mobile, web-based or second-hand games. Real annual economic growth among game makers topped 10 per cent between 2005-2009 even as economies contracted. In times of stress and forced solitude, the immersive and social nature of games can bring people together like no other medium can. Last week, Verizon reported that videogame usage in the US was up 75 per cent in comparison to video streaming which increased by 12 per cent (while overall web traffic was up nearly 20 per cent and social media usage remained largely flat). A week back, Steam hit its all-time concurrent user peak of 20 million users. In China, average weekly downloads of apps/games during the first two weeks of February jumped 40 per cent compared with the average for the whole of 2019. Revenues followed a similar trajectory. Daily usage of games increased by 40 per cent to 159 minutes. Report says Honor of Kings achieved a new record of 150M DAUs; other titles like Peacekeeper Elite achieved 100M DAU’s. Certain genres i.e. card games, board games, female-focused content also did particularly well. Given that games deliver a higher value to price proposition there is an increasing desire to get more value out of games often at the cost of costlier forms of entertainment. As discretionary expenditure on vacations/dining out/events etc wanes those freed up consumer dollars divert to gaming. However, as the inevitable unemployment events take place, certain demographics of gamers will cut back on playing and spending. The substitution effect above will tend to offset any direct demand destruction. On the e-sports side, conspicuous lack of sports competitions will drive enthusiasts to virtual sporting events. ESL Pro League reported a 27 per cent year over year increase in online viewership with its Counter-Strike: Global Offensive March 16 event. However, actual e-sports tournaments/ticket sales will take a hit with cancellations. In India, gaming is witnessing a similar boost. Time spent and mobile game downloads both increased by 20-30 per cent, over a time span of a week across the board for companies like Adda52, WinZO, Games 24*7, Gametion and many others. However, fantasy games will be impacted due to the eventual cancellation of IPL/sports matches and have to experiment with content, resort to daily rewards and other give-aways to retain users. As anxiety, stress, boredom and desire for stimulation all trigger, it will result in an increase in wagering/lottery style real money games. Cost of user acquisition will go down as ad inventory frees but conversely ad-based business models will be impacted as brands pull back. Games streaming and influencers will see a surge in popularity. In a milestone event, two home-grown streamers, CarryMinati and Mortal attracted 200,000 concurrent users on a live stream last week. On the flip side, global supply chain disruptions will impact console sales/peripherals given that China is a major supplier. Expect wider disruption in manufacturing and sales of smartphones particularly as factory units shut down. Delays in the release of next-generation consoles will adversely impact console studios in the mid-term. AAA updates and new game releases will be pushed back. Live operations for mobile games due to remote working could be a challenge if the current period of lock-down extends further. Cancellation of GDC/E3 events will hurt small indies hoping for product launches. While an extended period of social distancing could result in lost productivity games companies are far better prepared than other entertainment industries (TV studios/content producers etc) on building products with remote teams. Glu Mobile recently launched Disney Sorcerers Arena in the midst of remote working without disruption. There is no doubt that Covid-19 will have far-reaching consequences. However, as we seek to soothe frayed nerves, a little escapism, frivolity and seeking alternate realities where you have some control won’t be a bad thing. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How coronavirus outbreak is impacting the gaming industry

The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity.

Around one-third of the world population is estimated to be under lockdown as humanity comes to terms with the pandemic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/refugees-could-become-the-worst-victims-of-coronavirus-pandemic-288393">Covid-19 </a>after initial denial.

With over seven&nbsp;lakh cases globally, people are restricted to their homes. The streets bear a deserted look, and the world has come to a standstill. Yet the world is in flux.

The crises of seclusion, isolation and social distancing is not only changing our perception for life, but has also forced us to ponder over the existing way of life itself.&nbsp;

Mystery Surrounding the Deadly Virus

Besides the worldwide criticism of WHO in the handling of the Covid-19 crises, the virus itself has been referred to as the ‘Chinese Virus’ and it is widely believed that this virus originated in Wuhan, China.&nbsp;

In addition to this, there are also inputs on how this virus was predicted by a writer in her book written in the early 1980s. Daily, we keep on hearing new theories and information rendering the situation ambiguous. 
&nbsp; 
Global Politics

With many world leaders and personalities testing positive, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-outbreak-lockdown-and-beyond-a-looming-crisis-288430">the Coronavirus</a>, being christened as the ‘Chinese virus’ by world leaders like Donald Trump, is shaking up the global politics. It is set to change and possibly weaken the role of China in the modern world. 
 
The US response has enraged many and China has gone on a propaganda offensive. One set of information says, in the year 2019, there were about 40 lakh Chinese tourists in Italy and these are said to have played a role in the propagation of the virus on such a large scale. There seems to have set in, a certain incredibility being attributed to China’s role in the genesis and spread of this virus, thus throwing up questions on China’s aspirations to be known as a world leader. Though we do not have much information on the source and genesis of this virus, what is very evident at this point of time, is that the whole world is in the grip of fear psychosis, and it is hell-bent on stopping this virus in its path of destruction and fury.&nbsp;

The Other Side

What is unique about this predicament, is that never before in modern history, have governmental and non-governmental organisations and individuals across the world, prioritised an issue and pledged their complete support to each other to see its resolution. The world before COVID-19 was immensely competitive, with countries competing with each other to establish their supremacy in world history and politics. From being the first to set up an asylum for humans on Mars, to spreading their ideology across the world, the priorities were always cantered on competition as opposed to the stress on cooperation in this post-COVID-19 world. The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity.

Obsolete Vs Relevant 
 
Another post-COVID 19 scenario that we are witnessing, is the increasing obsolescence and growing irrelevance of global organisations like the UN, which was established solely to eradicate poverty and war from the world.&nbsp;

Other than giving out statements on the progress of the virus across the world and updating the casualties and results, not much has been under the control of the UN or the WHO, in terms of battling and mitigating this pandemic. It seems WHO took too long to act and gave China a long pass. Both organisations need recasting. In fact, much more has been done by individual governments and the civil society, notably by the Indian government which has been taking strong positive and assertive steps to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and keep it in check. In fact, the WHO, lauding India’s past missives against small-pox and polio, has stressed upon the country’s fight against the virus as the crucial part of the battle.

Can India Show the Way?

For ages together, India has been propagating the idea of 'One-world family' or 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', and which was not really comprehended in its truest sense, by the western world. This pandemic has not only taught the essence of 'one-world family' to the entire world but also demonstrated its practical implementation for all to appreciate. All man-made divisions have been thrown out of the window by an unseen and unknown virus, reasserting the superiority of Nature, and its ability to blow all our plans to smithereens.&nbsp;

Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first leaders to establish a fund for the battle against the COVID-19, in coordination with its neighbouring countries. While other countries were busy battling the virus in their individual capacities, the head of the world’s largest democracy was reaching out to other nations to help them in this war against the pandemic. This has assertively pushed India into the league of a global leader, despite its conspicuous absence from the UN Security Council, not just politically but also culturally, as is evident from the endorsement of the Indian way of greeting, the Namaste, as being the safest way to greet in the present scenario.

The Indian Way of Life!

The way Italy’s health care system is groaning under Covid-19, it is a warning to the world. The west today values ancient Indian wisdom and its ayurvedic home remedies for an enhanced immune system,

Studies have shown that people with a stronger immune system have a higher chance of being cured of this virus. This explains the estimated whopping 300 per cent increase in the export of turmeric to Europeans who are looking for Indian spices to increase their immunity. Giloy, an ayurvedic herb, known to cure fever and flu in a matter of days, works wonders in the prevention of the Coronavirus. It is widely consumed in India for the treatment of viral cold and cough, and fever, and is known as the root of immortality, since it enhances the immune system like no other medication, in addition to its utility in the treatment of diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders.

Copper and Brass have been an inseparable part of the Indian civilisation, and were, perhaps, the only materials to be used as utensils in India. The practice of drinking water from brass is inherent to all Indians, that we have forgotten the same, is another matter.

Meanwhile, it is believed that virus strains degenerate when brought in contact with copper surfaces and cannot survive on it, unlike other surfaces where it can survive for days together. Bill Keevil, Professor of Environmental healthcare at the University of Southampton, says that viruses land on copper and it just degrades them.&nbsp;

And finally, the practice of Namaste, being incorporated as the norm in the Coronavirus –infested atmosphere, shows the relevance of the practice of avoiding physical contact, which, according to Indian tradition implies the accumulation of memories by physical contact, something which was to be avoided at all costs.&nbsp;

The Final War&nbsp;

This current pandemic should cause us to revisit our civilizational values and rethink our plan of development. Information technology and mass urbanisation must be guided by higher consciousness to nature and the earth, because, without the right foundation, no civilisation can endure.

Given its contribution to the war against the COVID-19, India is bound to be catapulted to the role of a global leader, also on account of its dauntless war against the pandemic, devoid of fear psychosis, and armed with fearless and practical solutions of lockdown and precautionary measures implemented by the government and executed to perfection by its dedicated medical, surveillance and security personnel, and the citizenry, as opposed to the ground realities in places like China or Italy or even the US, where the virus has wreaked havoc beyond one’s imagination.&nbsp;

The world, in the wake of this disease, is turning to spirituality, which by my definition, means questioning one’s origin, one’s relation with Nature and fellow human beings, one’s longevity and one’s legacy for the future generation. All of a sudden, we have been introspecting into the kind of world we are going to bequeath to our children, questioning the way of life we have been leading.

Another example of this is the inadvertent focus on family life and family bonding as advocated in the Indian culture, during the long durations of forced isolation during the lockdown. Though the Western world had,&nbsp; 
all along, smirked at the emotional family orientation of the Indians, and were proud of their capitalist culture of independence, this lockdown has unveiled to them the joy of family bonding and its importance in the larger scheme of things. They are realising that the frantic race for economic sustenance had never been capable of giving them the psychological security and reassurance that the family, in these difficult times, has brought to them.&nbsp;

This Pandemic has further highlighted the fact that the excessively exalted notion of independence of individuals has fallen apart in favour of stress on interdependence, without which people cannot survive in this Post- COVID 19 world. In countries with a high per capita income and independence also, people have realised that one’s survival is dependent on others. Money may not save your life but someone’s help may.&nbsp;

Also, even if one person chooses to throw caution to the wind, hundreds of others are affected. Hence, this virus has made us realise that no man is an island and that the world is an archipelago.&nbsp;

Crumbling Fault-lines

This brings me to the next observation that the faultlines of religion, region, language, race, nationality, ideology and culture, which had barricaded the world into small units, have finally begun to give away, with the greater identity of humanism overshadowing all other identities. This bringing together of the world on the basis of a common human identity and experience by this virus, in a way that even the UN was not able to do in all these years, augurs well for the coming future. This experience has fostered a culture of sharing and caring beyond an established identity, novel to the western world, enabling us to think uniformly of mitigating poverty, starvation, sickness and war.&nbsp;

The Last Lesson

Richard Louv, in his 1995 book, ‘The last child in the woods,’ strives to tell us how exposure to Nature is essential to childhood development, and the emotional and physical health of children and adults and how we have gone so far away from nature in our thought and habit, that we have started to consume anything and everything, disregarding the thought of when, and what to eat. He talks of Nature- deficit disorder which is the cause of this degradation in our culture and behaviour where we have not spared even a creature from our gluttony. This is where India has a role to play. Maria Wirth talks of how India may need to send a yogi like Bodhidharma to China and teach them what to eat and what not to eat. There have also been talks of how no deadly viruses have emanated from Indian vegetarian foods. &nbsp; 
 
While Indian civilisation has been mocked for the longest time, for the world to now acknowledge it as the most scientific, and beneficial one, is a validation of the age-old practices of this dharmic land. The Indian civilisation has been one, which has its fundamentals deeply rooted in science, medicine and something that modern civilisations lacked- common sense, all along misconstrued as superstition. The world&nbsp;is actively switching to a healthier, and the more sensitive, Indian way of life, absorbing everything from turmeric latte to Sanskrit to yoga. To summarise, India seems to be the last child in the woods, we need to protect and promote it. For a better world, for a better future. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity.

The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity. Around one-third of the world population is estimated to be under lockdown as humanity comes to terms with the pandemic Covid-19 after initial denial. With over seven lakh cases globally, people are restricted to their homes. The streets bear a deserted look, and the world has come to a standstill. Yet the world is in flux. The crises of seclusion, isolation and social distancing is not only changing our perception for life, but has also forced us to ponder over the existing way of life itself. Mystery Surrounding the Deadly Virus Besides the worldwide criticism of WHO in the handling of the Covid-19 crises, the virus itself has been referred to as the ‘Chinese Virus’ and it is widely believed that this virus originated in Wuhan, China. In addition to this, there are also inputs on how this virus was predicted by a writer in her book written in the early 1980s. Daily, we keep on hearing new theories and information rendering the situation ambiguous. Global Politics With many world leaders and personalities testing positive, the Coronavirus, being christened as the ‘Chinese virus’ by world leaders like Donald Trump, is shaking up the global politics. It is set to change and possibly weaken the role of China in the modern world. The US response has enraged many and China has gone on a propaganda offensive. One set of information says, in the year 2019, there were about 40 lakh Chinese tourists in Italy and these are said to have played a role in the propagation of the virus on such a large scale. There seems to have set in, a certain incredibility being attributed to China’s role in the genesis and spread of this virus, thus throwing up questions on China’s aspirations to be known as a world leader. Though we do not have much information on the source and genesis of this virus, what is very evident at this point of time, is that the whole world is in the grip of fear psychosis, and it is hell-bent on stopping this virus in its path of destruction and fury. The Other Side What is unique about this predicament, is that never before in modern history, have governmental and non-governmental organisations and individuals across the world, prioritised an issue and pledged their complete support to each other to see its resolution. The world before COVID-19 was immensely competitive, with countries competing with each other to establish their supremacy in world history and politics. From being the first to set up an asylum for humans on Mars, to spreading their ideology across the world, the priorities were always cantered on competition as opposed to the stress on cooperation in this post-COVID-19 world. The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity. Obsolete Vs Relevant Another post-COVID 19 scenario that we are witnessing, is the increasing obsolescence and growing irrelevance of global organisations like the UN, which was established solely to eradicate poverty and war from the world. Other than giving out statements on the progress of the virus across the world and updating the casualties and results, not much has been under the control of the UN or the WHO, in terms of battling and mitigating this pandemic. It seems WHO took too long to act and gave China a long pass. Both organisations need recasting. In fact, much more has been done by individual governments and the civil society, notably by the Indian government which has been taking strong positive and assertive steps to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and keep it in check. In fact, the WHO, lauding India’s past missives against small-pox and polio, has stressed upon the country’s fight against the virus as the crucial part of the battle. Can India Show the Way? For ages together, India has been propagating the idea of 'One-world family' or 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', and which was not really comprehended in its truest sense, by the western world. This pandemic has not only taught the essence of 'one-world family' to the entire world but also demonstrated its practical implementation for all to appreciate. All man-made divisions have been thrown out of the window by an unseen and unknown virus, reasserting the superiority of Nature, and its ability to blow all our plans to smithereens. Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first leaders to establish a fund for the battle against the COVID-19, in coordination with its neighbouring countries. While other countries were busy battling the virus in their individual capacities, the head of the world’s largest democracy was reaching out to other nations to help them in this war against the pandemic. This has assertively pushed India into the league of a global leader, despite its conspicuous absence from the UN Security Council, not just politically but also culturally, as is evident from the endorsement of the Indian way of greeting, the Namaste, as being the safest way to greet in the present scenario. The Indian Way of Life! The way Italy’s health care system is groaning under Covid-19, it is a warning to the world. The west today values ancient Indian wisdom and its ayurvedic home remedies for an enhanced immune system, Studies have shown that people with a stronger immune system have a higher chance of being cured of this virus. This explains the estimated whopping 300 per cent increase in the export of turmeric to Europeans who are looking for Indian spices to increase their immunity. Giloy, an ayurvedic herb, known to cure fever and flu in a matter of days, works wonders in the prevention of the Coronavirus. It is widely consumed in India for the treatment of viral cold and cough, and fever, and is known as the root of immortality, since it enhances the immune system like no other medication, in addition to its utility in the treatment of diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders. Copper and Brass have been an inseparable part of the Indian civilisation, and were, perhaps, the only materials to be used as utensils in India. The practice of drinking water from brass is inherent to all Indians, that we have forgotten the same, is another matter. Meanwhile, it is believed that virus strains degenerate when brought in contact with copper surfaces and cannot survive on it, unlike other surfaces where it can survive for days together. Bill Keevil, Professor of Environmental healthcare at the University of Southampton, says that viruses land on copper and it just degrades them. And finally, the practice of Namaste, being incorporated as the norm in the Coronavirus –infested atmosphere, shows the relevance of the practice of avoiding physical contact, which, according to Indian tradition implies the accumulation of memories by physical contact, something which was to be avoided at all costs. The Final War This current pandemic should cause us to revisit our civilizational values and rethink our plan of development. Information technology and mass urbanisation must be guided by higher consciousness to nature and the earth, because, without the right foundation, no civilisation can endure. Given its contribution to the war against the COVID-19, India is bound to be catapulted to the role of a global leader, also on account of its dauntless war against the pandemic, devoid of fear psychosis, and armed with fearless and practical solutions of lockdown and precautionary measures implemented by the government and executed to perfection by its dedicated medical, surveillance and security personnel, and the citizenry, as opposed to the ground realities in places like China or Italy or even the US, where the virus has wreaked havoc beyond one’s imagination. The world, in the wake of this disease, is turning to spirituality, which by my definition, means questioning one’s origin, one’s relation with Nature and fellow human beings, one’s longevity and one’s legacy for the future generation. All of a sudden, we have been introspecting into the kind of world we are going to bequeath to our children, questioning the way of life we have been leading. Another example of this is the inadvertent focus on family life and family bonding as advocated in the Indian culture, during the long durations of forced isolation during the lockdown. Though the Western world had, all along, smirked at the emotional family orientation of the Indians, and were proud of their capitalist culture of independence, this lockdown has unveiled to them the joy of family bonding and its importance in the larger scheme of things. They are realising that the frantic race for economic sustenance had never been capable of giving them the psychological security and reassurance that the family, in these difficult times, has brought to them. This Pandemic has further highlighted the fact that the excessively exalted notion of independence of individuals has fallen apart in favour of stress on interdependence, without which people cannot survive in this Post- COVID 19 world. In countries with a high per capita income and independence also, people have realised that one’s survival is dependent on others. Money may not save your life but someone’s help may. Also, even if one person chooses to throw caution to the wind, hundreds of others are affected. Hence, this virus has made us realise that no man is an island and that the world is an archipelago. Crumbling Fault-lines This brings me to the next observation that the faultlines of religion, region, language, race, nationality, ideology and culture, which had barricaded the world into small units, have finally begun to give away, with the greater identity of humanism overshadowing all other identities. This bringing together of the world on the basis of a common human identity and experience by this virus, in a way that even the UN was not able to do in all these years, augurs well for the coming future. This experience has fostered a culture of sharing and caring beyond an established identity, novel to the western world, enabling us to think uniformly of mitigating poverty, starvation, sickness and war. The Last Lesson Richard Louv, in his 1995 book, ‘The last child in the woods,’ strives to tell us how exposure to Nature is essential to childhood development, and the emotional and physical health of children and adults and how we have gone so far away from nature in our thought and habit, that we have started to consume anything and everything, disregarding the thought of when, and what to eat. He talks of Nature- deficit disorder which is the cause of this degradation in our culture and behaviour where we have not spared even a creature from our gluttony. This is where India has a role to play. Maria Wirth talks of how India may need to send a yogi like Bodhidharma to China and teach them what to eat and what not to eat. There have also been talks of how no deadly viruses have emanated from Indian vegetarian foods. While Indian civilisation has been mocked for the longest time, for the world to now acknowledge it as the most scientific, and beneficial one, is a validation of the age-old practices of this dharmic land. The Indian civilisation has been one, which has its fundamentals deeply rooted in science, medicine and something that modern civilisations lacked- common sense, all along misconstrued as superstition. The world is actively switching to a healthier, and the more sensitive, Indian way of life, absorbing everything from turmeric latte to Sanskrit to yoga. To summarise, India seems to be the last child in the woods, we need to protect and promote it. For a better world, for a better future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India has played a vital role in the fight against coronavirus

Over 1,000 persons have now died from the novel Coronavirus in the United Kingdom, where 260 new deaths were recorded in a single day

Coronavirus Outbreak: 260 new deaths in last 24 hours in UK

As coronavirus pandemic grips the world, a Mexico governor argued that the poor people are immune to coronavirus.

Are poor people really immune to COVID-19?

In just 3 months, more than 6 lakh people have now been tested positive for coronavirus disease with over 31,000 fatalities worldwide, few countries have now have managed to contain the virus and reduced deaths caused by it. Now we may have found patient zero, that is one of the earliest of all people who have tested positive for the disease.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Timeline of patient zero's diagnosis

In just 3 months, more than 6 lakh people have now been tested positive for coronavirus disease with over 31,000 fatalities worldwide, few countries have now have managed to contain the virus and reduced deaths caused by it.

Coronavirus Outbreak: More than 6 lakh tested positive for coronavirus

Several countries are under a lockdown, more than three billion people across the world have now confined to their home. In these time of social distancing, these astronauts tell how they deal with self-isolation while in space.

Astronauts on how to cope with self-isolation | Coronavirus Outbreak

A senior health official on Saturday (March 28) said, the United Kingdom will do well if it manages to keep the coronavirus death toll below 20,000. This is after the deadliest day so far of the outbreak, when UK saw the number of fatalities rise to more than 1,000.

UK health official: UK will do well if it manages to keep death toll below 20,000

As of Friday (March 27) the coronavirus had infected more than 100,000 people in the United States, now the US is leading the world leader in cases of COVID-19.

US leads the world in COVID-19 confirmed cases

Coronavirus Outbreak: Health Workers at risk in Spain, Italy and UK | WION News | World News The coronavirus death toll has surpassed 8,000 in Italy, erasing some of the hope seen earlier this week when the number of reported deaths seemed to have slowed down.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Health Workers at risk in Spain, Italy and UK

Spain returns faulty test kits to China | Spain Coronavirus News | World news As Spain’s death toll hit 4,089, the Chinese embassy in Madrid said on Thursday (26 March) that the Spanish government had bought a batch of faulty COVID-19 testing kits from an unauthorised Chinese company.

Spain returns faulty test kits to China | Spain Coronavirus News

In the United States, Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc. The fatalities doubles in just 3 days. Trump said that quarantine will be be necessary. He issues travel curbs on New York instead. The United States of America is still underprepared for COVID-19. Most cities of U.S. still lacks masks & ventilators.

What made New York vulnerable to COVID-19

During the G20 summit, none of the leaders raised how China's lapses lead to a pandemic. Instead, Beijing was given a platform to push its exports. On WION Edit, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how world's most powerful leaders failed to hold China accountable.

WION Edit: How the G20 failed to hold China accountable

At a time when experts are insisting on social distancing, some countries are resisting a ban on religions gatherings. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why its time to put reason over religion.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak: Time to put reason above religion

After India, the United Kingdom came together to pay tribute to men and women at the frontline of the Coronavirus battle. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the world is drawing inspiration from India in fighting the Coronavirus.

Gravitas: How the world is drawing inspiration from India

An online petition seeking the resignation of W.H.O boss Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has emerged. The W.H.O. is facing criticism over its role during the coronavirus crisis. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: Demand grows for W.H.O Boss' resignation

There are now half a million cases of the Coronavirus around the world. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the 10 big headlines from across the world.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: The big global developments for March 27

The Spanish government had to withdraw 9,000 Coronavirus testing kits it had got from China. The kits turned out to be faulty, as they gave an accurate result only 30% of the time. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Chinese firms are selling substandard testing kits

The Wuhan Coronavirus has spread to 175 countries and regions. The disease has taken more than 22,000 lives now. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you an update.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus spreads to 175 countries

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