The Karnataka government on Thursday pitched for down scaling air travel from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying a large number of people arriving from these states have tested positive for COVID-19 and it would be difficult to manage quarantine if more arrived.

"The government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to reduce the number of flights from these states in view of high prevalence of coronavirus cases there", Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/blog-flying-in-the-new-normal-days-301114">Also read|&nbsp;Blog: Flying in the new normal days</a>

Earlier, speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the minister said the government has decided to "suspend" air traffic from these states. "People are coming from other states to Karnataka. We have decided to suspend air traffic from five states, as cases here (Karnataka) may further increase," he said.

In the statement released later, he clarified that the government has not sought a ban on flights emanating from these five states. "Karnataka has appealed to the Civil Aviation Ministry to take steps to lessen the air traffic to the state, with the sacred intention that there may not be adequate quarantine facilities, if there is huge turn out at a short span of time, he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-may-get-extended-for-15-days-goa-cm-after-meeting-amit-shah-301733">Also read|&nbsp;Lockdown may get extended for 15 days: Goa CM after meeting Amit Shah</a>

Domestic air travel resumed in the country only on Monday after nearly two months of COVID-19 induced lockdown with Karnataka stipulating seven days institutional quarantine for passengers coming from seven states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which have high prevalence of cases. During the media interaction, Madhuswamy also said the existing restrictions on entry of people by road from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat into Karnataka would continue until further orders.

"...because large number of people who have come from these states have tested positive and it will be difficult to manage quarantine if more people come. Until some people who are currently in quarantine go home after their quarantine period ends, we have decided to stop (arrivals) by imposing restriction," the Minister added. Karnataka had on May 18 barred entry of people from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which have COVID-19 cases in five figures.

The government is likely to decide on allowing trains from these states once the services resume on June 1. However, responding to a question, Madhuswamy said there will be restriction on entry of people by road, air and train from Maharashtra for some time as the recent spike in positive cases in Karnataka was due to returnees from the Western state.

Pointing out that the load of cases has increased, particularity among those coming from Maharashtra, he said asymptomatic cases have gone up and it has become inevitable to test all those in quarantine. He said those already in quarantine were also unhappy over passengers arriving fresh being accommodated along with them.

"So the plan is that after the current set of people are relieved, we will allow the next set of people from these states, until then we will have restrictions," he said.

The Karnataka government on Thursday pitched for down scaling air travel from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying a large number of people arriving from these states have tested positive for COVID-19 and it would be difficult to manage quarantine if more arrived.

The Karnataka government on Thursday pitched for down scaling air travel from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying a large number of people arriving from these states have tested positive for COVID-19 and it would be difficult to manage quarantine if more arrived. "The government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to reduce the number of flights from these states in view of high prevalence of coronavirus cases there", Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy said in a statement. Also read| Blog: Flying in the new normal days Earlier, speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the minister said the government has decided to "suspend" air traffic from these states. "People are coming from other states to Karnataka. We have decided to suspend air traffic from five states, as cases here (Karnataka) may further increase," he said. In the statement released later, he clarified that the government has not sought a ban on flights emanating from these five states. "Karnataka has appealed to the Civil Aviation Ministry to take steps to lessen the air traffic to the state, with the sacred intention that there may not be adequate quarantine facilities, if there is huge turn out at a short span of time, he said. Also read| Lockdown may get extended for 15 days: Goa CM after meeting Amit Shah Domestic air travel resumed in the country only on Monday after nearly two months of COVID-19 induced lockdown with Karnataka stipulating seven days institutional quarantine for passengers coming from seven states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which have high prevalence of cases. During the media interaction, Madhuswamy also said the existing restrictions on entry of people by road from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat into Karnataka would continue until further orders. "...because large number of people who have come from these states have tested positive and it will be difficult to manage quarantine if more people come. Until some people who are currently in quarantine go home after their quarantine period ends, we have decided to stop (arrivals) by imposing restriction," the Minister added. Karnataka had on May 18 barred entry of people from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which have COVID-19 cases in five figures. The government is likely to decide on allowing trains from these states once the services resume on June 1. However, responding to a question, Madhuswamy said there will be restriction on entry of people by road, air and train from Maharashtra for some time as the recent spike in positive cases in Karnataka was due to returnees from the Western state. Pointing out that the load of cases has increased, particularity among those coming from Maharashtra, he said asymptomatic cases have gone up and it has become inevitable to test all those in quarantine. He said those already in quarantine were also unhappy over passengers arriving fresh being accommodated along with them. "So the plan is that after the current set of people are relieved, we will allow the next set of people from these states, until then we will have restrictions," he said.

Karnataka urges government to reduce flights from 5 states with high COVID-19 cases

The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier assured that the government will be generating employment for the migrant labourers who have traveled back to the state amid the lockdown.

Following the same, on Friday, the UP government signed initial agreements with several industry bodies to help in providing 11 lakh jobs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-government-to-generate-90-lakh-new-jobs-in-msme-units-297806">Also read:&nbsp;UP government to generate 90 lakh new jobs in MSME units</a>

The jobs are being generated mainly for the migrant workers who have lost their jobs in other states due to the nationwide lockdown initiated by the Indian government.

The Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Indian Industries Association (IIA) accounted for three lakh jobs each, while NARDECO and Laghu Udyog Bharati accounted for 2.5 lakh jobs each, UP MSME minister Sidharth Nath Singh said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-chief-minister-yogi-adityanath-gives-up-on-permission-issue-for-migrants-301248">Also read:&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath gives up on permission issue for migrants</a>

Foscusing on how UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had taken care of the people of his state, he said, "To those who had raised questions as to how the state government will carry out the gigantic task of providing 11 lakh jobs to skilled and semi-skilled labourers, the MSME department has given the answer."

The MoUs were signed in the presence of Yogi Adityanath.

Singh said his department has set up a control room for migrant labourers and has so far ensured payment of Rs 1,700 crore dues to workers in 75,000 units.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier assured that the government will be generating employment for the migrant labourers who have traveled back to the state amid the lockdown.

The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier assured that the government will be generating employment for the migrant labourers who have traveled back to the state amid the lockdown. Following the same, on Friday, the UP government signed initial agreements with several industry bodies to help in providing 11 lakh jobs. Also read: UP government to generate 90 lakh new jobs in MSME units The jobs are being generated mainly for the migrant workers who have lost their jobs in other states due to the nationwide lockdown initiated by the Indian government. The Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Indian Industries Association (IIA) accounted for three lakh jobs each, while NARDECO and Laghu Udyog Bharati accounted for 2.5 lakh jobs each, UP MSME minister Sidharth Nath Singh said. Also read: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath gives up on permission issue for migrants Foscusing on how UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had taken care of the people of his state, he said, "To those who had raised questions as to how the state government will carry out the gigantic task of providing 11 lakh jobs to skilled and semi-skilled labourers, the MSME department has given the answer." The MoUs were signed in the presence of Yogi Adityanath. Singh said his department has set up a control room for migrant labourers and has so far ensured payment of Rs 1,700 crore dues to workers in 75,000 units. (With inputs from PTI)

Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath signs MoU to generate 11 lakh jobs

Four days before lockdown 4.0 ends,&nbsp;Union Home Minister Amit Shah organized a meeting with all the Chief Ministers to discuss and strategize about fighting the pandemic and extending the lockdown.

After the meeting, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the lockdown might be extended for 15 more days, but with few relaxations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-stands-9th-on-covid-19-worst-hit-nations-list-surpassing-china-301706">Also read:&nbsp;India stands 9th on Covid-19 worst-hit nations' list, surpassing China</a>

Addressing the media, he said,&nbsp;"I spoke to HM Shah on phone and I feel lockdown may be extended for 15 more days. However, we demand that there should be some relaxations - restaurants should be allowed with social distancing at 50 per cent capacity. Many people also want gyms to resume."

He also added that he is in favour of an extension of the lockdown, as he feels it is needed to flatten the rising curve.

Other officials present in the meeting, too, expressed possibilities of extension of the lockdown.

As per the official figures, India's death toll has taken over China.&nbsp;Total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 1,65,799 including 89,987 active cases and 71,105 cured/discharged/migrated.

Four days before lockdown 4.0 ends, Union Home Minister Amit Shah organized a meeting with all the Chief Ministers to discuss and strategize about fighting the pandemic and extending the lockdown.

Four days before lockdown 4.0 ends, Union Home Minister Amit Shah organized a meeting with all the Chief Ministers to discuss and strategize about fighting the pandemic and extending the lockdown. After the meeting, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the lockdown might be extended for 15 more days, but with few relaxations. Also read: India stands 9th on Covid-19 worst-hit nations' list, surpassing China Addressing the media, he said, "I spoke to HM Shah on phone and I feel lockdown may be extended for 15 more days. However, we demand that there should be some relaxations - restaurants should be allowed with social distancing at 50 per cent capacity. Many people also want gyms to resume." He also added that he is in favour of an extension of the lockdown, as he feels it is needed to flatten the rising curve. Other officials present in the meeting, too, expressed possibilities of extension of the lockdown. As per the official figures, India's death toll has taken over China. Total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 1,65,799 including 89,987 active cases and 71,105 cured/discharged/migrated.

Lockdown may get extended for 15 days: Goa CM after meeting Amit Shah

Some students, who were to appear for class 10 and 12 CBSE board examinations, had traveled back to their hometown as inter-state travel resumed in India amid the lockdown.&nbsp;

After the travel resumed, CBSE announced that the left exams for classes 10th and 12th will take place from June. While students welcomed the move, as they think this will finally help them resume their educational plans, some students were worried that &nbsp;they might have to travel back to their school states.

However, HRD minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, on Thursday morning announced that CBSE will be making an announcement soon to help students.

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📢Attention! 
Students who are currently not in the same district as their board examination centre, we have a major announcement coming their way this evening. 
Stay tuned! <a href="https://t.co/QtuDNsRiK0">pic.twitter.com/QtuDNsRiK0</a>
— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1265521014945054723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-rising-covid-19-cases-domestic-flight-services-resume-after-two-months-300820">Also read: Amid rising COVID-19 cases, domestic flight services resume after two months</a>

Later in the evening, through Twitter, he announced that all students who are not in the same district as their school will be allowed to appear for the exam in a school in their hometown.&nbsp;However, students, themselves, have to reach out to the officials and inform them about this needed switch.

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📢Students, who are currently not in the same district as their board examination centers due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lockdown</a>! 
 
I have advised <a href="https://twitter.com/cbseindia29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cbseindia29</a> to shift your examination center to your current district. Kindly get in touch with your respective schools for further information.
— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1265628712663425024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a> संकट के कारण हजारों बच्चे अपने गृह प्रदेश में चले गए थे, ऐसी स्थिति में सीबीएसई की बोर्ड परीक्षाओं में शामिल हो रहे विद्यार्थियों की समस्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBSE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBSE</a> ने यह फैसला लिया है कि ऐसे विद्यार्थी अपनी बोर्ड परीक्षा अपने गृह जिले में ही दे सकते हैं।<a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://t.co/3UFkbISIPm">pic.twitter.com/3UFkbISIPm</a>
— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1265612302054600704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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HRD minister, with this announcement, hopes that students will be able to take a sigh of relief and focus on their preparations instead now. He also expressed that he understands the mental pressure the students have right now due to the pandemic, and hopes that students will do their best.

As the lockdown was initiated in mid March, few board exams were postponed till further notice. Students, in the meanwhile, had traveled back to their hometown and had expressed concern over this issue to the ministry.

Some students, who were to appear for class 10 and 12 CBSE board examinations, had traveled back to their hometown as inter-state travel resumed in India amid the lockdown.

Some students, who were to appear for class 10 and 12 CBSE board examinations, had traveled back to their hometown as inter-state travel resumed in India amid the lockdown. After the travel resumed, CBSE announced that the left exams for classes 10th and 12th will take place from June. While students welcomed the move, as they think this will finally help them resume their educational plans, some students were worried that they might have to travel back to their school states. However, HRD minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, on Thursday morning announced that CBSE will be making an announcement soon to help students. 📢Attention! Students who are currently not in the same district as their board examination centre, we have a major announcement coming their way this evening. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/QtuDNsRiK0 — Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 27, 2020 × Also read: Amid rising COVID-19 cases, domestic flight services resume after two months Later in the evening, through Twitter, he announced that all students who are not in the same district as their school will be allowed to appear for the exam in a school in their hometown. However, students, themselves, have to reach out to the officials and inform them about this needed switch. 📢Students, who are currently not in the same district as their board examination centers due to #lockdown! I have advised @cbseindia29 to shift your examination center to your current district. Kindly get in touch with your respective schools for further information. — Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 27, 2020 × #Covid_19 संकट के कारण हजारों बच्चे अपने गृह प्रदेश में चले गए थे, ऐसी स्थिति में सीबीएसई की बोर्ड परीक्षाओं में शामिल हो रहे विद्यार्थियों की समस्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए #CBSE ने यह फैसला लिया है कि ऐसे विद्यार्थी अपनी बोर्ड परीक्षा अपने गृह जिले में ही दे सकते हैं।@DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/3UFkbISIPm — Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 27, 2020 × HRD minister, with this announcement, hopes that students will be able to take a sigh of relief and focus on their preparations instead now. He also expressed that he understands the mental pressure the students have right now due to the pandemic, and hopes that students will do their best. As the lockdown was initiated in mid March, few board exams were postponed till further notice. Students, in the meanwhile, had traveled back to their hometown and had expressed concern over this issue to the ministry.

CBSE students can take board exams in their home districts: Ramesh Pokhriyal

Russian barber Vla dislav Demi dovich completed his 48-hour haircutting marathon in the Russian city of Kostroma on Wednesday (May 27).

Russian barber gives over 90 haircuts in 48-hour marathon

Mighty Iguazu Falls at the border of Brazil and Argentina is roaring once again after a severe drought left the natural wonder looking more like a trickle.

Rain returns and mighty Iguazu Falls roar once more

A bittersweet image from Rio de Janeiro's iconic Guana bara Bay. With millions of Cario cas in lockdown, the city's turtles have re-emerged.

With Brazilians in lockdown, turtles come out in Rio's bays

Lockdown bans on live performances have left many British musicians on the breadline, fuelling a campaign for them to get a bigger share of the profits from streaming their songs online. 
 
"I'm getting contacted by lots of young artists who have millions of streams from 200,000 monthly listeners and don`t make the minimum wage," musician Tom Gray from English indie band Gomez told Reuters. 
 
Gray has founded the Broken Record campaign to pressure the industry into doing more for the people who make the music.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/greek-theatre-season-cancelled-for-first-time-in-90-years-301599" hreflang="en">Greek theatre season cancelled for first time in 90 years</a>

While platinum-selling Gomez has racked up millions of plays on Spotify, the market-leading online music platform, this amounts to "a few pennies" of income for Gray. 
 
That is because the money paid by consumers for major online music platforms goes into a central pot that is distributed to artists according to market share.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sunny-leone-spotted-at-los-angeles-descanso-gardens-301595" hreflang="en">Sunny Leone spotted at Los Angeles' Descanso Gardens</a> 
 
So if someone pays 10 pounds ($12) a month and listened only to Gomez, their money would still find its way to the world`s top artists and their record labels. 
 
The streaming companies say they are doing their utmost to help artists during the lockdown. Spotify has pledged to match donations to music charities up to a total of $10 million and Apple Music launched a $50 million fund for independent record labels and distributors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tom-hanks-donates-plasma-to-help-in-the-fight-against-covid-19-shares-images-on-instagram-301575" hreflang="en">Tom Hanks donates plasma to help in the fight against Covid-19, shares images on Instagram</a> 
 
The Help Musicians UK charity has paid 8.5 million pounds to 17,500 musicians who have run out of money for essentials. 
 
But many more musicians are struggling, shut out of state lockdown support programmes because their incomes are irregular. A Musicians Union survey earlier this month found 38% were not eligible for government help. 
 
"I know how hard this is already for so many people and I can see how truly terrifyingly bad it`s going to get," said Gray, whose campaign is backed by Boy George, John Grant, and The Shins.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/from-justin-bieber-to-taylor-swift-celebrities-ask-justice-for-george-floyd-301554" hreflang="en">From Justin Bieber to Taylor Swift: Celebrities ask justice for George Floyd</a> 
 
Hot Chip, a popular electro-tinged indie band, had planned a global tour through 2020. Now, the musicians and their nine-strong crew have lost much of their income, despite millions listening to their music online every month - a fanbase that might have earned Hot Chip a "bed of gold" decades ago.

"We ourselves don`t know where the next chunk of cash is really coming from," said Al Doyle, a member of Hot Chip. 
 
Despite a likely 25% drop in global music revenues this year because of the pandemic, the industry is set to double in value by 2030, a Goldman Sachs research note published this month showed. But many artists have doubts about their future. 
 
"If coronavirus continues like this for the whole of the summer, then really that`s going to feel like my life in music has been decimated," said Theo Bard, a songwriter who was hoping to promote an album set for release this summer. 
 
Doyle from Hot Chip conceded that only consumers might have the power to redress the balance, by buying music directly from their favourite artists' websites or via online platforms such as Bandcamp where the artists control the prices. 
 
"If it's unsuccessful, then I think you'll find lots of mid-level artists, probably kind of on our level, deciding that this is not a feasible way to support ourselves."

Lockdown bans on live performances have left many British musicians on the breadline, fuelling a campaign for them to get a bigger share of the profits from streaming their songs online.

Lockdown bans on live performances have left many British musicians on the breadline, fuelling a campaign for them to get a bigger share of the profits from streaming their songs online. "I'm getting contacted by lots of young artists who have millions of streams from 200,000 monthly listeners and don`t make the minimum wage," musician Tom Gray from English indie band Gomez told Reuters. Gray has founded the Broken Record campaign to pressure the industry into doing more for the people who make the music. Also read: Greek theatre season cancelled for first time in 90 years While platinum-selling Gomez has racked up millions of plays on Spotify, the market-leading online music platform, this amounts to "a few pennies" of income for Gray. That is because the money paid by consumers for major online music platforms goes into a central pot that is distributed to artists according to market share. Also read: Sunny Leone spotted at Los Angeles' Descanso Gardens So if someone pays 10 pounds ($12) a month and listened only to Gomez, their money would still find its way to the world`s top artists and their record labels. The streaming companies say they are doing their utmost to help artists during the lockdown. Spotify has pledged to match donations to music charities up to a total of $10 million and Apple Music launched a $50 million fund for independent record labels and distributors. Also read: Tom Hanks donates plasma to help in the fight against Covid-19, shares images on Instagram The Help Musicians UK charity has paid 8.5 million pounds to 17,500 musicians who have run out of money for essentials. But many more musicians are struggling, shut out of state lockdown support programmes because their incomes are irregular. A Musicians Union survey earlier this month found 38% were not eligible for government help. "I know how hard this is already for so many people and I can see how truly terrifyingly bad it`s going to get," said Gray, whose campaign is backed by Boy George, John Grant, and The Shins. Also read: From Justin Bieber to Taylor Swift: Celebrities ask justice for George Floyd Hot Chip, a popular electro-tinged indie band, had planned a global tour through 2020. Now, the musicians and their nine-strong crew have lost much of their income, despite millions listening to their music online every month - a fanbase that might have earned Hot Chip a "bed of gold" decades ago. "We ourselves don`t know where the next chunk of cash is really coming from," said Al Doyle, a member of Hot Chip. Despite a likely 25% drop in global music revenues this year because of the pandemic, the industry is set to double in value by 2030, a Goldman Sachs research note published this month showed. But many artists have doubts about their future. "If coronavirus continues like this for the whole of the summer, then really that`s going to feel like my life in music has been decimated," said Theo Bard, a songwriter who was hoping to promote an album set for release this summer. Doyle from Hot Chip conceded that only consumers might have the power to redress the balance, by buying music directly from their favourite artists' websites or via online platforms such as Bandcamp where the artists control the prices. "If it's unsuccessful, then I think you'll find lots of mid-level artists, probably kind of on our level, deciding that this is not a feasible way to support ourselves."

Musicians in lockdown rage against industry machine

The outbreak of coronavirus has not only pushed all of us inside our homes but led to a digital revolution of sorts. From meetings to entertainment- everything has gone digital.

The outbreak of coronavirus has not only pushed all of us inside our homes but led to a digital revolution of sorts. From meetings to entertainment- everything has gone digital. Amid lockdown, entertainers have opted to reach out to their fans on the digital space with new songs, live chats and even exclusive digital premieres. Bollywood superstar Madhuri Dixit-Nene, who recently released her debut single ‘Candle’ on Facebook and Instagram, feels digital space has immense potential and its reach is wider. “Content on digital has the power to reach a global audience and its great,” says the actress in an exclusive chat with WION. The actress was one of the early celebrities to tap into the potential of digital space when a few years back she started her dance tutorial videos ‘Dance With Madhuri’ on the digital space. Dixit credits her husband Dr Shriram Nene for being futuristic. “My husband is very good at technology and he believed in the potential of the platform long back. Eventually, all the screens are going to finally merge. How you consume your entertainment will be up to you- whether you go to the theatre or whether you watch it on your TV screen or you watch it while travelling on your phones.” View this post on Instagram Thanks for all the good wishes and birthday love! Wanted to give some love back to you. Sharing an exclusive preview of my first ever single. Will share the song soon. It's called Candle and it's about hope, something we need in large supply right now. A post shared by Madhuri Dixit (@madhuridixitnene) on May 15, 2020 at 2:40am PDT × Owing to the lockdown, several filmmakers are opting for a direct digital release of their films and there is a raging debate going on whether OTT platforms will completely replace theatres in the future. Dixit, who has ruled Bollywood for nearly three decades, feels that the magic of watching a film in theatre will never fade away. “So I think a few things will change but a few things will always be there like the whole experience of watching a film in a theatre and watching it with everyone- laughing and crying with everyone- that has a different feel altogether.” “There will always be films made specifically for the big screen. Digital platforms are great for independent kind of movies, who want to tell stories their own way and in their own rhythm. When you release something on any of these OTT platforms, you reach out to a global audience immediately. And so you can make films the way you want to make them. In the language you want to make them and spread it across the universe,” she adds. View this post on Instagram Happy, excited & a little nervous! Here's my first ever song, out for all of you to enjoy. #Candle out now exclusively on Facebook and Instagram. Hope you love it as much as we enjoyed creating it! A post shared by Madhuri Dixit (@madhuridixitnene) on May 22, 2020 at 11:41pm PDT × Dixit’s debut single ‘Candle’ has been exclusively premiered on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. The actress states that the idea of the song came before the pandemic hit the world. She had recorded the song in Los Angeles. “People used to always ask me, ‘how have you overcome all the troubles in your life and maintained a sense of balance?’ And so I thought I should sing about that - When you're faced with difficulties in life, you feel like nothing is working for you, one has to reach within oneself. You'll have to create that spark or flame, which can burn really bright and emerge stronger. So that was the spirit that I wanted to convey through the song.” Produced by Dixit and Dr Nene along with Narinder Singh (who also composed the song) and penned by Michael Ochs. “We associate a candle with peace, hope. It is a metaphor for positivity. The whole world is going through a sense of despair right now. And we thought maybe this is the when we can release a song and say, you know, that there is hope, please don't give up on hope, positivity, faith. The idea was to make people realise that it's okay. You know, we are going to come out of this stronger together. So, this song was conceptualised before the COVID crisis hit but the video was shot amid lockdown.” The video has Dixit singing with montage shots of health workers who are working round the clock to combat the deadly disease. “We were very clear that we wanted to pay our tribute to the frontline workers who are (in this case) the candles that are burning the brightest right now. They are risking their lives. They're staying away from their children, their family and working to keep us safe and healthy. Then, there daily wage workers who are also suffering a lot due to this pandemic -so these are the candles who are burning the brightest, and we paid an ode to them through this song,” the actress added. Commenting on the incidents of violence against healthcare workers in Indore a month back, the actress said that one needs to understand the plight of healthcare workers and their sacrifice for society. "They have to be respected.” Dixit revealed how her husband helped her in filming her portions in the video, at their Mumbai home. Her family, which includes her two teenage sons, often get into jam sessions. “My husband plays the guitar, my two sons know how to play the tabla and the piano. They’ve been learning from a young age and are interested in music.” View this post on Instagram Huge shout out to all of you, for your generosity! Please let’s continue supporting the war against Covid-19. If you missed the concert, watch it now, link in bio. Click on the video to donate, 100% of proceeds go to the India COVID Response Fund by @give_india #SocialForGood A post shared by Madhuri Dixit (@madhuridixitnene) on May 4, 2020 at 2:42am PDT × “I feel that dance, music, or any form of art is like a best friend forever. It will always be with you. It's a place you can go for solace. It's a stress buster. It's a place you can go for happiness,” the actress said who is known for her dancing skills. Dixit along with her husband turned producers in 2019 and made a Marathi film called 'Bucket List' which had her playing the lead role. There is one more Marathi film in the pipeline, she reveals and states that she is not against the idea of producing a Hindi film in the near future. She is also set to make her digital debut in a web series that’s been produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Production. Before we sign off, we ask- after all these years, having achieved so many accolades for her work and earning superstardom, what keeps her going? “I think the thirst to learn more, do more. It's just that art is like part of my life. And it's something that I love doing.”

Madhuri Dixit to WION: Digital platform reaches out to a global audience but magic of cinema halls will stay

Bangladesh has decided not to extend further the nationwide lockdown after May 30 that was imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus but every citizen needed to strictly abide by the health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15, Junior Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh, where the nation-wide shutdown was enforced on March 26, has till now witnessed 36,715 infections with 522 deaths.

“The general holiday will not be extended after its expiry on May 30, but everyone must strictly abide by health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15,” Hossain told reporters.

He said the elderly, sick people and the pregnant women would, however, refrain from joining their offices while “others will attend office “maintaining 13 specific guidelines”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/bangaldesh-five-coronavirus-patients-die-in-hospital-fire-301543">Also read:&nbsp;Bangaldesh: Five coronavirus patients die in hospital fire</a>

The junior minister said the government also planned to allow “limited reopening” of public transport services like passenger buses, trains and ferries maintaining as well the health guidelines and restrictions.

Asked to explain the “limited” and “restricted” reopening Hossain said it meant the “transport services will operate in a “controlled manner” maintaining health directives while local authorities will take detailed decisions in this regard.

“The private aviation operators will also restore their services under their own management maintaining the health guidelines,” Hossain said.

But the existing ban on public gatherings and unnecessary movement of people from 8 pm to 6 am would remain enforced while violation of the order would be treated as a punishable offence, he said.

The shops would remain open from 8 am to 4 pm strictly enforcing social and physical distancing and maintaining other health guidelines.

Hossain said an official order was expected to be issued on Thursday announcing the government decision.

“We have obtained Prime Minister’s (Sheikh Hasina) approval in this regard,” he said.

Since its enforcement on March 26, coinciding with the Independence Day anniversary, the shutdown was extended in six phases until May 30.

Bangladesh has decided not to extend further the nationwide lockdown after May 30 that was imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus but every citizen needed to strictly abide by the health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15, Junior Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh has decided not to extend further the nationwide lockdown after May 30 that was imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus but every citizen needed to strictly abide by the health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15, Junior Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said on Wednesday. Bangladesh, where the nation-wide shutdown was enforced on March 26, has till now witnessed 36,715 infections with 522 deaths. “The general holiday will not be extended after its expiry on May 30, but everyone must strictly abide by health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15,” Hossain told reporters. He said the elderly, sick people and the pregnant women would, however, refrain from joining their offices while “others will attend office “maintaining 13 specific guidelines”. Also read: Bangaldesh: Five coronavirus patients die in hospital fire The junior minister said the government also planned to allow “limited reopening” of public transport services like passenger buses, trains and ferries maintaining as well the health guidelines and restrictions. Asked to explain the “limited” and “restricted” reopening Hossain said it meant the “transport services will operate in a “controlled manner” maintaining health directives while local authorities will take detailed decisions in this regard. “The private aviation operators will also restore their services under their own management maintaining the health guidelines,” Hossain said. But the existing ban on public gatherings and unnecessary movement of people from 8 pm to 6 am would remain enforced while violation of the order would be treated as a punishable offence, he said. The shops would remain open from 8 am to 4 pm strictly enforcing social and physical distancing and maintaining other health guidelines. Hossain said an official order was expected to be issued on Thursday announcing the government decision. “We have obtained Prime Minister’s (Sheikh Hasina) approval in this regard,” he said. Since its enforcement on March 26, coinciding with the Independence Day anniversary, the shutdown was extended in six phases until May 30.

COVID 19: Bangladesh will not extend lockdown after May 30

A popular face on Indian television, actress Preksha Mehta has reportedly committed suicide at her residence in Indore. She was 25. Preksha was known for starring in shows like 'Crime Patrol', 'Meri Durga' and 'Laal Ishq.' 
 
According to the Hiranagar police station in charge Rajiv Bhadauria, the actor had been suffering from depression for a while. 
 
Bhadauria said Mehta's body was found hanging from a ceiling fan by her family members on Tuesday morning. She left behind a suicide note in which she expressed disappointments regarding her career and relationships. 
 
"During our initial investigation, we believe that she was suffering from depression. We are carrying out a detailed investigation in this case," he said. 
 
Bhadauria said her body has been sent for post-mortem. 
 
Mehta had also posted a cryptic message on her Instagram story on Monday, hours before her death. 
 
"Sabse bura hota hai, sapnon ka mar jaana (The death of the dreams is the worst)," she posted on the account which is not verified. The actress had recently returned to her hometown from Mumbai. 
 
Owing to the nationwide lockdown, uncertainty over film shoots loom large. The livelihood of actors, technicians and others on film set have been affected with most expressing concern on whether they would find work post lockdown. This is the second instance of a TV actor committing suicide in the wake of the countrywide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
Earlier, on May 15, actor Manmeet Grewal, who worked on shows like 'Aadat Se Majboor' and 'Kuldeepak', committed suicide. He was reportedly under financial stress.

A popular face on Indian television, actress Preksha Mehta has reportedly committed suicide at her residence in Indore. She was 25. Preksha was known for starring in shows like 'Crime Patrol', 'Meri Durga' and 'Laal Ishq.

A popular face on Indian television, actress Preksha Mehta has reportedly committed suicide at her residence in Indore. She was 25. Preksha was known for starring in shows like 'Crime Patrol', 'Meri Durga' and 'Laal Ishq.' According to the Hiranagar police station in charge Rajiv Bhadauria, the actor had been suffering from depression for a while. Bhadauria said Mehta's body was found hanging from a ceiling fan by her family members on Tuesday morning. She left behind a suicide note in which she expressed disappointments regarding her career and relationships. "During our initial investigation, we believe that she was suffering from depression. We are carrying out a detailed investigation in this case," he said. Bhadauria said her body has been sent for post-mortem. Mehta had also posted a cryptic message on her Instagram story on Monday, hours before her death. "Sabse bura hota hai, sapnon ka mar jaana (The death of the dreams is the worst)," she posted on the account which is not verified. The actress had recently returned to her hometown from Mumbai. Owing to the nationwide lockdown, uncertainty over film shoots loom large. The livelihood of actors, technicians and others on film set have been affected with most expressing concern on whether they would find work post lockdown. This is the second instance of a TV actor committing suicide in the wake of the countrywide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier, on May 15, actor Manmeet Grewal, who worked on shows like 'Aadat Se Majboor' and 'Kuldeepak', committed suicide. He was reportedly under financial stress.

TV actress Preksha Mehta commits suicide, shares cryptic messages on Instagram hours before her death

A giant plastic bubble with adjoining tubes may look out of place in the garden of an elderly care home in northern France.But this inflatable innovation is helping residents and their loved ones be physically in touch again, while respecting safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plastic "bubble" in French care home helps bring families back together

Saudi Arabia will begin to ease the restrictions on movement and travel after imposing a strict lockdown for more than two months to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-us-records-532-deaths-in-last-24-hours-toll-now-stands-at-98218-301048" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: US records 532 deaths in last 24 hours, toll now stands at 98,218</a>

According to Saudi Arabia's state news agency, restrictions are scheduled to be lifted in three phases resulting at the end of the curfew in the country except for Mecca on June 21. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-brazil-surpasses-the-united-states-in-terms-of-daily-death-toll-301046" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Brazil surpasses the United States in terms of daily death toll</a>

The Hajj and Umrah will remain suspended as it attracts millions of travellers.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is one of the worst-hit countries in the gulf with 74,795 cases of COVID-19 with 399 deaths and more than 2,000 cases are still being reported daily.

The first phase will begin on Thursday where the 24-hour curfew will be reduced to between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m. countrywide.

From Sunday onwards, free movement will be allowed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saudi Press Agency reported.

Domestic flights will resume but the ban on international flights will stay.&nbsp;

Except for Mecca, mosques will resume prayers, subject to social distancing and hygiene measures.

All employees in the public and private sector will be allowed to return to their offices.

But the gathering of more than 50 people will still be banned and the citizens will be urged to wear masks in public and continue hygiene and social distancing measures after June 21.

Mecca will remain in the first phase until June 20 thereafter prayer will only be allowed to resume in mosques from June 21. 
&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia will begin to ease the restrictions on movement and travel after imposing a strict lockdown for more than two months to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia will begin to ease the restrictions on movement and travel after imposing a strict lockdown for more than two months to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus: US records 532 deaths in last 24 hours, toll now stands at 98,218 According to Saudi Arabia's state news agency, restrictions are scheduled to be lifted in three phases resulting at the end of the curfew in the country except for Mecca on June 21. Also read: Coronavirus: Brazil surpasses the United States in terms of daily death toll The Hajj and Umrah will remain suspended as it attracts millions of travellers. Saudi Arabia is one of the worst-hit countries in the gulf with 74,795 cases of COVID-19 with 399 deaths and more than 2,000 cases are still being reported daily. The first phase will begin on Thursday where the 24-hour curfew will be reduced to between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m. countrywide. From Sunday onwards, free movement will be allowed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saudi Press Agency reported. Domestic flights will resume but the ban on international flights will stay. Except for Mecca, mosques will resume prayers, subject to social distancing and hygiene measures. All employees in the public and private sector will be allowed to return to their offices. But the gathering of more than 50 people will still be banned and the citizens will be urged to wear masks in public and continue hygiene and social distancing measures after June 21. Mecca will remain in the first phase until June 20 thereafter prayer will only be allowed to resume in mosques from June 21.

Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia to ease curfew on June 21, except Mecca

Pope Francis on Sunday (May 24) blessed the faithful gathered in St. Peters' Square for the first time from the start of a lockdown.

Faithful return to re-opened St. Peter's Square for papal blessing

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months.&nbsp;A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights.

Bearing a “special category” ticket, the boy met his mother after three months at the Kempegowda International Airport, ANI reported.

Flights resumed operation today after two months owing to the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to wreak havoc across the country.

"My five-year-old son Vihaan has travelled alone from Delhi, he has come back to Bengaluru after three months," his mother told ANI, holding Vihaan, donning protective gear.

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The last flights plied in the end of March, after which the country was put under a strict lockdown to slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, this rendered many unable to go back to their homes, just like the young boy.

Many states were reluctant to reopen airports, especially in light of the record-breaking new cases everyday across the country, especially in the hard hit states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi.

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Karnataka:Passengers leave from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as two flights have landed till now at the airport. A mother who came to receive her son says,"My 5-yr-old son Vihaan Sharma has travelled alone from Delhi,he has come back to Bengaluru after 3 months" <a href="https://t.co/oAOsLCi7v9">pic.twitter.com/oAOsLCi7v9</a>
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The Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the flights restarted operating after a long of “hard negotiations” owing to disagreements from many states that feared a rise in the number of infections.

International flights could start plying as early as June, depending on the global condition of coronavirus.

However, people are required to follow strict protocols that include wearing protective gear to maintaining social distance to prevent cross-transmission of the virus.

"Today morning onwards, processes have been working very well. All processes have been made contactless. We are screening all passengers. All the surfaces are being sanitised every 20-30 minutes",&nbsp;Hari Marar, Managing Director &amp; CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd told ANI.

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months. A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights.

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months. A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights. Bearing a “special category” ticket, the boy met his mother after three months at the Kempegowda International Airport, ANI reported. Flights resumed operation today after two months owing to the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to wreak havoc across the country. "My five-year-old son Vihaan has travelled alone from Delhi, he has come back to Bengaluru after three months," his mother told ANI, holding Vihaan, donning protective gear. The last flights plied in the end of March, after which the country was put under a strict lockdown to slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, this rendered many unable to go back to their homes, just like the young boy. Many states were reluctant to reopen airports, especially in light of the record-breaking new cases everyday across the country, especially in the hard hit states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi. Karnataka:Passengers leave from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as two flights have landed till now at the airport. A mother who came to receive her son says,"My 5-yr-old son Vihaan Sharma has travelled alone from Delhi,he has come back to Bengaluru after 3 months" pic.twitter.com/oAOsLCi7v9 — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2020 × The Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the flights restarted operating after a long of “hard negotiations” owing to disagreements from many states that feared a rise in the number of infections. International flights could start plying as early as June, depending on the global condition of coronavirus. However, people are required to follow strict protocols that include wearing protective gear to maintaining social distance to prevent cross-transmission of the virus. "Today morning onwards, processes have been working very well. All processes have been made contactless. We are screening all passengers. All the surfaces are being sanitised every 20-30 minutes", Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd told ANI.

As flights restart operation, 5 year-old-boy flies alone to meet his mother after three months

The Venice Film Festival will go ahead as scheduled at the beginning of September, Luca Zaia, the governor of the region around the Italian city said on Sunday (May 24) as the spread of the new coronavirus in the country slows.

Venice Film Festival set for September , local governor says

The lagoon city of Venice welcomed back tourists on a sunny Sunday (May 24) after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Italian tourists return to Venice

The government on Sunday issued a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the return of Indians stranded abroad due to the coronavirus lockdown, saying it will be a paid service and preference will be given to those who are in distress, who have lost their jobs or to pregnant women.

A similar SOP was also issued by the government for those who are stranded in India and desire to travel abroad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-guidelines-issued-for-domestic-travel-aarogya-setu-app-compulsory-300740">Also read:&nbsp;New guidelines issued for domestic travel; Aarogya Setu app compulsory</a>

As per the latest SOP, issued by the Union Home Ministry, those who wish to return to India will have to register themselves with the Indian missions in that country, along with necessary details as prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Priority will be given to compelling cases in distress, including migrant workers, labourers who have been laid off, short-term visa-holders facing expiry of visas, persons with medical emergency, pregnant women, elderly, those required to return to India due to death of family member, and students, the SOP said.

The cost of travel, as specified by the carrier, will be borne by such travellers, it said.

All those who will arrive from abroad will have to follow the guidelines for quarantine arrangements issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the SOP said.

The government on Sunday issued a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the return of Indians stranded abroad due to the coronavirus lockdown, saying it will be a paid service and preference will be given to those who are in distress, who have lost their jobs or to pregnant women.

The government on Sunday issued a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the return of Indians stranded abroad due to the coronavirus lockdown, saying it will be a paid service and preference will be given to those who are in distress, who have lost their jobs or to pregnant women. A similar SOP was also issued by the government for those who are stranded in India and desire to travel abroad. Also read: New guidelines issued for domestic travel; Aarogya Setu app compulsory As per the latest SOP, issued by the Union Home Ministry, those who wish to return to India will have to register themselves with the Indian missions in that country, along with necessary details as prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Priority will be given to compelling cases in distress, including migrant workers, labourers who have been laid off, short-term visa-holders facing expiry of visas, persons with medical emergency, pregnant women, elderly, those required to return to India due to death of family member, and students, the SOP said. The cost of travel, as specified by the carrier, will be borne by such travellers, it said. All those who will arrive from abroad will have to follow the guidelines for quarantine arrangements issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the SOP said.

MHA issues SOP for stranded Indians who wish to return

A woman, who recently gave birth to a child in Madya Pradesh's Burhanpur, has named her son 'Lockdown Yadav' -- as a mark to signify the challenging times he was born in.

Lockdown Yadav has been lucky to fight the crisis and be born while his mother was travelling by the Shramik Express -- a special train service for migrant workers. The newborn baby is lucky also because Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan himself congratulated the woman on her newborn.

Rita Yadav, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, went into labour when she was on her way to Mumbai. She&nbsp;was then sent to the district hospital in Burhanpur with the help of the railway authorities and the district administration, where she gave birth to a son.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-couple-stranded-in-tripura-names-their-newborn-lockdown-293913">Also read |&nbsp;Rajasthan couple stranded in Tripura names their newborn 'Lockdown'</a>

Chouhan tweeted, "Our sister was going from Mumbai to her state Uttar Pradesh by Shramik train. In Burhanpur, she was admitted to a hospital where she gave birth to my nephew. Born amid lockdown, the sister decided to name her son as `Lockdown Yadav`. Bless the little Lockdown, good luck! "

Chauhan added, "Lots of love to little Lockdown Yadav! The Burhanpur collector, railway and local staff took good care of our sister and newborn nephew and made arrangements for their hometown, Uttar Pradesh. Thank you for this. Congratulations to the sister and family for the new guest! "

District Magistrate Praveen Singh arranged for a vehicle to send the migrant family back home, and provided clothes, food, beverages and a cash of Rs 5,000 for the child.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twins-born-during-coronavirus-lockdown-in-raipur-named-corona-and-covid-290283">Also read |&nbsp;Twins, born during coronavirus lockdown in Raipur, named 'Corona' and 'Covid'</a>

A woman, who recently gave birth to a child in Madya Pradesh's Burhanpur, has named her son 'Lockdown Yadav' -- as a mark to signify the challenging times he was born in.

A woman, who recently gave birth to a child in Madya Pradesh's Burhanpur, has named her son 'Lockdown Yadav' -- as a mark to signify the challenging times he was born in. Lockdown Yadav has been lucky to fight the crisis and be born while his mother was travelling by the Shramik Express -- a special train service for migrant workers. The newborn baby is lucky also because Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan himself congratulated the woman on her newborn. Rita Yadav, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, went into labour when she was on her way to Mumbai. She was then sent to the district hospital in Burhanpur with the help of the railway authorities and the district administration, where she gave birth to a son. Also read | Rajasthan couple stranded in Tripura names their newborn 'Lockdown' Chouhan tweeted, "Our sister was going from Mumbai to her state Uttar Pradesh by Shramik train. In Burhanpur, she was admitted to a hospital where she gave birth to my nephew. Born amid lockdown, the sister decided to name her son as `Lockdown Yadav`. Bless the little Lockdown, good luck! " Chauhan added, "Lots of love to little Lockdown Yadav! The Burhanpur collector, railway and local staff took good care of our sister and newborn nephew and made arrangements for their hometown, Uttar Pradesh. Thank you for this. Congratulations to the sister and family for the new guest! " District Magistrate Praveen Singh arranged for a vehicle to send the migrant family back home, and provided clothes, food, beverages and a cash of Rs 5,000 for the child. Also read | Twins, born during coronavirus lockdown in Raipur, named 'Corona' and 'Covid'

Meet Lockdown Yadav, a newborn that epitomises the coronavirus pandemic

One of the biggest e-commerce company, Amazon India, has announced that it will be generating 50,000 seasonal roles.

The news has come at a point when thousands of people are losing their jobs due to the nationwide lockdown which has been in place for the past three months. The economy has taken a hit due to the pandemic.

Amazon India has stated the roles generated will help the company meet the&nbsp;surge in demand from people on Amazon's online shopping services.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-states-start-home-delivery-of-liquor-to-avoid-crowd-at-outlets-297107">Also read:&nbsp;Two states start home delivery of liquor to avoid crowd at outlets</a>

Amazon had to stop deliveries for almost two months due to the lockdown. However, it say a sudden increase in demand as the country moved into lockdown 4.0, and Amazon India got the permission to start delivering again.

According to a digital media company,&nbsp;the hiring will include a variety of roles in their fulfilment centres and delivery network. This will also include part-time flexible work opportunities as independent contractors with Amazon Flex.

Akhil Saxena, VP, Customer Fulfilment Operations, APAC, MENA &amp; LATAM, Amazon said, "One thing we've learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is how important a role Amazon and e-commerce can play for our customers as much as for small businesses and the economy. We take this responsibility seriously, and we're proud of the work our teams are doing to help small and other businesses deliver to our customers through this difficult time. We want to continue helping customers all over India get everything they need so they can continue to practice social distancing."

The company has been home-delivering essential and few non-essential items in lockdown 4.0. However, all delivery executives are being regularly monitored by temperature checks, hand sanitization, compulsory face masks and gloves, among other measures.

One of the biggest e-commerce company, Amazon India, has announced that it will be generating 50,000 seasonal roles. The news has come at a point when thousands of people are losing their jobs due to the nationwide lockdown which has been in place for the past three months.

One of the biggest e-commerce company, Amazon India, has announced that it will be generating 50,000 seasonal roles. The news has come at a point when thousands of people are losing their jobs due to the nationwide lockdown which has been in place for the past three months. The economy has taken a hit due to the pandemic. Amazon India has stated the roles generated will help the company meet the surge in demand from people on Amazon's online shopping services. Also read: Two states start home delivery of liquor to avoid crowd at outlets Amazon had to stop deliveries for almost two months due to the lockdown. However, it say a sudden increase in demand as the country moved into lockdown 4.0, and Amazon India got the permission to start delivering again. According to a digital media company, the hiring will include a variety of roles in their fulfilment centres and delivery network. This will also include part-time flexible work opportunities as independent contractors with Amazon Flex. Akhil Saxena, VP, Customer Fulfilment Operations, APAC, MENA & LATAM, Amazon said, "One thing we've learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is how important a role Amazon and e-commerce can play for our customers as much as for small businesses and the economy. We take this responsibility seriously, and we're proud of the work our teams are doing to help small and other businesses deliver to our customers through this difficult time. We want to continue helping customers all over India get everything they need so they can continue to practice social distancing." The company has been home-delivering essential and few non-essential items in lockdown 4.0. However, all delivery executives are being regularly monitored by temperature checks, hand sanitization, compulsory face masks and gloves, among other measures.

Amazon to generate 50,000 jobs in India amid coronavirus

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy.

Due to this, the World Bank has approved a USD 500 million loan for Pakistan to help the country out of a major economic crisis.

World Bank has decided to help Pakistan once again after four years. This decision has been taken to help the country out of a major economy crisis allegedly caused due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eid-al-fitr-observed-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-across-the-globe-300733#syria-300725">Have a look:&nbsp;Eid al-Fitr observed amid coronavirus pandemic across the globe!</a>&nbsp;

The money is to help the country get better access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a media organisation reported.

"Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents.

Pakistan has been given 30 years to return the money back to World Bank.

"The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu.

The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that.&nbsp;

As the microeconomic risk is higher now, due to the pandemic, it is riskier and tougher for Pakistan.

World Bank has asked Pakistan to&nbsp;restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister.

(With inputs from PTI)

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy.

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy. Due to this, the World Bank has approved a USD 500 million loan for Pakistan to help the country out of a major economic crisis. World Bank has decided to help Pakistan once again after four years. This decision has been taken to help the country out of a major economy crisis allegedly caused due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report. Have a look: Eid al-Fitr observed amid coronavirus pandemic across the globe! The money is to help the country get better access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a media organisation reported. "Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents. Pakistan has been given 30 years to return the money back to World Bank. "The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu. The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that. As the microeconomic risk is higher now, due to the pandemic, it is riskier and tougher for Pakistan. World Bank has asked Pakistan to restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister. (With inputs from PTI)

World Bank approves USD 500 million loan for Pakistan

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel.

As per the guidelines, wearing face masks, or face shields, will be compulsory during the entire journey. All passengers have been advised to wear hand gloves and avoid coming in contact with anything in public spaces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maha-tn-west-bengal-seek-delay-in-restarting-flights-as-coronavirus-cases-rise-300734">Also read:&nbsp;Maha, TN, West Bengal seek delay in restarting flights as coronavirus cases rise</a>

Passengers will go through thermal screening on the airports and will have to follow all rules of social distancing throughout their journey.

All asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel, under the strict guidelines to self-quarantine&nbsp;themselves for the next 14 days. They will also have to self-examine their health symptoms&nbsp;for 14 days, and inform the&nbsp;district surveillance officer or the state/national call center if they suspect any symptoms.

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Latest guidelines on domestic &amp; international travel have been issued by <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a>. 
 
I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms &amp; strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic.<a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoCA_GoI</a> <a href="https://t.co/xVbTG1K44n">pic.twitter.com/xVbTG1K44n</a>
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It is compulsory for all passengers to be registered on Aarogya Setu app to prove that they are coming from a non-containment zone, or 'green zone'.

A list of dos and don'ts will be provided to the passengers along with tickets by the concerned authorities, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel).

These guidelines have been issued for domestic air, train and road travel.

As majority airlines have booked the tickets for their routes starting tomorrow,&nbsp;Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal&nbsp;have said they are not prepared to open for flights amid rising cases.

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel.

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel. As per the guidelines, wearing face masks, or face shields, will be compulsory during the entire journey. All passengers have been advised to wear hand gloves and avoid coming in contact with anything in public spaces. Also read: Maha, TN, West Bengal seek delay in restarting flights as coronavirus cases rise Passengers will go through thermal screening on the airports and will have to follow all rules of social distancing throughout their journey. All asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel, under the strict guidelines to self-quarantine themselves for the next 14 days. They will also have to self-examine their health symptoms for 14 days, and inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call center if they suspect any symptoms. Latest guidelines on domestic & international travel have been issued by @MoHFW_INDIA. I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms & strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic.@MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/xVbTG1K44n — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 24, 2020 × It is compulsory for all passengers to be registered on Aarogya Setu app to prove that they are coming from a non-containment zone, or 'green zone'. A list of dos and don'ts will be provided to the passengers along with tickets by the concerned authorities, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel). These guidelines have been issued for domestic air, train and road travel. As majority airlines have booked the tickets for their routes starting tomorrow, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have said they are not prepared to open for flights amid rising cases.

New guidelines issued for domestic travel; Aarogya Setu app compulsory

Rome’s famous Galleria Borghese museum reopens after more than two months of lockdown.

Rome’s famous galleria Borghese reopens after lockdown

Portuguese return to beaches on first state-sanctioned weekend

Wuhan, the epicenter of coronavirus is slowly gaining its lost life back after months of trauma, grief and fear.

Wuhan comes back to life after coronavirus lockdown

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations.

The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement. The two districts were identified as coronavirus hot-spots and placed under round-the-clock curfew since March 20.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-envoy-to-sri-lanka-gopal-baglay-visits-church-hit-by-terror-attack-in-first-engagement-300570">Also read:&nbsp;Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay visits church hit by terror attack in first engagement</a>

Inter-district movement will be permitted from Tuesday, except to Colombo and Gamapaha.

Though the curfew will be lifted during the day, social-distancing and other practices to check the spread of COVID-19 will be implemented strictly, officials said.

The coronavirus has claimed nine lives in the island nation with 1,068 confirmed cases.

This is the second round of curfew relaxations in the island-nation after certain changes were effected on May 11 to revive economic activity, as part of which employees of state and public sector companies were allowed to travel to work.

Senior police official Ajith Rohana said the curfew will be strictly enforced on Sunday and Monday. Id will held in Sri Lanka on Monday.

"There will be over 900 roadblocks during the curfew on both days," Rohana said.

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations. The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement.

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations. The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement. The two districts were identified as coronavirus hot-spots and placed under round-the-clock curfew since March 20. Also read: Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay visits church hit by terror attack in first engagement Inter-district movement will be permitted from Tuesday, except to Colombo and Gamapaha. Though the curfew will be lifted during the day, social-distancing and other practices to check the spread of COVID-19 will be implemented strictly, officials said. The coronavirus has claimed nine lives in the island nation with 1,068 confirmed cases. This is the second round of curfew relaxations in the island-nation after certain changes were effected on May 11 to revive economic activity, as part of which employees of state and public sector companies were allowed to travel to work. Senior police official Ajith Rohana said the curfew will be strictly enforced on Sunday and Monday. Id will held in Sri Lanka on Monday. "There will be over 900 roadblocks during the curfew on both days," Rohana said.

Sri Lanka to ease coronavirus restrictions from May 26

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now.&nbsp;

Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July.

"From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks," Sanchez said in a video news conference. He did not provide any further details on this, though.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/honking-cars-and-motorbikes-take-over-spanish-streets-protesting-against-the-government-300623#protestors-gathered-in-cars-and-motorbikes-300606">Have a look:&nbsp;Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government</a>

The tourism industry contributes a huge chunk to the country's revenue. The closure of the beaches and tourism has affected the economy in a negative way, and has also crippled the tourism businesses.

Bank of Spain predicted that almost a million people have lost their jobs in the past few months during the lockdown, and have also predicted that the economy will contract by up to 12 per cent this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-jumps-to-no-2-in-worldwide-coronavirus-cases-behind-the-us-300497">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US</a>

The Spanish PM Sanchez also announced that another national money-spinner, top flight La Liga soccer, will be resuming on June 8.&nbsp;

The announcement has come at a critical point in Spanish political scenario, as the opposition far-right part, Vox, staged a protest against the government's handling of coronavirus outbreak. The protestors accused the government of poor crisis management and blamed the government of bringing the economy to a major downfall. The protestors demanded government's resignation.

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now. Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July.

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now. Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July. "From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks," Sanchez said in a video news conference. He did not provide any further details on this, though. Have a look: Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government The tourism industry contributes a huge chunk to the country's revenue. The closure of the beaches and tourism has affected the economy in a negative way, and has also crippled the tourism businesses. Bank of Spain predicted that almost a million people have lost their jobs in the past few months during the lockdown, and have also predicted that the economy will contract by up to 12 per cent this year. Also read: Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US The Spanish PM Sanchez also announced that another national money-spinner, top flight La Liga soccer, will be resuming on June 8. The announcement has come at a critical point in Spanish political scenario, as the opposition far-right part, Vox, staged a protest against the government's handling of coronavirus outbreak. The protestors accused the government of poor crisis management and blamed the government of bringing the economy to a major downfall. The protestors demanded government's resignation.

COVID 19: Spain plans to open tourism from July to save economy

As the aviation industry gets ready to start services from Monday, state governments are implementing all possible precautions for the incoming passengers.

Keeping the same in mind, Karnataka and Punjab governments have announced that the incoming passengers will have to go through a&nbsp;quarantine period.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-increase-international-flights-in-coming-days-union-civil-aviation-minister-300560">Also read:&nbsp;We will increase international flights in coming days: Union civil aviation minister</a>

Karnataka government's DGP announced through Twitter that the passengers entering will have to go through compulsory institutional seven-day institutional quarantine, followed by home quarantine

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All incoming persons will need to remain in home quarantine for 14 days if they come from states other than Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharasthra: Karnataka Govt <a href="https://t.co/s7l5odufVL">https://t.co/s7l5odufVL</a> <a href="https://t.co/oZAQILhVAw">pic.twitter.com/oZAQILhVAw</a>
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Following the suit, Punjab government, too, announced a compulsory 14-day quarantine period for incoming passengers from Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

The civil aviation minister, few days ago, announced that domestic travel will resume for the Indians stranded away from home. The domestic flights will resume from May 25, Monday.

All passengers will have to compulsorily wear face masks and gloves, and maintain and follow all social distancing guidelines laid out by the experts. Several other measures have been taken by the Airport Authority of India and airlines to make sure that there is no spread of infection.

All passengers who do not pass the required temperature check, and are unable to prove that they belong to a non-containment zone will not be allowed to enter the airport premises.&nbsp;

web check-in has been made compulsory to decrease the physical contact. Older people, babies and past COVID-10 patients, who are classified as vulnerable, have been advised to avoid travelling.&nbsp;

As the aviation industry gets ready to start services from Monday, state governments are implementing all possible precautions for the incoming passengers. Keeping the same in mind, Karnataka and Punjab governments have announced that the incoming passengers will have to go through a quarantine period.

As the aviation industry gets ready to start services from Monday, state governments are implementing all possible precautions for the incoming passengers. Keeping the same in mind, Karnataka and Punjab governments have announced that the incoming passengers will have to go through a quarantine period. Also read: We will increase international flights in coming days: Union civil aviation minister Karnataka government's DGP announced through Twitter that the passengers entering will have to go through compulsory institutional seven-day institutional quarantine, followed by home quarantine All incoming persons will need to remain in home quarantine for 14 days if they come from states other than Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharasthra: Karnataka Govt https://t.co/s7l5odufVL pic.twitter.com/oZAQILhVAw — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2020 × Following the suit, Punjab government, too, announced a compulsory 14-day quarantine period for incoming passengers from Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The civil aviation minister, few days ago, announced that domestic travel will resume for the Indians stranded away from home. The domestic flights will resume from May 25, Monday. All passengers will have to compulsorily wear face masks and gloves, and maintain and follow all social distancing guidelines laid out by the experts. Several other measures have been taken by the Airport Authority of India and airlines to make sure that there is no spread of infection. All passengers who do not pass the required temperature check, and are unable to prove that they belong to a non-containment zone will not be allowed to enter the airport premises. web check-in has been made compulsory to decrease the physical contact. Older people, babies and past COVID-10 patients, who are classified as vulnerable, have been advised to avoid travelling.

COVID 19: Karnataka and Punjab to quarantine incoming passengers

More than 28,000 Indians have registered for repatriation in western Saudi Arabia while in that part of the country 43 Indians have been confirmed dead due to COVID.

Speaking exclusively to Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Consul General in Jeddah, Noor Rahman Sheikh said the consulate had was able to repatriate 3035 Umrah pilgrims before India announced its pan India lockdown. Meanwhile, Saudi government has advised Indian consulate in Jeddah to put on hold Haj Arrangements which is due to begin on 22nd June.

WION: How is the Indian consulate reaching to stranded Indians in the Jeddah?&nbsp;

Noor Rahman Sheikh: Since 12 March, the consulate has activated 24/7 help desk pertaining to COVID. All our nationals requiring assistance is promptly provided possible assistance. From 12th to 19h March 2020, the consulate facilitated the repatriation of 3035 Umrah pilgrims as Saudi govt had announced the suspension of flights, both domestic and international. All our nationals who want to get repatriated to India registered at our embassy in Riyadh. Database of Indians residing in the western region of Saudi Arabia is then transferred and made available with consulate general of India in Jeddah. We also have a large number of Indian community members who work as volunteers through whom we provide all possible assistance to our nationals.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Are any Indians infected? And have any of the Indian nationals lost their lives? 
Noor Rahman Sheikh: We understand more than 3000 Indians are impacted by COVID throughout the kingdom, though we don't have region-wise figures. So far from the western region of Saudi Arabia, 43 Indians have died due to COVID.

WION: If you can give details on the repatriation flights..how many registered? 
Noor Rahman Sheikh: Three flights have operated under the Vande Bharat mission from Jeddah. In the first phase, 2 flights went to Kozhikode on 13th May, another to Kochi on 14th May. Last week, as part of phase 2 of the mission, there was a flight to Vijayawada and to Hyderabad that carried 145 passengers. &nbsp;More flights are anticipated in phase 3 of Vande Bharat mission. So far, more than 28000 Indians residing in the western region of Saudi Arabia have registered for repatriation to India. Of course on compelling reasons like medical emergencies, pregnant ladies, expiry of visit visa, Umrah pilgrims have been given priority in flights.&nbsp;

WION: How has the ground situation in Jeddah changed, how have Indian diplomats faring? Has it been difficult? 
Noor Rahman Sheikh: From the beginning of March this year Saudi Arabia has been taking various measures to contain the spread of the pandemic including suspension of both domestic, international flights of Umrah, prayers at all Mosques, imposing curfews, lockdowns etc. From 23nd to 27th of May, during the Eid days, it will be a complete lockdown at the kingdom. The city of Mecca remains completely sealed and no one can enter or exit the city. So all this has certainly changed the way&nbsp;we used to work earlier. Since the consulate handles Haj operations, based on Saudi Govt's advise have put on hold arrangements of Haj due to pandemic. Haj operations were supposed to start on 22nd June and conclude on 3rd September this year. It has been a unique experience for all of us at the consulate. Last year, 2 lakh Indian nationals had performed Haj. We are hoping situation will improve.&nbsp;

More than 28,000 Indians have registered for repatriation in western Saudi Arabia while in that part of the country 43 Indians have been confirmed dead due to COVID.

More than 28,000 Indians have registered for repatriation in western Saudi Arabia while in that part of the country 43 Indians have been confirmed dead due to COVID. Speaking exclusively to Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Consul General in Jeddah, Noor Rahman Sheikh said the consulate had was able to repatriate 3035 Umrah pilgrims before India announced its pan India lockdown. Meanwhile, Saudi government has advised Indian consulate in Jeddah to put on hold Haj Arrangements which is due to begin on 22nd June. WION: How is the Indian consulate reaching to stranded Indians in the Jeddah? Noor Rahman Sheikh: Since 12 March, the consulate has activated 24/7 help desk pertaining to COVID. All our nationals requiring assistance is promptly provided possible assistance. From 12th to 19h March 2020, the consulate facilitated the repatriation of 3035 Umrah pilgrims as Saudi govt had announced the suspension of flights, both domestic and international. All our nationals who want to get repatriated to India registered at our embassy in Riyadh. Database of Indians residing in the western region of Saudi Arabia is then transferred and made available with consulate general of India in Jeddah. We also have a large number of Indian community members who work as volunteers through whom we provide all possible assistance to our nationals. WION: Are any Indians infected? And have any of the Indian nationals lost their lives? Noor Rahman Sheikh: We understand more than 3000 Indians are impacted by COVID throughout the kingdom, though we don't have region-wise figures. So far from the western region of Saudi Arabia, 43 Indians have died due to COVID. WION: If you can give details on the repatriation flights..how many registered? Noor Rahman Sheikh: Three flights have operated under the Vande Bharat mission from Jeddah. In the first phase, 2 flights went to Kozhikode on 13th May, another to Kochi on 14th May. Last week, as part of phase 2 of the mission, there was a flight to Vijayawada and to Hyderabad that carried 145 passengers. More flights are anticipated in phase 3 of Vande Bharat mission. So far, more than 28000 Indians residing in the western region of Saudi Arabia have registered for repatriation to India. Of course on compelling reasons like medical emergencies, pregnant ladies, expiry of visit visa, Umrah pilgrims have been given priority in flights. WION: How has the ground situation in Jeddah changed, how have Indian diplomats faring? Has it been difficult? Noor Rahman Sheikh: From the beginning of March this year Saudi Arabia has been taking various measures to contain the spread of the pandemic including suspension of both domestic, international flights of Umrah, prayers at all Mosques, imposing curfews, lockdowns etc. From 23nd to 27th of May, during the Eid days, it will be a complete lockdown at the kingdom. The city of Mecca remains completely sealed and no one can enter or exit the city. So all this has certainly changed the way we used to work earlier. Since the consulate handles Haj operations, based on Saudi Govt's advise have put on hold arrangements of Haj due to pandemic. Haj operations were supposed to start on 22nd June and conclude on 3rd September this year. It has been a unique experience for all of us at the consulate. Last year, 2 lakh Indian nationals had performed Haj. We are hoping situation will improve.

COVID 19: On Saudi Arabia's advice, Haj arrangements are on hold

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tunis, Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal, while giving the details of the operation, thanked the Tunisian government and said, Indian diplomats in Tunisia have been personally speaking to Indians stranded in the country every week. Meanwhile, India has made sure no Tunisian government officials have been stranded in India and all were brought back before lockdown kicked in.&nbsp;

WION: How are both countries cooperating during the current times of covid crisis? 
Puneet R. Kundal: India and Tunisia have a very historic relationship that goes back to 1958 when Tunisia got its independence. On the issue of COVID, Tunisia is not as badly hit as we are, as of now they have 1046 cases, with 883 recoveries and 47 deaths. So they have managed to keep it under control.

They follow, a similar containment strategy like we did, in terms of having a strict lockdown, complete lockdown, the prohibition of flights from outside and stopping movement between various cities and governorates. They have been able to control the situation. They are also in the process of requesting govt of India to provide them with some medicines, we don't have a formal request as yet. Informally I have been told, we will have a request from the govt, much in keeping with India's tag as the pharmacy of the world.

We have have been cooperating with Tunisia in providing the e-ITEC courses for Tunisian health professionals to help them fight the COVID pandemic. But there are some very good things that have emerged for Tunisia in this pandemic, most of these have been observed by foreign media. Like they have used, the robotic vehicle, for example, to enforce the lockdown on the streets. They are also using the robotic vehicle to help in checking of the people at the hospitals.

Tunisia has also created a web-based platform that scans lung X rays and evaluates if the person has COVID or does not has COVID. In terms of their progress on COVID, they have managed to decode local strain of the COVID virus, a local institute called the Pasteur institute is actively working on developing vaccination against COVID. They have been largely successful till now in handling the crisis. The biggest thing they did for us is that they allowed 25 Indians nationals who were stranded here to fly back on a Tunisian military aircraft that left Tunisia on 21st of May 2020 and reached on 22nd of May

 
WION: Coming to bringing back stranded Indians, Tunisian military aircraft brought back Indians. If you can give details. 
Puneet R. Kundal: When the Vande Bharat mission started, the focus was on getting back the Indians from abroad, especially the blue collared workers. We only had 45 Indians here who were in the category of stranded Indian nationals. Therefore, organising a flight for 45 people, hailing from 10 different states in India, was always an uphill task. Tunisia has been sending its aircraft for getting Tunisians back from various cities. And we were on a lookout as and when they have an aircraft heading to India or anywhere in the east, we can request them to help us. We were told three days back, a Tunisian cargo aircraft of the military that was going to Vietnam and Thailand and will pick up stranded Tunisians from Delhi.

So at that stage, we sprung into action, we contacted, the embassy of Tunisia in Delhi, we contacted the foreign office here and requested them to accommodate Indians nationals on the flight. At the end of the day, 25 Indian nationals were interested in taking this flight. The government of Tunisia very kindly agreed to take them on board. I was at the airport and made sure all the Indians to do the COVID negative test first of all. They were spread across 4-5 cities across Tunisia. We established contact with concerned hospitals all across the country and made sure they underwent the test smoothly. Then we made arrangements for them to travel to Tunis, in the capital we arranged a hotel for them and made sure there is no problem when it comes to check-in and being looked after here.

On the morning of the flight, I was at the airport and made sure each of them boards the flight comfortably and I must say the process was extremely smooth and the embassy, all the staff worked hard. The Indian nationals who were in the process of getting repatriated were extremely cooperative. There were tensed moments, moments when we had to rush through things. Every operation has its own moments but at it 25 boarded the plane and have reached India on 22nd May.

WION: How has the mission been reaching out to the stranded Indians, in terms of accommodation or food. A helpline is something, all missions have.. 
Puneet R. Kundal: So we had a 24*7 helpline, that was available and we got everyone to register at the embassy. But one thing we did, since the number was less, was that we spoke to each person at least twice a week. We assigned our consular office here, who spoke to each person once or twice a week. I personally spoke to a few of them who were more anxious than others, including one 19-year-old medical student who was staying with a Tunisian family.

I must express thanks to that family as well, they gave him food, shelter and took good care of him for the last two months. So we made it point to reach out to each and every stranded Indian here, establishing touch with them once a week, attending to the questions. We made sure if they had a medical requirement that was taken care off. Most of them were in the professional category so no financial element involved but reaching out to them, giving them moral support, speaking them regularly, keeping the spirits high in this time was the main challenge.

WION: How has life been for Indian diplomats, for you, how much reliance for digital diplomacy has increased... 
Puneet R. Kundal: Life is now digital, we really shifted a lot of activity to the digital platform. I must say the entire process started with PM of India reaching out to the SAARC leaders. Reaching out to the G20, with our FM S Jaishankar reaching out to all the counterparts using digital technology, that really spurred us on as well. The country has good digital infrastructure. We shifted whole lot of digital activities online as well. &nbsp;The pace of the work also slackened down a bit but we tried to carry on the activity. We offered Tunisia e ITEC programmes. 120 Tunisians travelled to India every year.

Post-COVID, it was not possible so we were providing them training on COVID module by electronic means to get them involved via our training programmes, to keep up the pace of our training programme. In fact, I must also here add that there were 6 Tunisian nationals who were in India just before the lockdown and we brought them back here before we went into lockdown. That was also something worthy of notice that we made sure no Tunisian govt officials or trainees from our side who were stranded in India. We made sure each of them got back, there were 6 of these who were in India.&nbsp;

WION: Increased focus on digital diplomacy, but how have the ties been between the countries, how do you see ties in a post covid world?&nbsp; 
Puneet R. Kundal: Digital diplomacy is here to stay. We understand that, they understand that. As I said, Tunisia has a good digital infrastructure backbone. They have been carrying out a whole lot of interactions, with multilateral organisations and forums digitally. We also expect that there will be a telephonic conversation between our Foreign minister and Tunisian FM very soon. There is a whole lot of interaction that goes on and we have been trying to inform the Tunisian side that life has to continue and life has to continue in a digital manner. This has also been taken cognizance by our ministry of external affairs in Delhi and we hope very soon we have some digital meetings we should be proud of before life resumes and actual travel starts.

Tunisia and India have a bilateral trade of 445 million dollars, this was a figure for last year. And one of the most important areas of cooperation is in the area of Phosphate. We have a bilateral investment project called Tunisia India fertiliser plant and India is committed to buying 100% of the output of the plant. That is the flagship of our cooperation, and it cut both ways --we get our phosphoric acid in a reliable fashion from Tunisia and the country gets 180-235 million dollars annually which adds to the resources of the country. Big companies like TATA and Mahindra produce vehicles here, we have electrical companies.

In fact, I am happy to tell you, on 20th may an Indian company has won the contract for building substations here. COVID or no COVID, bilateral interaction especially in economic and trade field is continuing. Politically the foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar was here, he met with the President and Speaker of the Parliament and had detailed discussions with his counterpart here. This is in addition to the regular interaction we have with Tunisia at the UN, Tunisia is the non-permanent member of the UNSC for this year and next year and we have a whole lot of cooperation with them at the multilateral forums in Geneva and New York. We have supported Tunisian candidature at several forums as have they, it ongoing cooperation because we have a similarity of vision on a lot of issues of multilateral interest.&nbsp;

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam.

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tunis, Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal, while giving the details of the operation, thanked the Tunisian government and said, Indian diplomats in Tunisia have been personally speaking to Indians stranded in the country every week. Meanwhile, India has made sure no Tunisian government officials have been stranded in India and all were brought back before lockdown kicked in. WION: How are both countries cooperating during the current times of covid crisis? Puneet R. Kundal: India and Tunisia have a very historic relationship that goes back to 1958 when Tunisia got its independence. On the issue of COVID, Tunisia is not as badly hit as we are, as of now they have 1046 cases, with 883 recoveries and 47 deaths. So they have managed to keep it under control. They follow, a similar containment strategy like we did, in terms of having a strict lockdown, complete lockdown, the prohibition of flights from outside and stopping movement between various cities and governorates. They have been able to control the situation. They are also in the process of requesting govt of India to provide them with some medicines, we don't have a formal request as yet. Informally I have been told, we will have a request from the govt, much in keeping with India's tag as the pharmacy of the world. We have have been cooperating with Tunisia in providing the e-ITEC courses for Tunisian health professionals to help them fight the COVID pandemic. But there are some very good things that have emerged for Tunisia in this pandemic, most of these have been observed by foreign media. Like they have used, the robotic vehicle, for example, to enforce the lockdown on the streets. They are also using the robotic vehicle to help in checking of the people at the hospitals. Tunisia has also created a web-based platform that scans lung X rays and evaluates if the person has COVID or does not has COVID. In terms of their progress on COVID, they have managed to decode local strain of the COVID virus, a local institute called the Pasteur institute is actively working on developing vaccination against COVID. They have been largely successful till now in handling the crisis. The biggest thing they did for us is that they allowed 25 Indians nationals who were stranded here to fly back on a Tunisian military aircraft that left Tunisia on 21st of May 2020 and reached on 22nd of May WION: Coming to bringing back stranded Indians, Tunisian military aircraft brought back Indians. If you can give details. Puneet R. Kundal: When the Vande Bharat mission started, the focus was on getting back the Indians from abroad, especially the blue collared workers. We only had 45 Indians here who were in the category of stranded Indian nationals. Therefore, organising a flight for 45 people, hailing from 10 different states in India, was always an uphill task. Tunisia has been sending its aircraft for getting Tunisians back from various cities. And we were on a lookout as and when they have an aircraft heading to India or anywhere in the east, we can request them to help us. We were told three days back, a Tunisian cargo aircraft of the military that was going to Vietnam and Thailand and will pick up stranded Tunisians from Delhi. So at that stage, we sprung into action, we contacted, the embassy of Tunisia in Delhi, we contacted the foreign office here and requested them to accommodate Indians nationals on the flight. At the end of the day, 25 Indian nationals were interested in taking this flight. The government of Tunisia very kindly agreed to take them on board. I was at the airport and made sure all the Indians to do the COVID negative test first of all. They were spread across 4-5 cities across Tunisia. We established contact with concerned hospitals all across the country and made sure they underwent the test smoothly. Then we made arrangements for them to travel to Tunis, in the capital we arranged a hotel for them and made sure there is no problem when it comes to check-in and being looked after here. On the morning of the flight, I was at the airport and made sure each of them boards the flight comfortably and I must say the process was extremely smooth and the embassy, all the staff worked hard. The Indian nationals who were in the process of getting repatriated were extremely cooperative. There were tensed moments, moments when we had to rush through things. Every operation has its own moments but at it 25 boarded the plane and have reached India on 22nd May. WION: How has the mission been reaching out to the stranded Indians, in terms of accommodation or food. A helpline is something, all missions have.. Puneet R. Kundal: So we had a 24*7 helpline, that was available and we got everyone to register at the embassy. But one thing we did, since the number was less, was that we spoke to each person at least twice a week. We assigned our consular office here, who spoke to each person once or twice a week. I personally spoke to a few of them who were more anxious than others, including one 19-year-old medical student who was staying with a Tunisian family. I must express thanks to that family as well, they gave him food, shelter and took good care of him for the last two months. So we made it point to reach out to each and every stranded Indian here, establishing touch with them once a week, attending to the questions. We made sure if they had a medical requirement that was taken care off. Most of them were in the professional category so no financial element involved but reaching out to them, giving them moral support, speaking them regularly, keeping the spirits high in this time was the main challenge. WION: How has life been for Indian diplomats, for you, how much reliance for digital diplomacy has increased... Puneet R. Kundal: Life is now digital, we really shifted a lot of activity to the digital platform. I must say the entire process started with PM of India reaching out to the SAARC leaders. Reaching out to the G20, with our FM S Jaishankar reaching out to all the counterparts using digital technology, that really spurred us on as well. The country has good digital infrastructure. We shifted whole lot of digital activities online as well. The pace of the work also slackened down a bit but we tried to carry on the activity. We offered Tunisia e ITEC programmes. 120 Tunisians travelled to India every year. Post-COVID, it was not possible so we were providing them training on COVID module by electronic means to get them involved via our training programmes, to keep up the pace of our training programme. In fact, I must also here add that there were 6 Tunisian nationals who were in India just before the lockdown and we brought them back here before we went into lockdown. That was also something worthy of notice that we made sure no Tunisian govt officials or trainees from our side who were stranded in India. We made sure each of them got back, there were 6 of these who were in India. WION: Increased focus on digital diplomacy, but how have the ties been between the countries, how do you see ties in a post covid world? Puneet R. Kundal: Digital diplomacy is here to stay. We understand that, they understand that. As I said, Tunisia has a good digital infrastructure backbone. They have been carrying out a whole lot of interactions, with multilateral organisations and forums digitally. We also expect that there will be a telephonic conversation between our Foreign minister and Tunisian FM very soon. There is a whole lot of interaction that goes on and we have been trying to inform the Tunisian side that life has to continue and life has to continue in a digital manner. This has also been taken cognizance by our ministry of external affairs in Delhi and we hope very soon we have some digital meetings we should be proud of before life resumes and actual travel starts. Tunisia and India have a bilateral trade of 445 million dollars, this was a figure for last year. And one of the most important areas of cooperation is in the area of Phosphate. We have a bilateral investment project called Tunisia India fertiliser plant and India is committed to buying 100% of the output of the plant. That is the flagship of our cooperation, and it cut both ways --we get our phosphoric acid in a reliable fashion from Tunisia and the country gets 180-235 million dollars annually which adds to the resources of the country. Big companies like TATA and Mahindra produce vehicles here, we have electrical companies. In fact, I am happy to tell you, on 20th may an Indian company has won the contract for building substations here. COVID or no COVID, bilateral interaction especially in economic and trade field is continuing. Politically the foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar was here, he met with the President and Speaker of the Parliament and had detailed discussions with his counterpart here. This is in addition to the regular interaction we have with Tunisia at the UN, Tunisia is the non-permanent member of the UNSC for this year and next year and we have a whole lot of cooperation with them at the multilateral forums in Geneva and New York. We have supported Tunisian candidature at several forums as have they, it ongoing cooperation because we have a similarity of vision on a lot of issues of multilateral interest.

Tunisian military plane enroute to East Asia brings back 25 stranded Indians; Indian envoy Kundal thanks the govt

US President Donald Trump visited&nbsp;a Ford Motor Co plant on Thursday, and was spotted without a face ask yet again. He travelled to the crucial U.S. election battleground state of Michigan amid tensions with its Democratic governor during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ford plant has been recently recast to produce ventilators and personal protective equipment. Ford organised a&nbsp;roundtable discussion with African-American leaders about the vulnerable populations hit by the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-refusal-to-wear-masks-hints-towards-racism-and-masculinity-in-america-298624">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump's refusal to wear masks hints towards racism and masculinity in America</a>

While Ford has a policy of all guests wearing masks, Trump decided to break the rule. When asked by the local media, he said, "I&nbsp;had one on before. I wore one in the back area. I didn't want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it."

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OMG! He actually wore one. See, it didn’t hurt that much. Does it have the Presidential seal on it? <a href="https://t.co/aNebLbKpuE">pic.twitter.com/aNebLbKpuE</a>
— Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSpeier/status/1263605710748778496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While he wore the mask in the backside of the plant, he removed the mask as soon as he spotted media. He&nbsp;was seen flouting the guideline issued by almost all health experts, even though two staff members at the White House have tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

All the Ford executives who were seen escorting the President were spotted with their face masks on. When the local media asked Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford about Trump not wearing protective gear, he said, "It's up to him."

Trump jokingly added, "Honestly, I think I look better in a mask."

He has also said that the US will not be going under a lockdown if there is a second peak in the number of positive cases, and has urged the states to loosen the lockdown restrictions and let the economy rise again.

As the images of Trump wearing the mask were released on internet, Twitter put on its creative hat and came up with some funny memes about Trump and masks. We picked put some of the funniest memes:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whoworeitbetter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whoworeitbetter</a> <a href="https://t.co/mv5DeSzxIj">pic.twitter.com/mv5DeSzxIj</a>
— MillennialMadeMediaGroup (@3MGIncorporated) <a href="https://twitter.com/3MGIncorporated/status/1263668194537021440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/mlvvtogQqx">pic.twitter.com/mlvvtogQqx</a>
— Rael Imperial Aerosol Kid (@rael32doors) <a href="https://twitter.com/rael32doors/status/1263654785707905024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It does make him look weak as he said to his aides. <a href="https://t.co/fpyZHsiMWK">pic.twitter.com/fpyZHsiMWK</a>
— Jared Wadley (@jared_wadley) <a href="https://twitter.com/jared_wadley/status/1263655059654610946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He looks like Ralphy. <a href="https://t.co/63auXzGZot">pic.twitter.com/63auXzGZot</a>
— Flaming Unicorn (@UnicornFlaming) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnicornFlaming/status/1263667842127454211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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too bad that isnt duct tape (and on all the time)
— Steve Berry (@SteveBe69602773) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveBe69602773/status/1263669208010731523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co plant on Thursday, and was spotted without a face ask yet again. He travelled to the crucial U.S. election battleground state of Michigan amid tensions with its Democratic governor during the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co plant on Thursday, and was spotted without a face ask yet again. He travelled to the crucial U.S. election battleground state of Michigan amid tensions with its Democratic governor during the coronavirus pandemic. The Ford plant has been recently recast to produce ventilators and personal protective equipment. Ford organised a roundtable discussion with African-American leaders about the vulnerable populations hit by the virus. Also read: Donald Trump's refusal to wear masks hints towards racism and masculinity in America While Ford has a policy of all guests wearing masks, Trump decided to break the rule. When asked by the local media, he said, "I had one on before. I wore one in the back area. I didn't want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it." OMG! He actually wore one. See, it didn’t hurt that much. Does it have the Presidential seal on it? pic.twitter.com/aNebLbKpuE — Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) May 21, 2020 × While he wore the mask in the backside of the plant, he removed the mask as soon as he spotted media. He was seen flouting the guideline issued by almost all health experts, even though two staff members at the White House have tested positive for coronavirus. All the Ford executives who were seen escorting the President were spotted with their face masks on. When the local media asked Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford about Trump not wearing protective gear, he said, "It's up to him." Trump jokingly added, "Honestly, I think I look better in a mask." He has also said that the US will not be going under a lockdown if there is a second peak in the number of positive cases, and has urged the states to loosen the lockdown restrictions and let the economy rise again. As the images of Trump wearing the mask were released on internet, Twitter put on its creative hat and came up with some funny memes about Trump and masks. We picked put some of the funniest memes: #whoworeitbetter pic.twitter.com/mv5DeSzxIj — MillennialMadeMediaGroup (@3MGIncorporated) May 22, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/mlvvtogQqx — Rael Imperial Aerosol Kid (@rael32doors) May 22, 2020 × It does make him look weak as he said to his aides. pic.twitter.com/fpyZHsiMWK — Jared Wadley (@jared_wadley) May 22, 2020 × He looks like Ralphy. pic.twitter.com/63auXzGZot — Flaming Unicorn (@UnicornFlaming) May 22, 2020 × too bad that isnt duct tape (and on all the time) — Steve Berry (@SteveBe69602773) May 22, 2020 ×

I didn't want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it: Trump on not wearing mask

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