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

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

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

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

China said on Wednesday said that "Mr Pompeo repeatedly spoke up but he cannot present any evidence"&nbsp;after the US secretary of state asserted that the Trump administration had "enormous evidence" to show that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-claims-worlds-first-coronavirus-vaccine-human-trials-soon-296954">coronavirus</a> originated in a Chinese lab.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-allergic-to-any-investigation-but-top-priority-to-fight-win-against-covid-19-china-297005">Also Read:&nbsp;Not allergic to any investigation, says&nbsp;China</a>

"Mr Pompeo repeatedly spoke up but he cannot present any evidence. How can he? Because he doesn't have any," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

"I think this matter should be handed to scientists and medical professionals, and not politicians who lie for their own domestic political ends," Chunying added.

"We urge the US to stop shifting the focus to China," Hua said adding,"it should handle its domestic affairs properly first. The most important thing now is to control the US' domestic pandemic spread and think of ways to save lives."

China and the US have been at loggerheads over the origin of the virus with the Chinese government even suggesting that it was spread by the US military in Wuhan. President Trump has repeatedly termed coronavirus as the "Wuhan virus" and said that he had evidence that it originated from a lab in China but refused to divulge details.

Several experts including the US intelligence community had earlier said that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified"

"The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," it had said.

China said on Wednesday said that "Mr Pompeo repeatedly spoke up but he cannot present any evidence" after the US secretary of state asserted that the Trump administration had "enormous evidence" to show that the coronavirus originated in a Chinese lab.

China said on Wednesday said that "Mr Pompeo repeatedly spoke up but he cannot present any evidence" after the US secretary of state asserted that the Trump administration had "enormous evidence" to show that the coronavirus originated in a Chinese lab. Also Read: Not allergic to any investigation, says China "Mr Pompeo repeatedly spoke up but he cannot present any evidence. How can he? Because he doesn't have any," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. "I think this matter should be handed to scientists and medical professionals, and not politicians who lie for their own domestic political ends," Chunying added. "We urge the US to stop shifting the focus to China," Hua said adding,"it should handle its domestic affairs properly first. The most important thing now is to control the US' domestic pandemic spread and think of ways to save lives." China and the US have been at loggerheads over the origin of the virus with the Chinese government even suggesting that it was spread by the US military in Wuhan. President Trump has repeatedly termed coronavirus as the "Wuhan virus" and said that he had evidence that it originated from a lab in China but refused to divulge details. Several experts including the US intelligence community had earlier said that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified" "The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," it had said.

Pompeo has no evidence, says China on coronavirus origin in lab

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

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

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

Is China lying about the science of COVID-19?

After the WHO said it was ready to work with countries on the invitation of China to investigate the source of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-wuhan-laboratory-at-the-heart-of-the-washington-beijing-virus-spat-296948">coronavirus</a>, Beijing's ambassador to the UN in Geneva said that "the top priority, for the time being, is to focus on the fight against the pandemic until we win the final victory."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-claims-worlds-first-coronavirus-vaccine-human-trials-soon-296954">Also Read:&nbsp;Italy claims world's first coronavirus vaccine; human trials soon</a>

"For whether or how the invitation will take place, we need to have the right priority setting at this moment, and on the other hand, we need the right atmosphere."

Several nations including the Trump administration, Germany, Australia, the UK have called for a probe into the origins of the virus.

"It's not that we are allergic to any kind of investigations, inquiries or evaluations," Chen said, adding,"we need to race with time to save lives as much as we can."

In fact, the World Health Organization(WHO) has urged nations to investigate the cases of the virus before December last year with several experts speculating that the virus had started spreading much before China officially announced it on December 31, 2019.

Recently, a French hospital during retesting of the old samples had discovered that it had treated a man with coronavirus in December much before the government confirmed its first case.

According to Reuters/Ipsos poll, three-quarters of Americans would take a coronavirus vaccine after receiving certain assurances that it was safe.

Meanwhile, the global cases for the virus surged to over 3.6 million with the death climbing to 257,337. The United States is the worst-hit country with over 70,000 deaths, ahead of Britain which has over 32,000 fatalities.

&nbsp;

After the WHO said it was ready to work with countries on the invitation of China to investigate the source of coronavirus, Beijing's ambassador to the UN in Geneva said that "the top priority, for the time being, is to focus on the fight against the pandemic until we win the final victory.

After the WHO said it was ready to work with countries on the invitation of China to investigate the source of coronavirus, Beijing's ambassador to the UN in Geneva said that "the top priority, for the time being, is to focus on the fight against the pandemic until we win the final victory." Also Read: Italy claims world's first coronavirus vaccine; human trials soon "For whether or how the invitation will take place, we need to have the right priority setting at this moment, and on the other hand, we need the right atmosphere." Several nations including the Trump administration, Germany, Australia, the UK have called for a probe into the origins of the virus. "It's not that we are allergic to any kind of investigations, inquiries or evaluations," Chen said, adding,"we need to race with time to save lives as much as we can." In fact, the World Health Organization(WHO) has urged nations to investigate the cases of the virus before December last year with several experts speculating that the virus had started spreading much before China officially announced it on December 31, 2019. Recently, a French hospital during retesting of the old samples had discovered that it had treated a man with coronavirus in December much before the government confirmed its first case. According to Reuters/Ipsos poll, three-quarters of Americans would take a coronavirus vaccine after receiving certain assurances that it was safe. Meanwhile, the global cases for the virus surged to over 3.6 million with the death climbing to 257,337. The United States is the worst-hit country with over 70,000 deaths, ahead of Britain which has over 32,000 fatalities.

Not allergic to any investigation but top priority to fight & win against COVID-19: China

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

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

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

African nations decry racism in China

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

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

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

Coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government: Report

Up to the 17th century, most of the “knowledge/office work” used to happen at home. However, professionals in time realised that they needed a dedicated space to work. Response to a crisis generally changes the ways the world operates. After World War II, Germany was once again looking for ways to rebuild itself. With the advancements in telecommunication, offices could be segregated from factories and warehouses. It was the German concept of Bürolandschaft that has been further tweaked into today’s “office landscape”. &nbsp;

Today the 9-5 office forms a major part of the workforce in the ‘big cities.’ The formal sector economy is hugely concentrated in these major metropolitan cities which in-turn become over crowed areas of the skilled workforce. As per the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India’s biggest cities may be losing up to $22 billion annually to traffic congestion. The commuters are largely bearing the burden. On average the travellers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata spend 1.5 hours more on their daily commutes compared to their counterparts in other Asian cities mitigating traffic during peak hours. Overcrowding of these metro cities also means logistic concerns for the state authorise.&nbsp;

The pandemic, however, forced the authorities to push people to maintain hygiene. One way to arrange it is by providing flexible work condition including work from home, wherever possible. &nbsp;

Coronavirus pandemic has once again propelled the world to change its way of operation. The public health emergency under which globe is reeling had locked downed over 3 billion people by mid-March, 2020. The business has plummeted to its worst crisis since the 2008-09 Lehman debacle. Industries like tourism, fashion and sports have been brought to a complete standstill as ‘contact’ is quintessential for these industries. Amidst the ‘lockdown’, the economy still needs to churn. It is a clarion call that ‘social distancing’ must be accepted as a behavioural change and offices must be encouraged to operate with minimal physical contact. Therefore, one thing that has become concomitant is ‘Work from Home” and it is here to stay.&nbsp;

The Gurugram administration has recently asked its IT companies to allow ‘Work from Home’ facility for their employees till July 2020. Similar steps should be emulated for all companies where human contact can be voluntary, even after the lockdown is over. More industries and sectors must be identified where ‘Work from Home’ is feasible. Obviously the WFH model is not feasible in every industry like manufacturing, hospitality, performing arts, entertainment etc. But many sectors can be identified in which daily physical contact may not be obligatory. For instance, at one point physical presence was considered essential for the function of courts; but with the help of technology, the legal system is also coping with the situation. A similar approach must be identified in other sectors too. &nbsp;

The government sector in India had never, previously, accepted the idea of work from home. But necessity is the mother of innovation and during the lockdown period, many employees have been allowed to continue work from home. Leading PSUs have adopted and even found value in the WFH model.&nbsp;

Even with all its benefits, the WFH model has its own problems, such as improper infrastructure at home. The firewalls required for electronic communication are not as adept at home as at office and necessary precautions have not been taken to protect against data piracy. However, these are temporary micro issues pertaining to generally people involved in the IT sector. If eventually, work from home does become a viable long-term alternative, care would be taken to enhance infrastructure and ensure that data is protected.&nbsp;

Few silver linings have come to light as people worked from home during the ‘lockdown’. Globally, pollution levels have diminished to their lowest in years. Major cities like Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, etc., have had clear skies and the traffic has been impeccably smooth. The cities had been previously at a breaking point due to over-crowding and pollution but have shown signs of ecological improvement. &nbsp;

This has in turn helped with the quality of life for employees who used to be stranded in traffic for hours damaging the environment as well as causing personal damage to health. It is high time that people find innovative solutions in order to live in harmony along with the ecology.&nbsp;

Concept of Work from Home is also beneficial for employers who can save on real estate with smaller workspaces. Small town industries can pick up when there is a scope of talent joining from anywhere. It shall also curtail over-crowding of the metropolitans if the skilled worker does not have to migrate from their own towns looking for ‘suitable’ job opportunities. &nbsp;

The idea is also in the interest of women who are traditionally in a quandary to maintain a work-life balance. Work from anywhere can attract more women to continue with jobs even after facing difficult life choices like returning to work post-maternity.

Businesses should stop treating ‘work from home’ as an aberration. Tata Consultancy Services with a workforce of 4.5 lakh has announced to adapt the ‘Secure Borderless Model’ where 75 per cent of its employees will be working from home in the longer run. New age dynamics allot marks for working and not for mere physical presence. To boost productivity, one has to ascertain that the workforce is not ‘exhausted’ all the time. Many a time, an employee has to mark his absence from important deliberations because they cannot ‘reach on time’. However if the need to reach on time physically is out of the picture, then everyone may be available on video-call (though at different places). &nbsp;

Work from Home may not supplant, but surely can supplement the traditional way of working. For people fretting at the thought of finding no ‘connection’ or camaraderie in the workplace, many things can be put in place. For instance, there is a concept of ‘virtual water-cooler’ scheduled as ‘cloud-meetings’ of mix groups in offices which promote employees to mingle and have informal conversations and bond over non-work discussions. &nbsp;

As is said, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Dealing with a pandemic is tough, but the good lessons can always be adapted.&nbsp; 
 
(The article is co-authored by Tanvi Saran Srivastava. She is Law Officer in MSTC Ltd, CPSU.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Up to the 17th century, most of the “knowledge/office work” used to happen at home. However, professionals in time realised that they needed a dedicated space to work.

Up to the 17th century, most of the “knowledge/office work” used to happen at home. However, professionals in time realised that they needed a dedicated space to work. Response to a crisis generally changes the ways the world operates. After World War II, Germany was once again looking for ways to rebuild itself. With the advancements in telecommunication, offices could be segregated from factories and warehouses. It was the German concept of Bürolandschaft that has been further tweaked into today’s “office landscape”. Today the 9-5 office forms a major part of the workforce in the ‘big cities.’ The formal sector economy is hugely concentrated in these major metropolitan cities which in-turn become over crowed areas of the skilled workforce. As per the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India’s biggest cities may be losing up to $22 billion annually to traffic congestion. The commuters are largely bearing the burden. On average the travellers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata spend 1.5 hours more on their daily commutes compared to their counterparts in other Asian cities mitigating traffic during peak hours. Overcrowding of these metro cities also means logistic concerns for the state authorise. The pandemic, however, forced the authorities to push people to maintain hygiene. One way to arrange it is by providing flexible work condition including work from home, wherever possible. Coronavirus pandemic has once again propelled the world to change its way of operation. The public health emergency under which globe is reeling had locked downed over 3 billion people by mid-March, 2020. The business has plummeted to its worst crisis since the 2008-09 Lehman debacle. Industries like tourism, fashion and sports have been brought to a complete standstill as ‘contact’ is quintessential for these industries. Amidst the ‘lockdown’, the economy still needs to churn. It is a clarion call that ‘social distancing’ must be accepted as a behavioural change and offices must be encouraged to operate with minimal physical contact. Therefore, one thing that has become concomitant is ‘Work from Home” and it is here to stay. The Gurugram administration has recently asked its IT companies to allow ‘Work from Home’ facility for their employees till July 2020. Similar steps should be emulated for all companies where human contact can be voluntary, even after the lockdown is over. More industries and sectors must be identified where ‘Work from Home’ is feasible. Obviously the WFH model is not feasible in every industry like manufacturing, hospitality, performing arts, entertainment etc. But many sectors can be identified in which daily physical contact may not be obligatory. For instance, at one point physical presence was considered essential for the function of courts; but with the help of technology, the legal system is also coping with the situation. A similar approach must be identified in other sectors too. The government sector in India had never, previously, accepted the idea of work from home. But necessity is the mother of innovation and during the lockdown period, many employees have been allowed to continue work from home. Leading PSUs have adopted and even found value in the WFH model. Even with all its benefits, the WFH model has its own problems, such as improper infrastructure at home. The firewalls required for electronic communication are not as adept at home as at office and necessary precautions have not been taken to protect against data piracy. However, these are temporary micro issues pertaining to generally people involved in the IT sector. If eventually, work from home does become a viable long-term alternative, care would be taken to enhance infrastructure and ensure that data is protected. Few silver linings have come to light as people worked from home during the ‘lockdown’. Globally, pollution levels have diminished to their lowest in years. Major cities like Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, etc., have had clear skies and the traffic has been impeccably smooth. The cities had been previously at a breaking point due to over-crowding and pollution but have shown signs of ecological improvement. This has in turn helped with the quality of life for employees who used to be stranded in traffic for hours damaging the environment as well as causing personal damage to health. It is high time that people find innovative solutions in order to live in harmony along with the ecology. Concept of Work from Home is also beneficial for employers who can save on real estate with smaller workspaces. Small town industries can pick up when there is a scope of talent joining from anywhere. It shall also curtail over-crowding of the metropolitans if the skilled worker does not have to migrate from their own towns looking for ‘suitable’ job opportunities. The idea is also in the interest of women who are traditionally in a quandary to maintain a work-life balance. Work from anywhere can attract more women to continue with jobs even after facing difficult life choices like returning to work post-maternity. Businesses should stop treating ‘work from home’ as an aberration. Tata Consultancy Services with a workforce of 4.5 lakh has announced to adapt the ‘Secure Borderless Model’ where 75 per cent of its employees will be working from home in the longer run. New age dynamics allot marks for working and not for mere physical presence. To boost productivity, one has to ascertain that the workforce is not ‘exhausted’ all the time. Many a time, an employee has to mark his absence from important deliberations because they cannot ‘reach on time’. However if the need to reach on time physically is out of the picture, then everyone may be available on video-call (though at different places). Work from Home may not supplant, but surely can supplement the traditional way of working. For people fretting at the thought of finding no ‘connection’ or camaraderie in the workplace, many things can be put in place. For instance, there is a concept of ‘virtual water-cooler’ scheduled as ‘cloud-meetings’ of mix groups in offices which promote employees to mingle and have informal conversations and bond over non-work discussions. As is said, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Dealing with a pandemic is tough, but the good lessons can always be adapted. (The article is co-authored by Tanvi Saran Srivastava. She is Law Officer in MSTC Ltd, CPSU.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is work from home the new normal?

Facing COVID 19 crisis, several countries including India placed orders for test kits from China for testing for antibodies to the coronavirus

India ordered from China more than half a million kits to boost its screening.

After receiving the test kits, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the top agency dealing with Coronavirus outbreak in India, said that the performance of the test kits received from China is not reliable and therefore, asked all states in India not to use the Chinese test kits anymore.

This decision of ICMR not to use test kits from China has provoked angry reactions from China, which termed &nbsp;Indian decision as unfair and irresponsible. China gave itself self-certification that Chinese authorities have validated the equipment produced by the two Chinese firms namely Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics.

Like a typical seller who would like to save his skin after supplying bad quality products, &nbsp;China has virtually accused &nbsp;Indian medical practitioners of not having enough expertise to use the equipment. China said “The tests needed to be carried out in a professional manner to produce accurate results. There are strict requirements for the storage, transportation and use of COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits. Any operation which is not carried out by professionals in accordance with the product specifications will lead to the testing accuracy variations”.

Obviously, with such a statement, China has attempted to humiliate the Indian medical professionals by doubting their competence and knowledge level. This is a negative statement made with the intention of evading from the responsibility of a supplier, which needs to be strongly condemned.

Earlier, when countries like Spain rejected the test kits from China due to quality issues, China responded by offering to replace them. However, when India rejected test kits, China has termed it an irresponsible decision. Does this mean that China has different yardsticks for different countries and views India’s decision with contempt?

It is usual practice for major producers to sub-contract the production to small sub-contractors, &nbsp;if there is a large order beyond the capacity of the producers to supply at the stipulated schedule.

Many people now wonder, that faced with the huge order situation, many small Chinese producers could also have produced the test kits as sub-contractors to the major suppliers from China and the quality of these test kits might not have been subjected to strict quality check and control. This aspect needs to be instigated

In any case, the main producers and the government of China are accountable for the quality of the test kits, particularly when exported.

Instead of merely explaining as to why the test kits have failed to give reliable results in India, Chinese producers should have demonstrated and proved the reliability of the test kits, China has merely called India’s decision as irresponsible. On the other hand, one may not be wrong if he would conclude that only China has been irresponsible.

Today, China stands accused as an unrepentant seller, with least regard for the interest of the buyers. India is certainly entitled to reject the test kits, if it is not be satisfied, which is the legitimate and internationally acceptable practice of buyers.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Facing COVID 19 crisis, several countries including India placed orders for test kits from China for testing for antibodies to the coronavirus India ordered from China more than half a million kits to boost its screening.

Facing COVID 19 crisis, several countries including India placed orders for test kits from China for testing for antibodies to the coronavirus India ordered from China more than half a million kits to boost its screening. After receiving the test kits, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the top agency dealing with Coronavirus outbreak in India, said that the performance of the test kits received from China is not reliable and therefore, asked all states in India not to use the Chinese test kits anymore. This decision of ICMR not to use test kits from China has provoked angry reactions from China, which termed Indian decision as unfair and irresponsible. China gave itself self-certification that Chinese authorities have validated the equipment produced by the two Chinese firms namely Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics. Like a typical seller who would like to save his skin after supplying bad quality products, China has virtually accused Indian medical practitioners of not having enough expertise to use the equipment. China said “The tests needed to be carried out in a professional manner to produce accurate results. There are strict requirements for the storage, transportation and use of COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits. Any operation which is not carried out by professionals in accordance with the product specifications will lead to the testing accuracy variations”. Obviously, with such a statement, China has attempted to humiliate the Indian medical professionals by doubting their competence and knowledge level. This is a negative statement made with the intention of evading from the responsibility of a supplier, which needs to be strongly condemned. Earlier, when countries like Spain rejected the test kits from China due to quality issues, China responded by offering to replace them. However, when India rejected test kits, China has termed it an irresponsible decision. Does this mean that China has different yardsticks for different countries and views India’s decision with contempt? It is usual practice for major producers to sub-contract the production to small sub-contractors, if there is a large order beyond the capacity of the producers to supply at the stipulated schedule. Many people now wonder, that faced with the huge order situation, many small Chinese producers could also have produced the test kits as sub-contractors to the major suppliers from China and the quality of these test kits might not have been subjected to strict quality check and control. This aspect needs to be instigated In any case, the main producers and the government of China are accountable for the quality of the test kits, particularly when exported. Instead of merely explaining as to why the test kits have failed to give reliable results in India, Chinese producers should have demonstrated and proved the reliability of the test kits, China has merely called India’s decision as irresponsible. On the other hand, one may not be wrong if he would conclude that only China has been irresponsible. Today, China stands accused as an unrepentant seller, with least regard for the interest of the buyers. India is certainly entitled to reject the test kits, if it is not be satisfied, which is the legitimate and internationally acceptable practice of buyers. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

COVID-19 outbreak: Why China is wrong to blame India for rejecting the 'faulty' test kits

The Chinese state media&nbsp;lambasted US Secretary of&nbsp;State&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;originated in&nbsp;China.

Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo&nbsp;had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intel-shared-among-us-allies-contradicts-trumps-claims-says-coronavirus-outbreak-more-likely-came-from-market-296696" hreflang="en">Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market</a>

Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV&nbsp;calling his claims "insane and evasive".

It attacked Pompeo by calling him ''evil'' and saying that he is wantonly spewing poison and spreading lies,''&nbsp;referred to statements by WHO Executive Director Mike Ryan and Columbia University virologist W Ian Lipkin.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685" hreflang="en">More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a>

''These flawed and unreasonable remarks by American politicians make it clear&nbsp;to more and more people that no evidence' exists,''&nbsp;the commentary said.

The theory of the Chinese origin of the coronavirus has been heavily pushed by the administration of President&nbsp;Donald Trump, who has been increasingly critical of China's handling of the outbreak that first emerged in Wuhan late last year.

Trump said&nbsp;he saw evidence that gave him confidence the virus emerged from a lab in Wuhan, without offering support to his claim.

COVID-19 has infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic till date.

&nbsp;

The Chinese state media lambasted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that coronavirus originated in China. Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

The Chinese state media lambasted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that coronavirus originated in China. Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. Also read: Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV calling his claims "insane and evasive". It attacked Pompeo by calling him ''evil'' and saying that he is wantonly spewing poison and spreading lies,'' referred to statements by WHO Executive Director Mike Ryan and Columbia University virologist W Ian Lipkin. Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh ''These flawed and unreasonable remarks by American politicians make it clear to more and more people that no evidence' exists,'' the commentary said. The theory of the Chinese origin of the coronavirus has been heavily pushed by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has been increasingly critical of China's handling of the outbreak that first emerged in Wuhan late last year. Trump said he saw evidence that gave him confidence the virus emerged from a lab in Wuhan, without offering support to his claim. COVID-19 has infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic till date.

China lashes out at Pompeo, calls his coronavirus origin theory 'insane'

China is opening up to stark realities post the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-largest-overseas-evacuation-since-independence-to-bring-back-citizens-stranded-abroad-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-296652">lockdown</a>. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project is threatened with a financial collapse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-questions-to-answer-over-coronavirus-outbreak-says-uk-296580">Also Read:&nbsp;China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK</a>

China had given billions of dollars in loans for its grand foreign policy project and it is now flooded with requests for relief from repayments an China is willing to suspend interest payments but many are looking for a complete waiver of the loan.

COVID-19 has dealt a body blow to China's grand global project. President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative is set to be derailed further even before the pandemic, it had begun facing opposition.

There was growing resentment with many countries re-thinking their commitments. The Wuhan virus has only made it worse. China has re-opened its economy but it is set to suffer a contraction of nearly 7 per cent, also it will lose money due to the BRI. 
&nbsp; 
China has pumped in billions of dollars in the form of loans to countries and now most of these countries can't afford to pay back.

They face a coronavirus-recession, so they're asking China for debt relief. A wave of applications has come from BRI member nations. China has given loans worth $460 billion so far.

It was supposed to be the new Silk Road building infrastructure and boosting China’s influence. More than 140 countries signed up. Most of them are developing nations in Asia and Africa. Many with the weakest credit ratings in the world. For instance, Iran and Pakistan re high-risk countries to lend to.

But China took the risk. Iran and Pakistan are among the top-5 recipients of Belt and Road loans. The lockdowns have worsened the already poor economies. In Africa, China gave loans worth $140 billion.

Most African countries now want loan waivers. China did sign a G20 pact to hold off bilateral loan repayment specifically for low-income countries until the end of this year.

But the details are still being worked out and there's no clarity on whether BRI loans would come under its ambit. In the current scenario, more than half of the BRI projects are in trouble and experts say China just cannot afford to let them fail.

It can suspend interest payment some borrowers with good credit history may be allowed to reschedule their loans but forgiving debt permanently would be the worst-case scenario.

China was accused of debt-trapping poor nations into the Belt and Road project now it finds itself caught in the same trap. China is opening up to stark realities post the lockdown. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project(BRI) is threatened with a financial collapse.

China is opening up to stark realities post the lockdown. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project is threatened with a financial collapse.

China is opening up to stark realities post the lockdown. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project is threatened with a financial collapse. Also Read: China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK China had given billions of dollars in loans for its grand foreign policy project and it is now flooded with requests for relief from repayments an China is willing to suspend interest payments but many are looking for a complete waiver of the loan. COVID-19 has dealt a body blow to China's grand global project. President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative is set to be derailed further even before the pandemic, it had begun facing opposition. There was growing resentment with many countries re-thinking their commitments. The Wuhan virus has only made it worse. China has re-opened its economy but it is set to suffer a contraction of nearly 7 per cent, also it will lose money due to the BRI. China has pumped in billions of dollars in the form of loans to countries and now most of these countries can't afford to pay back. They face a coronavirus-recession, so they're asking China for debt relief. A wave of applications has come from BRI member nations. China has given loans worth $460 billion so far. It was supposed to be the new Silk Road building infrastructure and boosting China’s influence. More than 140 countries signed up. Most of them are developing nations in Asia and Africa. Many with the weakest credit ratings in the world. For instance, Iran and Pakistan re high-risk countries to lend to. But China took the risk. Iran and Pakistan are among the top-5 recipients of Belt and Road loans. The lockdowns have worsened the already poor economies. In Africa, China gave loans worth $140 billion. Most African countries now want loan waivers. China did sign a G20 pact to hold off bilateral loan repayment specifically for low-income countries until the end of this year. But the details are still being worked out and there's no clarity on whether BRI loans would come under its ambit. In the current scenario, more than half of the BRI projects are in trouble and experts say China just cannot afford to let them fail. It can suspend interest payment some borrowers with good credit history may be allowed to reschedule their loans but forgiving debt permanently would be the worst-case scenario. China was accused of debt-trapping poor nations into the Belt and Road project now it finds itself caught in the same trap. China is opening up to stark realities post the lockdown. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project(BRI) is threatened with a financial collapse.

COVID-19 impact: President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative set to be derailed

The US government is now claiming that coronavirus came from a virology lab in Wuhan, China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that there was "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in Wuhan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-hes-seen-evidence-coronavirus-originated-in-chinese-lab-295950">US President Donald Trump</a> too&nbsp;has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy". The President has claimed that he had seen evidence that proved the novel coronavirus originated in a laboratory.&nbsp;

However, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-not-man-made-or-genetically-modified-us-intelligence-community-295906">US intelligence community</a> has ruled out the bio-weapon theory behind coronavirus spread. They say their report is work in progress and is based on public material. "The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," the community statement said.

Pompeo said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-warns-internal-report-296619">China has a history of infecting</a> the world and of running 'substandard labs'. The fact is, America was funding this very same 'substandard lab'.

Last month, the US National Institute of Health (NIH) gave&nbsp;$3.7 million dollars to this Wuhan lab. The funding has now been blocked, but it does raise questions on why Washington was supporting what it now calls 'substandard labs.'

Meanwhile, the country in question, China, has launched an all-out attack. Beijing has unleashed its entire state media machinery to discredit the Trump administration.

China is backing up its cartoons with harsh and tough statements from the foreign ministry. Broadcasts on the Chinese media are now devoting prime airtime to bash Mike Pompeo.

The state media is publishing one editorial after another to blast at the US Secretary of State. The shrill exchanges only show how bad things are between the United States and China and how much is at stake.

Relations between China and the United States are being seen to be at their worst point in decades.&nbsp;

The US government is now claiming that coronavirus came from a virology lab in Wuhan, China. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that there was "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in Wuhan.

The US government is now claiming that coronavirus came from a virology lab in Wuhan, China. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that there was "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in Wuhan. US President Donald Trump too has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy". The President has claimed that he had seen evidence that proved the novel coronavirus originated in a laboratory. However, the US intelligence community has ruled out the bio-weapon theory behind coronavirus spread. They say their report is work in progress and is based on public material. "The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," the community statement said. Pompeo said that China has a history of infecting the world and of running 'substandard labs'. The fact is, America was funding this very same 'substandard lab'. Last month, the US National Institute of Health (NIH) gave $3.7 million dollars to this Wuhan lab. The funding has now been blocked, but it does raise questions on why Washington was supporting what it now calls 'substandard labs.' Meanwhile, the country in question, China, has launched an all-out attack. Beijing has unleashed its entire state media machinery to discredit the Trump administration. China is backing up its cartoons with harsh and tough statements from the foreign ministry. Broadcasts on the Chinese media are now devoting prime airtime to bash Mike Pompeo. The state media is publishing one editorial after another to blast at the US Secretary of State. The shrill exchanges only show how bad things are between the United States and China and how much is at stake. Relations between China and the United States are being seen to be at their worst point in decades.

US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin

There are only three possible origins for the COVID-19 pandemic:

(1) It is a naturally-occurring disease, where coronaviruses circulating in a bat population mutated and acquired the ability to infect humans, which was then transmitted to people either visiting or working in the Wuhan Seafood Market;

(2) A yet unknown and undescribed coronavirus of natural origin, now named COVID-19, was one of the many bat coronaviruses isolated from bat populations by Chinese scientists and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory;

(3) COVID-19 was man-made and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory.

The Chinese government, the media and some scientists are desperately trying to convince the public that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease because certain vested interests may be affected, including the potentially devastating political and economic consequences for China, global corporate and private investment in China and an effect on ongoing scientific collaboration and research funding. &nbsp;

Viruses, which can undergo frequent mutation, do “jump” from animals to humans after acquiring an ability to infect humans. That may prove to be the case for COVID-19.

Arguing against that conclusion are the facts that the initial patients hospitalised between December 1-10, 2019 had <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30183-5/fulltext">not visited </a>the Wuhan Seafood Market, there were <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7079563/">no bats</a> in that market and there is no clear evolutionary pathway yet identified that explains the unique features of COVID-19.

The claim that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring is based nearly entirely on a single, but widely-cited Nature Medicine article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2,” which compares the structure of COVID-19 to what the authors consider its closest relatives found in animal populations, specifically, the bat coronavirus RaTG13 and a coronavirus from the scaly anteater, called pangolins. &nbsp;

There are, however, inconsistencies that do not fully support that claim.

Although COVID-19 bears a striking structural similarity to the bat coronavirus RaTG13, the critical receptor binding domain, which initiates attachment to human cells, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340924249_Is_considering_a_genetic-manipulation_origin_for_SARS-CoV-2_a_conspiracy_theory_that_must_be_censored">is closer </a>to that of pangolins.

In addition, there is no explanation for the origin of the furin polybasic cleavage site as represented by the proline-arginine-arginine-alanine (PRRA) amino acid insertion, which does not exist in any of the bat or pangolin close relatives yet identified, a structure that is known to enhance <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6832359/">pathogenicity </a>and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12250-020-00212-7">transmissibility </a>in coronaviruses.

Alternatively, the inconsistencies of the naturally-occurring argument could be resolved if one assumes that COVID-19 was bioengineered.

There are two US&nbsp;patents related to that type of bioengineering, “Methods and Compositions for Chimeric Coronavirus Spike Proteins” and “Insertion of Furin Protease Cleavage Sites in Membrane Proteins and Uses Thereof,” patent numbers US9884895B2 and US7223390, respectively.

Viruses rely on the biochemical mechanisms of the host cell they invade to bind and fuse with the host cell membrane and replicate inside the cell.

The binding and membrane-fusing capability of COVID-19 resides in a structure called the spike protein, specifically sections of the “S” protein, which contain the receptor-binding domain and the furin polybasic cleavage site.

The bioengineering capabilities to “splice” the receptor-binding domain from one virus to another and to insert a furin polybasic cleavage site are both well-established laboratory techniques for which I provide the following specific examples.

In 2015, Ralph Baric from the University of North Carolina, co-patent holder of US9884895B2, and Zheng-Li Shi, the <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-chinas-bat-woman-hunted-down-viruses-from-sars-to-the-new-coronavirus1/">“bat woman” </a>from the Wuhan Institute of Virology jointly published a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nm.3985">scientific article </a>describing the combination of the receptor-binding spike protein from a newly isolated coronavirus (SHC014) and the “backbone” from SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic.

The above experiment produced a novel virus, chimera SHC014-MA15, which showed “robust viral replication both in vitro [cell cultures] and in vivo [animals],” using models adapted to test human infectivity.

In 2013, Chinese scientists <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3823846/">demonstrated</a> the capability to insert a furin polybasic cleavage site, similar to that of COVID-19, into a protein, an article which cited US patent “Insertion of Furin Protease Cleavage Sites in Membrane Proteins and Uses Thereof.”

One of the authors of that 2013 article, Chinese scientist Shibo Jiang, has a joint appointment at the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute in New York and Fudan University in Shanghai and is a long-time collaborator of Zheng-Li Shi and Ralph Baric in coronavirus research.

All of the above is not meant to assign complicity or culpability in any way, but to demonstrate that the bioengineering capability to manufacture COVID-19 clearly exists and should be investigated as its possible origin.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

There are only three possible origins for the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) It is a naturally-occurring disease, where coronaviruses circulating in a bat population mutated and acquired the ability to infect humans, which was then transmitted to people either visiting or working in the Wuhan Seafood Market; (2) A yet unknown and undescribed coronavirus of natural origin, now named COVID-19, was one of the many bat coronaviruses isolated from bat populations by Chinese scientists and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory; (3) COVID-19 was man-made and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory.

There are only three possible origins for the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) It is a naturally-occurring disease, where coronaviruses circulating in a bat population mutated and acquired the ability to infect humans, which was then transmitted to people either visiting or working in the Wuhan Seafood Market; (2) A yet unknown and undescribed coronavirus of natural origin, now named COVID-19, was one of the many bat coronaviruses isolated from bat populations by Chinese scientists and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory; (3) COVID-19 was man-made and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory. The Chinese government, the media and some scientists are desperately trying to convince the public that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease because certain vested interests may be affected, including the potentially devastating political and economic consequences for China, global corporate and private investment in China and an effect on ongoing scientific collaboration and research funding. Viruses, which can undergo frequent mutation, do “jump” from animals to humans after acquiring an ability to infect humans. That may prove to be the case for COVID-19. Arguing against that conclusion are the facts that the initial patients hospitalised between December 1-10, 2019 had not visited the Wuhan Seafood Market, there were no bats in that market and there is no clear evolutionary pathway yet identified that explains the unique features of COVID-19. The claim that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring is based nearly entirely on a single, but widely-cited Nature Medicine article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2,” which compares the structure of COVID-19 to what the authors consider its closest relatives found in animal populations, specifically, the bat coronavirus RaTG13 and a coronavirus from the scaly anteater, called pangolins. There are, however, inconsistencies that do not fully support that claim. Although COVID-19 bears a striking structural similarity to the bat coronavirus RaTG13, the critical receptor binding domain, which initiates attachment to human cells, is closer to that of pangolins. In addition, there is no explanation for the origin of the furin polybasic cleavage site as represented by the proline-arginine-arginine-alanine (PRRA) amino acid insertion, which does not exist in any of the bat or pangolin close relatives yet identified, a structure that is known to enhance pathogenicity and transmissibility in coronaviruses. Alternatively, the inconsistencies of the naturally-occurring argument could be resolved if one assumes that COVID-19 was bioengineered. There are two US patents related to that type of bioengineering, “Methods and Compositions for Chimeric Coronavirus Spike Proteins” and “Insertion of Furin Protease Cleavage Sites in Membrane Proteins and Uses Thereof,” patent numbers US9884895B2 and US7223390, respectively. Viruses rely on the biochemical mechanisms of the host cell they invade to bind and fuse with the host cell membrane and replicate inside the cell. The binding and membrane-fusing capability of COVID-19 resides in a structure called the spike protein, specifically sections of the “S” protein, which contain the receptor-binding domain and the furin polybasic cleavage site. The bioengineering capabilities to “splice” the receptor-binding domain from one virus to another and to insert a furin polybasic cleavage site are both well-established laboratory techniques for which I provide the following specific examples. In 2015, Ralph Baric from the University of North Carolina, co-patent holder of US9884895B2, and Zheng-Li Shi, the “bat woman” from the Wuhan Institute of Virology jointly published a scientific article describing the combination of the receptor-binding spike protein from a newly isolated coronavirus (SHC014) and the “backbone” from SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic. The above experiment produced a novel virus, chimera SHC014-MA15, which showed “robust viral replication both in vitro [cell cultures] and in vivo [animals],” using models adapted to test human infectivity. In 2013, Chinese scientists demonstrated the capability to insert a furin polybasic cleavage site, similar to that of COVID-19, into a protein, an article which cited US patent “Insertion of Furin Protease Cleavage Sites in Membrane Proteins and Uses Thereof.” One of the authors of that 2013 article, Chinese scientist Shibo Jiang, has a joint appointment at the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute in New York and Fudan University in Shanghai and is a long-time collaborator of Zheng-Li Shi and Ralph Baric in coronavirus research. All of the above is not meant to assign complicity or culpability in any way, but to demonstrate that the bioengineering capability to manufacture COVID-19 clearly exists and should be investigated as its possible origin. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How US expertise may have inadvertently contributed to COVID-19

Nelson Mandela once said, “when people are determined they can overcome anything.”&nbsp;

We truly are faced with an unprecedented public health emergency. But at times like these, more than ever, we can come together and create a meaningful impact in the communities around us.&nbsp;

We need to strongly commit and dedicate ourselves in providing support to communities during these difficult times and salute the sacrifice, perseverance and dedication of all those who are at the forefront of this fight. Our joint commitment to give every possible support to the communities awakens the hope that these consolidated efforts can make a significant difference in these testing times. During the times of a global health crisis, organisations can collaborate with NGO’s which are working extensively to reach out to the affected communities. Providing masks and gloves, creating awareness about the symptoms and precautions, ensuring access to essential commodities are the major intervention areas where the organisations can contribute and extend their support to. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ensuring the health and well-being of the society at large is something all companies must address. Proper nutrition, good dietary habits, and an active lifestyle are integral to maintaining good health. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle during these critical times ensures healthy living and lesser health issues. &nbsp;

In this regard, companies should leverage the network in communities they have built through their societal initiatives. They can use social media and phone calls in collaboration with NGO partners to educate community members on the steps to be taken to prevent COVID-19. Local influencers can be engaged to ensure that the seriousness of the situation is conveyed adequately and that people are more receptive towards the precautionary measures that are to be taken to flatten the curve. These are the measures we are also taking through our network under the Nestlé Healthy Kids Program and for our beneficiaries as part of our Project Jagriti. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

While all of us are doing our best to get through this by isolating ourselves and social distancing, few among us are out on the streets trying to keep the society afloat, trying to help our world heal. Our waste workers are also among these front-line fighters. While the collectors are facing the danger of getting infected every day, the scrap dealers and rag pickers are dealing with lack of work and little or no means to earn their livelihood. However, one common problem that engulfs all kinds of daily wage workers is limited or no access to basic essentials. &nbsp;In collaboration with local stakeholders, we can reach out to these waste workers enabling them to face the COVID-19 crisis by providing essentials, creating awareness and equipping them with safety gears.&nbsp;

Alongside communities, companies must also explore ways to help out their external partners like distributors. The front-line sales force who work for distribution partners is the heroes who are heeding to a call of duty to ensure much-needed products are available for the consumers. Companies should ensure their safety and protect them should any unfortunate COVID-19 related event befall them. &nbsp;

We must understand, this pandemic has affected everyone on a personal level. The need of the hour is to work collectively towards adding value to the overall societal effort to combat the impact of the virus. We must be committed towards the human beings around us and be consistent towards ensuring their well-being at this point of time.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Nelson Mandela once said, “when people are determined they can overcome anything.” We truly are faced with an unprecedented public health emergency. But at times like these, more than ever, we can come together and create a meaningful impact in the communities around us.

Nelson Mandela once said, “when people are determined they can overcome anything.” We truly are faced with an unprecedented public health emergency. But at times like these, more than ever, we can come together and create a meaningful impact in the communities around us. We need to strongly commit and dedicate ourselves in providing support to communities during these difficult times and salute the sacrifice, perseverance and dedication of all those who are at the forefront of this fight. Our joint commitment to give every possible support to the communities awakens the hope that these consolidated efforts can make a significant difference in these testing times. During the times of a global health crisis, organisations can collaborate with NGO’s which are working extensively to reach out to the affected communities. Providing masks and gloves, creating awareness about the symptoms and precautions, ensuring access to essential commodities are the major intervention areas where the organisations can contribute and extend their support to. Ensuring the health and well-being of the society at large is something all companies must address. Proper nutrition, good dietary habits, and an active lifestyle are integral to maintaining good health. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle during these critical times ensures healthy living and lesser health issues. In this regard, companies should leverage the network in communities they have built through their societal initiatives. They can use social media and phone calls in collaboration with NGO partners to educate community members on the steps to be taken to prevent COVID-19. Local influencers can be engaged to ensure that the seriousness of the situation is conveyed adequately and that people are more receptive towards the precautionary measures that are to be taken to flatten the curve. These are the measures we are also taking through our network under the Nestlé Healthy Kids Program and for our beneficiaries as part of our Project Jagriti. While all of us are doing our best to get through this by isolating ourselves and social distancing, few among us are out on the streets trying to keep the society afloat, trying to help our world heal. Our waste workers are also among these front-line fighters. While the collectors are facing the danger of getting infected every day, the scrap dealers and rag pickers are dealing with lack of work and little or no means to earn their livelihood. However, one common problem that engulfs all kinds of daily wage workers is limited or no access to basic essentials. In collaboration with local stakeholders, we can reach out to these waste workers enabling them to face the COVID-19 crisis by providing essentials, creating awareness and equipping them with safety gears. Alongside communities, companies must also explore ways to help out their external partners like distributors. The front-line sales force who work for distribution partners is the heroes who are heeding to a call of duty to ensure much-needed products are available for the consumers. Companies should ensure their safety and protect them should any unfortunate COVID-19 related event befall them. We must understand, this pandemic has affected everyone on a personal level. The need of the hour is to work collectively towards adding value to the overall societal effort to combat the impact of the virus. We must be committed towards the human beings around us and be consistent towards ensuring their well-being at this point of time. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus outbreak: How leading organisations can contribute to the community during a pandemic

Japan on Monday extended the lockdown due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madagascar-president-launches-herbal-cure-for-covid-19-296509">coronavirus </a>to May 31 with PM Shinzo Abe declaring that it "covered all prefectures in the nation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-tally-surpasses-35-million-amid-underreporting-concerns-296499">Also Read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus tally surpasses 3.5 million amid underreporting concerns</a>

"I will extend the period of the state of emergency I declared on April 7 until May 31," PM Abe said, adding,"The number of new cases has declined, but unfortunately the decrease has not reached the targeted level."

Japan has reported 15,000 COVID-19 infections with 510 deaths.&nbsp;

"As the healthcare sector remains under pressure, we need continued cooperation from people," the prime minister said.

On Friday, Japanese stocks had closed down amid concerns over tensions between the US and China. The Nikkei 225 index dropped 2.84 per cent to end at 19,619.35, while the broader Topix index lost 2.24 per cent even as the virus continued to keep the country in shutdown. The markets are closed today due to a holiday.

The citizens have been told to stay indoors even as the country battles the virus with authorities cautious over a second wave of infections. With the health services under pressure with health workers still to carry out adequate amount of tests with the country facing a shortage of resources.

Japan's parliament last week passed an emergency budget worth around $240 billion, including cash handouts for every resident to fight the COVID-19 pandemic as the country sought to prop up its economy badly hit due to the virus.

The budget has made huge provisions for handouts with half of it going towards cash payment. It is part of a larger stimulus of $1 million which the Abe government had announced last month.

Japan on Monday extended the lockdown due to coronavirus to May 31 with PM Shinzo Abe declaring that it "covered all prefectures in the nation". Also Read: Global coronavirus tally surpasses 3.

Japan on Monday extended the lockdown due to coronavirus to May 31 with PM Shinzo Abe declaring that it "covered all prefectures in the nation". Also Read: Global coronavirus tally surpasses 3.5 million amid underreporting concerns "I will extend the period of the state of emergency I declared on April 7 until May 31," PM Abe said, adding,"The number of new cases has declined, but unfortunately the decrease has not reached the targeted level." Japan has reported 15,000 COVID-19 infections with 510 deaths. "As the healthcare sector remains under pressure, we need continued cooperation from people," the prime minister said. On Friday, Japanese stocks had closed down amid concerns over tensions between the US and China. The Nikkei 225 index dropped 2.84 per cent to end at 19,619.35, while the broader Topix index lost 2.24 per cent even as the virus continued to keep the country in shutdown. The markets are closed today due to a holiday. The citizens have been told to stay indoors even as the country battles the virus with authorities cautious over a second wave of infections. With the health services under pressure with health workers still to carry out adequate amount of tests with the country facing a shortage of resources. Japan's parliament last week passed an emergency budget worth around $240 billion, including cash handouts for every resident to fight the COVID-19 pandemic as the country sought to prop up its economy badly hit due to the virus. The budget has made huge provisions for handouts with half of it going towards cash payment. It is part of a larger stimulus of $1 million which the Abe government had announced last month.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe extends lockdown till May 31

A recently published scientific article <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340924249_Is_considering_a_genetic-manipulation_origin_for_SARS-CoV-2_a_conspiracy_theory_that_must_be_censored">states</a>:

“Due to the broad-spectrum of research conducted over almost 20 years on bat SARS-CoV [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses] justified by their potential to spill over from animal to human, a possible synthetic origin by laboratory engineering of SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] is a reasonable hypothesis.”

China would like that hypothesis erased from the public consciousness.

The Chinese government, the media and some scientists are desperately trying to convince the public that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease, which was transmitted from animals to humans in the Wuhan Seafood Market.

If COVID-19 leaked from a laboratory, the political and economic consequences for China are enormous.

If it was man-made and leaked from a laboratory, the implications are too grim for many to imagine.

The argument that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring is based nearly entirely on a single, but widely-cited Nature Medicine article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2.”

That conclusion stems primarily from a structural analysis comparing COVID-19 with bat and pangolin (scaly anteater) coronaviruses suggesting a natural evolutionary process in which COVID-19 mutated in an animal population and acquired the ability to infect humans.

Such a scenario does occur and it appears to be the origin of a number of animal-borne coronavirus infections in humans.

Based on the evidence provided in the much-cited Nature Medicine article, however, that conclusion is not obvious.

Although COVID-19 bears a striking structural similarity to the bat coronavirus RaTG13, the critical receptor binding domain, which initiates attachment to human cells, is <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340924249_Is_considering_a_genetic-manipulation_origin_for_SARS-CoV-2_a_conspiracy_theory_that_must_be_censored">closer</a> to pangolins.

It is highly unlikely that the bat RaTG13 coronavirus and the pangolin coronavirus combined naturally through a process called reassortment because it would require simultaneous infection of the two viruses in the same animal cell.

It could, however, have been accomplished in a laboratory.

As the recently-published scientific article <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340924249_Is_considering_a_genetic-manipulation_origin_for_SARS-CoV-2_a_conspiracy_theory_that_must_be_censored">notes</a>, a new “chimeric” or combined RaTG13-pangolin coronavirus strain could have been created through an artificial recombinant event, using well-established bioengineering methods.

Another possible indication of genetic manipulation is the presence of a furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19 as represented by the PRRA amino acid insertion, which does not exist in any of the bat or pangolin close relatives and is completely “out of frame” compared to the bat RaTG13 and pangolin sequences.

Perhaps not coincidentally, the furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19 occurs in the precise location known to enhance pathogenicity and<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12250-020-00212-7"> transmissibility</a> in viruses.

Methods for the insertion of a polybasic cleavage site in infectious bronchitis coronavirus have been <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6832359/">described</a> by Chinese scientists and that artificial genetic alteration resulted in increased pathogenicity.

In parallel, animal models for the addition of structures important to the function of coronaviruses, called O-linked glycans, have been <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6135831/">used </a>by Chinese scientists at the Chongqing Military Medical University, as well as animal models to specifically select for the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor, the entry step for COVID-19 infection.

There is no doubt that China has the knowledge and technology to have created COVID-19. Whether that actually was done is yet to be determined and should be undergoing vigorous scientific investigation.

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

A recently published scientific article states: “Due to the broad-spectrum of research conducted over almost 20 years on bat SARS-CoV [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses] justified by their potential to spill over from animal to human, a possible synthetic origin by laboratory engineering of SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] is a reasonable hypothesis.

A recently published scientific article states: “Due to the broad-spectrum of research conducted over almost 20 years on bat SARS-CoV [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses] justified by their potential to spill over from animal to human, a possible synthetic origin by laboratory engineering of SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] is a reasonable hypothesis.” China would like that hypothesis erased from the public consciousness. The Chinese government, the media and some scientists are desperately trying to convince the public that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease, which was transmitted from animals to humans in the Wuhan Seafood Market. If COVID-19 leaked from a laboratory, the political and economic consequences for China are enormous. If it was man-made and leaked from a laboratory, the implications are too grim for many to imagine. The argument that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring is based nearly entirely on a single, but widely-cited Nature Medicine article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2.” That conclusion stems primarily from a structural analysis comparing COVID-19 with bat and pangolin (scaly anteater) coronaviruses suggesting a natural evolutionary process in which COVID-19 mutated in an animal population and acquired the ability to infect humans. Such a scenario does occur and it appears to be the origin of a number of animal-borne coronavirus infections in humans. Based on the evidence provided in the much-cited Nature Medicine article, however, that conclusion is not obvious. Although COVID-19 bears a striking structural similarity to the bat coronavirus RaTG13, the critical receptor binding domain, which initiates attachment to human cells, is closer to pangolins. It is highly unlikely that the bat RaTG13 coronavirus and the pangolin coronavirus combined naturally through a process called reassortment because it would require simultaneous infection of the two viruses in the same animal cell. It could, however, have been accomplished in a laboratory. As the recently-published scientific article notes, a new “chimeric” or combined RaTG13-pangolin coronavirus strain could have been created through an artificial recombinant event, using well-established bioengineering methods. Another possible indication of genetic manipulation is the presence of a furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19 as represented by the PRRA amino acid insertion, which does not exist in any of the bat or pangolin close relatives and is completely “out of frame” compared to the bat RaTG13 and pangolin sequences. Perhaps not coincidentally, the furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19 occurs in the precise location known to enhance pathogenicity and transmissibility in viruses. Methods for the insertion of a polybasic cleavage site in infectious bronchitis coronavirus have been described by Chinese scientists and that artificial genetic alteration resulted in increased pathogenicity. In parallel, animal models for the addition of structures important to the function of coronaviruses, called O-linked glycans, have been used by Chinese scientists at the Chongqing Military Medical University, as well as animal models to specifically select for the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor, the entry step for COVID-19 infection. There is no doubt that China has the knowledge and technology to have created COVID-19. Whether that actually was done is yet to be determined and should be undergoing vigorous scientific investigation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Facts that China is trying to suppress about origin of COVID-19

Every night I begin my show with the death toll. I can tell you there is no joy in doing so. By the time the day ends, and the race to get the news done is over, you’re left with a weight that crushes your spirit. In the news business, we often talk about death. Beyond a point, it’s all statistics. Sometimes it feels personal.

I lost my father two months back. It was so sudden, I’m still processing it. I have still not learned to refer to him in the past tense. I haven’t been home since and I’m not looking forward to it. A fall, an internal injury and gone in 3 days. One moment, he’s scolding me for having left the kids behind to come and see him, the next I’m being asked if we agree to the terms and conditions of him being put on a ventilator. He was a difficult person. And just like that, he went on from being a person to a body. The night he passed, the hospital staff asked me to sign something. In disbelief, I remember nodding, not sure why I was trying to reassure them. I told the nurse to be strong. She returned a sad smile. I remember stroking his arm. It was cold and bloated. I said sorry to him and all the things I couldn’t say when he was alive. He did not encourage conversation. As I said, a difficult person. Body. My father. I saw him as asleep not dead.

Many years ago, I remember lingering around the body of my grandmother, imagining her frowning upon how my parents were carrying out the rituals, punctuating the complaints with her witty one-liners. I almost expected her to swat my hand and order me to get about my business. The whole setting felt like a dismal, sadistic prank. She still lurks in my head, mostly arguing with me. These are the two closest people I’ve lost. I feel their loss deeply, but never felt any fear around what was left of them.

It hasn’t been so in other cases. I’m still ashamed of what happened with a neighbour. An old couple, very caring and kind. The man passed away when I was at work. When I returned home, I saw people gathered. I should have gone too. I did not. I was too scared to face whatever lay on the other side of their door. The gloom of death, the grief, the loss of words and appropriate expressions I struggle with, in situations like these. It was extremely immature of me. The family never spoke to me after that. I left the society a few months later. I couldn’t summon the courage to tell them I’m sorry for their loss and I’m scared. It was awful, still disturbs me.

But nothing can match what’s happening now. There’s a stigma attached to death. The fear of infection. There are no rituals, no final goodbyes. These ceremonies can be taxing, but they serve a purpose. The logistics of managing the event keeps your mind off the sense of loss. A coronavirus death has none of it. No friends to see you off. No one to hold those who are left behind. You die alone in an isolation ward. You grieve alone behind a mask. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain of those who lose their loved ones and must suffer the injustice of being denied the last touch and hug. Is there anything worse than death? It is death infected with fear and devoid of dignity.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Every night I begin my show with the death toll. I can tell you there is no joy in doing so. By the time the day ends, and the race to get the news done is over, you’re left with a weight that crushes your spirit.

Every night I begin my show with the death toll. I can tell you there is no joy in doing so. By the time the day ends, and the race to get the news done is over, you’re left with a weight that crushes your spirit. In the news business, we often talk about death. Beyond a point, it’s all statistics. Sometimes it feels personal. I lost my father two months back. It was so sudden, I’m still processing it. I have still not learned to refer to him in the past tense. I haven’t been home since and I’m not looking forward to it. A fall, an internal injury and gone in 3 days. One moment, he’s scolding me for having left the kids behind to come and see him, the next I’m being asked if we agree to the terms and conditions of him being put on a ventilator. He was a difficult person. And just like that, he went on from being a person to a body. The night he passed, the hospital staff asked me to sign something. In disbelief, I remember nodding, not sure why I was trying to reassure them. I told the nurse to be strong. She returned a sad smile. I remember stroking his arm. It was cold and bloated. I said sorry to him and all the things I couldn’t say when he was alive. He did not encourage conversation. As I said, a difficult person. Body. My father. I saw him as asleep not dead. Many years ago, I remember lingering around the body of my grandmother, imagining her frowning upon how my parents were carrying out the rituals, punctuating the complaints with her witty one-liners. I almost expected her to swat my hand and order me to get about my business. The whole setting felt like a dismal, sadistic prank. She still lurks in my head, mostly arguing with me. These are the two closest people I’ve lost. I feel their loss deeply, but never felt any fear around what was left of them. It hasn’t been so in other cases. I’m still ashamed of what happened with a neighbour. An old couple, very caring and kind. The man passed away when I was at work. When I returned home, I saw people gathered. I should have gone too. I did not. I was too scared to face whatever lay on the other side of their door. The gloom of death, the grief, the loss of words and appropriate expressions I struggle with, in situations like these. It was extremely immature of me. The family never spoke to me after that. I left the society a few months later. I couldn’t summon the courage to tell them I’m sorry for their loss and I’m scared. It was awful, still disturbs me. But nothing can match what’s happening now. There’s a stigma attached to death. The fear of infection. There are no rituals, no final goodbyes. These ceremonies can be taxing, but they serve a purpose. The logistics of managing the event keeps your mind off the sense of loss. A coronavirus death has none of it. No friends to see you off. No one to hold those who are left behind. You die alone in an isolation ward. You grieve alone behind a mask. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain of those who lose their loved ones and must suffer the injustice of being denied the last touch and hug. Is there anything worse than death? It is death infected with fear and devoid of dignity. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Dealing with death

On April 30, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence <a href="https://www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/item/2112-intelligence-community-statement-on-origins-of-covid-19">issued</a> the following US Intelligence Community statement:

“The entire Intelligence Community has been consistently providing critical support to US policymakers and those responding to the COVID-19 virus, which originated in China. The Intelligence Community also concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified.”

There is no justification for making such a statement without providing the evidence to support it and while so much information about the origin of COVID-19 remains unknown.

The US intelligence community has only very limited knowledge about what coronaviruses China has in its laboratories and what experiments Chinese scientists have been conducting on those coronaviruses.

Case in point, “The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2,” the single, most-widely cited article used by media and some scientists as proof that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring outbreak that “jumped” from animals to humans in the Wuhan Seafood Market, identified a bat coronavirus RaTG13 as the closest relative to and the likely evolutionary pathway of COVID-19, being 96 per cent identical to it.

We don’t know, because the US intelligence community has not released the evidence supporting its statement, but it <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2020/04/30/coronavirus-trump-intelligence-chief-covid-19-not-man-made/3055744001/">appears</a> that the “scientific consensus” to which they refer is based on the conclusions of that single article.

RaTG13 was isolated by Chinese scientists from bats in July 2013 in Yunnan Province, nearly 1,000 miles from Wuhan.

Oddly, RaTG13 was not sequenced until January 2020 and was unknown to the scientific community before then.

Also isolated in July 2013 in Yunnan Province is the bat coronavirus strain BtCoV/4991 (GenBank KP876546), which was partially sequenced in 2016.

In a February 6, 2020 article, scientists at the State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2020.1725399">wrote</a> that the partial sequence of bat coronavirus strain BtCoV/4991 was 98.7 per cent identical to COVID-19, more than RaTG13.

Yet, the full sequence of BtCoV/4991, if it exists, remains unpublished.

China is hiding a lot.

Since the outbreak began, China has flooded the scientific literature with subtle and sometimes not so subtle messages supporting its narrative that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring mutation that “jumped” from animals to humans in the Wuhan Seafood Market.

That argument has been buttressed by a relatively small group of Western scientists, who may have a vested interest in one particular outcome and wish to limit the debate.

Make no mistake, huge amounts of research cash could be in jeopardy, if it is shown that COVID-19 resulted from a laboratory leak, or worse, if it was man-made.

The US intelligence community, therefore, may be a clueless or willing victim of herd mentality driven by Chinese propaganda, the media and a handful of, perhaps, biased experts.

Unless the US intelligence community can explain the origin of the PRRAR amino acid structure, unique to COVID-19 and not present in any of the identified close relatives like RaTG13, a structure related to a “gain of function” leading to <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12250-020-00212-7">enhanced transmissibility</a>, there is no reason at this stage to dismiss prematurely a bioengineering explanation for the origin of COVID-19.

The US intelligence community statement brought us no closer to the truth and may have unnecessarily handed China a huge propaganda victory, while simultaneously making it less likely that Beijing will be inclined to open its research records for international inspection.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

On April 30, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued the following US Intelligence Community statement: “The entire Intelligence Community has been consistently providing critical support to US policymakers and those responding to the COVID-19 virus, which originated in China.

On April 30, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued the following US Intelligence Community statement: “The entire Intelligence Community has been consistently providing critical support to US policymakers and those responding to the COVID-19 virus, which originated in China. The Intelligence Community also concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified.” There is no justification for making such a statement without providing the evidence to support it and while so much information about the origin of COVID-19 remains unknown. The US intelligence community has only very limited knowledge about what coronaviruses China has in its laboratories and what experiments Chinese scientists have been conducting on those coronaviruses. Case in point, “The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2,” the single, most-widely cited article used by media and some scientists as proof that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring outbreak that “jumped” from animals to humans in the Wuhan Seafood Market, identified a bat coronavirus RaTG13 as the closest relative to and the likely evolutionary pathway of COVID-19, being 96 per cent identical to it. We don’t know, because the US intelligence community has not released the evidence supporting its statement, but it appears that the “scientific consensus” to which they refer is based on the conclusions of that single article. RaTG13 was isolated by Chinese scientists from bats in July 2013 in Yunnan Province, nearly 1,000 miles from Wuhan. Oddly, RaTG13 was not sequenced until January 2020 and was unknown to the scientific community before then. Also isolated in July 2013 in Yunnan Province is the bat coronavirus strain BtCoV/4991 (GenBank KP876546), which was partially sequenced in 2016. In a February 6, 2020 article, scientists at the State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University wrote that the partial sequence of bat coronavirus strain BtCoV/4991 was 98.7 per cent identical to COVID-19, more than RaTG13. Yet, the full sequence of BtCoV/4991, if it exists, remains unpublished. China is hiding a lot. Since the outbreak began, China has flooded the scientific literature with subtle and sometimes not so subtle messages supporting its narrative that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring mutation that “jumped” from animals to humans in the Wuhan Seafood Market. That argument has been buttressed by a relatively small group of Western scientists, who may have a vested interest in one particular outcome and wish to limit the debate. Make no mistake, huge amounts of research cash could be in jeopardy, if it is shown that COVID-19 resulted from a laboratory leak, or worse, if it was man-made. The US intelligence community, therefore, may be a clueless or willing victim of herd mentality driven by Chinese propaganda, the media and a handful of, perhaps, biased experts. Unless the US intelligence community can explain the origin of the PRRAR amino acid structure, unique to COVID-19 and not present in any of the identified close relatives like RaTG13, a structure related to a “gain of function” leading to enhanced transmissibility, there is no reason at this stage to dismiss prematurely a bioengineering explanation for the origin of COVID-19. The US intelligence community statement brought us no closer to the truth and may have unnecessarily handed China a huge propaganda victory, while simultaneously making it less likely that Beijing will be inclined to open its research records for international inspection. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

COVID-19: US intelligence community's statement may have given China a huge propaganda victory

With lockdown in place for different zones in the country, the time has come that politicisation of this massive drive must end. Lockdown should not be politicised in India. As expected, India has been divided into three parts and specific rules and procedures for each part have been put into place. The idea is to kickstart activities in the green zone, limited activity in the orange zone and restricted activity in the red zone. Like West, in India too, a lot of people have put the economy before the health of the people. Several&nbsp;experts have made God out of the economy not understanding that without people, the economy has no sense.&nbsp;

Till today, no mass case of hunger has been reported. Indian machinery has worked overtime to provide for people in need. It is not to say that government should not be questioned, or suggestions should not come from the Opposition but politicising an issue like this can have long term consequences. It can break solidarity when required as lockdown cannot be a top-down function. It requires people’s participation. Lockdown also requires cooperation from all segment of the civil society because it cannot be enforced by police action as people need to be convinced by it. The argument that restriction of economic activity would kill the economy also runs on thin ice as COVID-19 can cripple the entire society. India has the example of the United States of America, United Kingdom and Italy in front of it. Absence of lockdown led to thousands dying in a few weeks. The United States is still politically divided and various states are at loggerhead because they do not have political consensus on how the US should come out of the lockdown. On the other hand, Singapore is suffering the second wave of infection because they relaxed the lockdown rules too quickly under public pressure. India must escape both the models to ensure that it can keep a country of billion people shielded from COVID-19 which till today has no cure.

India in the last two weeks has seen an intense debate on lockdown. Many people have equated lockdown with authoritarian state and also linked it with the emergence of a super-state. It would be important to remember that India was conceived as a state with a strong centre. India was never conceived as a state with a weak centre despite the principle of cooperative federalism. There exists a difference with authoritarian centre which does not respect the mandate if states during calamity and a strong centre which works like a guiding beacon. The present government has indeed done a good job in tackling COVID-19. Many argue that the lockdown was late in the day. It may be the case but even opposition did not care much about it and remained focused on CAA protests in Jamia and chose not to raise the issue in the first part of the budget session. But we should let bygone be bygone. Instead of working against each other and using a pandemic to create a public campaign, India must rise and tackle the crisis&nbsp;together.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

With lockdown in place for different zones in the country, the time has come that politicisation of this massive drive must end. Lockdown should not be politicised in India.

With lockdown in place for different zones in the country, the time has come that politicisation of this massive drive must end. Lockdown should not be politicised in India. As expected, India has been divided into three parts and specific rules and procedures for each part have been put into place. The idea is to kickstart activities in the green zone, limited activity in the orange zone and restricted activity in the red zone. Like West, in India too, a lot of people have put the economy before the health of the people. Several experts have made God out of the economy not understanding that without people, the economy has no sense. Till today, no mass case of hunger has been reported. Indian machinery has worked overtime to provide for people in need. It is not to say that government should not be questioned, or suggestions should not come from the Opposition but politicising an issue like this can have long term consequences. It can break solidarity when required as lockdown cannot be a top-down function. It requires people’s participation. Lockdown also requires cooperation from all segment of the civil society because it cannot be enforced by police action as people need to be convinced by it. The argument that restriction of economic activity would kill the economy also runs on thin ice as COVID-19 can cripple the entire society. India has the example of the United States of America, United Kingdom and Italy in front of it. Absence of lockdown led to thousands dying in a few weeks. The United States is still politically divided and various states are at loggerhead because they do not have political consensus on how the US should come out of the lockdown. On the other hand, Singapore is suffering the second wave of infection because they relaxed the lockdown rules too quickly under public pressure. India must escape both the models to ensure that it can keep a country of billion people shielded from COVID-19 which till today has no cure. India in the last two weeks has seen an intense debate on lockdown. Many people have equated lockdown with authoritarian state and also linked it with the emergence of a super-state. It would be important to remember that India was conceived as a state with a strong centre. India was never conceived as a state with a weak centre despite the principle of cooperative federalism. There exists a difference with authoritarian centre which does not respect the mandate if states during calamity and a strong centre which works like a guiding beacon. The present government has indeed done a good job in tackling COVID-19. Many argue that the lockdown was late in the day. It may be the case but even opposition did not care much about it and remained focused on CAA protests in Jamia and chose not to raise the issue in the first part of the budget session. But we should let bygone be bygone. Instead of working against each other and using a pandemic to create a public campaign, India must rise and tackle the crisis together. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Let’s not politicise lockdown

Ursula von der Leyen, Scott Morrison and US Preisdent Donald Trump, these are leaders of three powerful blocs in world politics and, they all seem to agree on one thing - an independent investigation into the origins of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-emergency-in-japan-to-extended-by-one-month-pm-abe-on-covid-19-296123"> coronavirus</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keen-to-work-with-international-partners-at-chinas-invitation-to-investigate-animal-origins-of-virus-who-296083">Also Read:&nbsp;Keen to work with international partners at China's invitation to investigate animal origins of virus, says&nbsp;WHO</a>

America is conducting its own probe. Australia has called for a global investigation and now, the president of the European Commission has backed that call.

The European Commission is the executive arm of the European Union with Ursula von der Leyen its president. She was speaking to an American network where she backed the call for a probe.&nbsp;

“I think this is important for all of us, I mean for the whole world it is important. You never know when the next virus is starting, so we all want for the next time, we have learned our lesson and we’ve established a system of early warning that really functions and the whole world has to contribute to that,” the European Commission cheif said.

Not only does she want a probe, she wants China to join it. Beijing cannot feign indifference anymore. The pressure is mounting and it is coming from different directions.

Different countries are using different diplomatic levers to pressurise China. Australia, for instance has opened another front in its diplomatic tussle with the Chinese. Australia now wants to back Taiwan's entry into the World Health Organisation(WHO), move that is bound to infuriate China.

The relationship between Australia and China is already tense. It is now set to significantly worsen on the May 17, that's the day when the WHO assembly will meet.

It is the annual gathering of WHO. member countries. Australia plans to use this occasion to raise a demand. A call for a global independent review into the coronavirus outbreak. Last month, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had announced his intentions.

Today, he repeated his promise despite the threats from China, Australia is not backing down. US President Donald Trump is going all guns blazing. The US president is looking for ways to punish China. Last night, he launched a fresh &nbsp;attack. The US president said that the virus could have leaked from a lab in China. Donald Trump said he has seen the evidence. Unfortunately for him, US intelligence also released a report saying it wasn't made in a lab..

So if the president has seen the evidence, he clearly hasn't shared it with his intelligence team. It is an explosive claim. The reporters present there asked counter questions. Questions like - is the president insinuating that China intentionally let the virus spread. President Trump did not deny it.

Ursula von der Leyen, Scott Morrison and US Preisdent Donald Trump, these are leaders of three powerful blocs in world politics and, they all seem to agree on one thing - an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

Ursula von der Leyen, Scott Morrison and US Preisdent Donald Trump, these are leaders of three powerful blocs in world politics and, they all seem to agree on one thing - an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. Also Read: Keen to work with international partners at China's invitation to investigate animal origins of virus, says WHO America is conducting its own probe. Australia has called for a global investigation and now, the president of the European Commission has backed that call. The European Commission is the executive arm of the European Union with Ursula von der Leyen its president. She was speaking to an American network where she backed the call for a probe. “I think this is important for all of us, I mean for the whole world it is important. You never know when the next virus is starting, so we all want for the next time, we have learned our lesson and we’ve established a system of early warning that really functions and the whole world has to contribute to that,” the European Commission cheif said. Not only does she want a probe, she wants China to join it. Beijing cannot feign indifference anymore. The pressure is mounting and it is coming from different directions. Different countries are using different diplomatic levers to pressurise China. Australia, for instance has opened another front in its diplomatic tussle with the Chinese. Australia now wants to back Taiwan's entry into the World Health Organisation(WHO), move that is bound to infuriate China. The relationship between Australia and China is already tense. It is now set to significantly worsen on the May 17, that's the day when the WHO assembly will meet. It is the annual gathering of WHO. member countries. Australia plans to use this occasion to raise a demand. A call for a global independent review into the coronavirus outbreak. Last month, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had announced his intentions. Today, he repeated his promise despite the threats from China, Australia is not backing down. US President Donald Trump is going all guns blazing. The US president is looking for ways to punish China. Last night, he launched a fresh attack. The US president said that the virus could have leaked from a lab in China. Donald Trump said he has seen the evidence. Unfortunately for him, US intelligence also released a report saying it wasn't made in a lab.. So if the president has seen the evidence, he clearly hasn't shared it with his intelligence team. It is an explosive claim. The reporters present there asked counter questions. Questions like - is the president insinuating that China intentionally let the virus spread. President Trump did not deny it.

After Australia & US, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen calls for probe into coronavirus

The US intelligence community said that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-pandemic-apple-google-to-release-developer-version-of-contact-tracing-app-this-week-295824">COVID-19</a> virus was not manmade or genetically modified".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-new-zealand-taiwan-and-finland-have-kept-coronavirus-at-bay-295902">Also Read: How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay</a>

"The communities experts respond by surging resources and producing critical intelligence on issues vital to US national security," it said in a statement.

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Intelligence Community Statement on Origins of COVID-19 <a href="https://t.co/MIPr6LVzU4">pic.twitter.com/MIPr6LVzU4</a>
— Office of the DNI (@ODNIgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/ODNIgov/status/1255868108356681728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," it said.

There has been large scale speculation that the virus spread after it was accidentally spread in a Wuhan laboratory with several experts attacking China and asking it give its side and open a worldwide investigation.

The US, Germany, Australia and the UK have consistently requested for a transparent probe by China&nbsp;even as President Trump blamed the WHO for mismanaging the crisis and said the UN body has a "China bias".

US and China have been at loggerheads ever since the virus became a worldwide pandemic with the Chinese foreign ministry accusing the US military for spreading the virus in Wuhan, with the US hitting back and accusing China of not coming clean.

The US intelligence community said that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified". Also Read: How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay "The communities experts respond by surging resources and producing critical intelligence on issues vital to US national security," it said in a statement.

The US intelligence community said that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified". Also Read: How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay "The communities experts respond by surging resources and producing critical intelligence on issues vital to US national security," it said in a statement. Intelligence Community Statement on Origins of COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/MIPr6LVzU4 — Office of the DNI (@ODNIgov) April 30, 2020 × "The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," it said. There has been large scale speculation that the virus spread after it was accidentally spread in a Wuhan laboratory with several experts attacking China and asking it give its side and open a worldwide investigation. The US, Germany, Australia and the UK have consistently requested for a transparent probe by China even as President Trump blamed the WHO for mismanaging the crisis and said the UN body has a "China bias". US and China have been at loggerheads ever since the virus became a worldwide pandemic with the Chinese foreign ministry accusing the US military for spreading the virus in Wuhan, with the US hitting back and accusing China of not coming clean.

Coronavirus not man-made or genetically modified: US intelligence community

Two years back, the US President Donald Trump began a trade war with China, it led to unavoidable frictions that have now snowballed into a full-blown diplomatic crisis.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic is making it worse with the US President Donald Trump openly pitting America against China.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;President has become relatively consistent, and increasingly sharp in his criticism of China. 
 
According to reports, the US intelligence community has been given specific instructions. The Trump administration has set up task forces and it wants them to probe China and the WHO.

The US President wants investigators to find out the critical information that China failed to share and how much that has cost the world.

Three agencies are said to have received these instructions: The National Security Agency; The Defence Intelligence Agency; The Central Intelligence Agency.

The White House wants the investigators to explore every possible source of information.

On Wednesday, Trump called the WHO a pipe organ for China. "It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said.

Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO. "We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," he added.

Now Donald Trump has his own reasons to go after China and the WHO. The US Presidential election is scheduled&nbsp;in November. And as the coronavirus death toll rises, his ratings will suffer. 
 
Trump said he believes Beijing wants his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, to win the race to ease the pressure Trump has placed on China over trade and other issues.

Beijing should take the blame for the coronavirus spread, but so should Trump for refusing to take the pandemic seriously.

Trump is upping the ante against Beijing in more ways that one which includes cutting off funding for research in China.

And it's not just the President who is taking on China, other American lawmakers are at it too. The US Congress is mulling a "Counter-China" fund.

A Republican lawmaker is pushing a bill that will create a dedicated defence fund worth $6 billion. The aim of this fund will be to boost America's deterrence against China in the pacific.

Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases.

The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally.&nbsp;

Two years back, the US President Donald Trump began a trade war with China, it led to unavoidable frictions that have now snowballed into a full-blown diplomatic crisis.

Two years back, the US President Donald Trump began a trade war with China, it led to unavoidable frictions that have now snowballed into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. The coronavirus pandemic is making it worse with the US President Donald Trump openly pitting America against China. The US President has become relatively consistent, and increasingly sharp in his criticism of China. According to reports, the US intelligence community has been given specific instructions. The Trump administration has set up task forces and it wants them to probe China and the WHO. The US President wants investigators to find out the critical information that China failed to share and how much that has cost the world. Three agencies are said to have received these instructions: The National Security Agency; The Defence Intelligence Agency; The Central Intelligence Agency. The White House wants the investigators to explore every possible source of information. On Wednesday, Trump called the WHO a pipe organ for China. "It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said. Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO. "We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," he added. Now Donald Trump has his own reasons to go after China and the WHO. The US Presidential election is scheduled in November. And as the coronavirus death toll rises, his ratings will suffer. Trump said he believes Beijing wants his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, to win the race to ease the pressure Trump has placed on China over trade and other issues. Beijing should take the blame for the coronavirus spread, but so should Trump for refusing to take the pandemic seriously. Trump is upping the ante against Beijing in more ways that one which includes cutting off funding for research in China. And it's not just the President who is taking on China, other American lawmakers are at it too. The US Congress is mulling a "Counter-China" fund. A Republican lawmaker is pushing a bill that will create a dedicated defence fund worth $6 billion. The aim of this fund will be to boost America's deterrence against China in the pacific. Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases. The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally.

Has the US-China cold war now begun?

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus.

However, looming large on the horizon is a potential rift with the United States as a result of the kingdom’s price war with Russia that contributed to the collapse of oil markets and an existential crisis for America’s shale industry.

US President Donald Trump is believed to be weighing a ban on import of Saudi oil in a bid to force the kingdom to reroute tankers carrying some 40 million barrels of crude to the United States.

More fundamentally, Prince Mohammed has put the kingdom’s relationship with the United States at risk without having any real alternative options at a time that an agreement among oil producers to cut production amounts to at best a timeout in a price war that is all about market share.

The price war has further strained Saudi Arabia’s ties to the US Congress, already troubled by the war in Yemen, the kingdom’s record of human rights abuse, and the killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Saudi judiciary reforms in the past week, including abolishing flogging as a legal punishment and death sentences for people who committed crimes as minors, constituted an effort to respond to criticism but were unlikely to turn the tide.

Speaking for Congressmen representing US shale states, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer warned that “Saudi Arabia’s next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable.”

Salvaging Saudi-US relations may be Prince Mohammed’s only option.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to have taken kindly to a reported shouting match in a phone call with the crown prince at the outset of the price war.

Signalling that the production cuts are a ceasefire rather than an end to the war, Saudi Arabia and Russia continue to fight it out on oil markets with the kingdom undercutting Russia with discounts and special offers, according to a Reuters investigation.

Strained relations did not prevent the two countries from moving forward with an agreement on Russian wheat sales to the kingdom. A first Russian shipment of 60,000 tons set sail for Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

Irrespective of the state of Saudi-Russian relations, Russia’s call for replacing the US defence umbrella in the Gulf with a multi-lateral security arrangement that would involve the United States, as well as China, Europe, and India, is a skeleton with no flesh.

Russia has neither the wherewithal nor the will to shoulder responsibility for Gulf security. Nor do others, envisioned by Russia as a participant in a revised Gulf security arrangement.

The proposal, moreover, is a stillborn baby as long as Saudi Arabia refuses to engage with Iran with no pre-conditions. The kingdom has so far used the pandemic to harden fault lines with the Islamic Republic, casting aside opportunities to build bridges with goodwill gestures.

Similarly, China has no appetite for a major military role in the Middle East despite having established its first foreign military base in Djibouti and contributing to anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

Equally troubling for Prince Mohammed is the fact that he cannot be certain that China would be able to maintain its neutrality if US-Iranian tensions were to explode into an all-out war given that when the chips are down Iran may be of greater strategic significance to Beijing.

Iran’s geography, demography, and highly educated population give it a leg up in its competition with Saudi Arabia for Chinese favour. So does the fact that China and Iran see each other as bookends at both ends of Asia with a civilizational history that goes back thousands of years.

Iran, moreover, plays a pivotal role in Belt and Road-related efforts to link China to Europe by a rail that would traverse Central Asia and the Islamic Republic and end the expensive and time-consuming process of having to transfer goods to ships at one end of the Caspian Sea and loading them back onto a train on the Caspian’s opposite shore.

Prince Mohammed’s maneuvering to strike a balance in securing Saudi Arabia’s place in a world of contentious big power relationships is reflected in coverage by the kingdom’s tightly controlled media of Chinese and US efforts to combat the pandemic.

Andrew Leber, a student of Saudi policymaking, noted that “China’s mixed record in boosting its image in Riyadh is a reminder that soft-power competition is not a zero-sum game. Even as Saudi outlets have grown more willing to air criticisms of China, some have derided the efforts of President Donald Trump and his administration to blame COVID-19 on Beijing.”

Leber’s analysis of Saudi media coverage suggests that Prince Mohammed is seeking to keep all doors open.

It will, however, take a lot more than vacillating media coverage and reform of the kingdom’s penal code to polish Saudi Arabia’s tarnished image in the United States and level the playing field with Iran when it comes to China.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(First Published on <a href="https://insidearabia.com/saudi-arabias-problems-not-just-a-pandemic-and-economics-but-geopolitics-too/">The Inside Arabia)</a>

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus. However, looming large on the horizon is a potential rift with the United States as a result of the kingdom’s price war with Russia that contributed to the collapse of oil markets and an existential crisis for America’s shale industry. US President Donald Trump is believed to be weighing a ban on import of Saudi oil in a bid to force the kingdom to reroute tankers carrying some 40 million barrels of crude to the United States. More fundamentally, Prince Mohammed has put the kingdom’s relationship with the United States at risk without having any real alternative options at a time that an agreement among oil producers to cut production amounts to at best a timeout in a price war that is all about market share. The price war has further strained Saudi Arabia’s ties to the US Congress, already troubled by the war in Yemen, the kingdom’s record of human rights abuse, and the killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Saudi judiciary reforms in the past week, including abolishing flogging as a legal punishment and death sentences for people who committed crimes as minors, constituted an effort to respond to criticism but were unlikely to turn the tide. Speaking for Congressmen representing US shale states, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer warned that “Saudi Arabia’s next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable.” Salvaging Saudi-US relations may be Prince Mohammed’s only option. Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to have taken kindly to a reported shouting match in a phone call with the crown prince at the outset of the price war. Signalling that the production cuts are a ceasefire rather than an end to the war, Saudi Arabia and Russia continue to fight it out on oil markets with the kingdom undercutting Russia with discounts and special offers, according to a Reuters investigation. Strained relations did not prevent the two countries from moving forward with an agreement on Russian wheat sales to the kingdom. A first Russian shipment of 60,000 tons set sail for Saudi Arabia earlier this month. Irrespective of the state of Saudi-Russian relations, Russia’s call for replacing the US defence umbrella in the Gulf with a multi-lateral security arrangement that would involve the United States, as well as China, Europe, and India, is a skeleton with no flesh. Russia has neither the wherewithal nor the will to shoulder responsibility for Gulf security. Nor do others, envisioned by Russia as a participant in a revised Gulf security arrangement. The proposal, moreover, is a stillborn baby as long as Saudi Arabia refuses to engage with Iran with no pre-conditions. The kingdom has so far used the pandemic to harden fault lines with the Islamic Republic, casting aside opportunities to build bridges with goodwill gestures. Similarly, China has no appetite for a major military role in the Middle East despite having established its first foreign military base in Djibouti and contributing to anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. Equally troubling for Prince Mohammed is the fact that he cannot be certain that China would be able to maintain its neutrality if US-Iranian tensions were to explode into an all-out war given that when the chips are down Iran may be of greater strategic significance to Beijing. Iran’s geography, demography, and highly educated population give it a leg up in its competition with Saudi Arabia for Chinese favour. So does the fact that China and Iran see each other as bookends at both ends of Asia with a civilizational history that goes back thousands of years. Iran, moreover, plays a pivotal role in Belt and Road-related efforts to link China to Europe by a rail that would traverse Central Asia and the Islamic Republic and end the expensive and time-consuming process of having to transfer goods to ships at one end of the Caspian Sea and loading them back onto a train on the Caspian’s opposite shore. Prince Mohammed’s maneuvering to strike a balance in securing Saudi Arabia’s place in a world of contentious big power relationships is reflected in coverage by the kingdom’s tightly controlled media of Chinese and US efforts to combat the pandemic. Andrew Leber, a student of Saudi policymaking, noted that “China’s mixed record in boosting its image in Riyadh is a reminder that soft-power competition is not a zero-sum game. Even as Saudi outlets have grown more willing to air criticisms of China, some have derided the efforts of President Donald Trump and his administration to blame COVID-19 on Beijing.” Leber’s analysis of Saudi media coverage suggests that Prince Mohammed is seeking to keep all doors open. It will, however, take a lot more than vacillating media coverage and reform of the kingdom’s penal code to polish Saudi Arabia’s tarnished image in the United States and level the playing field with Iran when it comes to China. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (First Published on The Inside Arabia)

Saudi Arabia is coping with not just coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout but geopolitical issues too

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-healthcare-workers-protest-nude-over-lack-of-protective-gear-in-covid-19-fight-295661">German healthcare workers protest nude over lack of protective gear in COVID-19 fight</a>

The world had ignored the plight of German healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses have been battling the pandemic unarmed and ill-equipped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-ted-cruz-introduces-bill-aimed-at-reducing-chinas-influence-on-hollywood-295656">US Senator Ted Cruz introduces bill aimed at reducing China's influence on Hollywood</a>

American movies have often been edited to please China's censors. The films are tweaked before Chinese audiences view them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-evidence-emerges-suggesting-coronavirus-originated-in-wuhan-lab-295645">More evidence emerges suggesting coronavirus originated in Wuhan lab</a>

More evidence has emerged which support&nbsp;the theory that coronavirus originated in a virology lab in Wuhan in China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-cross-from-humantarian-agency-to-a-tool-in-chinas-kitty-295654">Red Cross: From humantarian agency to a tool in China's kitty</a>

While the Red Cross is considered as a humanitarian agency for the rest of the world, for China it is a tool in its kitty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-must-set-its-house-in-order-before-accusing-india-of-violating-religious-freedom-295647">US must set its house in order before accusing India of violating religious freedom</a>

There's an assumption that African Americans are immune to the flu and have been left to fend for themselves.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-australia-spat-escalates-over-demand-for-probe-into-covid-19-origin-295642">China-Australia spat escalates over demand for probe into COVID-19 origin</a>

The relations between Australia and China have worsened after Australia demanded an inquiry into the origin of COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-official-apologises-after-disinfecting-beach-from-bleach-295636">Spain: Official apologises after disinfecting beach from bleach</a>

The Andalusian regional government&nbsp;is also&nbsp;considering fining the local authority for its action.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-under-control-danish-strategy-has-succeeded-in-first-phase-pm-frederiksen-295605">COVID-19 under control, Danish strategy has succeeded in first phase: PM Frederiksen</a>

Demark is now slowly emerging from the lockdown restrictions allowing&nbsp;reopenings of schools for children up to age 11 and small businesses.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-hammered-us-economy-in-first-quarter-295600">Coronavirus hammered US economy in first quarter</a>

Most of the key components of U.S. economic output - including consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of economic activity - fell sharply.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-states-struggling-to-cope-up-with-testing-guidelines-issued-by-trump-295595">US states struggling to cope up with testing guidelines issued by Trump</a>

US states are struggling to keep up with the guidelines issued by the White House to&nbsp;under to ramp up Covid-19 testing.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

German healthcare workers protest nude over lack of protective gear in COVID-19 fight The world had ignored the plight of German healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses have been battling the pandemic unarmed and ill-equipped.

German healthcare workers protest nude over lack of protective gear in COVID-19 fight The world had ignored the plight of German healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses have been battling the pandemic unarmed and ill-equipped. US Senator Ted Cruz introduces bill aimed at reducing China's influence on Hollywood American movies have often been edited to please China's censors. The films are tweaked before Chinese audiences view them. More evidence emerges suggesting coronavirus originated in Wuhan lab More evidence has emerged which support the theory that coronavirus originated in a virology lab in Wuhan in China. Red Cross: From humantarian agency to a tool in China's kitty While the Red Cross is considered as a humanitarian agency for the rest of the world, for China it is a tool in its kitty. US must set its house in order before accusing India of violating religious freedom There's an assumption that African Americans are immune to the flu and have been left to fend for themselves. China-Australia spat escalates over demand for probe into COVID-19 origin The relations between Australia and China have worsened after Australia demanded an inquiry into the origin of COVID-19. Spain: Official apologises after disinfecting beach from bleach The Andalusian regional government is also considering fining the local authority for its action. COVID-19 under control, Danish strategy has succeeded in first phase: PM Frederiksen Demark is now slowly emerging from the lockdown restrictions allowing reopenings of schools for children up to age 11 and small businesses. Coronavirus hammered US economy in first quarter Most of the key components of U.S. economic output - including consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of economic activity - fell sharply. US states struggling to cope up with testing guidelines issued by Trump US states are struggling to keep up with the guidelines issued by the White House to under to ramp up Covid-19 testing.

Top 10 world news: More evidence on virus origin, German protest, and more

More evidence has emerged which support&nbsp;the theory that coronavirus originated in a virology lab in Wuhan in China.

The Washington Times says that the Wuhan lab is the "most likely" source of the coronavirus. This claim is part of an unfinished document which is based on circumstantial evidence that is available in public. This document is part of an investigation which is underway in the United States.

Americans are&nbsp;not&nbsp;alone in saying this. A leading Russian microbiologist made a stunning claim against a Wuhan lab.

Professor Petr Chumakov has said, "In China, scientists at the Wuhan laboratory have been actively involved in the development of various coronaviruses for over ten years. They did absolutely crazy things, in my opinion. "

The Wuhan Institute of Virology, also known as Asia's biggest virus lab, was among the first to receive samples from patients infected by the Wuhan coronavirus.

There are many who claim that this lab is actually the source of this virus.&nbsp;

More than three months after its first cases were reported, the origin of the coronavirus remains unknown.&nbsp;Wuhan, the original epicentre of this pandemic, still remains cut off from the outside world.

China has opposed any idea of an independent investigation into this outbreak, but these attempts to escape scrutiny are only hurting the Communist party.

US President Donald Trump has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy" and launched an investigation against it

Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases.

The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

More evidence has emerged which support the theory that coronavirus originated in a virology lab in Wuhan in China. The Washington Times says that the Wuhan lab is the "most likely" source of the coronavirus.

More evidence has emerged which support the theory that coronavirus originated in a virology lab in Wuhan in China. The Washington Times says that the Wuhan lab is the "most likely" source of the coronavirus. This claim is part of an unfinished document which is based on circumstantial evidence that is available in public. This document is part of an investigation which is underway in the United States. Americans are not alone in saying this. A leading Russian microbiologist made a stunning claim against a Wuhan lab. Professor Petr Chumakov has said, "In China, scientists at the Wuhan laboratory have been actively involved in the development of various coronaviruses for over ten years. They did absolutely crazy things, in my opinion. " The Wuhan Institute of Virology, also known as Asia's biggest virus lab, was among the first to receive samples from patients infected by the Wuhan coronavirus. There are many who claim that this lab is actually the source of this virus. More than three months after its first cases were reported, the origin of the coronavirus remains unknown. Wuhan, the original epicentre of this pandemic, still remains cut off from the outside world. China has opposed any idea of an independent investigation into this outbreak, but these attempts to escape scrutiny are only hurting the Communist party. US President Donald Trump has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy" and launched an investigation against it Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases. The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally. (With inputs from agencies)

More evidence emerges suggesting coronavirus originated in Wuhan lab

The relations between Australia and China have worsened after Australia demanded an inquiry into the origin of COVID-19.

China got furious after Australian prime minister Scott Morrison called for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

The Chinese ambassador, Cheng Jingye, asked the citizens of his country to boycott Australian beef, wine and universities. He even asked them to stop visiting Australia.

Cheng Jingye had a phone conversation with the Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat). The exchange, reportedly, was not pleasant.&nbsp;

Following which, the Chinese embassy then released a statement detailing what it said was discussed on the call, prompting another rebuke from DFAT.&nbsp;

The statement describes the demand for probe as a "political maneuver". In diplomacy, backroom conversations are rarely released to the media, but Australia-China ties are on the verge of a total breakdown.&nbsp;

Australia has issued a response, expressing regret over the fact that China breached protocol.

In a no mood to let this go, angered China issued a counter-statement, saying on its website that details of the call had first been "obviously leaked by some Australian officials."

"The Embassy of China doesn't play petty tricks, this is not our tradition. But if others do, we have to reciprocate," the statement said.

Even the Chinese state media has jumped in. Hu Xijin, the editor of Global Times wrote this on Weibo: "Australia is always there, making trouble. It is a bit like chewing gum stuck on the sole of china's shoes.

Beijing wants to do everything it can, to undermine Australia's demand for an international investigation. China says the demands for an investigation are destined to fail, but&nbsp;Australia is quietly working behind the scenes to build international support to make China pay. 
&nbsp;

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The relations between Australia and China have worsened after Australia demanded an inquiry into the origin of COVID-19. China got furious after Australian prime minister Scott Morrison called for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

The relations between Australia and China have worsened after Australia demanded an inquiry into the origin of COVID-19. China got furious after Australian prime minister Scott Morrison called for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. The Chinese ambassador, Cheng Jingye, asked the citizens of his country to boycott Australian beef, wine and universities. He even asked them to stop visiting Australia. Cheng Jingye had a phone conversation with the Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat). The exchange, reportedly, was not pleasant. Following which, the Chinese embassy then released a statement detailing what it said was discussed on the call, prompting another rebuke from DFAT. The statement describes the demand for probe as a "political maneuver". In diplomacy, backroom conversations are rarely released to the media, but Australia-China ties are on the verge of a total breakdown. Australia has issued a response, expressing regret over the fact that China breached protocol. In a no mood to let this go, angered China issued a counter-statement, saying on its website that details of the call had first been "obviously leaked by some Australian officials." "The Embassy of China doesn't play petty tricks, this is not our tradition. But if others do, we have to reciprocate," the statement said. Even the Chinese state media has jumped in. Hu Xijin, the editor of Global Times wrote this on Weibo: "Australia is always there, making trouble. It is a bit like chewing gum stuck on the sole of china's shoes. Beijing wants to do everything it can, to undermine Australia's demand for an international investigation. China says the demands for an investigation are destined to fail, but Australia is quietly working behind the scenes to build international support to make China pay.

China-Australia spat escalates over demand for probe into COVID-19 origin

The COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated the potential of a virus as a weapon of mass destruction. It has added a new dimension to alter the global strategic balance and triggered another chain of events for global strategic dominance, besides unprecedented human sufferings.&nbsp;

During the First and Second World Wars era, the use of military forces and declaration of war was considered as basic essentiality to call it a World War. War is defined to be a state in which a nation prosecutes its right by force. Similarly as per Collins English Dictionary; World War is a war that involves countries all over the world. During earlier World Wars, the strategic aim was&nbsp;the capture of key territories or surrender of political leadership/will of adversaries. In the current era, the strategic aim revolves around the economic collapse of the adversary.

Were We already in World War III prior to COVID-19?&nbsp;

Considering the destructive capability of major world powers, a declared World War between combat forces may not occur&nbsp;as it will be devastating for all. The ‘Force’ for application potential will be measured in terms of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) of the world powers. It includes economy, military strength (including nuclear capability), strategic posturing, foreign policy/diplomacy, governance, Human Development Index (HDI), technological capability, knowledge information, geography, natural resources, national will and leadership. Out of all the components of CNP, economic power is the over-riding component dictating the rest. The dimensions of war have grown globally from erstwhile conventional wars under nuclear hangover (barring nuclear strike on Japan) to the aggressive trade war, military posturing, arms race (including Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear arsenal), with political bouts interspersed with few offensive actions involving conventional forces. &nbsp;

The application of economic power had resulted in an intense trade war between the two largest economies - the US and China. In Indo-Pacific, the conventional and nuclear-armed combat forces of the US and China are continuing strategic posturing, deterrence and messaging to all stakeholders. China used combat forces to occupy and develop features in the South China Sea. The recent US-Iran confrontation after the killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani saw active use of conventional force and brought both countries close to war. If all cases of use of conventional forces are linked, then two opposing alliances covering worldwide conflicts appear on the scene, the first one being US-Israel-Saudi Arabia-South Korea-Japan and the other one being China-Russia-North Korea-Iran-Syria, with other countries seem to be doing the strategic balancing. &nbsp;

The space warfare has taken a dangerous turn with each side taking preparatory actions to destroy each other’s space assets. The use of elements like misinformation campaign, election meddling, cyberwar, hacking of economic and crucial military network, perception management, is already in progress.&nbsp;

Diplomatic pressures, economic and technological threats, nuclear blackmailing, proxy wars by nations amount to use of force/CNP to achieve strategic objectives.&nbsp;

The number of casualties suffered in ongoing conflicts surpasses the total casualties and refugees of both the earlier world wars put together. The global strategic situation has graduated to conflicts, the capture of &nbsp;South China Sea, innumerable deaths and economic destruction; hence calling it cold war will be an understatement. The global situation even before COVID-19 had every element of a World War, except that the dimension, instruments and modalities have changed, and the war has not been ‘formally declared’; hence it may not be wrong to call it an ‘undeclared World War III’.&nbsp;

COVID-19 impact

The outbreak of COVID-19 has put humanity to one of the biggest risks of this century. It exposed the vulnerability of strongest nations,&nbsp;triggered by a possible biological weapon (accidentally or otherwise). While the global powers were busy strengthening other elements of CNP, it exposed the consequences of any possible biological weapon to the world adding a new dimension in ongoing undeclared World War III. Wuhan being the initial epicentre, the trends in early 2020 suggested a sheer drop in CNP of China with a combined effect of US-China trade war, failing BRI and COVID-19.

The last week of March 2020 onwards saw the epicentres of COVID-19 shifting westwards with the US, Europe and UK emerging to be worst affected. China, having declared victory over the pandemic, was quick to put back its manufacturing sector in place, trying to boost a ‘COVID-19 economy’ by creating a ‘Health Silk Road’ and re-activating most needed supply chain of medical equipment and medicines, as an attempt to earn maximum profit out of the pandemic, besides attempting to repair its global image.&nbsp;

Contours of undeclared World War III post-COVID-19 pandemic&nbsp;

COVID-19 has exposed some vulnerabilities of US and created huge trust deficit for China globally; hence the idea of everyone accepting one/two countries as superpowers or global leader may be outdated in future. The new paradigm will be unlike earlier World Wars, all countries will not be at war, because all of them may not agree to common narratives of key players. And&nbsp;hence, some countries would be at hot war, some in military posturing stage, and some using other dimensions and instruments of war, simultaneously. A new global order will emerge post-COVID-19 which need not be the US or China-centric. Next few decades will see the pivot shifting towards the East, which has fastest-growing economies. It can, therefore, be argued that the battleground for ‘Undeclared World War III’ could be Indo-Pacific, and the world has already entered in the preparatory phase of it, without recognising/declaring it to be so.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated the potential of a virus as a weapon of mass destruction. It has added a new dimension to alter the global strategic balance and triggered another chain of events for global strategic dominance, besides unprecedented human sufferings.

The COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated the potential of a virus as a weapon of mass destruction. It has added a new dimension to alter the global strategic balance and triggered another chain of events for global strategic dominance, besides unprecedented human sufferings. During the First and Second World Wars era, the use of military forces and declaration of war was considered as basic essentiality to call it a World War. War is defined to be a state in which a nation prosecutes its right by force. Similarly as per Collins English Dictionary; World War is a war that involves countries all over the world. During earlier World Wars, the strategic aim was the capture of key territories or surrender of political leadership/will of adversaries. In the current era, the strategic aim revolves around the economic collapse of the adversary. Were We already in World War III prior to COVID-19? Considering the destructive capability of major world powers, a declared World War between combat forces may not occur as it will be devastating for all. The ‘Force’ for application potential will be measured in terms of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) of the world powers. It includes economy, military strength (including nuclear capability), strategic posturing, foreign policy/diplomacy, governance, Human Development Index (HDI), technological capability, knowledge information, geography, natural resources, national will and leadership. Out of all the components of CNP, economic power is the over-riding component dictating the rest. The dimensions of war have grown globally from erstwhile conventional wars under nuclear hangover (barring nuclear strike on Japan) to the aggressive trade war, military posturing, arms race (including Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear arsenal), with political bouts interspersed with few offensive actions involving conventional forces. The application of economic power had resulted in an intense trade war between the two largest economies - the US and China. In Indo-Pacific, the conventional and nuclear-armed combat forces of the US and China are continuing strategic posturing, deterrence and messaging to all stakeholders. China used combat forces to occupy and develop features in the South China Sea. The recent US-Iran confrontation after the killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani saw active use of conventional force and brought both countries close to war. If all cases of use of conventional forces are linked, then two opposing alliances covering worldwide conflicts appear on the scene, the first one being US-Israel-Saudi Arabia-South Korea-Japan and the other one being China-Russia-North Korea-Iran-Syria, with other countries seem to be doing the strategic balancing. The space warfare has taken a dangerous turn with each side taking preparatory actions to destroy each other’s space assets. The use of elements like misinformation campaign, election meddling, cyberwar, hacking of economic and crucial military network, perception management, is already in progress. Diplomatic pressures, economic and technological threats, nuclear blackmailing, proxy wars by nations amount to use of force/CNP to achieve strategic objectives. The number of casualties suffered in ongoing conflicts surpasses the total casualties and refugees of both the earlier world wars put together. The global strategic situation has graduated to conflicts, the capture of South China Sea, innumerable deaths and economic destruction; hence calling it cold war will be an understatement. The global situation even before COVID-19 had every element of a World War, except that the dimension, instruments and modalities have changed, and the war has not been ‘formally declared’; hence it may not be wrong to call it an ‘undeclared World War III’. COVID-19 impact The outbreak of COVID-19 has put humanity to one of the biggest risks of this century. It exposed the vulnerability of strongest nations, triggered by a possible biological weapon (accidentally or otherwise). While the global powers were busy strengthening other elements of CNP, it exposed the consequences of any possible biological weapon to the world adding a new dimension in ongoing undeclared World War III. Wuhan being the initial epicentre, the trends in early 2020 suggested a sheer drop in CNP of China with a combined effect of US-China trade war, failing BRI and COVID-19. The last week of March 2020 onwards saw the epicentres of COVID-19 shifting westwards with the US, Europe and UK emerging to be worst affected. China, having declared victory over the pandemic, was quick to put back its manufacturing sector in place, trying to boost a ‘COVID-19 economy’ by creating a ‘Health Silk Road’ and re-activating most needed supply chain of medical equipment and medicines, as an attempt to earn maximum profit out of the pandemic, besides attempting to repair its global image. Contours of undeclared World War III post-COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 has exposed some vulnerabilities of US and created huge trust deficit for China globally; hence the idea of everyone accepting one/two countries as superpowers or global leader may be outdated in future. The new paradigm will be unlike earlier World Wars, all countries will not be at war, because all of them may not agree to common narratives of key players. And hence, some countries would be at hot war, some in military posturing stage, and some using other dimensions and instruments of war, simultaneously. A new global order will emerge post-COVID-19 which need not be the US or China-centric. Next few decades will see the pivot shifting towards the East, which has fastest-growing economies. It can, therefore, be argued that the battleground for ‘Undeclared World War III’ could be Indo-Pacific, and the world has already entered in the preparatory phase of it, without recognising/declaring it to be so. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus outbreak has added a new dimension to 'undeclared World War III'

As &nbsp;India is now passing through tremendous stress due to COVID 19 crisis and the consequent prolonged lockdown, the most affected are those living below the poverty line, who constitute around 20 per cent of the national population ( around &nbsp;250 million people).

Amongst these affected people, the deeply deprived persons constituting around 50 million of the national population consist of the physically disabled persons, visually impaired, hearing/speech impaired and mentally retarded persons, aged people in poor health, destitute women and section of self-employed people with no skill such as rag pickers.

Even in normal times, these deeply deprived people live in desperate conditions without knowing as to where their next meal would come from. These people have been surviving due to the freebies such as free ration etc. extended by the government, as well as, welfare pension such as old age pension etc. Without such freebies and pension support from the government, most of these people would have lost their lives due to poverty and sickness.

Need for support in the post-COVID 19 period :

During the COVID 19 crisis, central and state governments, non-government organisations, voluntary bodies and kind-hearted individuals have been doing their level best to support these deeply deprived 50 million people all over India, by extending support in various forms.

The governments can continue to extend support&nbsp;as given in the normal times after COVID 19 period, which would not be adequate to sustain the deeply deprived persons, in view of their extensive sufferings during the COVID 19 crisis.

In recent years, it is seen there is enormous interest amongst most of these deeply deprived people to at least educate their children, so that they can take up jobs to uplift their families. They have to be supported, as adequately educating the children of poor families is the best way of uplifting the poor and downtrodden families.

In the post-COVID 19 scenario, due to the income lost during the lockdown period, these deeply deprived people will not be able to come out of this distressed conditions without support from society.

Strategy for post-COVID 19 period :

A strategy has to be worked out by the people in the affordable income group, &nbsp;to help these 50 million people to survive.

Let each family identify one poor family who are part of the 50 million deeply deprived people and handover the sum deposited in the hundi to them every month.

If every family in the affordable income group would adopt such helpful attitude and practice, it will help the deprived people&nbsp;to find a way out for themselves and enable their children to undergo education to occupy the rightful place in the society as they grow up.

If an individual family in the affordable income group does not have the time or contact to identify such deeply deprived people, then&nbsp;they can coordinate with an NGO for providing to the needy people.

The ideal arrangement for the donor would be to contact the deprived family, personally talk to them in an encouraging way and provide them help&nbsp;so that the deeply deprived families would not get a feeling of isolation and gain confidence that they are part of the society. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

As India is now passing through tremendous stress due to COVID 19 crisis and the consequent prolonged lockdown, the most affected are those living below the poverty line, who constitute around 20 per cent of the national population ( around 250 million people).

As India is now passing through tremendous stress due to COVID 19 crisis and the consequent prolonged lockdown, the most affected are those living below the poverty line, who constitute around 20 per cent of the national population ( around 250 million people). Amongst these affected people, the deeply deprived persons constituting around 50 million of the national population consist of the physically disabled persons, visually impaired, hearing/speech impaired and mentally retarded persons, aged people in poor health, destitute women and section of self-employed people with no skill such as rag pickers. Even in normal times, these deeply deprived people live in desperate conditions without knowing as to where their next meal would come from. These people have been surviving due to the freebies such as free ration etc. extended by the government, as well as, welfare pension such as old age pension etc. Without such freebies and pension support from the government, most of these people would have lost their lives due to poverty and sickness. Need for support in the post-COVID 19 period : During the COVID 19 crisis, central and state governments, non-government organisations, voluntary bodies and kind-hearted individuals have been doing their level best to support these deeply deprived 50 million people all over India, by extending support in various forms. The governments can continue to extend support as given in the normal times after COVID 19 period, which would not be adequate to sustain the deeply deprived persons, in view of their extensive sufferings during the COVID 19 crisis. In recent years, it is seen there is enormous interest amongst most of these deeply deprived people to at least educate their children, so that they can take up jobs to uplift their families. They have to be supported, as adequately educating the children of poor families is the best way of uplifting the poor and downtrodden families. In the post-COVID 19 scenario, due to the income lost during the lockdown period, these deeply deprived people will not be able to come out of this distressed conditions without support from society. Strategy for post-COVID 19 period : A strategy has to be worked out by the people in the affordable income group, to help these 50 million people to survive. Let each family identify one poor family who are part of the 50 million deeply deprived people and handover the sum deposited in the hundi to them every month. If every family in the affordable income group would adopt such helpful attitude and practice, it will help the deprived people to find a way out for themselves and enable their children to undergo education to occupy the rightful place in the society as they grow up. If an individual family in the affordable income group does not have the time or contact to identify such deeply deprived people, then they can coordinate with an NGO for providing to the needy people. The ideal arrangement for the donor would be to contact the deprived family, personally talk to them in an encouraging way and provide them help so that the deeply deprived families would not get a feeling of isolation and gain confidence that they are part of the society. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Underprivileged in India will need support even after COVID-19 lockdown is lifted

The clamour to make China pay is growing louder and the latest on the list is Nigeria.

A group of Nigerian lawyers is suing China. They are demanding $200 billion from Beijing. The damages are being sought for the “loss of lives, economic strangulation, trauma, hardship, social disorientation, mental torture and disruption of the normal, daily existence of people in Nigeria.”

The lawyers have a two-phase action plan. First,&nbsp;to go to the Federal High Court of Nigeria. And then to persuade the government to sue China at the International Court of Justice.

Africa's anger against china is being fueled by the racist attacks Africans are facing in China. They are battling discrimination and stigma.

Racism and xenophobia are on the rise in China. Reports say thousands of African-origin people have been left homeless after being evicted over fears that they could be spreading the coronavirus.

This is apparently linked to a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Nigerian community in the southern city of Guangzhou in China.

The African students residing in the area say that they have been subjected to arbitrary quarantines and forced evictions.

The African Union earlier this month expressed its "extreme concern" about the situation in Guangzhou and called on Beijing to take immediate corrective measures.

Several African ambassadors in China have written to the country's foreign minister over the discrimination faced by Africans.

But the hands of these governments are tied, most of them have taken billions of dollars of Chinese loans.&nbsp;

Nearly two decades of lending has made china Africa's top creditor. The continent now faces multiple challenges - repaying China's loans, fighting Wuhan virus and dealing with China's racism.

&nbsp;

The clamour to make China pay is growing louder and the latest on the list is Nigeria. A group of Nigerian lawyers is suing China. They are demanding $200 billion from Beijing.

The clamour to make China pay is growing louder and the latest on the list is Nigeria. A group of Nigerian lawyers is suing China. They are demanding $200 billion from Beijing. The damages are being sought for the “loss of lives, economic strangulation, trauma, hardship, social disorientation, mental torture and disruption of the normal, daily existence of people in Nigeria.” The lawyers have a two-phase action plan. First, to go to the Federal High Court of Nigeria. And then to persuade the government to sue China at the International Court of Justice. Africa's anger against china is being fueled by the racist attacks Africans are facing in China. They are battling discrimination and stigma. Racism and xenophobia are on the rise in China. Reports say thousands of African-origin people have been left homeless after being evicted over fears that they could be spreading the coronavirus. This is apparently linked to a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Nigerian community in the southern city of Guangzhou in China. The African students residing in the area say that they have been subjected to arbitrary quarantines and forced evictions. The African Union earlier this month expressed its "extreme concern" about the situation in Guangzhou and called on Beijing to take immediate corrective measures. Several African ambassadors in China have written to the country's foreign minister over the discrimination faced by Africans. But the hands of these governments are tied, most of them have taken billions of dollars of Chinese loans. Nearly two decades of lending has made china Africa's top creditor. The continent now faces multiple challenges - repaying China's loans, fighting Wuhan virus and dealing with China's racism.

Nigerian lawyers set to sue China over coronavirus outbreak

Questions remain as to whether this COVID-19 pandemic that we are living through is the result of malevolent actions by the Chinese government, i.e., some form of biological warfare. Or is it just the result of careless behaviour in the Wuhan Institute of Virology or another nearby lab that accidentally resulted in the virus leaking out and spreading across the globe? Or could it be, as the World Health Organisation and much of the media want us to believe, something that came from bats or other animals sold in the wet markets of China?

As I have been documenting in a series of recent articles, with very technical but vital information, the evidence is building that this was the result of genetic manipulation. If true, it could suggest that this line of research might lead in the direction that some might define as part of a biological warfare program. To explain how I’ve reached this conclusion, at this point, it requires a rather technical explanation. So please bear with me.

Viruses rely on the biochemical mechanisms of the host cell they invade to bind and fuse with the host cell membrane and replicate inside the cell.

The fusion part of that cascade of events can involve the virus using host cell enzymes to cleave one or more of the virus’ proteins at specific sites to facilitate entry into the host cell.

Those sites are often composed of relatively short sequences of chemically basic amino acids called polybasic cleavage sites.

At the junction of the S1 and S2 protein subunits, COVID-19 has just such a polybasic cleavage site that uses the host cell enzyme furin, which is found in many human organ systems and known to be involved in the pathogenic processes of viruses, for example, HIV, Ebola and various strains of coronavirus.

The presence of the furin polybasic cleavage site may explain clinical reports of COVID-19’s ability to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/coronavirus-destroys-lungs-but-doctors-are-finding-its-damage-in-kidneys-hearts-and-elsewhere/2020/04/14/7ff71ee0-7db1-11ea-a3ee-13e1ae0a3571_story.html">infect </a>a variety of organ systems.

The furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19 can be roughly defined by the amino acid sequence SPRRARS, which is Serine-Proline-Arginine-Arginine-Alanine-Arginine-Serine, where the cleavage takes place at the R-S junction.

Within that broader sequence, the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1964754/">minimum sequence</a> for a furin cleavage site is R-X-X-R, where Arginine (R) occurs in the 3rd and 6th positions and positions 4 and 5 can be any amino acid, but activity of the furin cleavage site can be significantly enhanced with a basic amino acid like Arginine in the 4th position, as occurs in COVID-19.

It is very important to note that the furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19 is unique and has not been found in any of the coronaviruses yet identified as close relatives.

Remarkably, however, such sequences do exist in other viruses, including coronaviruses not directly related to COVID-19.

For example, the feline (cat) enteric coronavirus (FECV) causes a mild, but highly-transmissible infection, in which chronically infected cats can shed infectious virus for a year or longer.

FECV <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3713968/">isolates</a> have an amino acid sequence at the S1/S2 junction of SRRARRS.

The alpha-coronavirus HKU1, which can infect the human respiratory system and has done so as recently as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5466428/">2016</a>, has a SRRKRRS sequence at the S1/S2 junction.

The Beaudette gamma-coronavirus strain has an amino acid sequence at the S2-prime (S2′) cleavage site of SSRRKRS, very similar to the sequence seen at COVID-19’s S1 site.

It is also interesting to note that the S2′ sequence of bat coronavirus CoVZX21, often cited as a close relative of CoVid-19, has an identical amino acid sequence of SKPSKRS at that position, but is demonstrably different at the critical S1 cleavage site.

The bioengineering capability to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682206000900">insert </a>polybasic cleavage sites into the coronavirus S1 protein is well-established, already from 2006.

All of the above could be considered coincidental except for the fact that no clear evolutionary pathway has been identified that would explain the presence of COVID-19’s furin polybasic cleavage site, especially given its enhanced pathogenic significance.

It is, therefore, not an unreasonable alternative to assume that the unique furin polybasic cleavage site found in COVID-19 and in no other close relatives may be the result of genetic manipulation.

(The article was first published on <a href="https://ccnationalsecurity.org/the-conceptual-basis-for-a-bioengineered-covid-19/">The Citizens Commission on National Security</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Questions remain as to whether this COVID-19 pandemic that we are living through is the result of malevolent actions by the Chinese government, i.e., some form of biological warfare.

Questions remain as to whether this COVID-19 pandemic that we are living through is the result of malevolent actions by the Chinese government, i.e., some form of biological warfare. Or is it just the result of careless behaviour in the Wuhan Institute of Virology or another nearby lab that accidentally resulted in the virus leaking out and spreading across the globe? Or could it be, as the World Health Organisation and much of the media want us to believe, something that came from bats or other animals sold in the wet markets of China? As I have been documenting in a series of recent articles, with very technical but vital information, the evidence is building that this was the result of genetic manipulation. If true, it could suggest that this line of research might lead in the direction that some might define as part of a biological warfare program. To explain how I’ve reached this conclusion, at this point, it requires a rather technical explanation. So please bear with me. Viruses rely on the biochemical mechanisms of the host cell they invade to bind and fuse with the host cell membrane and replicate inside the cell. The fusion part of that cascade of events can involve the virus using host cell enzymes to cleave one or more of the virus’ proteins at specific sites to facilitate entry into the host cell. Those sites are often composed of relatively short sequences of chemically basic amino acids called polybasic cleavage sites. At the junction of the S1 and S2 protein subunits, COVID-19 has just such a polybasic cleavage site that uses the host cell enzyme furin, which is found in many human organ systems and known to be involved in the pathogenic processes of viruses, for example, HIV, Ebola and various strains of coronavirus. The presence of the furin polybasic cleavage site may explain clinical reports of COVID-19’s ability to infect a variety of organ systems. The furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19 can be roughly defined by the amino acid sequence SPRRARS, which is Serine-Proline-Arginine-Arginine-Alanine-Arginine-Serine, where the cleavage takes place at the R-S junction. Within that broader sequence, the minimum sequence for a furin cleavage site is R-X-X-R, where Arginine (R) occurs in the 3rd and 6th positions and positions 4 and 5 can be any amino acid, but activity of the furin cleavage site can be significantly enhanced with a basic amino acid like Arginine in the 4th position, as occurs in COVID-19. It is very important to note that the furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19 is unique and has not been found in any of the coronaviruses yet identified as close relatives. Remarkably, however, such sequences do exist in other viruses, including coronaviruses not directly related to COVID-19. For example, the feline (cat) enteric coronavirus (FECV) causes a mild, but highly-transmissible infection, in which chronically infected cats can shed infectious virus for a year or longer. FECV isolates have an amino acid sequence at the S1/S2 junction of SRRARRS. The alpha-coronavirus HKU1, which can infect the human respiratory system and has done so as recently as 2016, has a SRRKRRS sequence at the S1/S2 junction. The Beaudette gamma-coronavirus strain has an amino acid sequence at the S2-prime (S2′) cleavage site of SSRRKRS, very similar to the sequence seen at COVID-19’s S1 site. It is also interesting to note that the S2′ sequence of bat coronavirus CoVZX21, often cited as a close relative of CoVid-19, has an identical amino acid sequence of SKPSKRS at that position, but is demonstrably different at the critical S1 cleavage site. The bioengineering capability to insert polybasic cleavage sites into the coronavirus S1 protein is well-established, already from 2006. All of the above could be considered coincidental except for the fact that no clear evolutionary pathway has been identified that would explain the presence of COVID-19’s furin polybasic cleavage site, especially given its enhanced pathogenic significance. It is, therefore, not an unreasonable alternative to assume that the unique furin polybasic cleavage site found in COVID-19 and in no other close relatives may be the result of genetic manipulation. (The article was first published on The Citizens Commission on National Security) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Explained: The conceptual basis for a bioengineered COVID-19

As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in India and across the world, economies are taking a hard punch to the gut. The world economy is falling into recession. India’s healthcare sector, in particular, is getting overwhelmed in the process. &nbsp;As disparaging as this is, the pandemic does present a unique opportunity for India. The lockdown has demonstrated one thing: digital technology can quickly connect the country together. But can expanding our digital activity significantly help the economy?  &nbsp;

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his thoughts on COVID-19 on LinkedIn to young working professionals and students. He stated that “The workplace is getting Digital First…[and that] India, a youthful nation known for its innovative zeal can take the lead in providing a new work culture.” The Prime Minister also invited young people to take part in the workforce.&nbsp;

The impacts of COVID-19 are not going to disappear after the lockdown ends. The economy will take some time to recover. However, the pandemic does give a wide-open opportunity for digital players. Even before coronavirus, India’s digital space was already surging exponentially. In fact, India is digitising faster than most countries in the world. With a whopping 560 million internet subscribers as of 2018, the nation is one of the largest growing and fastest markets for digital consumers. The exponential rise in smartphone usage over the past six years has resulted in 1.2 billion mobile phone subscriptions and over 12 billion apps downloaded in 2018. The best part? There is room to grow; only about 40 per cent of the population has an internet subscription.&nbsp;

Moreover, the Modi government’s implementation of the Aadhar scheme has provided over 1.2 billion citizens with a digital identity and the GST has brought well over 10 million MSMEs, businesses and firms onto a common, transparent digital platform. The national lockdown has brought new digital ecosystems and business models to the forefront within days and weeks. These new models can be seen across multiple sectors including healthcare, retail and agriculture.&nbsp;

Job opportunities can now be seen in formalising these new business models, as well as, in digital solutions for banking, insurance, transportation of goods and healthcare. Government portals are now aggressively working towards going truly digital which will further open up the job market. For instance, the government is currently finding ways for making it easier to incorporate rural and tribal products into e-commerce platforms. Creating digital platforms for teleconsultations for patients is another example that is already boosting the Indian healthcare sector. Digital solutions for mapping out the most efficient directions for cargo transportation; especially for perishable items; are the need of the hour.&nbsp;

The real question is if going digital will help minimise the hit to the Indian economy caused by COVID-19. The answer is an objective yes. All sectors have the ability to get tech-enabled. Firms that are able to adapt to digital will be serving a market of 700 million smartphone users and approximately 800 million internet users by 2023. If they do, significant economic value will be added. &nbsp;

Going digital will double the nine core sectors by 2025. These core sectors alone have the potential to contribute up to $150 billion in economic value. Furthermore, if non-core sectors (ie. retail) can go digital, they can not only add value to the GDP but also create significant employment and skills development opportunities. With cross-sector digitisation, digitisation India can look at potential value adds; for instance, $130 billion for electronics manufacturing, $250 billion for IT-BPM and an overall total of up to $435 billion by 2025. That’s about 10 per cent of India’s GDP.

 Additionally, going digital calls for policy adaptations. For instance, new digital platforms will require more ease and redefined rules in things like founding start-ups and hiring digital age employees. More women will enter the workforce; in particular, those that are currently unable to work due to logistical, safety and/or other reasons. &nbsp;

Citizens need to accept the idea of a digital economy. Going ‘COVIDigital’ is the new normal. The time to act is now. Youth must take lead on the discourse for innovation and using technology for solutions. Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has jolted India in multiple ways. We are still in lockdown. But in an adverse situation always comes opportunities. The coronavirus crisis has proven that our government and citizens are capable of unified action at large scale. Going 'COVIDigital' will not only significantly bolster the immediate economy, but also establish the groundwork for a smart, tech-enabled and solution-based long-term growth.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in India and across the world, economies are taking a hard punch to the gut. The world economy is falling into recession. India’s healthcare sector, in particular, is getting overwhelmed in the process.

As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in India and across the world, economies are taking a hard punch to the gut. The world economy is falling into recession. India’s healthcare sector, in particular, is getting overwhelmed in the process.  As disparaging as this is, the pandemic does present a unique opportunity for India. The lockdown has demonstrated one thing: digital technology can quickly connect the country together. But can expanding our digital activity significantly help the economy?   Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his thoughts on COVID-19 on LinkedIn to young working professionals and students. He stated that “The workplace is getting Digital First…[and that] India, a youthful nation known for its innovative zeal can take the lead in providing a new work culture.” The Prime Minister also invited young people to take part in the workforce. The impacts of COVID-19 are not going to disappear after the lockdown ends. The economy will take some time to recover. However, the pandemic does give a wide-open opportunity for digital players. Even before coronavirus, India’s digital space was already surging exponentially. In fact, India is digitising faster than most countries in the world. With a whopping 560 million internet subscribers as of 2018, the nation is one of the largest growing and fastest markets for digital consumers. The exponential rise in smartphone usage over the past six years has resulted in 1.2 billion mobile phone subscriptions and over 12 billion apps downloaded in 2018. The best part? There is room to grow; only about 40 per cent of the population has an internet subscription. Moreover, the Modi government’s implementation of the Aadhar scheme has provided over 1.2 billion citizens with a digital identity and the GST has brought well over 10 million MSMEs, businesses and firms onto a common, transparent digital platform. The national lockdown has brought new digital ecosystems and business models to the forefront within days and weeks. These new models can be seen across multiple sectors including healthcare, retail and agriculture. Job opportunities can now be seen in formalising these new business models, as well as, in digital solutions for banking, insurance, transportation of goods and healthcare. Government portals are now aggressively working towards going truly digital which will further open up the job market. For instance, the government is currently finding ways for making it easier to incorporate rural and tribal products into e-commerce platforms. Creating digital platforms for teleconsultations for patients is another example that is already boosting the Indian healthcare sector. Digital solutions for mapping out the most efficient directions for cargo transportation; especially for perishable items; are the need of the hour. The real question is if going digital will help minimise the hit to the Indian economy caused by COVID-19. The answer is an objective yes. All sectors have the ability to get tech-enabled. Firms that are able to adapt to digital will be serving a market of 700 million smartphone users and approximately 800 million internet users by 2023. If they do, significant economic value will be added.  Going digital will double the nine core sectors by 2025. These core sectors alone have the potential to contribute up to $150 billion in economic value. Furthermore, if non-core sectors (ie. retail) can go digital, they can not only add value to the GDP but also create significant employment and skills development opportunities. With cross-sector digitisation, digitisation India can look at potential value adds; for instance, $130 billion for electronics manufacturing, $250 billion for IT-BPM and an overall total of up to $435 billion by 2025. That’s about 10 per cent of India’s GDP.  Additionally, going digital calls for policy adaptations. For instance, new digital platforms will require more ease and redefined rules in things like founding start-ups and hiring digital age employees. More women will enter the workforce; in particular, those that are currently unable to work due to logistical, safety and/or other reasons.  Citizens need to accept the idea of a digital economy. Going ‘COVIDigital’ is the new normal. The time to act is now. Youth must take lead on the discourse for innovation and using technology for solutions. Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has jolted India in multiple ways. We are still in lockdown. But in an adverse situation always comes opportunities. The coronavirus crisis has proven that our government and citizens are capable of unified action at large scale. Going 'COVIDigital' will not only significantly bolster the immediate economy, but also establish the groundwork for a smart, tech-enabled and solution-based long-term growth. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Digital technology can help minimise the coronavirus impact on economy: here's how

The world and the world around us has become uncertain. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic will be felt by India both internally and externally. &nbsp;

Internally, a full lockdown cannot continue because the economy needs to be unlocked. Reignited. India needs to start working, even if a real threat of COVID-19 pandemic persists. We cannot surrender our future to a virus. A month lockdown has brought an already slowing economy to a grinding halt. &nbsp;

Externally, the world economies will become inward-looking. The global recession is underway. Liberal economic order is taking a bow as protectionism will now flourish. In the geopolitical order, India will be the middle power between the United States and China. It will have substantial bargaining power in a deepening US-China confrontation. &nbsp;

In the last two months, the pandemic scenario was so dynamic, that it was difficult to reflect upon the impact. An extended lockdown in India, the opaqueness and the revelations concerning China’s role and the abdication of the United States to lead the world in overcoming this crisis has made the picture clearer. &nbsp;

Internal Challenges and Opportunities&nbsp;

There is a prediction of zero percentage GDP Growth for India. India will bear ‘catastrophic consequences’ and 40 crore jobs are at peril, as per an ILO report. A large number of people are already losing their jobs and many small businesses have started bearing the brunt. Unorganised sector — which is already enduring the burden of an unplanned lockdown is hurt the most. Millions are becoming poor. Migrants have still not reached home. Women and children isolated in the houses have become vulnerable owing to a spike in the cases of abuse. Societal fissures have deepened, owing to the complacency of governments in allowing religious congregations in the beginning. Communal harmony is in danger. &nbsp;

The Central government has announced two major packages. First, an ‘economic package’ worth Rs 1.7 lakh crore for the poor, which entails bare minimum cash transfers to women, some minuscule help to health workers, no real help for farmers and zero assistance to the small and medium businesses. Second, an ‘Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package’ worth Rs 15,000 crores has been announced for states. &nbsp;

Health is a state subject. It is the states which are required to take lead in fighting the pandemic. However, no real funding has been given to states. For instance, Punjab has been handed over a pittance sum of Rs 71 crores to fight the pandemic. A big state like Karnataka has been allocated only Rs 395 crores. Kerala which has the second-highest number of cases has been allocated Rs 157 crores. This is too little. The union government should increase this funding so that states can start building the requisite healthcare infrastructure. &nbsp;

Supply chains are still disrupted. People are hungry and are mortgaging their dignity to stand in long queues, to get cooked food either from private bodies. Only 15 per cent&nbsp;of the poor have received the promised pulses under the union government’s package. Around 11 crore poor are estimated to be out of the entitled PDS net and are on the verge of starvation. &nbsp;

Even the most ardent supporters of the market economy feel that this is no time for fiscal prudence and a loosening of purse strings is the need of the hour. Cash transfers to the poor, tax breaks to industry, and deferment of loans, employee retaining packages for the small industries, wrapped in a large stimulus package is the need of the hour. How India deals with its economy would have a direct impact on its external trade and geopolitics at large. A nation’s external policy is shaped by its internal stability. &nbsp;

External Challenges and Opportunities &nbsp;

There is an economic web angle to the current crisis. US Fed’s balance sheet is now at record levels above $6 trillion, after the central bank pumped almost $2 trillion in quantitative easing since late February. The United States, therefore, is running high trade deficits and acting as a consumer market. Closer to home, China is acting as an investor. It wants to put the Yuan on the global currency map. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its numerous infrastructure projects make it an ideal power for smaller countries to gravitate towards itself. 
 
However, there is a constraint. With businesses shut in most of the developed world, who will China export too? After, all Economy 101 is based on supply and demand. With the demand weakening, can China retain its position as a major exporter? &nbsp;

India is in a unique position to bargain. On one side, the US would want India to spearhead its economic and geostrategic potential to counter China. Given that India also has a large sector for vaccination and pharmaceuticals, it would be heavily wooed by the United States. On the other side of the spectrum, China would want India to continue increasing its trade with it, the latter being a massive consumer market for its goods. &nbsp;

The newfound negotiating power of India places it as the middle power between two confrontationist nation-states. Yes, there will be other powers like Russia, Japan, and EU et al which may join either camp. However, traditional Indian foreign policy prefers installing ‘tents’ in either block to joining any ‘camp’ and that position will only get strengthened. &nbsp;

All this will be contingent on how India strengthens its economy — internally. And that should be our only focus, for the time being.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

The world and the world around us has become uncertain. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic will be felt by India both internally and externally. Internally, a full lockdown cannot continue because the economy needs to be unlocked.

The world and the world around us has become uncertain. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic will be felt by India both internally and externally. Internally, a full lockdown cannot continue because the economy needs to be unlocked. Reignited. India needs to start working, even if a real threat of COVID-19 pandemic persists. We cannot surrender our future to a virus. A month lockdown has brought an already slowing economy to a grinding halt. Externally, the world economies will become inward-looking. The global recession is underway. Liberal economic order is taking a bow as protectionism will now flourish. In the geopolitical order, India will be the middle power between the United States and China. It will have substantial bargaining power in a deepening US-China confrontation. In the last two months, the pandemic scenario was so dynamic, that it was difficult to reflect upon the impact. An extended lockdown in India, the opaqueness and the revelations concerning China’s role and the abdication of the United States to lead the world in overcoming this crisis has made the picture clearer. Internal Challenges and Opportunities There is a prediction of zero percentage GDP Growth for India. India will bear ‘catastrophic consequences’ and 40 crore jobs are at peril, as per an ILO report. A large number of people are already losing their jobs and many small businesses have started bearing the brunt. Unorganised sector — which is already enduring the burden of an unplanned lockdown is hurt the most. Millions are becoming poor. Migrants have still not reached home. Women and children isolated in the houses have become vulnerable owing to a spike in the cases of abuse. Societal fissures have deepened, owing to the complacency of governments in allowing religious congregations in the beginning. Communal harmony is in danger. The Central government has announced two major packages. First, an ‘economic package’ worth Rs 1.7 lakh crore for the poor, which entails bare minimum cash transfers to women, some minuscule help to health workers, no real help for farmers and zero assistance to the small and medium businesses. Second, an ‘Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package’ worth Rs 15,000 crores has been announced for states. Health is a state subject. It is the states which are required to take lead in fighting the pandemic. However, no real funding has been given to states. For instance, Punjab has been handed over a pittance sum of Rs 71 crores to fight the pandemic. A big state like Karnataka has been allocated only Rs 395 crores. Kerala which has the second-highest number of cases has been allocated Rs 157 crores. This is too little. The union government should increase this funding so that states can start building the requisite healthcare infrastructure. Supply chains are still disrupted. People are hungry and are mortgaging their dignity to stand in long queues, to get cooked food either from private bodies. Only 15 per cent of the poor have received the promised pulses under the union government’s package. Around 11 crore poor are estimated to be out of the entitled PDS net and are on the verge of starvation. Even the most ardent supporters of the market economy feel that this is no time for fiscal prudence and a loosening of purse strings is the need of the hour. Cash transfers to the poor, tax breaks to industry, and deferment of loans, employee retaining packages for the small industries, wrapped in a large stimulus package is the need of the hour. How India deals with its economy would have a direct impact on its external trade and geopolitics at large. A nation’s external policy is shaped by its internal stability. External Challenges and Opportunities There is an economic web angle to the current crisis. US Fed’s balance sheet is now at record levels above $6 trillion, after the central bank pumped almost $2 trillion in quantitative easing since late February. The United States, therefore, is running high trade deficits and acting as a consumer market. Closer to home, China is acting as an investor. It wants to put the Yuan on the global currency map. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its numerous infrastructure projects make it an ideal power for smaller countries to gravitate towards itself. However, there is a constraint. With businesses shut in most of the developed world, who will China export too? After, all Economy 101 is based on supply and demand. With the demand weakening, can China retain its position as a major exporter? India is in a unique position to bargain. On one side, the US would want India to spearhead its economic and geostrategic potential to counter China. Given that India also has a large sector for vaccination and pharmaceuticals, it would be heavily wooed by the United States. On the other side of the spectrum, China would want India to continue increasing its trade with it, the latter being a massive consumer market for its goods. The newfound negotiating power of India places it as the middle power between two confrontationist nation-states. Yes, there will be other powers like Russia, Japan, and EU et al which may join either camp. However, traditional Indian foreign policy prefers installing ‘tents’ in either block to joining any ‘camp’ and that position will only get strengthened. All this will be contingent on how India strengthens its economy — internally. And that should be our only focus, for the time being. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India’s position in global order depends on how it restarts the economy post-COVID 19

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