Nissan Magnite: Japan automaker bets big on small SUV to revive India biz

SUV may determine how much heft Nissan will wield as it and alliance partner Renault SA thrash out their respective roles in the Indian market.

By any measure, Nissan Motor Co Ltd has had a dreadful run in India. A push to revive its lower-end Datsun brand flopped, sales have slumped 60% over the past five years and its sole plant in the country is operating way below capacity.
But the amount of money and energy that Nissan - battered by scandal and expecting a record $4.5 billion annual operating loss - will spend to turn its fortunes around in India will hinge on the sales of one vehicle, its new Magnite compact SUV, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The SUV may also determine how much heft Nissan will wield as it and alliance partner Renault SA thrash out their respective roles in the Indian market.

Unveiled this month and due to be launched either late this year or early 2021, the Magnite will be Nissan's first new vehicle in India in two years. Moreover, it will be just one of three Nissan-branded models in the market after two others were pulled in April when tougher emission rules kicked in.

"Magnite will buy Nissan a couple of years to figure out a plan for India and the SUV's success will determine whether it invests more or scales down operations," said one source.

A second source called the sport-utility vehicle Nissan's "last hope" to revive the brand in India.

Japan's No. 2 automaker has, however, no plans to withdraw from India, where it has invested over $800 million, and discussions about strategy are ongoing, the sources said. They were not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified.

Nasa's Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission launched to Red Planet

NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission is on its way to the Red Planet to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples to send back to Earth.

NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission is on its way to the Red Planet to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples to send back to Earth.

Humanity's most sophisticated rover launched with the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter at 7:50 am EDT (4:50 am PDT) Thursday on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

"With the launch of Perseverance, we begin another historic mission of exploration," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "This amazing explorer's journey has already required the very best from all of us to get it to launch through these challenging times. Now, we can look forward to its incredible science and to bringing samples of Mars home even as we advance human missions to the Red Planet. As a mission, as an agency, and as a country, we will persevere."

The ULA Atlas V's Centaur upper stage initially placed the Mars 2020 spacecraft into a parking orbit around Earth. The engine fired for a second time and the spacecraft separated from the Centaur as expected. Navigation data indicate the spacecraft is perfectly on course to Mars.

Mars 2020 sent its first signal to ground controllers via NASA's Deep Space Network at 9:15 am EDT (6:15 am PDT). However, telemetry (more detailed spacecraft data) had not yet been acquired at that point. Around 11:30 am EDT (8:30 am PDT), a signal with telemetry was received from Mars 2020 by NASA ground stations. Data indicate the spacecraft had entered a state known as safe mode, likely because a part of the spacecraft was a little colder than expected while Mars 2020 was in Earth's shadow. All temperatures are now nominal and the spacecraft is out of Earth's shadow.

National Education Policy: 10 key highlights of school education reforms

From schooling at the age of 3 years, to diluted board exams, and the 5+3+3+4 curriculum, here are top 10 major reforms under the National Education Policy 2020.

The government has replaced the 34-year-old National Policy on Education, framed in 1986, with the National Education Policy of 2020. The NEP 2020 has introduced several reforms in school education. Here is all you need to know about the new education policy reforms for students, teachers and schools.

Top 10 major reforms in school education: Highlights

1. Schooling will start at the age of 3 years

Earlier, schooling was mandatory for children between the age of 6 and 14 years. However, under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), education will be compulsory for children between the age of 3 and 18 years.

2. 5+3+3+4 curricular and teaching structure

The new National Education Policy aims to shift from decades-old 10+2 format to a 5+3+3+4 system, keeping in mind a child's development and capabilities. Click here to understand the 5+3+3+4 format under NEP 2020.

3. Emphasis on mother tongue as medium of instruction

The National Education Policy puts emphasis on a child's mother tongue as the medium of instruction. However, The NEP only recommends the mother tongue as a medium of instruction; it has not been made compulsory. The policy states that children learn and grasp non-trivial concepts more quickly in their mother tongue.

Read More

'Fair go': Australia to make Facebook, Google pay for news in world first

Google protests, says the regulation ignores 'billions of clicks' that it sends to Australian news publishers each year.

Australia will force U.S. tech giants Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google to pay Australian media outlets for news content in a landmark move to protect independent journalism that will be watched around the world.Australia will become the first country to require Facebook and Google to pay for news content provided by media companies under a royalty-style system that will become law this year, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.

"It's about a fair go for Australian news media businesses. It's about ensuring that we have increased competition, increased consumer protection, and a sustainable media landscape," Frydenberg told reporters in Melbourne.

"Nothing less than the future of the Australian media landscape is at stake."

The move comes as the tech giants fend off calls around the world for greater regulation, and a day after Google and Facebook took a battering for alleged abuse of market power from U.S. lawmakers in a congressional hearing.

Following an inquiry into the state of the media market and the power of the U.S. platforms, the Australian government late last year told Facebook and Google to negotiate a voluntary deal with media companies to use their content.

 

AAI puts SpiceJet on cash and carry basis, airline says business as usual

AAI has put SpiceJet operations across the country on a "cash and carry basis".

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has put SpiceJet operations across the country on a "cash and carry basis", presumably due to the carrier's inability to clear airport dues. However, the airline chose to say that it was business as usual for them.

"AAI deferred its decision to put SpiceJet on cash and carry. We continue to have normal operations at all AAI-run airports as before without any impediments," the company spokesperson said.

The AAI order was to be effective from Thursday. In a circular to the airports of Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Chennai and Mumbai, the AAI said: "The competent authority has approved to put the operation of SpiceJet Ltd on cash and carry basis out of all AAI

airports with effect from 0001 hours on July 30, 2020."

The circular stated that this decision may be informed to officials of SpiceJet at respective stations and airports to make necessary arrangements to deposit the required amount at the respective stations for day-to-day operations.

The cash and carry format implies that credit facility by the AAI has been withdrawn because SpiceJet could not clear dues and now they have to pay every day to the AAI for airport user fees in order to continue operations. SpiceJet has to pay cash upfront for the use of the airports.

A cash and carry status implies financial stress for the airline and the aviation sector has been reeling under stress since the Covid-19 pandemic grounded most operations.

A similar notice by the AAI had been issued to SpiceJet in December 2014 when the airline was facing a financial crunch and was unable to pay salaries.

 

 

US squandered opportunity to beat back Covid-19 by not using masks: Experts

The United States has squandered one of the best opportunities to beat back coronavirus by not resorting to face covering to prevent the spread of infection, believe experts.

The United States has squandered one of the best opportunities to beat back coronavirus by not resorting to face covering to prevent the spread of infection, believe experts.
The mask is the simplest and among the most effective weapons against the coronavirus in the public health arsenal.

Yet from the start, America's relationship with face coverings has been deeply fraught, Washington Post reported.

"Some countries took out their masks as soon as this happened," said Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease specialist from the University of California at San Francisco, "and their rates of death are very low."

Gandhi is of the view that the US coronavirus response has been full of missteps and unforced errors delayed acceptance of universal masking.

According to the Washington Post, the country hit a tipping point on widespread mask use only this month with a majority of states and the nation's largest retailers all mandating them.

Anthony S. Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease expert, had repeatedly told Americans "there is no reason" for anyone in the United States to wear a mask in the beginning of the outbreak. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams tweeted on February 29: "Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS!"

Many experts supported the anti-mask guidance, arguing they were not sure that face-covering would make a significant difference.

But some like George Gao, the director-general of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that the United States was making a "big mistake" by not mandating masks.

'They have too much power': US lawmakers grill Big Tech as Trump weighs in

Much-anticipated congressional hearing featuring the CEOs of four of America's largest tech firms kicks off.

A much-anticipated congressional hearing featuring the CEOs of four of America's largest tech firms kicked off on Wednesday afternoon in a confrontation that promises a healthy dose of political theatre, while also offering a window into the thinking of lawmakers trying to rein in Big Tech.
Facebook Inc's Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon.com Inc's Jeff Bezos, Alphabet Inc-owned Google's Sundar Pichai and Apple Inc's Tim Cook--who together represent about $5 trillion of the U.S. economy--are appearing via videoconference before the House Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel.

President Donald Trump, who has clashed with several of the biggest tech companies, on Wednesday threatened to take action against them.

"If Congress doesn't bring fairness to Big Tech, which they should have done years ago, I will do it myself with Executive Orders," he said on Twitter.

‘They have too much power’

The president did not spell out what the executive order would say but has been irritated by tech companies, including Facebook and Twitter, which sometimes take action on his postings on issues like treatments for the coronavirus. He has also clashed with the Washington Post, which is owned by Bezos.

U.S. Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat and chair of the antitrust subcommittee, also pummeled the four companies.

"They have too much power," he said in opening remarks.

"While these dominant firms may still produce some new innovative products, their dominance is killing the small businesses, manufacturing, and overall dynamism that are the engines of the American economy."

 

Punjab National Bank's UK unit wins court battle over unpaid loans

The case by the UK subsidiary of PNB is seen as a landmark decision for similar cases involving wilful defaulters who are residing in or have assets in the UK

Punjab National Bank International Limited (PNBIL) has logged a big win in a UK High Court in its pursuit of around $22 million in unpaid loans, setting a precedent for other enforcement cases brought by Indian banks against promoters or guarantors in English courts.
The case by the UK subsidiary of PNB is seen as a landmark decision for similar cases involving wilful defaulters who are residing in or have assets in the UK, or where the finance agreements are subject to English law and jurisdiction.

However, legal experts stressed that there is no direct link between the outcome of this case and that being pursued by a consortium of 13 Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), against liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya in the High Court over unpaid loans to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

The PNBIL action seeking enforcement through the UK High Court dates back to 2012 and 2013, when it lent money in relation to the purchase and charter of the cruise liner MV Delphin.

The purchaser was Vishal Cruises Ltd, which was said to be supported by guarantees and/or indemnities by businessman Pradeep Agrawal, chairman of Superior Drinks Pvt Ltd and manufacturer Coca-Cola of beverages in India, and Superior Industries Limited (SIL), also said to be associated with Agrawal.

At a two-day hearing in the commercial division of the High Court in London last month, held remotely due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Justice Sara Cockerill concluded that the case did have jurisdiction in the UK and ordered an interim payment towards the bank's costs of GBP 70,000.

 

Imperative for banks to expand balance sheets: India Ratings report

The RBI's conscious steps to reduce the repo rate have also lowered the marginal cost of fund-based lending rate across banks, ratings agency said.

It is imperative for banks to expand their balance sheets and revive credit offtake instead of just concentrating on asset quality, says a report.
The RBI's conscious steps to reduce the repo rate have also lowered the marginal cost of fund-based lending rate across banks, ratings agency India Ratings and Research said in a note.

The central bank has reduced repo rate by 250 basis points since February 2019. However, the transmission of rate cuts has been uneven among private and public sector banks, the note said.

"We believe that it will be imperative for banks to expand balance sheets and simultaneously revive credit offtake, rather than focusing only on asset quality," the agency said in its July edition of Credit Market Tracker.

The recent Financial Stability Report (FSR) released by RBI said credit growth (y-o-y) of banks, which had considerably weakened during the first half of FY20, slid further to 5.9 per cent by March 2020 and remained muted up to early June 2020.

India Ratings said the asset quality of banks would be a critical factor to watch out for from the second quarter of the current fiscal when the loan moratorium ends.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had announced moratorium on repayment of term loans from March 1, 2020 till August 31, 2020.

The FSR said the gross NPA ratio of all banks may increase from 8.5 per cent in March 2020 to 12.5 per cent by March 2021 under the baseline scenario.

"If the macroeconomic environment worsens further, the ratio may escalate to 14.7 per cent under the very severely stressed scenario," it had stated.

 

Few sanitation workers getting training, info on health checkups: Survey

Sanitation workers and rag-pickers face risk from the handling of unmarked medical waste emerging from homes where Covid-19 patients are quarantined.

India has now reported more than 1.5 million Covid-19 cases, making it the country with the third-highest number of cases in the world after the US and Brazil. But even as the contagion surges across the country, sanitation workers continue to be inadequately protected, noted a report based on a telephonic survey of 214 sanitation workers in five states and two metros by two independent researchers. It found:

Nearly 64% of 188 sanitation staff who worked during April-May 2020 received no instructions or training related to their safety from Covid-19 infection.

Nearly 93% of 192 workers reported that they were not given any instructions regarding health checkup.

Fifty-five of the 57 (96.5%) women reported no special arrangement was made for them at work.

Of the 214 respondents of the survey conducted during April-May, 70% were male and 30% female. While 80 (37.4%) participants were government employees, more than half, 117, had been hired by contractors and 17 (7.9%) were working independently, directly taking up sanitation work in non-governmental spaces.

Of the seven locations, Madhya Pradesh had the most respondents (31%), followed by Assam (27%), Delhi (16%), Mumbai (15%), Uttar Pradesh (6%), Jharkhand (4%) and Chhattisgarh (1%).

Sanitation workers and rag-pickers face risk from the handling of unmarked medical waste emerging from homes where Covid-19 patients are quarantined, as IndiaSpend reported on April 9. Sanitation workers--just like doctors, nurses and community health workers--are exposed to the infection, but unlike the medical professionals, they do not know how to take precautions, said experts cited in the report.

Titan eyes expansion in international watches' range with new launches

The international portfolio currently generates around 10 per cent of the revenue in the watches division for the Bengaluru-headquartered company.

Titan is eyeing an expansion in its international range offering by launching at least three collections in the category this year. The company has already launched one collection called ‘Anne Klein Considered’ in the price range of Rs 9,500 to Rs 15,000.
The international portfolio currently generates around 10 per cent of the revenue in the watch’s division for the Bengaluru-headquartered company, which is looking to grow by adding new collections to its range.

“The growth in the international brands segment is very healthy and we are hoping to continue that,” said Suparna Mitra, CEO, Watches and Wearables Division, at Titan.

For the last three years, the segment has witnessed a CAGR of 25 per cent.

Titan currently has an exclusive licence for four international brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Kohl, Anne Klein, and Police in India. “The continued investment in creating a portfolio of licensed brands which complement own brands will continue to attract evolving and new customer segments,” said the company.

Its latest environment friendly Anne Klein watches will be available in 70 stores across India including Helios, World of Titan, Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle. The timepieces will also be available on ecommerce websites including Amazon and Flipkart.

The watches and wearables segment were in the slow lane for Titan with revenue in May and June at 5 per cent and marginally over 20 per cent compared to the corresponding months of the previous year.

“Our number one priority in the division now is to get back to pre-Covid level sales as fast as possible which will not happen immediately but that is what we are geared up for,” said Mitra.

 

Role in world's biggest science project reflects India's capabilities: PM

ITER, he asserted, is a project of an extraordinary vision and ambition and of unparalleled scale and complexities.

India is proud to be a part of global enterprise that is at the frontier of science and engineering, Indian Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf said while delivering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message at the official start of ITER Assembly.
"Delivered @narendramodi message on international ITER project in France for energy from thermonuclear fusion. PM's message says India's key contribution underlines: 1.India works for good of humanity 2.We can Make in India at highest global level," Ashraf said in a tweet.

"Today we are celebrating the beginning of ITER assembly activities. It is an important milestone in the progress of the ITER project. We have reached it after an extraordinary journey of many years of commitment, dedication and hard work by scientists, engineers and technicians," Ashraf said delivering the message on behalf of PM Modi.

He stated that they have successfully developed and fabricated a wide range of entirely new components that represent design, innovation and engineering of great complexity and precision.

"They have done this while adhering to the schedules and timelines. Indeed, the ITER organisation deserves special appreciation for maintaining its schedule of activities in recent months despite the disruptions and restrictions of the ongoing pandemic," he said.

"India is proud to be part of a global enterprise that is at the frontier of science and engineering. Indian scientists have made valuable contribution to the development and fabrication of cryostat, the cooling system, the cryo distribution system and several kilometres of cryolines," he said.

MoD procurement policy proposes ban on import of specific weapons

The draft DAP-2020 retains the first draft's emphasis on promoting higher indigenous content in equipment manufactured in India, including under licence from foreign vendors.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday issued a second draft of the Defence Procurement Procedure of 2020 (DPP-2020) and solicited comments by August 10, four months after it put out the first draft of the new manual that will supersede and update the current DPP-2016.
“Based on inputs received from the environment, DPP-2020 has now been titled as Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020,” stated the MoD. Driving this terminological change is the conviction that the policy should look beyond procurement (purchase) of equipment and provide for alternatives such as leasing and upgrading.

The draft DAP-2020 retains the first draft’s emphasis on promoting higher indigenous content in equipment manufactured in India, including under licence from foreign vendors. For most acquisition categories, the DAP-2020 will demand 10 per cent higher indigenisation than under DPP-2016. (see graphic)

For the first time, the MoD proposes to incorporate into official policy a ban on import of specific kinds of weapons and platforms.

“With a view to promote domestic and indigenous industry as also align the DAP with the reforms enunciated in the Atmanirbhar Abhiyan (self-reliance campaign), the MoD will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for import, updated from time to time,” the draft states.

 

Medical bed isolation system 'Aashray' launched to combat coronavirus

A Pune deemed to be University has developed 'Aashray', a medical bed isolation system to combat Covid-19 by preventing or minimising the spread of the virus.

Amid the rising cases of coronavirus, a Pune deemed to be University has developed 'Aashray', a medical bed isolation system to combat COVID-19 by preventing or minimising the spread of the virus.
This medical bed isolation system developed by Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, (DIAT) is a low cost, reusable solution to maintain proper isolation of COVID-19 patients by creating a suction or negative pressure near exhale, further filtering and disinfecting the aerosol.

The bed isolation system envelopes are made up of specialised material and manufacturing process with transparent and translucent supported on medical grade materials structure. The product is modular and portable in design and can be suitable for different requirements such as institutional, hospitals and home/individual quarantine. The envelope is reusable as it is antibacterial-antifungal and can be sanitised, as per the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Each envelope is capable of housing one set of bed, table and chair along with some walking space. The width of the envelope can be adjusted as per the availability of space. The envelope is opaque up to 3-feet from bottom to maintain the privacy of the patient.

As per prototype manufacturer, the cost of the setup for a unit of 10 beds is Rs 1 lakh approximately and for home, the quarantine will be around Rs 15,000 for a single bed, it added.

 

International Tiger Day 2020: Headcount, India status and other key facts

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on tigers, International Tiger Day.

July 29 is celebrated across the world as International Tiger Day to raise awareness about the dwindling number of striped cats, who are on the brink of extinction, and to encourage tiger conservation. International Tiger Day was created in 2010 at Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia. In the summit, governments of tiger-populated countries vowed to double tiger population by 2022. Almost a decade has passed since then. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on tigers, International Tiger Day and facts on the big cats.

Tiger population rising at 6% every year in India

Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, on Tuesday released the detailed Status of Tigers Report 2018. According to the report, released on the eve of Global Tiger Day, tigers were observed to be increasing at a rate of 6 per cent per annum in India from 2006 to 2018.

“There were nine tiger reserves when Project Tiger started in 1973. Now, India has 50 tiger reserves. Seventy per cent of the world’s tigers are in India and the conservation effort has been a huge success," said Javadekar.

How many tigers are left in the world?

Around 3,900 tigers remain in the wild across the globe, according to World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Since the beginning of the 20th century, over 95% of the world's tiger population is lost. A WWF report says that about a 100 years ago, there may have been over 100,000 tigers that roam in the planet.

Why are tigers important?

Since the tiger is an “umbrella species”, its conservation enables the conservation of their entire ecosystems. Several studies have shown that Tiger reserves harbour new species, which are found practically every year. Tiger reserves have also improved the water regimes in regions where they are located, improving groundwater tables and other water bodies, thus contributing favourably to the climate.

Telegram Messenger gets profile videos, 2GB file sharing, other features

As part of its update, Telegram brings profile videos, enhanced Photo & Video editor, improved people nearby feature, multiple accounts on telegram desktop, 2 GB file sharing capabilities, and more.

Telegram Messenger is getting an app update, which brings ten new features to the cloud-based instant messaging platform. As part of its update, the app brings profile videos, enhanced Photo & Video editor, improved people nearby feature, mini-thumbnails, group stats, animated emoji, multiple accounts on telegram desktop, 2 GB file sharing capabilities, and more.

Take a look at Telegram’s new features:

Profile videos

Users can now upload a video, instead of static image, to their profile and pick a keyframe from the video for their static profile picture in chats.

Enhanced Photo & video editor

The new photo and video editor lets user manage skin tone through editor on any photo or video taken with the front-facing camera. For Android users, cropping and rotating of the videos in the editor is also available now.

Improved People Nearby

Part of app’s privacy and security setting, this feature lets user see the other contact’s exact location.

Mini-thumbnails

Chats on Telegram now show a mini-thumbnail of photos and images attached in conversations, therefore, users do no need to open the incoming message to check what is in there.

Filter new chats from non-contacts

Part of app’s privacy and security settings, this feature automatically archive and mute new chats from people not in user’s contact list. User can access these chats anytime from the Archive folder and bring them back to the main chat list.

 

Nature Conservation Day: How man vs wild conflict gives birth to pandemics

A look at what nature has to do with the spread of diseases and how human exploitation has led to the mess our planet is in currently.

The novel coronavirus has spread around the world at the speed of a lightning, killing over 650,000 and infecting 16.6 million people so far. According to scientists at Conservation International, there's a direct link between the destruction of nature and disease outbreaks. On the World Nature Conservation Day, let us understand what nature has to do with the spread of diseases and how human exploitation has led to the mess our planet is in currently.

Ecosystems and human body function similarly: When they are robust and healthy — which means when they have diverse species and space for healthy animal populations — ecosystems are less likely to be a source of diseases. According to researchers, as the global wildlife trade persists and human activities expand deeper into forests, humans are increasing their exposure to wild animals and the diseases they might carry. When mining and logging degrade or destroy wildlife habitats, animals are forced into different or smaller areas, which is more likely to make them stressed and sick. In due course, they are likely to come into contact with people and domestic animals, driving the transmission of diseases from wildlife to humans. Covid-19 is just the latest and most widespread of these zoonotic pandemics, following SARS, MERS and Ebola.

Scientists are of the opinion that coronavirus-like outbreaks might become more frequent due to the increasing destruction of nature.

So, what can we take away from this?

There are two main ways that our impact on the environment is increasing the threat of pandemics like the current coronavirus outbreak.

1. With growing human settlements and land-clearing for agriculture, the transition zones between different ecosystems have grown. This leads to species from different habitats mixing and interacting with each other in new ways. These new contacts provide new opportunities for diseases to jump between species, as coronavirus did.

 

 

India in community transmission, moving towards herd immunity: Expert

Clearly there is community transmission, as defined by any international standard, says eminent epidemiologist Dr Ramanan Laxminarayan.

India is seeing record spike in daily Covid-19 cases and the virus is spreading deep into the hinterland where social distancing is a herculean task. "It is going to be a tough few months ahead for the country, but things will get better over time," eminent epidemiologist and the director of US-based Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, Dr Ramanan Laxminarayan said. In an interview with Business Standard, he also said there is clearly community transmission in India and the rampant spread of the virus indicates that we are gradually moving towards herd immunity. Edited Excerpts:

Six months into the Covid-19 pandemic, has India done enough so far to contain the outbreak?

The government has done some things well including on early leadership, and communicating the importance of a strong response. Testing has lagged behind and there has been some confusion around the science. The scientific leadership during this time has been confused between unrealistic vaccine deadlines, recommendations on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) that are not validated with global data and the lack of much serious scientific research on Covid coming out of India. But overall, I would say that India has done reasonably well.

India is seeing over 45,000 daily cases for the past three days. What would be the peak scenario like and when do you see it coming?

It is really hard to get a correct picture because data are not being shared by the government. Without having the raw data on testing and outcomes, we can only guess. The summary figures seem to indicate a peaking epidemic in Delhi, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, a growing epidemic in some other places and a largely hidden epidemic in the largest states of UP, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. States that are testing more are both doing better at containment and are also reporting more cases. I would consider case reporting to be an indicator of the quality of the health system. And states that are hiding cases and deaths clearly have weak health systems and inadequate testing.

 

Hunger killing over 10,000 children a month owing to Covid-19 curbs: UN

More than 550,000 additional children each month are being struck by what is called wasting, according to the UN.

Coronavirus and its restrictions are pushing already hungry communities over the edge, killing an estimated 10,000 more young children a month as meager farms are cut off from markets and villages are isolated from food and medical aid, the United Nations warned Monday.
In the call to action shared with The Associated Press ahead of publication, four UN agencies warned that growing malnutrition would have long-term consequences, transforming individual tragedies into a generational catastrophe.

Hunger is already stalking Haboue Solange Boue, an infant from Burkina Faso who lost half her former body weight of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) in just a month. Coronavirus restrictions closed the markets, and her family sold fewer vegetables. Her mother was too malnourished to nurse.

"My child", Danssanin Lanizou whispered, choking back tears as she unwrapped a blanket to reveal her baby's protruding ribs.

More than 550,000 additional children each month are being struck by what is called wasting, according to the UN malnutrition that manifests in spindly limbs and distended bellies. Over a year, that's up 6.7 million from last year's total of 47 million. Wasting and stunting can permanently damage children physically and mentally.

"The food security effects of the Covid crisis are going to reflect many years from now," said Dr. Francesco Branca, the WHO head of nutrition. There is going to be a societal effect.

From Latin America to South Asia to sub-Saharan Africa, more poor families than ever are staring down a future without enough food.

Covid masks thwarting facial recognition tech, will investigate: US agency

Even the best commercial facial recognition systems have error rates as high as 50% when trying to identify masked faces, says study.

Having a tough time recognising your neighbours behind their pandemic masks? Computers are finding it more difficult, too.

A preliminary study published by a US agency on Monday found that even the best commercial facial recognition systems have error rates as high as 50% when trying to identify masked faces.

The mask problem is why Apple earlier this year made it easier for iPhone owners to unlock their phones without Face ID. It could also be thwarting attempts by authorities to identify individual people at Black Lives Matter protests and other gatherings.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology says it is launching an investigation to better understand how facial recognition performs on covered faces. Its preliminary study examined only those algorithms created before the pandemic, but its next step is to look at how accuracy could improve as commercial providers adapt their technology to an era when so many people are wearing masks.

Some companies, including those that work with law enforcement, have tried to tailor their face-scanning algorithms to focus on people's eyes and eyebrows.

NIST, which is a part of the Commerce Department, is working with the US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security's science office to study the problem.

Zee5 launches 'Zee5 Club' yearly subscription package: Price, other details

The Zee5 Club yearly subscription includes access to around 1000 movies, ZEE Zindagi shows and over 90 Live TV channels without advertisements.

Zee5 on Monday announces ‘Zee5 Club’ subscription plan in which the home grown over the top platform provides access to television shows, originals and Alt Balaji shows. Priced at Rs 365, the Zee5 Club yearly subscription includes access to around 1000 movies, ZEE Zindagi shows and over 90 Live TV channels without advertisements

"We are a customer obsessed OTT platform and the launch of ZEE5 Club is a result of the feedback we received from our consumers.

Furthermore, democratising access for all Indians to their favourite entertainment content, at a value price, was brewing as an idea for the longest time. With a strong consumer value proposition, ZEE5 Club will help us to board every Indian and provide them with a hyper-personalised and a seamless content viewing experience all at Rs 365 per year,” said Rahul Maroli, Senior Vice President and Head SVOD, ZEE5 India.

Besides regular content, some of Zee’s popular TV shows like Kumum Bhagya and Kundali Bhagya in Hindi, Sembaruthi in Tamil, Jothe Jotheyali in Kannada and Mazya Navryachi Bayko in Marathi would be available on ZEE5 Club before telecast on television.

Earlier this year, Star India subsidiary Hotstar announced free content on its OTT platform to expand its reach in tier-II and tier-III cities. Part of Hotstar ka vaada, free entertainment sabse zyada marketing campaign, the free content on the platform included movies like Chhichhore, Mission Mangal; TV shows from Star Plus like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hain, Nazar, Kasauti Zindagi Kay and Star Bharat like Savdhaan India along with News.

 

Oscar-winner Olivia de Havilland, Hollywood's Golden Age icon, dies at 104

The senior actor, who was one of the remaining actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, was a two-time Academy Award winner and has received many accolades for her stellar performances.

Olivia de Havilland, the star of the classic movie 'Gone With the Wind', has died. She was 104.

The news of her demise was confirmed by her former lawyer Suzelle M. Smith to Variety.

"Last night, the world lost an international treasure, and I lost a dear friend and beloved client. She died peacefully in Paris," the publication quoted Smith as saying.

The senior actor, who was one of the remaining actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, was a two-time Academy Award winner and has received many accolades for her stellar performances.

In 1940, the veteran actor won the Oscars for her performance in 'The Heiress' and 'To Each His Own'. She then was given the Academy Award nominations for Gone With the Wind, 'The Snake Pit', and 'Hold Bach the Dawn'.

The actor who ruled Hollywood's Golden Age had a boasting career spanned from 1935 to 1988. Born to British parents in Tokyo, the actor appeared in more than 45 films and had a strong imprint in the industry.

 

Israeli delegation to participate in Covid-19 testing programme in India

A delegation of Israel's ministries of foreign affairs and health have left for India to test the four coronavirus diagnosis solutions with AIIMS in Delhi.

A delegation of Israel's ministries of foreign affairs and health have left for India to test the four coronavirus diagnosis solutions with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.

"Our delegation with the MFA and Ministry of Health took off from Israel and is making its way to India! Once there, the delegation will test four promising corona diagnosis solutions together with our Indian partners and counterparts," Israel's Defence Ministry tweeted on Sunday (local time).

On July 24, the Israeli embassy in India said that Tel Aviv has decided to send India this week a team of scientists working to develop a rapid testing kit for coronavirus.

The Israeli team will work in AIIMS in Delhi. Testing of the first phase was already done in Israel and the last stage will now be carried out in India for the testing kit which can give results within a minute, according to a statement by the embassy.

It also said Israel's ministries of foreign affairs, defence and health will lead an unprecedented anti-COVID-19 cooperation operation between India and Israel.

 

France's Health Minister says coronavirus tests now free of charge

France's Health Minister Olivier Veran announced that he signed a decree allowing everyone who takes a coronavirus test to receive a refund.

France's Health Minister Olivier Veran announced that he signed a decree allowing everyone who takes a coronavirus test to receive a refund.

"I also signed an order published this Saturday that anyone from today can receive a fully reimbursable PCR test without having to show a doctor's order or valid reason and without showing symptoms," Veran told Le Parisien newspaper.

The minister also expressed concern about the increasing number of COVID-19 infections but said that it was too early to talk about a second wave.

"We cannot talk about a second wave at this time. But one thing is for sure, within a few days, we saw the number of positive cases rise sharply after it had declined for thirteen weeks," Veran said.

He appealed to the youth to remain vigilant and not take the virus lightly.

Youth eager to return to large social gatherings have become a bane for public health professionals, who say they account for a large portion of the spikes seen in many countries.

Since the beginning of the outbreak, France has registered over 180,000 cases and more than 30,000 deaths from COVID-19. The daily increase has largely decelerated since its peak in early March, but a slight upward trajectory has seen the daily new cases breach the 1,000 mark this week.

BCCI sends acceptance letter to Emirates Cricket Board to host IPL 2020

The 2020 edition of IPL will start on September 19 in the UAE and continue till November 8.

Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Sunday confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent the acceptance letter to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

"Yes, we have sent the acceptance letter to the ECB and both the boards will be working together from now on to stage the tournament," Khaleej Times quoted Patel as saying.

According to the newspaper, ECB had sent the proposal to the BCCI in April to host the 13th edition of the IPL, which was originally scheduled to commence on March 29 in India. However, the tournament was postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In addition, Patel said that the eight IPL franchises -- Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab and the Royal Challengers Bangalore -- will hold their respective pre-tournament training camps in the UAE.

He said that the training camps will be held in the UAE in a bio-secure environment and "the teams need at least three to four weeks to prepare for the tournament".

Earlier on Friday, Patel confirmed that the 2020 edition of IPL will commence on September 19 in the UAE and continue till November 8.

"The fans will enjoy the full tournament from September 19 to November 8 and further course of action will be discussed with the franchises in the Governing Council meeting," he told ANI.

The postponement of this year's Men's T20 World Cup by the International Cricket Council (ICC) provided the much-needed window to stage this year's IPL.