21 DAY LOCKDOWN
China's international criticism on Covid toughened its attitude: Foreign Secretary
Vikram Misri indicated that international condemnation impacted China's approach to the Covid-19 pandemic effectively. He noted that China perceived itself as being unfairly blamed for the outbreak. Misri explained how returning to China involved a strict 21-day quarantine during the pandemic period. The restrictions further complicated diplomatic relations, especially during the Galwan clash in 2020. China's response also affected global supply chains, creating challenges for various countries, including India.
Global criticism during COVID-19 hardened China's attitude towards world: Foreign Secretary Misri
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the challenges faced by India during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that China felt stigmatised by the international community for the virus. Misri reflected on his experience as Ambassador during the India-China confrontation in Galwan Valley. He highlighted the importance of coordination in Operation Sindoor, which included multiple government agencies. Additionally, he expressed his connection to his Kashmiri Pandit heritage and community resilience.
Jantar Mantar locked out as protest site; Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground named designated sites
Delhi Police has decided to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site amid security concerns. The new sites for protests include Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi. Both Ramlila and Burari Grounds are significantly farther from the previous location, causing logistical considerations for demonstrators. However, Ramlila Maidan has limited availability for bookings until late December.
From private jets to cab driver: Malaysia’s ‘Gambling King’ influencer, who once earned RM100,000 a month, now drives to pay off debt
Once a thriving influencer in Malaysia, Aaron Lim embraced a lavish lifestyle centered around high-stakes gambling. However, after falling into a staggering US$245,000 in debt, he now finds himself as a Grab driver. Reflecting on his tumultuous journey, Lim recognizes the detrimental impact of gambling not just on his life, but on those around him. At 48, he is dedicated to rebuilding his life and better managing his finances.
At 15, he won $500 building a drone; today, Bengaluru teen founder runs a $50 million aerospace startup
Naman Pushp began experimenting with drones as a teenager during the 2020 lockdown, winning $500 at a hackathon and reinvesting the money into his first prototype. At 21, he now leads Bengaluru-based Airbound, which has raised $37 million in Series A funding and nearly $50 million overall. The startup is developing lightweight aircraft for large-scale drone delivery.
Railways to refund Rs 1,490 crore for cancellation of 94 lakh ticket bookings
Top Railways officials told that an amount of Rs 830 crore will be refunded for 55 lakh bookings made for travel between March 22 and April 14. The Railways had largely suspended its passenger train services on March 22, three days before the 21-day lockdown came into force.
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Nearly 10,000 cases, 330 deaths in 21 days of lockdown; experts say it would have been worse without shutdown
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the countrywide lockdown for 19 additional days till May 3 to contain the spread of the pandemic even as the country reported 1,211 new COVID-19 cases and 31 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry.

21-day nationwide lockdown: For many, ePay's the way to buy essentials
Over 50% of all debit and credit card transactions — both at point-of-sale machines used by local stores and online checkouts at merchant sites — in the two weeks of the shutdown were for food and grocery-related purchases, up from 12% prior to the announcement. The surge in payment volumes is in line with demand experienced by aggregators as well as a push from their side to avoid accepting cash.

387 tea estates in Bengal may not open immediately as Mamata Banerjee is yet to give a nod
"If the gardens were opened today we would have been able to salvage 40% of the first flush teas which is the largest revenue earner for Darjeeling tea industry. The chief minister has now sought time. If the gardens reopen in Wednesday then we could still salvage 15% -20% of the first flush crop," said Kaushik Basu, secretary Darjeeling Tea Association.

TikTok emerges most downloaded social media app
Compared to January 2020, social media downloads on iOS and Google Play during the lockdown in India in the first week starting March 22 went up 20%, exceeding over 49 million new downloads, the mobile and data analytics company said.

View: It's all too easy to criticise
First, was a 21-day lockdown necessary? All medical advice mandates isolation and careful social distancing. That doesn’t necessarily mean a lockdown. Yet, almost every country has had to opt for a lockdown, some sooner, others tragically later.

Lockdown will bring down Coronavirus mortality in India by at least 50%: Devi Shetty
"But what needs to be done is to keep testing as many people as possible and wherever you find in pockets where there is high incidence, that area should be locked down small, small areas by doing this we can contain this (spread of Coronavirus).

Covid-19 outbreak: Private hospitals urge centre to clear dues
In the middle of the Covid-19 outbreak, private hospitals have sent an SOS to the Centre asking for their dues to be cleared immediately so that they can use the funds to ramp up their facilities.

Making best use of the nation-wide lockdown: Does it take 21 days to break a habit?
Now all those in India have a chance to prove the validity of that axiom.

Covid-19 impact: Tax and duty relief likely in package for industry
The second relief package may include tax concessions for industry sectors hit hard by Covid-19.

View: Relief package is peanuts. India needs to triple it
The measures aimed at countering coronavirus are mostly in the right direction but hugely inadequate, he says.

Co-parenting 101: Suzanne moves in with Hrithik during 21-day nation-wide lockdown, actor thanks ‘supportive and understanding’ ex-wife
The estranged couple share joint custody of their two sons.

Coronavirus lockdown: Delays by some states forced Centre’s hand
Details with ET from meetings held with states by the Centre over the last three days show that states such as Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala delayed lockdowns till the Centre pushed them, while some others like Punjab went beyond lockdown to impose a day’s curfew, citing thousands of NRIs and locals with foreign travel history.

21-day lockdown: Mahindra suggests plan to help less-privileged families, and Biocon, Paytm founder call it 'best decision'
India Inc saw this step in a different and more positive light.

NPR, first phase of Census postponed due to the 21-day lockdown
In a statement, the home ministry said Census 2021 was scheduled to be conducted in two phases -- house listing and housing census during April-September and population enumeration during February 9 to 28. The updating of NPR was also proposed to be done along with the Phase I of Census 2021 in all the states and union territories, except Assam.

Govt asks people to cultivate new habits during 21-day lockout
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown for the entire country on Tuesday.

India will be under complete lockdown for 21 days: Narendra Modi
There will be a complete bar on people from stepping outsides their homes, Modi said.

India's 21-day lockdown to counter coronavirus: What's exempt, what's not
Here is a list of all that is exempted and all that is not as India heads for a 21-day lockdown.

Government issues guidelines for the 21-day countrywide lockdown. Here are the details
Refusal to comply by directions given by the Centre or the respective state can invite punishment which includes jail term of up to 1 year or a fine or both. If non-compliance leads to loss of life or danger shall invite punishment of jail term of 2 years.
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