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UNLOCK 3.0: Vigilance Is The Core

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In a recent press note, FICCI recommends, that being vigilant (about everything) is going to decide how India defeats Corona, in this #covid19 health battle. As MHA issued guidelines, on easing lockdown wef August 3rd. FICCI beleives, that vigilance is the core thing. The body recommended, to ease prohibitions in aviation, sports, schools and tourism sector. As the world continues to battle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that a strategy of long-term total lockdown is simply unsustainable for most economies. As lockdown orders continue to be enforced in many parts of the country, businesses and livelihoods are under tremendous pressure due to the collapsed demand, layoffs, and wage reductions. Towards this, the Government of India has proactively responded to the concerns raised by both citizenry and industry to enable staggered reopening of the economy. As we approach the end of ‘Unlock 2’ on July 31, 2020 and prepare ourselves for ‘Un...

Indo-German development cooperation: Massive support for the poorest

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In a giant leap, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany has offered to join hands with the government of India along with the World Bank In its efforts to provide for an social protection system catering to the needs of especially urban poor and vulnerable groups such as migrant workers in the wake of COVID 19 pandemic. As an emergency support measure, a fast disbursing loan in the volume of EUR 460 Million (Rs 3893 Crores) has been committed to support India's move towards a systematic social protection scheme. The salient features of the intended system based social protection are: ·         develop systems and processes which will allow coordinated action across ministries and states ·         achieve a good balance between social assistance and social insurance programmes ·         allow for portability of ' in kind benefits' which could improve outreach to vulnerable groups e.g.  ...

unlock3 MHA issues Unlock 3 Guidelines, opens up more activities outside Containment Zones

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Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued new guidelines today, for opening up of more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones. In Unlock 3, which will come into effect from August 1, 2020, the process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further. The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.  Salient features of the new guidelines Restrictions on movement of individuals during night (Night curfew) have been removed. Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from August 5, 2020. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of COVID-19. Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols, e.g., wearing of masks etc. In this regard in...

What Happens to The Billion Dollar Cruise Industry, Hit By Corona Pandemic

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Travel and tourism is one thing that was the biggest hit in the Covid 19 pandemic in year 2020, which they say was supposedly a 'boom' year for the shipping industry. My personal experience in Fiji, and coming home was something. I can tell you, how difficult it can become, if you Outside your home country. Coming home and restricted, largely. Coming back to cruise ships. I used to see the Pacific Explorer tucked at the Port of Suva.  Even if the tourism business is under  pressure ahead of the crucial summer season in the northern hemisphere (Europe and America). Th risk of catching coronavirus, social distancing rules at sea is as good as a log and adds pressure. The ships across the world are merely marooned by a shore or a harbour. Mostly appear ghostly (can imagine though). Thousands of people got laid off in a swipe. Carnival - 32,000 waiting for repratriation, Royal Carribbean - 26000, out of 77,000 (rest assured remaining shall go home sooner)....

Live Life... The Fijian Way

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last dispatch

Investment of 75,000 Crore or $ 10. Billion in India's Future By Google - Sundar Pichai

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COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT Investing in India's digital future Sundar Pichai CEO of Google and Alphabet Editor’s note: Today at Google for India, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a $10 billion Google for India Digitization Fund to help accelerate India’s digital economy. Below is an edited transcript of his remarks. Google for India is always a really special time, and I only wish I could be there in person. One of the challenges of this moment is that we can’t visit the people we love, or the places we call home. During this time, the ability to be online has been a lifeline to so many of us: whether you’re a small business trying to stay afloat…a parent looking for updates on how to keep your family healthy … or a student trying to keep up with your studies. Being helpful in these moments is at the core of Google’s mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.  A new generation of Indian innovation This mission is d...

Day 7 - Quarantined in Delhi

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Day 7  Oh finally I get to get out (little free) today. Shall be visiting my old hood, Greater Kailash/ Alaknanda area. It's much greener there and familiar too.  Albeit, to be cautious, as the world has changed from the last time I visited Delhi. It's the seventh day, and hopefully have not contracted Covid19, corona virus. Would be clear by the 14 th day. Hence. Not taking any chances.  Am hungrier and eating the missed food. Simple stuff in this hotel Hari Priorko by the boys. The standard vegetarian meal mostly comprising of dal (lentil), rice, roti, subzi, and the breakfast would be porridge, macaroni, poori, alu ki sabzi like that.  In my head, it was immunity all the while... Also believe that immunity is going to be a big keyword in years to come.. Shall now wait for the government officials to come, do a fever test, they shall give me a certificate of the 7 day quarantine.