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April 30, 2020
The Academy approves Rules and Regulations for 93rd Oscars.
For This Awards Year Only, Streamed Films To Be Eligible for Oscars.
Sound Mixing and Sound Editing Awards Combined into One Sound Category.
Photo: Salma Hayek arrives on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Image provided by & Copyright © Valerie Durant / A.M.P.A.S. [File Photo]
Photo: Oscar nominee, Antonio Banderas, and Stella Banderas arrive on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Image provided by & Copyright © Valerie Durant / A.M.P.A.S. [File Photo]
Photo: Oscar nominee, Todd Phillips, and guest arrive on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Image provided by & Copyright © Nick Argo / A.M.P.A.S. [File Photo]
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Academy’s Board of Governors has approved rules and campaign regulations for the 93rd Academy Awards.
The devastating COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of all Los Angeles County movie theaters as of Monday, March 16, 2020. Current Academy Awards rules require that a film be shown in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County for a theatrical qualifying run of at least seven consecutive days, during which period screenings must occur at least three times daily.
Until further notice, and for the 93rd Awards year only, films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are initially made available on commercial streaming or V.O.D. service may qualify in the Best Picture, general entry and specialty categories for the 93rd Academy Awards under these provisions:
- The film must be made available on the secure Academy Screening Room member-only streaming site within 60 days of the film’s streaming or V.O.D. release.
- The film must meet all other eligibility requirements.
On a date that the Academy would determine, and when theaters reopen by federal, state, and local specified guidelines and criteria, this rules exemption will no longer apply. All films released after that would need to comply with the standard Academy theatrical qualifying requirements.
“The Academy firmly believes there is no more excellent way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering. Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules. The Academy supports its members and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. We recognize the importance of their work, especially now, when audiences appreciate movies more than ever,” said Academy President David Rubin and C.E.O. Dawn Hudson.
For films to more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements when theaters reopen, the Academy also will expand the number of qualifying theaters beyond Los Angeles County to include venues in additional U.S. metropolitan areas: the City of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia. The Awards and Events Committee will evaluate all matters of rules and eligibility.
Film festivals that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may provide films online through either a transactional paywall or password-protected entry, which will not affect the movie’s eligibility for future Academy Awards qualification. The Academy will allow an exemption for those films that are released online through an impacted festival’s online platform, provided that proof of inclusion in the festival is submitted.
The Board of Governors also announced rules changes in the Sound, Music, and International Feature Film categories.
- The two Sound categories, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing have been combined into one award for best achievement in Sound that emphasizes the team effort.
- In the Music (Original Score) category, for a score to be eligible, it must comprise a minimum of 60% original music. Additionally, for sequels and franchise films, it must have a minimum of 80% new music.
- In a procedural change in the International Feature Film category, the Academy would now invite all eligible Academy members to participate in the preliminary round of voting. For the first time, film submissions will be made available through the Academy Screening Room streaming platform to those members who opt-in. These members of the International Feature Film Preliminary Voting committee must meet a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.
The following campaign regulations were also approved:
- The provision prohibiting quotes or comments by Academy members not directly associated with the film in any form of advertising in any medium, including online and social media, was eliminated. Academy governors and Awards and Events Committee members, however, are still prohibited from participating in such activity.
- All screeners will be required to include closed captioning.
- After nominations, film companies will be allowed to send mailings announcing the availability of song and bake-off materials on the Academy’s streaming platform.
- As part of the Academy’s sustainability effort, the 93rd Awards season will be the final year DVD screeners will be allowed to be distributed. The distribution of physical music C.D.s, screenplays, and hardcopy mailings, including but not limited to paper invites and screening schedules, will also be discontinued next year. Digital links to materials will be permitted.
Due to the shifting landscape surrounding the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, all matters of rules and eligibility for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change based on national guidelines, state-mandated government orders, and Academy-determined best practices.
Additional adjustments to Academy rules, eligibility requirements, and schedules may be required. As previously announced, the 93rd Oscars telecast is scheduled to air Sunday, February 28, 2021, on A.B.C., the Academy said.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:19 AM | View the original post
April 28, 2020
GLOBAL E-COMMERCE HITS $25.6 TRILLION - LATEST UNCTAD ESTIMATES
The US, China, and the UK dominate e-commerce sales to consumers.
Photo: Santiago Wills, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Colombia to the World Trade Organization, Geneva, speaking at a Trade Forum held from 3 to 4 February 2020 at the United Nations Office at Geneva. Photo: Gerry Kiruthu (UNCTAD). Image provided by UNCTAD. [File Photo]
Geneva, 27 April 2020 - E-commerce sales hit $25.6 trillion globally in 2018, up 8% from 2017, according to the latest available estimates released today by the UN trade and development body, UNCTAD, at the start of its UNCTAD eWeek event.
The online event will explore digital solutions and policies to help the world recover from the coronavirus crisis. It runs from 27 April to 1 May and features dialogues among ministers, heads of international organizations, business executives and civil society representatives.
According to the UNCTAD analysis, the estimated 2018 e-commerce sales value, which includes business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sales, was equivalent to 30% of global gross domestic product (GDP) that year.
“The coronavirus crisis has accelerated the uptake of digital solutions, tools, and services, but the overall impact on the value of e-commerce in 2020 is still hard to predict,” said Shamika Sirimanne, UNCTAD’s director of technology and logistics.
The value of global B2B e-commerce in 2018 was $21 trillion, representing 83% of all e-commerce, comprising both sales on online market platforms and electronic data interchange transactions.
B2C e-commerce was valued at $4.4 trillion, up by 16% from 2017. Cross-border B2C e-commerce sales amounted to $404 billion in 2018, representing an increase of 7% over 2017.
The United States continued to dominate the overall e-commerce market. It remained among the top three countries by B2C e-commerce sales, alongside China and the United Kingdom.
The leading B2C e-commerce companies are based mostly in China and the United States. The world’s top 10 B2C companies in 2018 generated almost $2 trillion in gross merchandise value (GMV), according to the report.
Alibaba (China) was far ahead with a GMV of $866 billion in 2018, followed by Amazon (United States) with $277 billion. However, in terms of revenue, JD.com (China) and Amazon were ahead of Alibaba.
Developing and transition countries accounted for about half of the top 20 economies by B2C e-commerce sales. Concerning GDP, B2C e-commerce in these economies was the largest in Hong Kong (China), China and the United Kingdom, and the smallest in India, Brazil, and Russia.
Among the top 20 economies, the extent to which Internet users engage in online purchases varies considerably. For example, in 2018, 87% of Internet users in the United Kingdom shopped online, compared with only 14% in Thailand and 11% in India.
UNCTAD estimates that 1.45 billion people, or one-quarter of the world’s population aged 15 and older, made purchases online in 2018. It was 9% higher than in 2017.
China had the most significant number of online shoppers at 610 million, according to the report. While the bulk of online shoppers mainly bought from domestic suppliers, some 330 million online shoppers made cross-border purchases in 2018 — a little more than one in five of all online shoppers.
The interest in buying from foreign suppliers continued to expand. The share of cross-border online shoppers to all online shoppers rose from 17% in 2016 to 23% in 2018.
“Still, the number of online shoppers, while massive, is an indication of the scale of the digital divide and the future market potential of e-commerce,” Ms. Sirimanne added.
Today, only half of the world’s 7.7 billion people use the internet and get its benefits. It limits the ability of many developing countries to use digital solutions to cope with the current health and economic crisis, the UNCTAD report said.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:13 AM | View the original post
April 26, 2020
International Jazz Day 2020 to Take Place Virtually; Global Concert Hosted by Herbie Hancock to Feature Performances by Artists Across the Globe.
Photos: 2020 Global Jazz Day Posters from Spain, Istanbul Turkey, Atella Italy, Mexico, Bali, Bournemouth UK, Poland, Goa India, Mexico City, Dominican Republic, and Mumbai India.
Paris, France, April 25, 2020 — Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 9th annual International Jazz Day worldwide celebration will transition to a virtual format for 2020 instead of taking place as previously planned in Cape Town, South Africa, and other locations around the world on April 30.
International Jazz Day 2020, hosted by Herbie Hancock, will take place online. The day’s centerpiece will be a virtual Global Concert featuring artists from across the globe, streamed live on jazzday.com. The concert will begin at 15h00 US eastern time (19:00 UTC). It will feature performances by John McLaughlin, Jane Monheit, Alune Wade, John Beasley, Ben Williams, Lizz Wright, John Scofield, Igor Butman, Evgeny Pobozhiy, Youn Sun Nah, A Bu, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, and Joey DeFrancesco, among others.
There will be a free series of educational masterclasses, children’s activities, and discussions via web conference leading up to the virtual Global Concert. It would feature renowned educators and jazz artists, streamed live via jazzday.com.
The program will also include a panel hosted by Nate Chinen, Chief Jazz contributor to NPR Music. The group would address how International Jazz Day, and art in general, can be a relevant response to the social isolation precipitated by the current public health crisis. The panel will feature artist participants, including GRAMMY Award-winning bassist and composer Marcus Miller and legendary South African vocalist Sibongile Khumalo. A live audience will be able to submit questions throughout the session. NPR will co-host a live stream of the virtual International Jazz Day activities.
International Jazz Day would not be possible without the thousands of independent organizers around the world. They faithfully help bring the message of this unique music into their communities each year on April 30.
UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz have issued a call for these organizers, artists, and fans around the world to create video messages, audio recordings, and other expressions of participation to show solidarity with everyone affected by the pandemic. Jazzday.com would feature these videos as part of the daylong virtual celebrations.
Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Co-Chair of International Jazz Day, said, “These are unprecedented times for world citizens, and we are most grateful for the support, understanding, and partnership of our Jazz Day community. Armed with optimism, patience, and grace, we’ll work through these challenges as families, communities, countries, and as a more energetic united world. Now more than ever before, let’s band together and spread the ethics of Jazz Day’s global movement around the planet and use this as a golden opportunity for humankind to reconnect, especially amid all this isolation and uncertainty.”
Our sincere gratitude and appreciation go to the South African Department of Sports, Arts and Culture; South African Tourism; South African National Commission for UNESCO; City of Cape Town, SPIN Foundation; many local partners and community leaders in South Africa; and the worldwide International Jazz Day community for their efforts in support of International Jazz Day 2020.
Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011, and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every April 30 to celebrate jazz. It highlights the music’s essential role in encouraging dialogue, combating discrimination, and promoting human dignity. International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than two billion people annually on all seven continents, including Antarctica, through education programs, performances, community outreach, radio, television, and streaming, along with electronic, print, and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is UNESCO’s official partner in the organization and promotion of International Jazz Day.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:07 AM | View the original post
April 25, 2020
L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards: Call for Nominations 2021.
The Foundation L’Oréal and UNESCO have invited scientists from around the world to nominate candidates for the 2021 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. The 2021 International Awards will designate five outstanding researchers in Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Computer Science, each working in one of the following regions: Africa and the Arab States; Asia Pacific; Europe; Latin America; and North America.
The five laureates will be selected by an international jury for their contribution to scientific advancement and will receive their Awards - €100,000 each - in March 2021 in Paris.
To be considered eligible, the candidate must:
- Be recognized for her scientific excellence by the international scientific community.
- Be actively involved in scientific research.
- Be involved in any field of Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Only eminent scientists, such as heads of scientific institutions, members of national science academies, or other national scientific institutions, research chairs, and professors, can nominate a candidate. Eligible nominators may put forward more than one candidate. Nominations can only be submitted electronically through the dedicated online platform. Submissions should be in English.
Nomination files must be submitted by midnight on 31 May 2020 (France GMT/UTC + 2h). The program would consider only completed nominations received through this platform by the deadline.
Since its creation in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program has distinguished 112 eminent women at the height of their scientific careers and supported more than 3,300 promising young women scientists from over 110 countries through the International Rising Talents Programme and the national and regional Young Talents Programmes.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:14 PM | View the original post
eGov Foundation Launches COVID e-Pass Platform for Movement of Essential Goods and Service Providers in India.
Photo: Specimen COVID e-Pass. Image provided by eGov Foundation.
BANGALORE, India, April 25, 2020 — To simplify the process of issuing e-passes for essential goods and service providers during the lockdown, eGov foundation has launched the COVID e-Pass system. The platform would reduce the operational burden of government officials and help in ensuring a seamless supply of essential goods and services during the lockdown.
The COVID e-Pass system is a trust-based application where the state nodal officers must approve one-time registration requests from the companies along with setting the daily quota of passes for each company. The designated authority from the company is then allowed to generate bulk passes for company employees/partners, within the set quota, on their own without having to reach out to the district administration for inter-city movement. The pass is delivered to the applicant in pdf and SMS with an instruction to carry a valid photo ID. State Nodal Officers will work with police authorities for verification and validation of the e-Pass during the commute.
According to eGov Foundation, this easy to use and intelligent system is already up and running in Delhi, Haryana, Telangana, Odisha, Punjab, Puducherry & Karnataka.
State nodal officer for Karnataka, Kapil Mohan (IAS), expressed satisfaction with the working of the system. Mr. Mohan noted that the solution would provide relief to companies for inter-district and inter-state movement of personnel for managing nationwide supply chains.
The e-Pass platform can also get integrated with Aarogya Setu, the government’s COVID-19 contact tracing app, which has an estimated one million new users registering every hour, and a total of 70 million registrants. The first phase of this integration will allow the e-Pass system to poll Aarogya Setu to check the health indicator of the individuals before generating the ePass.
“The creation of the National e-Pass platform in less than a week is a beautiful moment. It manifests how digital infra like eGov’s DIGIT platform can create highly contextual solutions at scale and speed. It also brings out the power of co-creation that foundations like ours can catalyze. We collaborated with volunteers from iSpirit, Aragoya Setu team at MeitY, State Governments, AWS, and Consumer products companies to build this solution. The team that worked on this initiative put the mission ahead of themselves and put in an extreme amount of hard work while going through the same stresses of managing groceries, worrying about their loved ones,” said Viraj Tyagi, CEO, eGov Foundation.
Hiren Doshi, VP, eGov Foundation, stated, “Ensuring the availability and seamless supply of essential items across the nation, we are working with States and have developed a simple mechanism for them to issue the permits digitally with ease. The availability of essential goods takes place through consumer product companies, organized retail stores, and e-commerce companies. This platform will allow companies to generate digital passes for their employees and ensure a smooth supply of daily use essentials, amidst this lockdown.”
eGov Foundation was established in 2003 by Nandan Nilekani and Srikanth Nadhamuni to partner with city administrators in their drive to leverage the transformative power of technology for a better quality of life in our cities and to make them sustainable.
“Over the last 17 years, we have partnered with more than 1000+ towns and cities across India, and more than 12 Crore Citizens have benefited from our platform. And we know there is much more to do to build a thriving, digitally-enabled ecosystem in all 4400+ towns and cities in India,” eGov Foundation declared.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:40 AM | View the original post
April 24, 2020
National Press Club's Board extends the temporary suspension of in-person services through May 16.
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2020 — The Board of Governors of the National Press Club (NPC) voted Monday evening to extend the temporary suspension of in-person Club services through May 16.
The NPC Board’s initial decision in March to suspend operations was a first in the Club’s 113-year history. It came after the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued new guidelines concerning in-person social gatherings.
NPC announced that most of the Club’s professional staff could work remotely and will continue to provide essential services and relevant online programming and content to members, guests, and clients.
During this period of suspended operations, the Club’s full-time staff work from home and continue to meet by phone, email, and videoconference with the Club’s 3,000+ members to plan essential programs and activities for later this year.
Earlier, on March 17, NPC President Freedman had sent members a letter that discussed the Club’s decision in more detail.
In his message, Freedman had emphasized the critical role of the press in combating the coronavirus pandemic. “As our nation and the world grapple with a crisis of epic proportions, we turn to medical experts and elected officials for leadership. And we rely on the press to help inform and educate the public while holding those in power accountable for their words and actions through accurate and fair reporting. The coronavirus pandemic stands as Exhibit A in reminding the world of why journalism matters. The National Press Club stands firmly with our colleagues around the world in pursuit of truth.”
Freedman, in his April 22 letter to the members, said, “The lifeblood of the National Press Club is its membership. We offer our heartfelt thanks to our Journalist and Communicator colleagues for your ongoing support as we all weather this storm. To those on the front lines covering the crisis, we applaud your courage and your perseverance. You reinforce every hour of every day why journalism matters.” “The leadership of the National Press Club and its Journalism Institute are proud and appreciative of our global NPC family,” he concluded.
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club, “World’s Leading Professional Organization for Journalists,” represents more than 3,000 reporters, editors, and professional communicators worldwide. The Club hosts nearly 2,000 events per year in its 54,000 square foot facility located in downtown Washington just three blocks from the White House.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
— The Editor is a Member of the National Press Club, Washington, DC.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:10 AM | View the original post
April 23, 2020
Drugs Controller General of India approves Clinical Trials of an approved immunomodulator, Sepsivac®, to Enhance Innate Immunity of the Body to Limit the Spread of COVID-19 and Fasten the Recovery of COVID-19 Patients.
New Delhi, April 23, 2020 — Natural defense mechanism of the body (innate immunity) plays a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19 and other viral infections. It is a fast, first, and efficient immune response for identifying and eliminating COVID-19 and other viruses. The majority of persons coming in contact with COVID-19 or other illnesses either do not get the disease or get a milder form of the self-limiting disease if innate immunity is adequate. Cells of the human immune system like Macrophages, NK cells offer such protection.
India’s Ministry of Science & Technology provided this information today.
While the world is working towards producing vaccines and antiviral agents for the management of COVID-19, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, has decided to develop/repurpose an approved immunomodulator, Sepsivac®. The medicine would enhance the innate immunity of the body, limit the spread of COVID-19, and fasten the recovery of the patients.
Sepsivac® would act as follows:
1. Protect the close contacts of COVID-19 patients and health care staff by boosting their innate response and thereby preventing them from acquiring the disease.
2. Provide quicker recovery to the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, who are not critically ill. It will also prevent the progression of the illness, wherein patients will need ICU management.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has now approved both these new clinical trials. They will be randomized, double-blind, two-arm, controlled clinical trials. These two clinical trials are in addition to the recently announced test on evaluating the efficacy of the drug for reducing mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Sepsivac® contains heat-killed Mycobacterium W (Mw). It is exceptionally safe in patients, and no systemic side effects are associated with its use, India’s Ministry of Science & Technology elaborated.
Sepsivac®, developed under the NMITLI (New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative) program of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), is manufactured by Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Ahmedabad.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:08 PM | View the original post
L'Oréal Paris Announces Search for Stories of Women of Worth Making an Impact.
The 2020 program builds upon a 15-year legacy of empowering everyday heroes to help further their missions during a critical time.
NEW YORK, April 22, 2020 — L’Oréal Paris, the #1 global beauty brand, launches the 15th year of its signature philanthropic platform, Women of Worth. The program searches for honors and champions women who selflessly give back to their communities and build the worth of others every day. Over the past 14 years, L’Oréal Paris has honored 140 women with a combined $1.8 million, amplified their worthy causes, and provided them with a national platform to share their stories to make an even more significant impact in the lives of others.
Now more than ever, L’Oréal Paris continues to be wholly dedicated to these women, believing that in a time of crisis, it is crucial to give support to those who give so much of themselves to help the most vulnerable among us. In the spirit of its iconic tagline, “Because You’re Worth It,” L’Oréal Paris today announced the call for its 2020 Women of Worth nominations to the public at WomenofWorth.com.
Nominate a woman leading a nonprofit organization making a difference in her community for the chance to become one of the 10 Women of Worth 2020 Honorees and receive up to $35,000 in donations. Additionally, Americans may share the story of a woman who is truly inspirational in her work on the front lines in the fight against coronavirus. L’Oréal Paris will honor one of these COVID-19 Women of Worth throughout the program.
“L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth program has always been focused on elevating everyday women who dedicate their lives to serving their communities. Today, their work addressing a wide range of vulnerable populations is more important than ever. L’Oréal Paris has a unique ability to give these women and their causes a national platform, helping to elevate their stories and bring additional resources to underserved communities,” said Ali Goldstein, L’Oréal Paris USA President. “We are proud of the 140 women we have honored to date and are humbled to be able to honor even more women this year. They are examples of the change that can happen when we believe that we are all worth it.”
L’Oréal Paris provides each of the Women of Worth with a platform for her story. She gets the opportunity to build a network that amplifies her cause and makes an even more significant impact. The 2020 Honorees will join the 140 Women of Worth alumnae, who stand for a diverse range of purposes and inspirational stories.
Since 2005, L’Oréal Paris has partnered with Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, to orchestrate the call for nominations and welcome Honorees within the fold as shining examples of how giving back can genuinely change the world. Each of the Women of Worth will receive $10,000. One National Honoree, selected by popular vote, will be awarded an additional $25,000 for her work. All 2020 Honorees will be recognized and celebrated later this year.
The L’Oréal Paris division of L’Oréal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care brand dedicated to empowering women by offering luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. The brand’s signature tagline, “Because I’m Worth It,” was born in the United States in 1973 to celebrate the beauty and intrinsic self-worth of women.
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. According to Points of Light, it envisions a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. “We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most,” Points of Light declared.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:50 AM | View the original post
April 22, 2020
Chandigarh University Announces Rs 5 Crore COVID-19 Warriors Scholarship Scheme.
Chandigarh University becomes the first University in India to announce a special scholarship for the children of doctors, para-medical staff, sanitation workers, media persons, and police personnel.
Photo: Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of Chandigarh University, launching the Special Scholarship Scheme for the wards of COVID-19 Warriors.
CHANDIGARH, India, April 21, 2020 — While the war against coronavirus is continuing, Chandigarh University has paid tribute to the real warriors battling at the frontline against the pandemic in India by announcing COVID-19 Warriors Scholarship. While announcing the scholarship scheme, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, said, “The institution would provide scholarships worth Rs. Five crores to the wards of COVID-19 warriors, which include doctors, nurses, para-medical staff, housekeeping staff of hospitals, police personnel of all Indian states, paramilitary forces, media persons, and sanitation workers. We are honoring those who are stepping out of their homes and working tirelessly amid this pandemic crisis. They are risking their lives to ensure that every one of us remains safe.”
CU said that it is the first University in India to announce financial assistance for COVID-19 warriors.
Under the COVID-19 Warriors Scholarship Scheme, Chandigarh University would reserve 10% seats in all the under-graduate and post-graduate programs for the wards of COVID-19 Warriors and the students admitted under this category would be eligible for 10% fee rebate throughout the entire duration of the program.
“COVID-19 warriors are everyday superheroes. The entire nation owes them a tremendous debt of gratitude,” Satnam Sandhu said. “Taking care of the future of their children through the COVID-19 Warrior Scholarship is just a small attempt to recognize and express our gratefulness towards them. They are serving others without caring about themselves, since, for them, call of duty is paramount,” he added.
Ever since the lockdown, Chandigarh University has kicked off CU-AID Campaign, under which cooked meals are being distributed twice a day to 2000 poor and needy in Chandigarh and Mohali. The University team is also carrying out distribution drives of hand sanitizer and to date have distributed 3500 liters of sanitizers to different organizations, which include AIIMS New Delhi, Punjab Police, orphanages, and villages of Chandigarh and Mohali. In support of District Administration Mohali, Chandigarh University has also set-up Punjab’s largest Isolation Facility at Gharuan, which has a capacity of 1000 beds. University volunteers have also reached out to feed stray animals who have been under distress due to the lack of availability of food during the lockdown.
Chandigarh University is the youngest University in India and the only private University in Punjab to be honored with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council).
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:54 AM | View the original post
April 21, 2020
Earth Day 2020 Brings Together An Unprecedented Collection Of Voices. Zac Efron, Patricia Espinosa, Al Gore, Denis Hayes, Alex Honnold, Van Jones, Anil Kapoor, John Kerry, Prince Albert Of Monaco, And Kyra Sedgwick To Share Their Support For Our Planet.
Photo: The U.S. Postal Service honors the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The new Earth Day Forever stamp marks five decades of Americans coming together to celebrate the importance of protecting the environment.
Photo: Speaker and performer line up of online festival happening April 22, 2020, to honor the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
Photo: Green Car Journal has released a particular issue that explores the environmentally positive vehicles and trends shaping the future of the automobile. The digital edition of this specific issue, ‘The Future of Green Cars,’ is being provided free-of-charge to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2020 — With the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day (April 22) fast approaching, now more than ever, we need to connect as a global community united in our fight to protect the health and welfare of the planet and its people.
In support of this global movement, illustrious and preeminent religious leaders, environmental advocates, celebrities, musicians, and government officials will be celebrating Earth Day with a variety of first-person video pieces demonstrating their commitment to our planet.
These messages, talks, teach-ins, and performances will be part of Earth Day Network’s robust 15-hour (9 am ET to 11 pm ET) live digital event on the homepage for the planet, earthday.org.
The incredible lineup of personal video messages for Earth Day 2020 includes:
- Ed Begley, Jr., Actor, Environmentalist, Global Advisory Committee Member
- Zdeno Chara, captain of the Boston Bruins
- Sylvia Earle, World-renowned Marine Biologist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
- Zac Efron, Actor, and Global Advisory Committee Member
- Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary
- Christiana Figueres, Former Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Jerome Foster II, White House Climate Striker and Founder of OneMillionOfUs
- Al Gore, Former Vice President, Global Environmental Advocate, and Award-winning Filmmaker
- Denis Hayes, Organizer of the first Earth Day, Board Chair Emeritus of Earth Day Network and President, CEO, The Bullitt Foundation
- Alex Honnold, Free Climber, and star of Oscar-Winning Documentary, Free Solo
- Van Jones, News Commentator
- Licypriya Kangujam, Youth Climate Activist and Founder of The Child Movement
- Anil Kapoor, Award-winning Actor, Producer, and Global Advisory Committee Member
- Ricky Kej, Grammy-Winning Musician and Global Advisory Committee Member
- John Kerry, 68th Secretary of State, Global Advisory Committee Member, Founder of World War Zero
- Thomas Lovejoy, Senior Fellow at the United Nations Foundation and Professor of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University.
- Bill McKibben, Founder of 350.org
- His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Global Advisory Committee Member
- Paul Nicklen, National Geographic Filmmaker, Photographer, and Marine Biologist
- Kyra Sedgwick, Actress, Producer, Director, and Global Advisory Committee Member
- Alexandria Villaseñor, Founder and Executive Director of Earth Uprising
- Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President, and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus and Global Advisory Committee Member
“This unprecedented time has stopped us all in our tracks,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network. “As each of us ensures that those around us are safe and well, it is in a momentous opportunity to examine our individual and collective relationship with the natural world and how our activities impact the planet. The way forward is hopeful, and we have an opportunity to change forever how we interact with the environment in our backyard and our community at large.”
Earth Day 2020 comprises a multi-faceted program intended to activate individuals to support their planet safely and responsibly during the coronavirus pandemic. Titled “24 Hours of Action,” Earth Day Network will reveal an action an hour that individuals can do to support our planet. Earth Day 2020 also includes a 15-hour digital Earth Day Live program on earthday.org, featuring long-form and short-form content with interactive programming, live appearances by religious leaders, celebrities, musicians, as well as live teach-ins with preeminent scientists and advocates.
Besides, individuals can participate in Earth Challenge 2020, a global citizen science initiative that will help build an open-source database on air quality and plastic pollution using an app on your smartphone from the safety of your home.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:29 PM | View the original post
April 19, 2020
One World: Together At Home — Global Citizen announces $127 Million in Commitments in Support of Healthcare Workers in the Fight Against the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Commitments from Philanthropists and Corporate Partners will benefit the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO), powered by the UN Foundation, along with Local and Regional Charities.
Photo: In this screengrab, Jennifer Lopez performs during “One World: Together At Home” presented by Global Citizen on April 18, 2020. The global broadcast and digital exclusive would support frontline healthcare workers and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN Foundation. (Photo by Getty Images for Global Citizen). Image provided by & copyright © Global Citizen 2020.
Photo In this screengrab, Dr. David D. Ho of Columbia University speaks during “One World: Together At Home” presented by Global Citizen on April 18, 2020. The global broadcast and digital exclusive would support frontline healthcare workers and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN Foundation. (Photo by Getty Images for Global Citizen). Image provided by & copyright © Global Citizen 2020.
Photo: Screenshot. Irish musician Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier, during “One World: Together At Home” presented by Global Citizen on April 18, 2020.
Photo: In this screengrab, Priyanka Chopra Jonas speaks during “One World: Together At Home” presented by Global Citizen on April 18, 2020. The global broadcast and digital exclusive would support frontline healthcare workers and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN Foundation. (Photo by Getty Images for Global Citizen). Image provided by & copyright © Global Citizen 2020.
NEW YORK, April 18, 2020 — International advocacy organization, Global Citizen, together with Lady Gaga, tonight announced $127 million in commitments to date in support of healthcare workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate partners and philanthropists announced their support for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN Foundation, during the One World: Together At Home global broadcast event.
Donations to the fund will support WHO’s work around the world, the vaccine development alliance Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and UNICEF.
The historic eight-hour globally promoted special event garnered unprecedented worldwide distribution, reaching billions. More than 60 global broadcast networks across more than 175 countries, nine digital platforms, and hundreds of affiliates celebrated and supported brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the front lines.
One World: Together At Home kicked-off with a six-hour digital stream that was followed by a two-hour broadcast special. The broadcast special was hosted by Jimmy Fallon of ‘The Tonight Show,’ Jimmy Kimmel of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ and Stephen Colbert of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ with friends from Sesame Street. All were on hand to help unify and inspire people around the world, focusing on communities impacted by COVID-19. The eight hours included conversations with and tributes to, the scientists, healthcare professionals, and other essential services workers that have championed the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several famous artists participated in the broadcast special. They included Alicia Keys, Amy Poehler, Andrea Bocelli, Awkwafina, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong, Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Celine Dion, Chris Martin, David & Victoria Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Ellen DeGeneres, and Elton John.
Other leading actors who participated included FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo, LL COOL J, Lupita Nyong’o, Maluma, Matthew McConaughey, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Smith, Shah Rukh Khan, Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, and Usher.
The broadcast also included Former United States First Ladies Mrs. Laura Bush and Mrs. Michelle Obama, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The six-hour digital event included musical performances from Adam Lambert, Andra Day, Angèle, Anitta, Annie Lennox, Becky G, Ben Platt, Billy Ray Cyrus, Black Coffee, Bridget Moynahan, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest, Charlie Puth, Christine and the Queens, Common, Connie Britton, Danai Gurira, Delta Goodrem, Don Cheadle, Eason Chan, Ellie Goulding, Erin Richards, FINNEAS, Heidi Klum, Hozier, Hussain Al Jassmi, Jack Black, Jacky Cheung, Jack Johnson, Jameela Jamil, James McAvoy, Jason Segel, Jennifer Hudson, Jess Glynne, Jessie J, Jessie Reyez, John Legend, Juanes, Kesha, Lady Antebellum, Lang Lang, Leslie Odom Jr., Lewis Hamilton, Liam Payne, Lili Reinhart, Lilly Singh, Lindsey Vonn, Lisa Mishra, Lola Lennox, Luis Fonsi, Maren Morris, Matt Bomer, Megan Rapinoe, Michael Bublé, Milky Chance, Naomi Osaka, Natti Natasha, Niall Horan, Nomzamo Mbatha, P.K. Subban, Picture This, Rita Ora, Samuel L Jackson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sebastián Yatra, Sheryl Crow, Sho Madjozi, SOFI TUKKER, SuperM, The Killers, Tim Gunn, Vishal Mishra and Zucchero.
The benefit special aired on Saturday, April 18, 2020, on ABC, NBC, ViacomCBS Networks, The CW, iHeartMedia, Bell Media networks, and platforms in Canada and will air on Sunday, April 19, 2020, at 7:15 p.m. GMT on BBC One.
Other broadcasters included: AXS TV, beIN Media Group, Bloomberg Media, Canal + International, Caracol Television, Corus Entertainment, Deutsche Telekom, Digicel, DPAN.TV American Sign Language (ASL) supported by Comcast, DPG, Media, Dubai-TV, France-TV, Fuji TV, Hulu-Japan, Insight TV, JOOX, Katz Networks, LiveNow/ELEVEN Sports, Mediacorp, M6-France, MultiChoice, National Geographic, Naver Corp, NOVA-Bulgaria, One Championship, RAI Italy, Rede Globo, Rogers Media, RTE, RTL, Sony Pictures-Latin America, Seven Network, Sony Pictures-India, Turner Network Television International, SVT-Sweden, TV2-Denmark, TV2-Norway, TVE-Spain, TV4-Sweden, UNIVISION, Viacom18, and YLE-Finland.
The six-hour digital stream curated from around the world leading up to the global broadcast with many more performances and appearances aired on Amazon Prime Video, Apple, ARD, beIN Media Group, Bell Media, Brut Media, Caracol Television, Corus Entertainment, DailyMotion, Deutsche Telekom, Digicel, Facebook, France-TV, Hulu-Japan, IMDb, Instagram, JOOX, LiveXLive, M6-France, Mediacorp, Multichoice, Naver Corp, Network 10, One Championship, Rede Globo, Rogers Media, Roku, SET & Sony-Liv, The Guardian, TIDAL, TuneIn, TV2-Denmark, TV2-Norway, TVE-Spain, TVI-Portugal, Twitch, Twitter, Yahoo, YLE-Finland and YouTube.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:09 AM | View the original post
April 16, 2020
IPI urges WHO to grant Accreditation to Taiwan Journalists.
Photo: UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, attends a briefing on the COVID-19 outbreak. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Sylvie Briand, Director of the Global Infectious Hazard Management of WHO, also attended the briefing. February 24, 2020. Geneva, Switzerland. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré.
Vienna, Austria, April 16, 2020 —The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists, today called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to grant Accreditation to Taiwanese journalists.
WHO has, for the past six years, denied Accreditation to journalists from Taiwan. As a result, Taiwanese media outlets have no access to the World Health Assembly and briefings by the WHO.
In a letter to WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi said the accreditation block hindered the flow of information on the coronavirus pandemic.
Trionfi noted that from day one of the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists in Taiwan have been able to draw on their experience during the SARS epidemic to implement protocols and editorial policies that ensure the dissemination of valuable news. Their expertise is immensely helpful to the global community represented by the WHO.
“Health and the right to information transcend political and geographical boundaries,” Trionfi said. “We believe that by refusing Accreditation to Taiwanese journalists and denying access to report to the people of Taiwan, the WHO is not just violating its founding principles, it is also undermining UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.”
Following is the full text of the letter:
April 9, 2020
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General
World Health Organization.
Honorable Dr. Ghebreyesus,
Accreditation for Taiwan Journalists
On behalf of the members of the International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists, I would like to express our gratitude to you and the staff of the World Health Organization for your efforts in dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In these times of crisis, the public needs news that it can trust. It is critical at this stage that the administrations provide more support to independent media, which are crucial allies in the fight against COVID-19.
The World Health Organization has been conveying its key messages and concerns relating to COVID-19 to governments and the people through frequent media briefings. We appreciate that the WHO understands and values the importance of the media’s role not only in crises like the current pandemic, but also in promoting good health practices, and has a communications team to interact with journalists.
However, we are incredibly concerned that journalists from Taiwan, where the government has done a commendable job in containing COVID-19 infections, have been shut out of the WHO. The WHO has, for the past six years, denied Accreditation to journalists working for Taiwanese media outlets to cover the World Health Assembly.
It is even more disturbing today, as journalists in Taiwan have been able to draw on their experience during the SARS epidemic to implement, from day one of the COVID-19 epidemic, protocols and editorial policies that ensure the dissemination of valuable news. Their expertise is immensely helpful to the global community represented by the WHO.
We welcome your statement that no one should politicize COVID-19, and we expect that the WHO will implement this in both letter and spirit by granting Accreditation to journalists from Taiwan and allowing them to participate in WHO activities fully, thereby delivering valuable lessons learned from Taiwan.
Health and the right to information transcend political and geographical boundaries. The Constitution of the World Health Organization states: “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” It also states that “the extension to all peoples of the benefits of medical, psychological, and related knowledge is essential to the fullest attainment of health.”
We believe that by refusing Accreditation to Taiwanese journalists and denying access to information to the people of Taiwan, the WHO is not just violating its founding principles, it is also undermining UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
We, therefore, urge the WHO to grant Accreditation to journalists from Taiwan and those working for Taiwanese media outlets and uphold the rights of the people of Taiwan and the rest of the world to access information of public interest.
Yours sincerely,
Barbara Trionfi
Executive Director
International Press Institute
…………………………………….
|GlobalGiants.Com|
— The editor is a member of the International Press Institute.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:24 AM | View the original post
Casio Expands PRO TREK Lineup With New Sleek Design Titanium Timepieces
Photo: Casio expands PRO TREK lineup with new PRT-B50 titanium timepieces.
DOVER, N.J. — Casio America, Inc., has announced the latest additions to its PRO TREK collection of outdoor timepieces - the PRT-B50T-7 and PRT-B50YT-1. The new PRT-B50T-7 and PRT-B50YT-1 boast a functional design with a broad watch face that incorporates a large, rotating resin bezel and Arabic numeral indices. The PRT-B50T-7 is outfitted with a silver titanium band and the PRT-B50YT-1 with a Black IP titanium band, which makes them easy to take from a professional setting to the great outdoors.
Like their predecessors, the new PRT-B50T-7 and PRT-B50YT-1 are equipped with a quad sensor technology that can detect compass bearing, barometric pressure/altitude, temperature, and steps. Using Bluetooth and Casio’s Smartphone Link functionality, the timepieces can connect to the PRO TREK Connected app providing additional useful information for the outdoors, such as Route log, Calories burned, Location indicator and more!
Additional features include world time (38 cities + UTC), water-resistance up to 100 meters, a full auto double LED backlight, 1/100th second stopwatch, countdown timer, hand-retract function, full auto-calendar, five daily alarms, and 2-year battery life.
PRO TREK is a line of men’s watches designed and engineered to make them essential pieces of outdoor gear, including Tough Solar Power, Triple Sensor Technology, low temperature, water resistance, daily alarms, a stopwatch, and more. Whether individuals enjoy hiking, camping, mountain biking or hunting, Casio’s PRO TREK collection offers rugged, stylish and versatile timepieces for men with features that enhance any outdoor experience.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:24 AM | View the original post
April 15, 2020
No Disruption in Studies, says Shoolini University's VC on 16th Foundation Day.
SOLAN, India, April 14, 2020 — Ten-year-old Shoolini University celebrated its 16th Foundation Day on April 13, 2020. It was on this day in 2007 that the foundation stone of its first building was laid on the campus at Bajhol, Himachal Pradesh.
Because of the closure of the campus due to the coronavirus outbreak, the University could not organize any festivities. Still, Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. K. Khosla greeted the students, faculty, and the staff through a video call to mark the memorable occasion.
Greeting them on Baisakhi and the 16th Foundation Day, Prof Khosla said he was happy to share that the University had taken the lead over most other institutions in the country by quickly adopting e-learning through virtual classrooms. “We could do as our IT team has been working on this model for quite some time. It was several years ago that we embraced e-Univ technology,” he said, adding that the University was able to start online classes within three days of the lockdown.
Prof. Khosla said that with little likelihood of a return to normalcy in the next couple of months, the University was working on taking end-term online examinations to save the Semester for its diligent students. While tests for the theory portion of various subjects would take place online, practical exams would take place after special practical classes on weekends or during extended University timings, once the campus re-opened, he stated.
To enhance the learning experience of students, the University has also introduced daily Yogananda Webinars for students and faculty. Eminent persons from various fields throw light on subjects of their expertise through interactive media tools. Among those who have participated in webinars so far is the former Delhi University Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Dinesh Singh.
Thanking the students and their parents, as well as the faculty for cooperating during these difficult times, the Vice-Chancellor said the institution is taking measures to ensure that other significant activities of the University, such as placements and admissions, continued smoothly. “Our Placement team has been active since October last year - much before the outbreak of Coronavirus - and has finalized over 200 campus placements. It is now continuing the effort through organizing online interviews,” he added.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:03 AM | View the original post
Casio Makes Scientific Calculator Web Service and Learning Tools Free of Charge to Support Math Study during School Closures; Supports Online Classes and Home Study for Students and Teachers Worldwide.
Photo: CASIO ClassPad Example.
TOKYO, April 15, 2020 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today that it has now made the full PLUS suite of its ClassPad Web service for mathematical calculations free of charge worldwide. It would support students and teachers dealing with school closures due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Usually available as a paid subscription, the PLUS suite gives users access to all of ClassPad’s most advanced function calculation and graphing features. Casio has also made its Manager and Emulator software applications free of charge for teachers conducting online classes. Both will be free until August 31, 2020.
ClassPad is a Web service that allows users to calculate functions, make graphs, and perform both statistical and geometric calculations. Users can freely arrange their numerical formulas, geometric figures, and charts in the browser window. Casio is now providing the highest-grade PLUS suite free of charge — giving all users access to a computer algebra system (CAS). CAS can perform a wide variety of calculations based on expressions as well as other advanced features, such as the ability to handwrite math input. Graphs and other data created on ClasPad can be saved and shared for individual learning at home and online classes.
The other offering now made free is the Casio Manager and Emulator for teachers. It reproduces the operations of scientific calculators on PCs. These apps work with video conferencing tools to make it easy for students to see graphs and formulas the instructor writes on his or her screen during an online class. Even when students cannot meet in person for tuition due to school closures or stay-at-home orders, teachers can use these tools to teach calculation methods easily via the Web.
According to Casio, one has to download and install the software applications from the following education website to avail of the offer, free until August 31, 2020.
Casio’s Education Website:
https://edu.casio.com/softwarelicense/aid/
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:03 AM | View the original post
April 14, 2020
Lockdown Measures for Containment of COVID-19 Pandemic in India to Continue to Remain in Force up to May 3, 2020.
Photo: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the Nation, in New Delhi on April 14, 2020.
New Delhi, April 14, 2020 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Nation today, has announced that the lockdown measures imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in India, would have to be extended till May 3, 2020.
In pursuance of this announcement, Government of India has issued directions to all the Ministries/Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory Governments and Authorities, that the lockdown measures stipulated in the Consolidated Guidelines of MHA, for containment of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, will continue to remain in force up to May 3, 2020.
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued the order to all States and UTs in this regard. With the extension of the lockdown, all restrictions already imposed in various sectors, and on various activities, will continue to remain in force and would have to be enforced strictly.
The communication to States and Union Territories emphasizes that as per the orders issued by MHA under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the States/Union Territories cannot dilute the imposed restrictions.
Photo: Order to Extend the Lockdown.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
With the extension of the #lockdown period in the country until 3rd May, here are the guidelines for all educational institutions issued by @HMOIndia . #COVID19
— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) April 15, 2020
I urge you all to adhere to these guidelines religiously.
We are in this together! #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/QmMJzMUeok
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:09 PM | View the original post
Merck Supports Jenner Institute to Reach the First Milestone in COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturing.
Photo: Merck is partnering with The Jenner Institute in the Institute’s efforts to develop a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19.
DARMSTADT, Germany, April 14, 2020 — Merck, a leading science and technology company, and The Jenner Institute today announced that the Jenner Institute had laid the foundation for large-scale production of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, ChAdOx1nCoV-19.
With patients enrolled for clinical trials for this vaccine, the rapid development of the large-scale manufacturing process is a critical step in quickly and safely delivering it from the lab to patients.
“We have brought the future of vaccine manufacturing to the present,” said Udit Batra, member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. “This is an important step in treating COVID-19 and other diseases that impact global public health. This work marks a milestone in the vaccine manufacturing development journey, as clinical testing continues to advance.”
Tapping into Merck’s previous work provided a substantial head start for plans to scale-up the manufacture of Jenner’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Developing the manufacturing process itself would typically take at least six months to a year. Still, in just two months, Merck supported the Jenner team and their collaborators to evaluate the existing manufacturing platform for use with the new vaccine candidate.
Over the last two years, Merck’s collaboration with The Jenner Institute has led to the development of a rapid, scalable platform following good manufacturing practices and using disposable technologies for the Institute’s adenovirus platform. While the initial work with a rabies vaccine candidate, the platform was validated with different adenovirus constructs aiming at accelerating future vaccine development and manufacturing. Speed is a significant challenge when facing a new outbreak, such as this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The organizations first announced their partnership to develop more robust and scalable vaccine manufacturing processes in April 2018.
“The Jenner Institute’s team was able to develop the 10-liter manufacturing scale process based on the previously generated platform with Merck, preparing us for the next round of scale-up efforts,” said Dr. Sandy Douglas, vaccine manufacturing scale-up project lead at The Jenner Institute. “Industry collaborations, such as ours with Merck, showcase the value that these efforts have in accelerating our response to outbreaks and pandemics and quickly delivering lifesaving vaccines to benefit the global population.”
The Jenner Institute was founded in November 2005 to develop innovative vaccines against major global diseases. Uniquely it focuses both on diseases of humans and livestock and tests new vaccine approaches in parallel in different species.
The Institute comprises the research activities of more than 30 Jenner Investigators who head leading research groups spanning human and veterinary vaccine research and development. Together the Institute Investigators comprise one of the most significant non-profit sector research and development activities in vaccinology.
The Institute is a partnership between the University of Oxford and The Pirbright Institute and is the successor to the former Edward Jenner Institute for Vaccine Research.
Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Around 57,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live.
Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been essential to Merck’s technological and scientific advances since its founding in 1668.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:29 PM | View the original post
April 13, 2020
Vice President of India asks Universities to Ensure Continuity of Academic Calendar during Lockdown and Safeguard the Health of Students Residing in Hostels.
New Delhi, April 13, 2020 — The Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, today asked Universities and other educational institutions to harness the power of technology fully to ensure continuity of academic calendar during the lockdown period.
The Vice President, who is the President of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and also Chancellor of some Universities, addressed the Director of IIPA and the Vice-Chancellors of Universities through a video conference. The Vice-Chancellors he spoke to included those of Delhi, Puducherry, Panjab, and Makhanlal Chaturvedi Universities. He inquired about their plans to cope with the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Vice President urged the institutions to reach out to students, promote collaborative learning and self-learning. He wanted them to optimally utilize technological tools for ensuring interactive education for all students and ensure continuity of the teaching and learning process during the lockdown.
Observing that the adversity caused by the Coronavirus was forcing people to search for creative solutions, Mr. Naidu appreciated the universities for taking adequate steps to ensure that the teaching-learning process continues unhindered. Noting that online courses would supplement face-to-face learning, he said: “this might become the new normal after we tide over the current crisis.”
The Vice President also emphasized the need for universities and educational institutions to take measures to safeguard the health of students residing in hostels. He urged them to ensure strict adherence to social distancing and isolation instructions given by the Government and health experts.
Advising the students to follow healthy dietary habits, undertake regular physical exercise, and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, Mr. Naidu emphasized the importance of living with nature.
Mr. Naidu urged the universities to guide the students to utilize the time meaningfully and take advantage of the e-learning materials offered by them. He also wanted the students to spend less time on mobile phones and learn new languages during the lockdown period. Besides, they should also spend adequate time with family members, he advised.
The Vice President suggested to the students to join in social service activities taken up by NGOs in their respective areas. He stressed the need for all citizens to follow the guidelines issued by the government from time-to-time strictly.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:30 AM | View the original post
April 12, 2020
Ministry of Home Affairs India directs States to ensure Smooth Movement of Inter & Intrastate Cargo, Trucks, Workers, and functioning of Warehouse/Cold Storages.
New Delhi, April 12, 2020 — Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued consolidated guidelines on lockdown measures to be taken by all Ministries/Departments of Government of India, States/Union Territory Governments and State/Union Territory Authorities for containment of COVID-19 epidemic in the country.
Subsequent clarifications to these guidelines were also issued to ensure the availability of essential goods and services across the country and prevent hardships to the people.
MHA has directed States to implement lockdown guidelines in letter & spirit to ensure smooth movement of inter & intrastate cargo, trucks, workers, and functioning of warehouse/cold storages.
MHA said that some administrations are not implementing the guidelines in letter and spirit. Specifically, trucks carrying essential and non-essential goods are getting detained. Workers needed for the operation of manufacturing units of essential commodities are not getting authorizations/ passes for their movement. The inter-State flow of goods and personnel related to the above two groups is getting impeded as passes/ authorizations issued by authorities of one State/ UT Government are not being respected by the authorities of other States/ UTs. Further, operations of cold storage and warehouses are not being allowed.
Such restrictions, concerning activities permitted explicitly by MHA, have the potential of creating shortages of essential commodities. To bring in clarity at the implementation level, MHA reiterated that the following guidelines are to be observed strictly by the authorities at various levels:
- Inter-state and intra-state movement of all trucks and other goods/carrier vehicles with one driver and one additional person is allowed as long as the driver is carrying a valid driver’s license. It is irrespective of the nature of the cargo, whether essential or otherwise. No further permit or approval would be required.
- Empty trucks/ goods carriers should also be allowed to operate while on the way to pick up goods, or returning after completing a delivery. Hence, there is no cause to stop empty trucks provided they have valid documents such as driving license & road permit.
- Local authorities should actively facilitate the movement of truck drivers and cleaners from their place of residence to the location of their trucks.
- Local authorities should facilitate the easy to and fro movement of workers to the workplace and back, in respect of all the permitted industrial/ commercial activities.
- Railways, Airports, Seaports, and Customs authorities are authorized to issue passes for their staff and contractual labor.
- Enterprises engaged in the manufacture of essential items like wheat flour (atta), pulses (dal), and edible oils should be allowed to function freely without any hindrances.
- Warehouses/ cold storage should be allowed to freely function with allowance for to and fro movement of trucks and without regard to the nature of the goods, whether essential or otherwise.
These stipulations will apply to all areas other than the regions requiring containment, quarantine, and surveillance measures.
The movement of persons and vehicles, as above, would be subject to strict adherence to norms of hygiene and social distancing, as is required in the context of COVID-19. All States would inform district authorities and field agencies regarding the above instructions so that there is no ambiguity at the ground level, and the allowed activities go on without any hindrance, the Ministry of Home Affairs of India stated.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:06 PM | View the original post
April 11, 2020
International Webinar on World Homoeopathy Day: Government of India approves Telemedicine Guidelines for Homoeopathic Practitioners.
New Delhi, 11 April 2020 — The Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) organized an international webinar in Homoeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH on 10 April 2020, the World Homoeopathy Day, commemorating the 265th birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy.
Thousands of participants attended the webinar on a digital platform, which was also live-streamed. Minister of State, Shripad Yesso Naik, in his inaugural address, announced the approval of the Telemedicine Guidelines for Homoeopathic Practitioners in India. He highlighted the need to mobilize the AYUSH workforce to align with the COVID taskforce if the need arises.
Secretary Ministry of AYUSH, Rajesh Kotecha, extended his greetings. Prof. (Dr) George Vithoulkas, Director, International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, Greece; Dr. Anil Khurana, Director General, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH); Dr. R. K. Manchanda, Director, Homoeopathy, Department of AYUSH, Delhi Government; Dr. Subash Singh, Director, NIH, Kolkata; Dr. S. R. K. Vidyarthi, Director, Ministry of AYUSH; Dr. V. K. Gupta, India; Dr. Robbert van Haselen, Director of the International Institute for Integrated Medicine (INTMEDI), UK; and Prof. Aaron To, Hong Kong; were the lead speakers.
Most of the speakers spoke about the potentials of Homoeopathy harnessed in the containment of COVID 19. They presented facts about the use of Homoeopathy along with standard care for COVID patients.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:22 PM | View the original post
