Scared of corona, children forgot to smile

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March 31, 2020

When the entire world has been facing the threat of deadly coronavirus, it has also shaken the school and college going students badly. They are confined to their homes like others. Their normal routine has also been completely affected. The schools and colleges are closed with no possibility of their opening in the near future.

In fact, even before the closure of educational institutions towards protective measures from the coronavirus, the children were listening to all the discussions at home and outside about this disease. They were hearing such news every day that thousands of people have come in the grip of corona virus which has taken the form of epidemic.

This had obviously troubled their mind. Here the matter is not limited to India, rather the students in the entire world are facing same problem. It should not be difficult to understand their state of mind when the deaths due to its infection have shaken the old-age people.

They are also nervous because they are hearing repeatedly that no medicine or drug or vaccine has so far been invented for this COVID-19. The other thing that is making the situation more traumatic is that every person, whether it is from their family, the outsider, WHO, or the doctors, all have been advising them not to come in contact with other people and keep their hands clean, wash them properly, use sanitizer, face mask etc.

Because of all these reasons, the smile has disappeared from the faces of the children. Their laughter and grin have to be brought back. They are noticing the streaks of tension on the faces of their parents, grandparents or other elder members of the family. Not only this, all round discussions about the deaths of thousands of people worldwide due to this deadly coronavirus have aggravated the situation further.

Since children are also connected to social media, they are not ignorant from the Corona related news, photos and messages and rumors coming through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp etc. The entire atmosphere is infested with this negativity and they are living in the shadow of fear little knowing when and how they will be able to get respite from this frightful and deadly catastrophe?

How to get these scared kids out of this serious mental crisis? Here, it would be worthwhile for the elders, in each family, to maintain a positive attitude and take every such step as to keep the children diverted so that they do not concentrate much on this. They may engage children in playing with them Antakshri, word building game and also indoor games like chess, ludo, etc. Sitting together in the family, watching movies, serials etc. on TV will also prove to be effective in this direction. The re-broadcast of Ramayana and Mahabharat on TV is a great step to combat the situation.

Other mythological serials being shown on TV can also be watched, which all convey the triumph of goodness over the evils. All these things, while diverting one’s mind from ugly things, make one a good and a cultured human being.

You can take the situation like this… suppose you are sitting in a moving bus and noticing every obstacle on road, turns etc and distract the driver of the bus too. So the drive would not be able to concentrate on road and his driving resulting in a collision.

If you want to talk to your child on the corona issue, keep it brief and always positive. Surely by doing all this, the results will be better. Since parents and children are together at home these days, it would be better for everyone to sit together and play indoor games like Antakshari hide and seek etc. watch new movies. Watch as many comedy movies as possible. Maintain social distance as much as possible.

By doing so you would be able to spend your time easily and secondly your children will also be able to distract their mind from corona virus and they would be able to think more positive and constructive. My granddaughter is fond of reading, music. So I always encourage her for that. Similarly, the younger granddaughter and grandson are fond of painting.

I encourage them for that so that they keep themselves engage in it throughout the day. So take advantage of this opportunity. Children are going to their parents’ offices even during summer vacation.

So on the pretext of Corona, we all have got an excellent opportunity to spend time with our families. So take advantage of it. Me and my wife are engaged in Navratri. Children join in the morning-evening aarti. There is a very joyful environment.

At present, children are not able to go out of their homes. They are also unable to meet their friends. Parents should become their friends at this time. One should do a lot of gossiping with them. By doing all this, we will start seeing our children laughing again.

(Writer is Senior Editor and Columnist)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Manchester United would be interested in Harry Kane, says Rio Ferdinand

By

Afternoon Voice

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March 31, 2020

Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes that the Red Devils should should pay whatever it takes to sign striker Harry Kane.

Recently when Kane was asked about his future at Tottenham, he chose to not commit to anything, and said that he just wants to earn trophies, Goal.com reported.

“Harry has always been coy and held back but he’s dropped a couple of bombs. He’s been waiting for the dream at Spurs to materialise but it hasn’t happened. He’s frustrated,” Ferdinand said during an Instagram Q & A.

“Do you think Harry would be happy, fulfilled and satisfied if he scores goals, break records but with no trophies at the end of his career? No. He will be upset and devastated. I think that statement means Harry is off, he wants to win trophies and that will alert clubs,” he added.

Ferdinand, however, suggested that Kane would attract many clubs, and will eventually go on to be the top pick, meaning United would have to spend a lot if they are interested in adding Kane to their lineup.

“I know Man Utd will be in for him because that type of player is perfect for them. I’m sure Juventus will be in and will Real Madrid come in? He will go for massive dough,” Ferdinand said.

Kane has been out of action since January after tearing his hamstring during the Premier League match against Southampton.

He is currently placed at the 13th position in the list for leading goal-scorers in the Premier League.

Sex workers appeal for Funds amid Coronavirus crisis

By

Vaidehi Taman

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March 31, 2020

As COVID-19 that has stalled Mumbai so its businesses and offices. Many small-scale industries taken on toll. After demonetization this is second shack to small traders and daily wages workers. Somehow the main stream professions have social acceptance and help, but there are many professions which has no social acceptance though they are the oldest among all. COVID-19 has distressed the sex industry, forcing workers to mobilize across India to start raising money for short-term financial support. Sex for sale has long been a primary part of the financial capital’s carefree nightlife. But amid concerns over the coronavirus, even the world’s supposedly oldest profession is suffering a sudden slump. Most of them live hand-to-mouth existences, with about ten in hundred having the ability to save up and feed themselves. Hundreds of sex workers are based at Kamathipura brothel have daily challenges. Many of them are already HIV positive, some have infants and some have grown up children. Feeding all of them is not easy task in such crises.

Kamathipura is divided into many lanes and divided according to regional and linguistic backgrounds of the sex workers. Most of the sex workers come from other Indian states. They don’t have any connect in Mumbai or anyone to seek help. There is little interaction between areas, which makes it harder for social organizations to organize them into a movement or union. Further, lack of public opinion, political leadership or social activism which is empathetic towards them means a tough time bringing them together and do something. Since this lockdown, they have gone jobless like any other citizen residing in Mumbai. Sex workers from these brothels appealed to the government for emergency funding after a ban on customers to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Thousands of sex workers are based at the Kamathipura and Pila House brothel and receives an estimated some hundreds of customers every day.

These sex workers no longer had money to pay for food for themselves or their children due to the sudden closure of the brothel. Right now, they need the government aid urgently. As countries globally began enforcing strict lockdowns to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, India, the world’s second most populous country, followed suit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown to contain the virus spread that has now killed 32 Indians and infected more than 1200 others, but there are more getting suffocated without bread and means to survive. We have exact figure of people getting killed and affected by COVID-19 but we don’t have people suffering and giving up their lives due to lockdown. Survival is challenged and resources are meager. Above all sex work is considered to be immoral by many of us and that is the reason these people have limited access to other world. Though they are living human but they are not treated like one, most of them live hand-to-mouth existences. Some mothers who are in sex work, had not been able to send money to their minor children who lives with their family outside the brothel, and they fear for their children were not being fed properly. Even if the ban or lockdown is lifted next month people would hesitate to go to the brothel for a long time because of the disease. There would be log suffering for this community. Authorities had pulled the plug entirely, ordering the temporary closure of all entertainment venues, including brothels. The virus has caused fear and uncertainty among the people. For most people the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of those who are infected recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. It wasn’t clear how the closure of brothels would affect independent sex workers, but they know that nobody is going to compensate them for loss of income, as always, they’re left to fend for themselves.

Also Read:

Lockdown: People are not scared of Life to lose but livelihood

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

HC asks Maharashtra govt to make arrangements for migrant workers

By

Afternoon Voice

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March 31, 2020

Taking note of the hardships being faced by migrant labourers amid the lockdown, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government to make all necessary arrangements for them, and also consider taking funds from charitable organisations.

A single bench of Justice Sunil Shukre on Monday heard a petition filed by one C H Sharma, raising concerns over the spread of coronavirus on account of the movement of thousands of labourers and their families from cities to rural areas, both within and outside the state.

The court while considering the issue said such large-scale movement of labourers increases the danger of further spread of coronavirus, and noted that these people are in need of assistance from the state government.

“This is apart from the unfathomable hardships the labourers are going through owing to stoppage of their income. In these circumstances, what looks sensible is to provide clothing, medicine and health care and throwing generally an umbrella of protection around these labourers,” the court said in its order.

“This court would, therefore, direct the State of Maharashtra to make arrangement for stay, food, sanitation clothing and health care for the labourers, including migrant labourers,” it said.

The bench said it was conscious of the fact that to provide these facilities, funds would be required.

It suggested the state to call upon charitable institutions to contribute some money.

“I can only suggest that one of the ways of mobilising the funds could be through implementing the provisions contained in and powers conferred upon the charity commissioner and state government under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act and the Waqf Act,” the judge said.

“All charitable institutions registered under the Public Trusts Act or the Waqf Act could be called upon to discharge their responsibility to utilise money for public and charitable purposes in certain percentage to be determined by the state government,” the court said.

It asked the state government to take appropriate decision in the matter consistent with the charitable object espoused by the Public Trusts Act and the Waqf Act.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on April 8.

COVID-19: 6 people die, 24 test positive who attended religious congregation at Nizamuddin West

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Afternoon Voice

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March 31, 2020

In a alarming news, six people have died in Telangana after attending the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin West.

Earlier Twenty-four people, who took part in a religious congregation in Nizamuddin West earlier this month, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Tuesday.

The state government late on Monday admitted that six persons, who attended a religious prayer meeting from March 13 to March 15 at Markaz in Delhi’s Nizamuddin West, have died at different hospitals in the state.

Police and paramilitary personnel have cordoned off the area near Markaz and evacuated hundreds of people suspected to have contracted coronavirus. They are being kept at the nearby JLN Stadium, which has now been turned into a quarantine facility.

Talking to reporters at his residence, he said that 1,033 people have been shifted to various places.

The minister said, “700 people who attended this congregation have been quarantined while around 335 people have been admitted to hospitals.”

Jain said screening of all those who participated in the event is being conducted by the government.

On Monday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered a FIR against a Maulana who was leading the congregation at Markaj (Centre) in Nizamuddin West in South Delhi.

The Delhi Police has cordoned off a major area in Nizamuddin West where several people showed symptoms of the coronavirus after taking part in the Tabligh-e-Jamaat.

Over 2,000 delegates, including from Indonesia and Malaysia, attended the congregation from March 1-15.

Also Read:

India battling between COVID-19 pandemic and fake news

SC seeks report from Centre on steps taken to prevent mass migration amid lockdown

By

Afternoon Voice

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March 30, 2020

Coronavirus, COVID19, Supreme Court, Migration of Labourer, Migrant Labourers, Labours, Migrants, Delhi, Haryana, SC — Thousands of migrant workers thronged the Delhi-UP border in a bid to board buses to their native places. (Photo: PTI)

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a status report from the Centre by Tuesday on the measures taken in view of the large-scale migration of labourers from cities to their native villages amid the coronavirus outbreak and the consequent lockdown across the country.

The top court observed that the migration of labourers out of panic and fear is becoming a bigger problem than the coronavirus.

It said the court would not create more confusion by issuing directions on measures that the government is already taking to deal with the issue.

A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justice L Nageswara Rao, which took up two separate PILs filed by advocates Alakh Alok Srivastava and Rashmi Bansal on the issue of migration of labourers through video-conferencing, said before passing any direction, it would like to wait for the status report from the Centre.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the migration of labourers needs to be stopped to prevent the spread of the virus and the Centre as well as the states concerned have taken the requisite steps to deal with it.

The bench posted the matters for hearing on Tuesday.

Also Read:

India battling between COVID-19 pandemic and fake news

There is no vaccine yet on COVID-19: WHO

By

Afternoon Voice

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March 30, 2020

Since the COVID-19 hit the headlines, the gossip mongering and fake news has mushroomed from all side, fake news and forwards spreading misinformation on various aspect of pandemic.

On social media and WhatsApp groups there was news in circulation with picture about newly invented vaccine on COVID-19, WHO said there is no vaccine on COVID-19 invented yet, but could take at least 18 months to be publicly available. The posts claiming Israel and the United States have already developed vaccines for Coronavirus, are false with the World Health Organisation (WHO) stating that there is no vaccine yet and calling the claim false.

Right now, only cure is prevention, follow the guidelines and maintain social distance. If isolation is bothering you then you can seek help from, The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences by dialing their toll-free helpline number 08046110007 they will help people with psychosocial support and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and others during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

As per the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the national tally of COVID-19 cases stands at 1,071 of which 942 are active cases, 99 people have been cured and 29 people have died from COVID-19.

As of 30 March, 2020, Maharashtra has reported 12 more positive cases, with the tally going to 215, while Kerala crosses 200 active cases. Kerala reported its first death on March 28 while Maharashtra reported one more death on Monday in Pune taking the state’s death toll to 9.

Maharashtra government stated that 35 people had recovered while Kerala has reported 15 recoveries.

‘Justice Delayed is Justice Denied’ – Adv. Pratibha Bangera

By

Afternoon Voice

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March 30, 2020

In the wake of Coronavirus stand still, Adv. Pratibha Bangera (family court lawyer) urges for speedy disposal of cases for real justice.

Q. Why is it famously believed that judicial system in India is slow?

A. When a litigant reaches a lawyer’s office, a lot has already taken place in his/her life and with this back ground there is an emergency situation and panic that the person struggles through to get some relief.

With large number of cases and fewer judiciary staff it takes some time for filing of cases and matters to be listed in court.

Sometimes due to lack of experience, lawyers file in wrong courts which get rejected due to lack of jurisdiction.

And most importantly lawyers who are for opponents delay by taking dates with flimsy reasons.

On other occasions judges are absent or judges are not assigned and court is awaiting transfer of judge to take charge or judges go on jail visits and cancel the days cases.

The worst is even after order for matter to be heard exparte (without reply of other side) applications to set aside such order is allowed in principal and practice.

Thus, it is a common practice of lawyers to use every available provision of law to delay matter. The aggrieved party has no choice but to accept such delayed and deferred dates.

Q. Does the law not have any timeline for conducting such cases?

A. All civil cases are bound by guidelines and time frame in Civil Procedure Code Act or CPC and for criminal cases, the time line and procedure is provided in Criminal Procedure Code Act or CRPC.

However, their provisos and time frames are only directory and not mandatory and the supreme court has held that extension of time may be allowed in exceptional cases so that no innocent person should be denied a chance to defend himself.

Q. Who is responsible for delay of cases?

A. Combination of system errors, litigants who wait till last minute to go to court, lawyers supporting and protecting their clients, judges not inclined to hear matters or pass immediate judgments and by then judges may get transferred and matter has to be argued again before another judge who takes charge and same delay may repeat.

There is no check to hold anyone accountable. And in some cases, even after the sentence the execution of judgment itself takes a few years at the least. This irregularity causes litigant to hold judicial system responsible unless the Legislature suggests appropriate reforms.

Q. Has there been any steps taken to alter or change this and speed up matters?

A. All courts have a practice of expediting hearing of old cases. A list is displayed for all cases which are in court for more than 3 years from time to time.

Party themselves can make application to expedite hearing but even these applications may delay regular routine and be misused to further delay the case waiting for specific orders. In absence of presiding court, party can also take matter before discharge court. But these orders are limited only to an extent and if it’s not a written order, same is not likely to have any benefit.

Q. How can a simple litigant with no money get any justice when everything runs so slowly?

A. There are court mediation centers set up for all types of matters. Lok Adalat consists of practicing lawyers or retired judges or judges of other courts or people well qualified to take up resolving cases in their court.

But if these matters are not jointly resolved in some kind of settlement, matter goes back to regular court. For some this may not be a conducive bargain and they may prefer going on with the fight instead.

Q. What happens when a litigant die while there is an ongoing case?

A. Legal heirs come on record in cases where there is money or property or liability involved.

Legal heirs cannot be held accountable for sentences or criminal conduct of deceased accused/convict

But where there is penalty or compensation payable the same will be recovered from the assets of the offender or convict who has deceased.

Q. Are international courts also facing similar situations?

A. Justice hurried is also Justice Buried. Every judgment is required to be substantiated with a good reasoning. No two cases are same. It is the same all over the world. Not just in India.

Q. What will happen in this Pandemic situation where all cases are on hold?

A. Online court system to file all applications/ replies/ arguments and judgments including online registration of police complaints by way of video recording will simplify and regularize cases. This could also reduce distortion of statements given. Updating these records on a police database or court database or cloud may be a solution.

Video conferencing is already a practice adopted by court. Applications, replies and arguments can also like wise be submitted after a lawyer identifies the client in his/ her respective office.

This suggestion is not just during the pandemic but even regularly.

Wastage of time can be kept to minimal if digital mediums are encouraged for court practice.

Also, there is no undue influence or bias caused if this manner can be adopted.

People can work more productively and efficiently.

India battling between COVID-19 pandemic and fake news

By

Vaidehi Taman

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March 30, 2020

Hundreds of people got infected in India due to coronavirus, many took to the streets and trying to reach their homes as the fake news around making it difficult for them. This fake news is not only dangerous but sometimes life taking too. In the absence of a vaccine yet, social media is showing the label and bottle of vaccine to combat COVID-19, forwards are of full of theories on how to combat the deadly COVID-19. India is facing an epidemic of fake news and misinformation about the coronavirus. Fake news spreads faster and more easily through the internet, social media and instant messaging apps. These messages may contain useless, incorrect or even harmful information and advice, which can hamper the public health response and add to social disorder and division. Fake news may also be shared by trusted friends and family, including those who are doctors and nurses. They might not have read the full story before sharing or just glanced over it. Before you decide to share, make sure to read stories properly and follow some checks to determine the accuracy.

There were many posts in circulation stating that the garlic as a medicine for COVID-19 (there is no cure for COVID-19 till now, only garlic can improve the immunity which helps you to fight against the virus), another fake information is that coronavirus will not survive in hot climate (the virus can survive plastic and metal surface for a longer period and it can survive in 39.8 degree Celsius and humidity 40%, the virus can’t survive when the temperature increases and humidity decreases). Just few days ago, a group of people in Iran drank methyl alcohol thinking it is going to keep the coronavirus away. 480 of them died. Many threads on social media emerged during this time, some saying that soap doesn’t actually kill the coronavirus. Fake symptoms, news of how China killed a hundred thousand people infected with coronavirus and other such things made a lot of rounds on my social media. A guy in Andhra Pradesh even killed himself after believing this fake news. If the story appears to claim a much higher level of certainty in its advice and arguments than other stories, this is questionable. People will be seeking certainty in a time of high uncertainty, anxiety and panic.

On Saturday (March 21), Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth posted a video on Twitter asking Indians to follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a nationwide curfew the following day. The actor, with more than 5.7 million followers on Twitter, added: “India is currently in Stage 2. If people don’t contract the virus which lives outside in public spaces frequented by people for 12-14 hours, we can stop it from going to Stage 3.” A viral social media post claims that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has suggested men to shave facial hairs to prevent coronavirus. The viral post contains the link of an article which describes suggestions regarding the same along with a graphic. India Today Anti Fake News War Room (AFWA) has found that the viral claim is not true. CDC authorities have not told people to shave off beards and moustaches to avoid COVID-19. The central government launched a WhatsApp helpline for coronavirus queries this week. It has partnered with Google India to fish out fake news on search engine, Social media platforms have also partnered with WHO to regulate online content.

Amid the panic and fear for the coronavirus pandemic, the fake news and misinformation regarding it have also seen a spike on social media platforms. The Indian government has been trying all it can to put an end to it all through several methods. Now, the IT ministry has issued an advisory for social media platforms — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more — to ensure effective and quick action against any online content spreading misinformation about online videos. However, social media platforms have already been collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to regulate online content.

Besides this, the Indian government also partnered with Google India. Under this, Google has customised India’s search page with the ‘Do The Five. Help stop coronavirus’ campaign. The mains search page also contains a link to the health ministry page, which highlights real-time data on the extent of impact in terms of positive cases, locations and deaths. The webpage also showcases other important issues on its website. Besides this, Google is also sending out push notifications to both Android and iOS users in India, highlighting important information in this regard. As per media reports, the government has also been in talks with Facebook to come up with similar solutions. Meanwhile, the government is said to be exploring all possible tech solutions to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. All social media companies are working closely on the issue but we want them to be particular about removing misinformation. We want them to promote authentic content and remove fake news.

Also Read:

COVID-19: A Biological War?

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Centre rubbishes rumours of extending 21-day lockdown, terms it ‘baseless’

By

Afternoon Voice

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March 30, 2020

Coronavirus, COVID, India Lockdown, Lockdown, India Gate, Corona — Indian policemen push barricades to place them in the center of a a road leading to historic India Gate, during a one-day nationwide Janata (civil) curfew imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 on March 22, 2020 in New Delhi, India. Death toll due to coronavirus in India reached seven on Sunday with three more fatalities as the country observed a “janta curfew” or public lockdown on the appeal of Prime Minister Narendara Modi. Besides placing under lockdown till March 31st, 75 districts with confirmed coronavirus cases , the government also decided to shut down train, metro and inter-state services to curb the spread of the global pandemic in India. (Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images)

The government on Monday said there was no plan to extend the 21-day lockdown which came into force on Tuesday midnight.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting tweeted, saying Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has denied media reports claiming that the government will extend the lockdown.

“There are rumours & media reports, claiming that the Government will extend the #Lockdown21 when it expires. The Cabinet Secretary has denied these reports, and stated that they are baseless,” it said.

Alert : There are rumours & media reports, claiming that the Government will extend the #Lockdown21 when it expires. The Cabinet Secretary has denied these reports, and stated that they are baseless#PIBFactCheck #lockdownindia #coronaupdatesindia #IndiaFightsCorona

— PIB India ?? #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) March 30, 2020

The 21-day lockdown is aimed at checking the spread of the coronavirus.

Following the lockdown, there has been a massive exodus of migrant workers from big cities to their villages after being rendered jobless.

Also Read:

It is ‘Chinese virus’ and ‘Wuhan virus’ – It started in China and spread to the world