Awareness Webinar on EMF Radiation
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Awareness Webinar on EMF Radiation

Awareness Webinar on EMF Radiation organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Karnataka License Service Area (LSA) today organized an awareness webinar on “Electromagnetic Exposure from Telecom Towers and Related Public Concerns”. This session was organized as part of DoT’s public advocacy programme to make the general public aware of the need of mobile towers and dispel misconceptions regarding any harmful impacts of radiations emanating from cellular towers and also to inform the general public that there is no link between 5G technology and spread of Covid 19. An expert panel composed of senior officers from the telecom department along with doctors, addressed concerns of citizens while also debunking myths and misinformation related to health hazards connected with radiation from mobile towers. The workshop was attended by more than 100 participants including government officials, general public, residents’ welfare associations, students, doctors, telecom service providers, infrastructure providers and other officials. The eminent key speakers at the event were Shri HK Verma, Advisor, DoT Karnataka LSA, DDG – Compliance, Dr. Chinnababu Sunkawalli, Robotic and Laparoscopic Oncosurgeon, CEO & Director of Grace Cancer Foundation, Director Compliance, and Assistant Director Compliance of DoT Karnataka LSA. While giving an outline of the telecommunication services and highlighting the issues faced by the stakeholders, Shri HK Verma, Advisor, DoT Karnataka LSA mentioned, “Mobile towers are essential for seamless mobile connectivity. There has been a significant rise in misinformation related to health concerns posed by mobile towers. We have gathered here to address these baseless theories and reassure citizens that radiations originating from cellular towers are completely harmless. Our in-depth research on EMF radiations is proof that radiations do not have any severe health impact on humans.” DDG – Compliance, said “The DoT monitors the EMF emission levels from towers across India and ensures compliance with emission norms across the country through its field units. LSA also conducts physical audits of sites by selecting them randomly and testing the power of the available EMF signals at different probable locations near the site. Further, Karnataka DoT’s LSA unit addresses all complaints received from the public either through email, PG Portal or dak with respect to EMF emissions.DoT Karnataka LSA has tested 7567 BTSs from June 2020 to June 2021   in Karnataka and all BTSs have found compliant as per DoT Norms.” “The Telecom Industry is committed to provide world-class high-speed connectivity to its customers. We thank Karnataka LSA, Department of Telecommunication, and Govt. of India for organising this EMF Advocacy Webinar today. However, the prevailing myths regarding EMF Emission from Telecom Towers is quite prohibitive and resulting in delayed roll-out of required infrastructure across the region thus creating connectivity issues. This webinar was aimed to dispel these prevailing myths. There is a fundamental misunderstanding that mobile towers generate radiations which are injurious to public health. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that ‘current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields’ based on approximately 25,000 studies published around the world over the last 30 years and in-depth review of scientific literature. So, we don’t need to worry about the adverse effects of mobile tower radiation as they are safe & strictly monitored”, said Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI. Dr. Chinnababu Sunkawalli, Robotic & Laparoscopic Oncosurgeon, also shared his perspective and cleared misconceptions surrounding mobile tower radiation. He said, “Cell towers emit low-powered non-ionizing radiations which have a negligible impact on humankind. It is also important to be informed that all the surrounding theories about EMF radiations remain unsubstantiated. Hence, there is no need for people to be fearful. Cellular tower radiations are completely safe.” Citizens must understand today that mobile tower EMF radiations are strictly monitored and assessed on a regular basis. Evidence from credible and extensive research has ruled out any possibility of health issues originating from EMF radiations. Moreover, Eight High Courts of India have also upheld the same view and have delivered judgments that aim to disprove all such unfounded fears and such misguided activism that is posing a severe challenge in the growth of the economy and connectivity. Hence, the misconception of a section of the population in Karnataka on the hazards of EMF emission must not be taken into consideration and installation of towers should be allowed in their respective localities. The Government of India follows norms that are 10 times stricter than what has been prescribed by ICNIRP and recommended by WHO. Regular checks are also done to ensure that all telecom service providers are following the regulations set by the Government. DoT is fully committed and equipped to facilitate the compliance of guidelines that are designed to safeguard beloved citizens from any risk of EMF exposure. People must be informed and assured that mobile towers do not pose any threat to their health.For towers, emission check: go to http://tarangsanchar.gov.in/EMFportal”told by Assistant Director Compliance. Awareness Webinar on EMF Radiation, during the Q & A session, the panellists highlighted that mobile connectivity is the need of the hour for all sections of society. It is a vital component of the Government’s vision for ‘Digital India’. . The panel discussion closed with a vote of thanks by Director-Compliance, O/o DDG, Karnataka LSA.

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Considering COVID Drive-thru vaccination? Here’s what you need to know
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Considering COVID Drive-thru vaccination? Here’s what you need to know

Coronavirus, the deadliest pandemic during which individuals are trying their best to physically distance themselves even while they await their turn to get jabbed. The fear of standing in the queue and coming in contact with another person while getting vaccinated is inevitable as vaccinating 1.3 billion people is a humongous task. Having said that, with a Drive-thru setup an individual has to simply drive up his/her car, flash their ID cards and token provided by CoWin Platform and get vaccinated. Yes, it is that simple and safe. Amid India’s ongoing battle against coronavirus, cities are coming up with Drive-thru vaccination setups where people can get their doses inside their vehicles. Not only have people deemed it safe but this setup is said to significantly speed up the number of people getting vaccinated if set up nationwide on a massive scale. What exactly is Drive-thru vaccination? Physical distance is the most important factor to consider when people step out for vaccination, with Drive-thru vaccination people remain seated inside their cars, show their ID cards and await their turn to get vaccinated without having to step down or come in contact with other citizens. All the processes of registration for the drive are done online “Well organized, free of cost no waiting time”: A vaccinated citizens experience Poonam Agarwal, a 27-year-old, decided to go for Drive-thru vaccination and shared her experience. Talking to The Style. World Agarwal said, “I received my Covishield via Drive-thru vaccination As the vaccination drive-thru was setup in multi level parking, people had to pass through checkpoints arranged, systematically. “The first checkpoint checked my CoWIN registration, the second checked ID proof,  the third provided a token and the fourth desk was handled by a doctor who administered the vaccine.” Agarwal further added, “The facility wasn’t just for four-wheelers but people could ride through and walk-in as well.” “Apart from a few people who walked in were seen crowding up, the process was smooth and safe when it came to payment, vehicle movement and waiting time.” On asking about how safe the setup was, Agarwal said, “The Drive-thru vaccination which is free of cost will encourage people to get vaccinated at the earliest without compromising themselves from coming into contact with other people. Overall a pleasant experience.” Rules to follow for Drive-thru vaccination? As per officials, these are the protocols that need to be followed: Prior registration on CoWIN platform Your Token number Carry your ID proof Reach designated venues on schedule Mask up and sanitize One of the first Drive-thru vaccination camp was conducted in Bengaluru city by the Residents Association and organized by the COVID-19 task force team. On May 8, the camp was held at a gated villa community Palm Meadows in RG Halli, Whitefield. Apart from Bengaluru, other cities also facilitated the idea of Drive-thru vaccination. Mumbai, Mohali, Nagpur, Gurugram, Noida, Odisha, Bhopal, Delhi are other parts of the country where Drive-thru setups are operational. Considering COVID Drive-thru vaccination? Here’s what you need to know

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How Robots will change the future post COVID-19
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How Robots will change the future post COVID-19

As India’s healthcare system grapples with increasing cases of COVID-19, India’s No.1 consumer robotics brand Milagrow has announced its efforts with AIIMS, Delhi to help contain the spread of the pandemic amongst doctors and healthcare workers. Under this effort its advanced AI-powered robots – Milagrow iMap 9 and Humanoid ELF – will be tested in the advanced COVID-19 ward at AIIMS, Delhi. Manufactured in India, the Milagrow iMap 9 is a floor disinfecting robot that can navigate and sanitize the floors without any human intervention. It can destroy COVID spores on floor surfaces using sodium hypochlorite solution, as recommended by ICMR. The robot moves around autonomously without falling, avoiding obstruction while planning its own path, guided by LIDAR and advanced SLAM technology. Milagrow’s patented Real Time Terrain Recognition Technology (RT2RT) scans at 3600, 6 times per second to make a floor map in real time with an accuracy of upto 8mm over a 16m distance. This enables the iMap 9 to perform successfully in the first attempt, whereas other robots can take twice or thrice the time. Additionally, the robot can do zoning, virtual blocking of avoidable areas and sequential cleaning of zones based on specific needs. The Milagrow Humanoid ELF enables doctors to monitor and interact with contagious COVID-19 patients remotely with no person-to-person contact, thereby significantly reducing the transmission risk. Bored patients in isolation wards can also interact with their relatives from time to time through this robot. The Humanoid ELF can navigate around the ward independently and record the activities in high definition video and audio. Offering 8 hours of battery life, it can travel about 2.9 km per hour, is 92 cms tall, has more than sixty sensors, one 3D and one HD camera, and a 10.1″ display screen. The advanced humanoid features eyes with Emotion, Open API for further development and customization. Both the Milagrow iMap 9 and Humanoid ELF come with the auto charging feature. How Robots will change the future post COVID-19

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30BestBarsIndia announces ‘Bar Fuel’ to support Indian Bar fraternity
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30BestBarsIndia announces ‘Bar Fuel’ to support Indian Bar fraternity

30BestBarsIndia, the first ranking and awards platform for India’s bars, has started an initiative, ‘Bar Fuel’ as a crowdfunding platform to support bar employees across the country affected by the economic crisis unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bars all over India who need assistance are required to register on the www.30bbbarfuel.in. The details of each bar are then made available to public and corporate donors on the site. Donors have the option of supporting one bar or multiple bars of their choice directly by clicking the Donate Now button against the name and picture of each bar. This is a purely public service initiative and 30BestBarsIndia does not retain any commission. 30BestBarsIndia was founded in 2019 to recognise, rank and award the best of Indian bars and bar professionals through a transparent public poll. The donated amount will go directly and fully to the bar of their choice, minus the payment commission of the payment gateway. Since this a Covid-19 relief initiative, Razorpay has waived off the commissions charged by them on any contributions received. 19 bars have already registered on the Bar Fuel site including IFBA (Indian Flair Bartending Association), and more are expected to do so in the coming weeks. The initiative is gaining support in Kolkata, Delhi – NCR, Mumbai, and Goa, along with a few other cities. Sidecar in Delhi, Together at 12th in Gurgaon, Perch and Leaping Windows in Mumbai, and The Grid in Kolkata are some of the bars that have already registered. Even among the industries affected by Covid-19, the bar industry is in an unusual situation. It is expected to be among the last of the businesses that would be allowed to open after the lockdowns are lifted in various cities. But continuing social-distancing restrictions would mean that even after the bars are allowed to re-open it would be a long time before patrons return to bars in large numbers. The resulting loss of revenue would mean loss of jobs or pay cut for thousands of bar workers across the country. The 17 bars that have registered on the 30bbbarfuel.in site alone have a total employee strength of more than 700 and a monthly wage bill of around INR 1.2 crores. Bar Fuel has raised more than INR 5 lakh on the platform so far from individual donors. The hope is that corporate donors, particularly the big players in the Indian alcobev industry would donate in a big way in the coming weeks. 30BestBarsIndia has set an initial target of raising INR 50 lakh through this crowdfunding effort. Mumbai bar Leaping Windows is the largest recipient of the donations so far on www.30bbbarfuel.in. Says Bidisha Basu, of Leaping Windows, “This is a really nice thing you have done. Instead of sitting around and hoping for the best, you’ve given us something to do. Much appreciated”. According to Vikram Achanta, co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia, “In our opinion, bars that have actively focused on building their fan base and their community will find their community coming back to support them. Bars which survive this crisis will also realize we feel the importance of building a strong community and also, more importantly, a personal connection with their patrons.” “Bar fuel is a great platform created at a very important time. It is definitely playing an important role in supporting the needy”. To this Pankaj Kamble from IFBA (Indian Flair Bartending Association) added that this acts as a perfect catalyst. To register or donate, Log onto www.30bbbarfuel.in 30BestBarsIndia announces ‘Bar Fuel’ to support Indian Bar fraternity

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Healthy Tourism Certification for Turkey
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Healthy Tourism Certification for Turkey

Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey has initiated Healthy Tourism Certification program, which shall be applicable as of summer season of 2020. Healthy Tourism Certification, which is issued under the leadership of Ministry of Culture and Tourism and with the participation of Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in cooperation of all sector stakeholders, covers a broad range of measures which shall be taken towards transportation, accommodation, health condition of employees of the facilities and passengers. This certificate, which shall be granted by international certification institutions, will document the fulfilment of high level of health and hygiene requirements at airline companies, airports and other transportation, accommodation and food & beverage facilities. Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey has launched its Healthy Tourism Certification Program. The program, which will be applicable as of summer season of 2020 includes a broad range of measures for transportation, accommodation, health condition of employees for facilities and passengers. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey, has made the following statement with respect to the certification program that will be obtained from international certification institutions: “Turkey has been role model for the world during Covid 19 with its well-established health system and treatment methods that has been taken. This certificate program demonstrates that Turkey will take a pioneering role in terms of setting the direction for the normalisation of tourism. Today, global quarantine measures, which have been taken due to Covid-19, causing unique developments all around the world, are getting more flexible and tourism sector itself has a vital role in terms of returning to normal processes. The importance of caring our guests in our culture, leads us to be ready for the transition to healthy tourism prior to everyone. Our certification program shall ensure that our guests in Turkey are going to make their holidays in a safe and hygienic manner and feel comfortable during their visit. Our program covers preventive and protective steps including air, marine and land transportation, arrival ports, all facilities providing a holiday experience, health condition of employees in the industry and tourists themselves. We will encourage all of our transportation and accommodation facilities to take all precautions for a healthy holiday through obtaining the certificate.” Healthy Tourism Certification program consists of four main pillars. Certification program of Turkey consists of 4 main pillars which are “Health and Safety of the Passenger”, “Health and Safety of the Employee”, “Precautions taken at Facilities” and “Precautions taken in terms of “Transportation”. “Health and Safety of the Passenger”; covers the precautions which are required to be implemented in terms of passengers from the time of check-in until their check-out. It includes; not allowing passengers without mask to enter respective terminals, providing free of charge masks to passengers, application of thermal camera and body temperature measurement at the entrance of terminal buildings, preparing disinfection carpets and disinfection cabins, if required, apply the required protocols for the passengers that are diagnosed as risk group in terms of travelling. “Health and Safety of the Employee”; covers precautions with respect to ensuring physically and mentally healthy personnel at transportation, accommodation and food & beverage facilities. Procedures such as hygiene and sanitation trainings of the personnel, psychological support, providing required hygiene/health equipment, controlling of the personnel both with thermal cameras are required standards and also thermometers and planning shifts, holding meetings and regular health checks of personnel etc. comprise other articles included under this title. “Precautions taken at Facilities”, covers steps which required to be taken in order to prevent spreading of the outbreak. In case of preventing such cases, processes that needs to be implemented by the accommodation, food & beverage facilities have been defined under the scope of the certificate. Certification ensures implementation and controlling of measures such as social distance, contact, isolation which are required to control the spread of pandemic within the personnel working at such facilities. “Precautions taken in terms of Transportation vehicles”, includes certain measures and regulations for air, land and marine transportation. Training of personnel of transportation vehicles, immunity certificate of the personnel, sterilisation of transportation vehicles and arrangement of passenger transportation system according to safe distance standards has been defined under the scope of the certificate. Minister Ersoy emphasised the sensitivity and importance demonstrated in this subject through making the following statement regarding certificate program and dates in terms of normalizing process subsequent to Covid-19: “We have completed pandemic protocols and certification protocols issued separately in terms of airports, domestic airlines, highways and tourism facilities as of May 4, 2020. We are also planning to start implementation of the certification process for hotels as of May. We will start listing the facilities, obtaining such certificate, as of June 1, 2020 through all channels including website of our Ministry. We, as Republic of Turkey, are acting with sense of responsibility in order to ensure both our citizens and our guests, arriving to our country, to feel comfortable during their visit. There is a proverb stating the hospitality of Turkish people: “Latch string is always out!” (You are more than welcome). We have always take this as leading principle and we will continue to take necessary actions based on this principle’’ Healthy Tourism Certification for Turkey

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‘The Zoo: COVID-19 and Animals’ looks at the effects of coronavirus on animals
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‘The Zoo: COVID-19 and Animals’ looks at the effects of coronavirus on animals

When the Bronx Zoo announced their four-year-old Malayan tiger tested positive for COVID-19 the world was shocked to learn that animals can be victims of this pandemic, and many questions were raised. Dave Salmoni, Animal Planet’s big cat expert, dives deep to answer these questions in the special THE ZOO: COVID-19 AND ANIMALS on May 17 at 1 pm and 8 pm on Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD and on recently launched Discovery Plus app. Salmoni speaks with a wide spectrum of experts from the World Health Organization to wildlife biologists to veterinarians to uncover how the virus affects animals and how pet owners can keep their pets and family safe. The special will feature Bronx Zoo Chief Veterinarian with an update on the big cats and their treatment; Dr. Peter Embarek from the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Task Force, who works particularly on all aspects of the virus related to animals; EXTINCT OR ALIVE’s wildlife biologist, Forrest Galante providing insight on COVID-19 and how it relates to wildlife; and Dr. Jeff of DR. JEFF: ROCKY MOUNTAIN VET how the virus affects pets. Audiences will also hear from Dr. Blue, Dr. Ross, and Dr. Lavigne of THE VET LIFE and EVAN GOES WILD’s Dr. Evan Antin on how to care for pets during this time. “When news about Nadia the tiger came out the questions immediately began; what about my pets? How do I keep my animals and family safe? We’re going to answer these questions and more through this documentary. We’re speaking to a wide range of experts from the World Health Organization, to wildlife biologists, to veterinarians. We are at war with this disease and so we get down to the nitty gritty, and discuss practical questions about daily lives with our pets. We know animals do play a role in this pandemic, and when it comes to our pets, we have to take care of them like any other member of our family.” says Animal Planet’s big cat expert, Dave Salmoni. Sai Abishek, Director–Content, Factual & Lifestyle Entertainment – South Asia, Discovery, said, “We have been the forefront of busting myths around novel Corona virus with international documentaries. With this latest film, we take a hard look at how animals are being treated during such a crisis and the safety measures that can be taken to keep both, the people and their pets healthy.” THE ZOO: COVID-19 AND ANIMALS premieres on 17th May at 1 PM and at 8 PM, on Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD and on recently launched Discovery Plus app. ‘The Zoo: COVID-19 and Animals’ looks at the effects of coronavirus on animals

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Katrina Kaif and Nykaa support daily-wage workers
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Katrina Kaif and Nykaa support daily-wage workers

As the world comes together to fight the unprecedented human impact of COVID-19, Kay Beauty steps in to support the De’Haat Foundation in their work to aid daily-wage earners in rural Maharashtra. The Kay Beauty contribution will go towards the De’Haat initiative to ensure daily-wage earning families living in the villages around the Bhandara district have food and basic sanitary materials. At the heart of Kay Beauty, the beauty brand launched by Katrina Kaif and Nykaa is the message of #MakeupThatKares, a vision to give back to the community. The De’Haat Foundation was founded by Vrundan Bawankar in 2018 with a vision to support single mothers and provide quality education to their children in the village. Commenting on the initiative, Katrina Kaif said, “The current lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus has led to a situation where many daily wage labourers need urgent supplies for their basic needs. This is a time for all of us to come together and do what we can to support them as best we can. I have always admired the work of the De’ Haat Foundation and we are proud to support them in their endeavour to aid their community. Founded in 2019, Kay Beauty is a partnership between actor Katrina Kaif and Nykaa – India’s leading beauty retailer. The vision behind the brand is to create a bridge between high glamour makeup and skincare to deliver high-performance products that also care for you. Kay Beauty products are enriched with skin-loving ingredients that have been hand-picked personally by Katrina. The range truly defines the premium category through its packaging and the finest quality formulations. Besides being true to the global trend of #MakeupOnTheGo, the products are high on performance. With the range of shades plus versatile and unique formulas, the brand sends the message of #ItsKayToBeYou, inviting customers to celebrate their personality and express themselves with Kay Beauty. The brand is exclusively available on the Nykaa website and app, and at all Nykaa stores across India. Katrina Kaif and Nykaa support daily-wage workers

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Six Million People Join in for the Global Online Concert by Grammy Award Winning Musicians
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Six Million People Join in for the Global Online Concert by Grammy Award Winning Musicians

The concert was live in more than 200 different digital, social media, DTH, OTT platforms and also in National Television channels in different parts of the world. It featured performances by 40 musicians from 6 countries with 5 Grammy Award Winners including Ricky Kej. This would be the backdrop for the launch of ‘Shine Your Light’ – a music video with the message of hope and solidarity – by Ricky Kej. The concert was supported by WHO, WWF, UNICEF India, UN Climate Change, UNESCO MGIEP, UNCCD, and EARTH DAY NETWORK. One Page Spotlight, the social and professional networking site for creators and entertainment professionals, recently hosted the Global Online Concert on the occasion of Earth Day 2020. The concert was a collaborative effort of One Page Spotlight and Grammy-award winner musician Ricky Kej. Aimed at promoting the Stay Home Stay Safe initiatives amid the global COVID-19 crisis, the 60-minute concert featured 40 musicians from 6 countries with 5 Grammy® Award Winners and renowned musicians. Around 6 million music lovers from across 190 cities across the world logged in to the concert. Acting as a catalyst, One Page Spotlight envisioned to create a global impact by providing a platform to musicians as well as rural artisans to showcase their talent to the entire world. It also included the biggest names of the global music industry including Senegalese singer Baaba Maal, Grammy® Award Winner Laura Dickenson, Grammy® Award Winner Wouter Kellerman, Hindustani classical music instrumentalist Padmabhushan Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, among others. The event also witnessed the launch of ‘Shine Your Light’ a music video by Ricky Kej. In line with the vision of the concert, the song represents hope, solidarity, and light during these confusing and dark times. The music video features their performances in six countries and 13 cities. On the back of its stellar artist line-up, the concert witnessed massive traction as it live-streamed across the official social media handles [Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube] of WHO, WWF, Earth Day Network, UNFCCC, UNCCD, UNICEF and also at the official handles of One Page Spotlight. Eros Now, Paytm Insider, Isha Foundation, PVR, Just Dial, Airtel Digital TV, Airtel Xstream, and Spykke were the outreach partners to stand in solidarity with the global cause. Along with powerful performances, the concert also featured the inspiring words of Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Head WHO, Mr. Pavan Sukhdev, Global Head WWF, Ibrahim Thiaw Global Head UNCCD, HH Sadhguru, Head Isha Foundation who spoke to the viewers about solidarity and hope amid the global lockdown. Commenting on the initiative, Ricky Kej – Grammy-winning American composer, music producer and Environmentalist, said, “At a time as uncertain and unnerving as this, music from across the globe was successful in doing what it does best – bringing people together. I believe that every person in the audience, including me, took away the message that we are all in this together, even as we socially distance ourselves. Moreover, the event has spread much-needed awareness and appreciation for our fragile and ever-giving environment. I believe that this will lead to positive changes and sustainable practices to continue protecting the earth even when the pandemic has passed. This was a one-of-a-kind experience and I am delighted to have been a part of it.” Speaking on the event, Ramani Iyer, Founder, One Page Spotlight, said, “We are thrilled to witness the huge traction that the Global Online Concert has garnered. This only goes to show that people, no matter where they are located, are cumulatively looking for a guiding light that directs them out of this dark and highly challenging period. We are proud to have supported the concert which is one such initiative that will help people overcome this pandemic with the power of hope and solidarity.” Six Million People Join in for the Global Online Concert by Grammy Award Winning Musicians

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Crocs and Priyanka Chopra Jonas to donate footwear
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Crocs and Priyanka Chopra Jonas to donate footwear

Crocs and Priyanka Chopra Jonas will donate 10,000 pairs of footwear to healthcare workers in India. Crocs, Inc., a global leader in casual footwear for men, women, and children, in partnership with the brand’s global brand ambassador, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, announced to donate 10,000 pairs of footwear to healthcare professionals in Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana and Karnataka. This charitable contribution is an initiative by Crocs and Priyanka to support healthcare professionals in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, actor, producer, and global UNICEF ambassador, stated, “Healthcare professionals across the country are our true superheroes, working everyday to ensure our safety and fighting for us on the frontlines. Their courage, commitment, and sacrifices are saving innumerable lives in this global pandemic. While we cannot even imagine what’s it like to be in their shoes, we can at least help them be comfortable in them. Because of the nature of their work, it is critical for them to have easy-to-clean shoes and apparel for themselves. I’m so proud to work with Crocs India to give 10,000 pairs of Crocs shoes to healthcare professionals in public and Government hospitals. We are so glad to be able to offer this support and hope this helps these caregivers in the fight against this virus.” Healthcare workers are on their feet for long hours and require a comfortable pair of footwear, now more than ever. Crocs™ shoes are designed with Croslite™ material that helps provide all day comfort. Further, the ability to easily clean the shoes will give healthcare professionals ease of mind before they go home to their families. Crocs President & CEO Andrew Rees stated, “We are pleased to work closely with our global brand ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas in order to extend our support to the healthcare professionals in India who are working on the front lines to help us fight this pandemic. We have spoken to healthcare workers and facilities all over the world, and they have specifically asked for our shoes in an effort to provide ease on their feet, as well as the ability to easily clean them before or after shifts. These workers have our deepest respect, and we are humbled to be able to answer their call and provide whatever we can to help during this unprecedented time. Together with Ms. Chopra Jonas, we will be able to support caregivers working in the public hospitals across 4 states in India – Maharashtra, Haryana, Karnataka, and Kerala. We would like to thank the respective state governments in helping us with this initiative” Crocs is committed to the cause of supporting healthcare workers across the world and is pursuing similar donations in other countries as well. Along with India, Crocs and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also announced a 10,000 pair donation for healthcare workers in The United States. Crocs and Priyanka Chopra Jonas to donate footwear

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Quarantined: Love in the time of Corona
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Quarantined: Love in the time of Corona

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. After the French Revolution, these immortal words have found a new meaning in today’s war against a killer virus, Corona. This war is shaping up a whole new world order – new Superpowers will emerge, new mega trends will evolve, the world economy will hardly remain recognisable, moreover, you and I will have a new life. The quarantine is thus a very unique event in our lives. Even generations who have seen the World Wars confess that it is most dangerous when the real enemy is not visible. The biggest tactical disadvantage that we have in this war against COVID 19 is that you can’t trust anyone. From a stranger to your co-passenger to your next-door-neighbour, just anyone can transmit the Corona virus to you. It is as if the virus is a shape shifter and can take any form or shape. And thus social distancing has become the grand narrative, and the only way to fight the war, break the chain of the spread of Corona. The quarantine has become a norm rather than an exception during this war against the killer virus. And even in these extreme times of extreme measure when the intensity of emotions and feelings are at an extreme. May be not in its conventional pristine form, but love sure blossoms in an unconventional grey or even dark form. The quarantine has irreversibly changed lives.  The world is no longer the same. But love has its sway even in the time of Corona!  During my quarantine, I wanted to explore lives of others who are my co-passengers in this ordeal. I wanted to know when our mechanised lives are forced to become human and we are forced to break our routines, forced to relook at our lives as well as our relationships, and last but not the least, forced to give time to things and people who really matter, that too unlimited, what happens? And for a writer, creativity is your only trusted friend. So I created these characters, these protagonists and put them in the same premise of the quarantine and watch them respond and react to different scenarios that I toyed with as a writer. And as they say, the beauty of a short story is that you can travel to the end of the word and can be back before dinner. So I did my share of travel and made it back before dinner, literally. So Dark Love has been my inspiration in penning these six stories. The first story is about an affair between two office colleagues, the second explores the story of a male escort, who indulges in multiple affairs with clients. The third is about two people hooking up in an airport while the fourth is a narrative about a couple-both who indulge in an illicit affair. The fifth showcases a doctor’s paternal love to a girl who reminds him of his daughter while the last explores the complexity of the relationship between three people. Quarantined: Love in the time of Corona was not planned. My third book of The Luxe Trilogy was launched in February this year, so I was taking a well-deserved break after launching the three books of the trilogy, Decoding Luxe, Dark Luxe and finally Luxe Inferno in three consecutive years. But then, COVID 19 happened and I was locked down at home, rather quarantined. So the idea came into my mind to write something that every person will be able to relate to. Thus I started writing the book on the second day of the lockdown with a target that I should be able to make it available to my readers while the quarantine and lockdown is still on. Thus in 10 straight days and 10 straight nights, the book was ready and on April 12th it was launched in a virtual literary festival, eLit. My wife Sabiya designed the cover. The same day the book was made available to readers across the globe on Kindle. Usually, I take a year to write a book, but this was an exception and with the extension of the lockdown, more and more readers can read Quarantined during their quarantine. It is hard to read a book or watch a film that exactly depicts the scenario that the reader or audience is in. Quarantined aims to provide its readers a scenario which is exactly their own, so that more and more readers can identify with the protagonists and are able to make sense of the recalibration of their minds during this lockdown in their homes, outside the comfort of their routines. Every creative person has his or her own way or medium of expressing feelings towards events that goes around. As an author I write to express myself. My readers, though they love luxury the way I do, also know that my writings are very unconventional with very fluid boundaries in terms of subject matter and genre so they will love the book. With ‘Quarantined’ I look forward to gaining more and more new readers across the globe, who are my co-passengers in this quarantined time. This is a very special time, a time to introspect, a time to give a hard look at your life. And when it comes to a question of existence, every equation that defines your life is modified. So this book at this very special time is a way to commemorate the undying spirit all the fighters in this war against COVID 19. By Dr. Mahul Brahma – Author Dr Mahul Brahma is a luxury commentator, columnist and author of The Luxe Trilogy and Quarantined. He is an award-winning communicator and heads CSR, Communciations & Branding in a Tata group company. He is an alumni of MICA, St Xavier’s College, IIM Calcutta and University of Cambridge Judge Business School. His short films have won several awards and was screened at Cannes Film Festival. He loves to play golf and

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