No Money, Mo’ Blues
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Sanity Break #1
SANITY BREAK We stumbled upon this amazing thanks to . This one tells the story of Pintoo and his quest for a gulab jamun just as the world is about to end. Yes, it is every bit as quirky, bizarre and absolutely compelling as it sounds. Look for cool little touches—like the ticker on the TV channel live-broadcasting the apocalypse.
Headlines that matter
HEADLINES THAT MATTER A BIG BAN ON CHINESE APPS The ban: The government TikTok, Weibo, Camscanner and 56 other popular social media, utility and gaming apps from China. Here’s the . It’s not clear if they will be pulled from the India app stores or if Indian ISPs will be asked to block access. The official reason: According to the official statement, these apps are “engaged in activities which (are) prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.” Also cited: citizen complaints about “security of data and risk to privacy”—i.e. capturing and stealing Indian user data. Why do this: This analysis flags some likely reasons. One: As a retaliatory measure, it is less harmful than banning physical goods—which are essential to the economy. Two: blocking China’s access to young Indians. Tik Tok is the most downloaded app in India with 120 million active users—and accounts for 30% of all TikTok downloads across the world. How effective is this? The ban is unlikely to make a real dent in China’s wallet. And it all depends on how China responds—especially when core industries are reliant on Chinese imports and investment. See: on the likely fallout of a trade war with China. Also: we run the risk of cutting our nose to save face. Example: Increased custom checks of Chinese imports is precious supplies of Covid drugs. For all the talk of boycott, the Indian consumer is in no mood to give up ‘Made in China’ products—sales of which . What’s next? We may find out when the PM addresses the nation . Who is celebrating? TikTok’s which has 2.5 million downloads. , of course! When life imitates farce... The US also takes aim: The United States has ended its for Hong Kong. This will have serious implications for the future of the city as a global financial hub. And it marks a significant anti-China step on the part of the Trump White House. looks at the likelihood of a closer ‘Quad’ alliance among India, US, Australia and Japan. explains why alienating India is dangerous for Beijing. In other China news: A shows that the government is forcibly sterilising ethnic minority women. PAKISTAN STOCK EXCHANGE ATTACKED Four terrorists dressed as policemen entered the compound of the nation’s stock exchange in Karachi. They threw a grenade at the entrance and opened fire—killing five security men. All four died in the shootout that followed. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed credit. Key angle: The BLA namechecked China—which is developing infrastructure projects in Balochistan—in its statement: > “This attack is not just on Pakistan’s economic interests but also a warning to China and an attack on Chinese economic > interests… If China continues to exploit the Baloch people, if China continues to be complicit in our genocide, then we will > carry out more attacks against it.” Also: A Chinese consortium owns 40% of Pakistan’s stock exchange. More interestingly, Pakistan blamed India for inciting the attack. ( REMDESIVIR SETS A PRICE It is the first Covid treatment drug that has been proven to be effective—cutting hospital stays by up to four days. And its maker Gilead has finally set : $520 per vial for patients with private insurance in the US—and $3120 for a five-day course. For developed countries outside the US, the price is $390 and $2,340 respectively. Wall Street types are disappointed that it wasn’t priced higher. Point to note: the virus is now the poorest countries in the world. FYI: the drug has been approved for emergency use in India. But most of the shipments are stuck . In related ‘Made in India’ news: Bharat Biotech’s Covid vaccine is the first in the country to receive approval for human trials. has the details. INDIA UNLOCK 2.0 UNVEILED! are a lot like the old rules. Schools and colleges are still shut until the end of July—as are movie theatres, international flights, gyms and metro trains. But it matters little as many of the Covid hotspots are heading back into full lockdown. For example: and . OTOH, traffic jams in Mumbai due to the new guideline banning people from straying more than 2 km from their home—except for work. THE CJI GETS ON A BIKE Supreme Court Chief Justice Bobde was photographed on a Harley Davidson—without a helmet or a mask. Then someone that the fancy Rs 50 lakh bike belonged to a BJP leader. Full ensued. If you care: Bobde claims that he was merely posing for photos on the Harley, not driving it. Hence, zero mask & helmet.
Sanity Break #2
SANITY BREAK Giant tap-dancing noses! Need more incentive to click? Ok: This is from a Royal Opera House performance of Shostakovich's ‘The Nose’. No, you do not have to like opera to appreciate its magnificent zaniness!
Smart & Curious
SMART & CURIOUS A LIST OF CURIOUS FACTS * Until now, scientists knew what produced that irresistible ‘fresh rain’ smell—‘geosmin’, which is a chemical compound produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. But why do they produce it? Find out in this 11-minute audio interview with the scientists who finally figured it out. * Daulat Beg Oldie—that’s the name of India’s military base in Ladakh, the highest in the world. But what’s with that name? digs up the answer. * Did you know that the rava dosa and idli are not age-old culinary staples—but a jugaadi culinary response to WWII-era rice shortages? This has more. * We all know that plastic is making a huge comeback thanks to the pandemic. But this photo gallery brings that reality home in a powerful way. A SHORT LIST OF GOOD READS * Vidya Krishnan in has a must-read report on Indian Covid patients and their desperate quest for Remdesivir. * Sukhnidh Kaur just launched a thoughtfully curated newsletter ‘’. We love the truly global lens and unique (often quirky) selection. You can sign up for the fortnightly newsletter . * offers a succinct breakdown of PowerPoint presentations—and why presenters love them, but their audience rarely does. * has an intriguing video report on the man who can’t see numbers. They look like this instead:
Weekend advisory
LIFE ADVISORY IF YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR A GOOD MASK... Yes, there are lots of designer recommendations in news stories—but many are not easy to buy. Our subscriber Preeti Khurana flagged a great website——that offers a great range of colours and styles, including the heavy-duty kind required by aspiring athletes! IF YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW TV… OnePlus is launching three affordable smart TV models ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. has all the details on features and design. IF YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR COVID HEALTH INSURANCE… Two government-mandated insurance policies—'Corona Kavach' and 'Corona Rakshak'—will be available from July 10. The Corona Kavach covers everything from hospitalisation to at-home care. Corona Rakshak will pay 100% of all bills only if you are hospitalised. These are both short-term policies. has all the must-know details.
Feel Good Place
THE FEEL GOOD PLACE exemplifies compassion and courage… but you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking at until the very end. ‘’ as interpreted by veena virtuoso . with your pooch’s brain? Here you go!
