headlines that matter
A big ban on Chinese apps
The ban: The government has banned TikTok, Weibo, Camscanner and 56 other popular social media, utility and gaming apps from China. Here’s the full list. 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 Indian Express 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: Our explainer 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 holding up 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 continue to soar.
What’s next? We may find out when the PM addresses the nation at 4 pm today.
Who is celebrating? TikTok’s desi rival Chingari which has 2.5 million downloads. Arnab Goswami, of course! When life imitates farce...
The US also takes aim: The United States has ended its special trade status 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. New York Times looks at the likelihood of a closer ‘Quad’ alliance among India, US, Australia and Japan. Al Jazeera explains why alienating India is dangerous for Beijing.
In other China news: A new report 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. (Wall Street Journal)
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 its price tag: $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 spreading to the poorest countries in the world.
FYI: the drug has been approved for emergency use in India. But most of the shipments are stuck due to red tape.
In related ‘Made in India’ news: Bharat Biotech’s Covid vaccine is the first in the country to receive approval for human trials. Mint has the details.
India Unlock 2.0 unveiled!
The new rules 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: Hyderabad and Thane. OTOH, traffic jams in Mumbai looked like this 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 figured out that the fancy Rs 50 lakh bike belonged to a BJP leader. Full Twitter drama ensued. If you care: Bobde claims that he was merely posing for photos on the Harley, not driving it. Hence, zero mask & helmet.