headlines that matter
India’s infection rate: an official update
The Indian Council of Medical Research released the results of the first ‘sero-surveillance’ study. The survey tested for the presence of antibodies in a random sample of 26,400 individuals drawn from 83 districts. Here’s what it found in 65 of those districts:
- 0.73% of the population were exposed to Covid-19, i.e. had antibodies. The ICMR says: “The data shows that we have been able to contain the virus. To keep the pandemic at these levels is a very big achievement.”
- But experts tell The Telegraph: “That figure, if extrapolated to the population of only the 60 districts… would mean the coronavirus had by early May infected over 370,000 people there, a number higher than the current nationwide cases confirmed by lab diagnosis.”
- ICMR also says there is no evidence of community transmission. But their own numbers suggest the opposite.
- More importantly: The risk of spread is 1.09 times higher in urban than rural areas, and 1.89 times higher in urban slums.
- BBC News looks at questions raised about India’s recovery rate. The number of recoveries is now higher than active Covid cases.
- Hindustan Times has a very wonky and detailed breakdown of India’s death rate. It may be higher than the total number if you pay attention to one fact: Indians who have died are far younger than those in China or Italy.
- Also: 236 deaths were not reported by the Tamil Nadu government. The state’s official total: 326.
- Men are more vulnerable to infection than women—except in India. The Telegraph explains why.
- Yes, there is a shortage of beds, but only in private hospitals. Nearly 70% of beds in government hospitals are lying empty. Times of India explains why.
An oil leak in Assam
On Tuesday, the Oil India Limited’s oil field in Baghjan, Assam burst into flames. This was two weeks after a well started leaking gas—which was/could not be controlled. The explosion has since destroyed homes, livelihoods and the surrounding ecosystem: “The Dibru river is full of dead fish. Two days ago, Gangetic river dolphins floated up.” The explosions have not stopped. According to an Oil India official:
“The blaze is still very strong, flames leaping to a height of over 200ft, and now we have this vibration. People who are near the site say it has damaged the walls of several houses. Everybody is worried, especially women and children living in the relief camps.”
This Scroll investigation exposes Oil India’s negligence—and attempts to cover it up. Times of India reports on the environmental damage—that will take years to undo.
Now Zoom is censoring your meetings
The video conferencing company suspended the account of a Chinese human rights group planning to hold a secret meeting to commemorate the Tiananmen Square anniversary. Zoom says it is “required to comply” with local laws. (BBC News)
The Covid effect: India edition
- Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Oppo are importing their smartphones en masse because Indian factories are struggling to get back to normal production.
- Indians are not shopping: stores selling non-essential items report nearly 50% fewer visitors than normal. Also: A new survey shows that 60% of shoppers have cut back their spending, and are saving for the future.
- The Covid economy has not been kind to women: "Over 100 million men lost jobs as against 17 million women. But in percentage terms... four out of every ten women who were working during the last year lost their jobs during the lockdown."
Why we are all doomed
One: Goa has suspended Covid-19 testing for out-of-state visitors. You can just pinky promise to self-quarantine for 14 days if you don’t display any symptoms. Cue mass South Delhi exodus!
Two: This is what socially distanced queuing looks like somewhere in India.
Three: This is the Delhi Health Minister’s response on ‘community transmission’.
The BLM effect
Both Microsoft and Amazon have pledged not to allow the police to use their facial recognition technology.
Vogue editor Anna Wintour has apologized for past sins:
“Meanwhile, I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to Black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators. We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes.”
The animated children show “Paw Patrol” may be endangered (really?) because:
"Even big-hearted cartoon police dogs — or maybe especially big-hearted cartoon police dogs — are on notice. The effort to publicize police brutality also means banishing the good-cop archetype, which reigns on both television and in viral videos of the protests themselves. “Paw Patrol” seems harmless enough, and that’s the point: The movement rests on understanding that cops do plenty of harm."
The statue of Christopher Columbus was beheaded in Boston.
JK Rowling responds in writing
The author has responded at length to her critics who accuse her of transphobia—and revealed that she was a victim of physical and sexual abuse. You can read it here. Her ex-husband, meanwhile, has firmly denied any such violence in their marriage, saying… wait for it… “I admit I slapped her very hard in the street… I slapped her, but I didn't abuse her.” He also added: “There was not sustained abuse. I’m not sorry for slapping her.”