headlines that matter
All things TikTok
The company is in the news for a variety of reasons. One, all its users’ views and ‘likes’ reset to zero, creating instant panic. The glitch seems to have been fixed. Two, the company also released its annual transparency report—which shows that it removed over 49 million videos in the second half of 2019. One third of these were on the Indian government’s request. Three, its parent company ByteDance is working overtime to un-China the app. Plans under consideration: “Senior executives are discussing options such as creating a new management board for TikTok or establishing a headquarters for the app outside of China to distance the app’s operations from China.”
The global pandemic: A quick update
Spain: The government conducted a major antibody survey to figure out what part of the population has developed immunity to the virus. The answer: only 5% have antibodies. And 14%—who previously tested positive for antibodies—tested negative just weeks later. What this may suggest: “Immunity can be incomplete, it can be transitory, it can last for just a short time and then disappear.” Also: herd immunity—where a majority of the population is infected, and thus prevents further spread—may be impossible without a vaccine.
Barbados: The government is planning to create a Barbados Welcome Stamp that allows international visitors to stay up to a year—and work from home scenic beach. The plan: to offer a long-term refuge from the pandemic, and recover the lost tourist dollars. Also offering shelter: Australia but from a very different peril, i.e. the Chinese government. Hong Kong residents on temporary visas can now stay for an additional five years—and apply for permanent residency.
Japan: opened its amusement parks, but has since banned screaming on roller coasters—“because those delighted, terrified utterances release all kinds of possibly infected droplets.” Watch how absurd this looks like in the PSA video below which ends with the message: “Please scream inside your heart.”
Tatas may buy out Tony Fernandes
The company is in talks to buy out Fernandes’ 49% stake in AirAsia’s India operations—and at a steep discount. The reason: the airline’s stocks have crashed by 30% due to the pandemic. Point to note: AirAsia’s own future is in “significant doubt” as it is in serious debt. (Business Standard)
Under pressure: Trump & Kanye
The city of New York is all set on trolling Trump. Authorities have started work on a big and beautiful Black Lives Matter mural right opposite the Trump Towers. The city’s mayor personally painted the letter ‘L’ to kick things off. Point to note: Trump earlier tweeted that he hoped the New York Police "won’t let this symbol of hate be affixed to New York’s greatest street.” No such luck. (NBC News)
Also being trolled: Kanye West who is facing a barrage of tabloid stories. They claim his family’s worried that Ye is in “the throes of a serious bipolar episode”—and the presidential bid is just a symptom of the disease. Point to note: He has been open about his struggle for mental health, describing his bipolar disorder as a “sprained brain.”
Irregardless of how you feel...
‘Irregardless’ is now officially a word as per Merriam-Webster—and that’s regardless of the fact that the extra ‘ir’ serves no damn purpose whatsoever. The dictionary’s defence: "We do not make the English language, we merely record it." NPR’s (and our) comeback: “The word's definition, when reading it, would seem to be: without without regard.” Boo!