Indian Weekender, Friday 24 April 2020

24APR2020 | Vol 12 Issue 06
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2 NEW ZELAND
COVID-19 Special Coverage
SANDEEP SINGH
Friday, April 24, 2020
The Indian Weekender
MFAT deserves a pat on back for
bringing Kiwis stranded in India
home amidst complete lockdown
With the news of the first
charter flight bringing
back stranded Kiwis
from India having successfully
taken-off from New Delhi earlier
On Friday 2.30am, IST, it’s time
to acknowledge the officials at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade and the ground staff at the
New Zealand High Commission
in India for successfully executing
what can easily be termed as a truly
complex mission.
While the decision of sending
charter flights and bearing the
cost, even if partially, rested with
the government, the responsibility
of first mapping the geographical
distribution of Kiwis stranded in
different parts of India, and then
chalking out a strategy and the
logistics of eventually getting them
to the flight at one designated airport,
was definitely going to fall into the
lap of MFAT and its ground team.
In that regard, the success of the
MFAT and the NZ High Commission
team in India, in facilitating this
complex mission, surely deserves
an unreserved applaud, and more
so because India - a vast country by
any stretch of the imagination is also
in complete-lockdown itself with
all means of domestic travel under
complete halt.
In such an environment of
rigid closure of domestic travel,
facilitating local travel of the
stranded Kiwis from different
corners of the country to the nearest
port of travel was definitely going to
be a challenging task that required
some deft diplomatic work and the
knowledge about how things work
on the ground in India.
The fact that India is not only a
vast geographical territory but also
a federal-state with policing and law
& order being a state-subject (outside
the purview of central government at
New Delhi) definitely made the task
of getting the stranded Kiwis to one
chosen airport a challenge.
However, the manner in which
the NZ High Commission team
managed to arrange busses for
picking up Kiwis from the addresses
where they were residing during the
lockdown period and ferrying them
right up to the airport in New Delhi
is a commendable task that deserves
appreciation.
A special mention of mettle
and resilience of NZ Deputy High
Commissioner
A special mention is in order for
the young and freshly appointed
diplomatic officer Erin Duncan, the
Deputy High Commissioner at the
NZ High Commission in New Delhi,
who has been thrown into the deep
end in the absence of a full-time
High Commissioner during this
completely unprecedented crisis.
She has not only been manning the
mission but has shown exemplary
mettle, resilience and courage
in coordinating one of the most
complex evacuation missions that
the MFAT has taken in recent times.
Indeed, Ms Duncan has
cemented her trajectory in the
world of international diplomacy
by stepping-up to this Covid-19
pandemic response.
In that regard, the goodwill of
the Indian govt in facilitating the
seamless travel of stranded Kiwis
to the international airport in New
Delhi, while it continues to strictly
control any local domestic travel is
also commendable, as without it the
entire evacuation plan would have
been defeated.
It has to be acknowledged that the
Indian government in facilitating
the evacuation of foreign citizens of
many other countries had not to allow
local domestic travel of this scale
that crisscrossed the entire country
- simply because either their citizens
were concentrated in certain pockets
from where connecting flights could
be arranged for facilitating travel
locally to connect with the outgoing
flight.
Or even better the foreign countries
had themselves arranged outgoing
flights from local regional centres
such as Amritsar (Punjab) from
which does not require long local onroad
travel to catch departing flights.
The Indian High Commission in New
Zealand has also been facilitating
the right connections with India’s
Ministry of External Affairs and
securing requisite permissions on the
ground.
The mammoth task of evacuating
all Kiwis who have expressed
interest in charter flights has just
begun with two more confirmed
flights from Mumbai and New Delhi,
where in the case of the former MFAT
ground staff have even offered pick
up by bus services to places in the
deep southern part of India such as
Hyderabad and Bangalore, which is
indeed commendable.
Although, a press release the office
of the Foreign Minister has since
offered to consider the possibility
of another charter flight from the
distant regional centre in South and
Eastern India to the cities of Chennai
and Kolkata, yet that does not in any
manner trivialize what MFAT has
been able to achieve at the ground
level in India.
The task has just begun and a lot
has to be still achieved, yet MFAT
deserves unreserved applause for
bringing a smile to many distressed
Kiwis by bringing them back home.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
NEW ZELAND 3
One year and 95-year-old among
the first confirmed with seat in govt
assisted charter flight from India
SANDEEP SINGH
A
one-year-old boy and a 95-year-old
granddad are amongst the first batch
of Kiwis stranded in India who were
confirmed with a seat in the govt assisted
charter flight back home.
The first flight departed New Delhi at 2.30
a.m. on April 24.
Those in the flight are still not aware of the
exact timings of the flight’s arrival
at the Auckland airport and
further quarantine plans.
Since April 9, the
Government has
announced that
all incoming
travellers
will be
quarantined
away from
their homes
and families
for a 14 day
period.
One-yearold
Aadish
Saxena who was
travelling with his
mum Anu Chandra
leaving behind his sixyear-old
brother and father
Shobit Nirala back in Auckland,
when they were caught up by the Covid-19
related NZ border closure.
The family had gone to India to participate in
the funeral of their grandfather before the father
and the elder son returned back to Auckland
leaving behind the mother and the youngest son
in the family.
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic related
global travel restrictions set-in the family
suffered from acute separation anxiety with
mum and one-year-old stranded thousands of
kilometres away while father and the elder son
were left alone in their Auckland home.
The father Shobhit who works as a software
development engineer for a major telecom
told the Indian Weekender that it was deeply
assuring to get his other half of family being
finally able to return back home.
“I am really happy that finally, we are able to
unite together,” Shobhit said.
95 early old Jagat Singh emotional on the
return flight to home
Probably, the tag for the oldest passenger on
the first charter flight from India would go to
95-year-old Jagat Singh who is currently locked
with his son Kharag Singh in Chandigarh
Punjab.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender his
son Kharag Singh said, “My father has been
anxious ever since the news of border closure
and the lockdown was conveyed to him and we
missed our scheduled flight to return back home
on March 24.”
“He has been living in New Zealand since
1991 when he first arrived with mum and
considers it as his home.”
“The news of border closure and travel
restrictions has expectedly made him anxious,”
Mr Singh said.
“We have planned this trip for him to meet
his immediate sister (86 year old) and the
extended family in Punjab,” Kharag Singh said.
Jagat Singh served in Royal British Air Force
(before India’s independence) and the Indian
Airforce before coming to New Zealand to live
permanently with his son and the family.
Jagat Singh is deeply religious and
community person who till date used to go
regularly to Takanini Gurudwara for Sewa
(community service).
He has travelled to Punjab, his ancestral
home to meet his immediate and extended
family members.
Sharing more details about his 95-year-old
dad’s emotional and somewhat tumultuous
journey to their ancestral home in India and
then now back home to New Zealand Kharag
Singh said, “This experience is going to be
permanently inked in our memories now.”
A medical doctor has visited Jagat Singh’s
home in Chandigarh and issued a medically fit
certificate to take the return Air New Zealand
flight on April 24.
The New Zealand High Commission in
Delhi has organised ground transport for all
passengers to Indira Gandhi Airport in New
Delhi prior to the flight, including permission
to travel.
Lockdown extended to one more week, Alert Level 3 to start Tuesday, April 28
IWK BUREAU
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on
Monday, April 20, extended the
lockdown, Alert Level 4 to one more
week and New Zealand will go into Alert
Level 3 on Tuesday, April 28.
The country went into the alert level 4
lockdown at 11.59 p.m. on Wednesday, 25
March.
The country will stay in Alert Level 3 for
two weeks before a further review and Alert
Level decision on May 11.
“Going hard and early to stamp out the
virus, backed by an effort of 5 million New
Zealanders to break the chain of transmission,
means together we have helped stop the
uncontrolled explosion of COVID-19 in New
Zealand,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“On the recommendation of the Director
General of Health, who is confident there
is currently no widespread undetected
community transmission in New Zealand,
today we are able to take a balanced approach
in transitioning through alert levels and
restarting our economy.
“The sacrifices made to date have been
huge. Cabinet wanted to make sure we lock
in our gains, give ourselves some additional
certainty, but take no more than two additional
business days to do this before we restart our
economy again.
“We want to see
kiwis back in work as
soon as possible and our
economy rebound before
others. At Level 3, 400,000 more
New Zealanders will return to work, with key
sectors for our recovery like construction,
manufacturing and forestry starting up again.
"We have planned this trip for
him to meet his immediate sister
(86 year old) and the extended
family in Punja."
–Kharag Singh
Having our economy operating with a low
threat of the virus is the competitive advantage
we can seize if we get this next phase right.
And I believe we can.
“But at Level 3 we need to be
even more vigilant and we
must stick to the rules,
continue to reduce contact
and keep breaking the
chain of transmission.
“And remember
that we remain
at Level 4 until
you wake up next
Tuesday. Let’s stick
with our plan and the
mission we have. Stay
strong, stay home, let’s finish
what we started.
“I couldn’t feel prouder of
the start we have made together. But
I also feel a huge responsibility to ensure we
do not lose any of the gains we have made,”
Jacinda Ardern said.

4 INDIA COVID-19 Special Coverage
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
AFTER DELAYED PARTNERSHIP VISA
PROCESSING, THE COVID-19 RELATED BORDER
CLOSURE KEEPS OVERSEAS PARTNERS AWAY
SANDEEP SINGH
affected partnership visa holders
who stand so close yet so far from
Many overseas-based
joining their NZ based partners told
partners of New
the Indian Weekender about their
Zealanders (and NZ based
collective plight and appealing the
temporary migrant workers) who
were earlier caught-up in a sudden
policy change in Immigration NZ’s
govt for an compassionate action.
“We already went through a very
tough time with a deep desire to
assessment of partnership visa
meet our partners, but now due to
applications are devastated by the
recent border closures that have once
again created another roadblock in
joining their partners, albeit this time,
despite having their visas genuinely
approved.
The frustration and the anguish
lockdown, we are not able to do so.
We have a condition on our visa to
enter before a certain date to activate
the visa which is approaching soon
and will be expired if we are not
allowed in, which is a huge cause
of worry and some of the people
within a small, but a “real”
already having a nervous breakdown
community who had earlier in
2019 endured the sudden changes
in the manner Immigration New
Zealand processed partnership visa
applications, that had resulted in
abrupt rejections of thousands of
applications, is once again flaring-up
temporary visa holders) and were
supposed to travel NZ for the first
Galloway to intervene in October
2019 and issue a new directive.
another 1300 applications previously
declined.
as it is hard to go through the process
again,” Shoraya said.
“We all do understand it is a
difficult situation for everyone. Safety
of New Zealander is paramount and
should never be compromised but
as I mentioned earlier that we are a
after they were deemed ineligible to time before borders were closed are F o r
uninitiated, Poonam had then re-applied her very small number of group in this
get an exception from strict border not allowed to get an exception from
partnership visa application and was situation, therefore, considering
controls in place as a response to the entering NZ.
subsequently us adding in the exception process
covid-19 pandemic.
Although this is in line with INZ’s
granted a will not put much burden. There
Border restrictions and decision to not grant an exception
partnership is an already an exception process
to the newly approved resident visa
exception to travel ban to
b a s e d available for partners of NZ Citizen
holders (off-shore based) who were
& Residents, but that exception is
NZ
supposed to enter NZ for the first
only for those partners who had lived
The New Zealand border is
time before the announcement on
in NZ before not the ones like us
currently closed to almost all
border closure, those with newly the issue of
who were granted a GVV off-shore,”
travellers to help stop the spread of
approved visas to join their partners en-masse partnership
Shoraya said.
COVID-19. While New Zealand
in NZ are finding it slightly harsh visa declines for
“Majority of us are already going
citizens and permanent residents are
and requesting the government for want of “living
through a lot and keeping us partners
allowed to travel to and enter New
immediate intervention.
together” has recently
apart is really effecting us mentally,
Zealand, a very minuscule number
The Indian Weekender has been jolted the Kiwi-
and therefore we are facing another
of people will be selectively allowed
approached by many such affected Indian community,
worry after successfully getting a
an exception on a case by case basis
couples who despite having a as the fate of
visa through INZ strict visa policies.
with an exception to travel ban and
genuine understanding of the public thousands
There should be an exception for all
allowed entry into the country.
health crisis and NZ govt’s response, of Kiwi
general the partnership based GVV holder
The exception, however, will only
are just pleading for a compassionate residents
visitor visa off-shore who’s visa was granted
be allowed to the critical workforce
overview of their situation and and citizens
who
(GVV) in March 2020. before the border closure on 19th
in health services, governmentapproved
essential services, and
allowing them an exception for entry had either married “I received the most awaited news March,” Shoraya said.
into NZ.
or planned to marry soon of the approval of my partnership “We don’t have any health
Partners, dependent children (aged
Poonam Dhanoa told the Indian overseas, within their cultures were based general visitor visa on March condition. We promise to adhere
24 years and under) and legal
Weekender that she was in a longdistance
relationship with her The issue had largely emanated delighted,” Poonam said.
quarantined. We are even willing to
put on stake.
19 this year and was extremely to keep New Zealand Safe and be
guardians of New Zealand citizens
and residents who are travelling
husband who first arrived in New after INZ’s internal directive in May “However my happiness was have ourselves tested from our point
together to New Zealand.
Zealand in 2015 before returning 2019 to their frontline officers for shortlived as within the next 2 hours of origin if need be. We are agreed
New Zealand-based partners and
back to marry her in a culturally exercising discretion unfavourably in I heard about the decision of New to pay for monitored quarantine so it
dependent children (aged 19 years
appropriate manner in February their assessment of partnership visa Zealand’s border closure,”
will not be a burden in NZ taxpayers
and under) of a work or student visa
2019. She applied for her partnership applications.
“Now I am devastated with the and the NZ government,” Shoraya
holder who is in New Zealand, are
based visa in April 2019 and waited Following community uproar denial of exception to enter NZ said pleadingly.
also eligible for seeking an exception
for six months till September 2019 and sustained media pressure, the and join my partner,” Poonam said While the covid-19 pandemic, and
from travel ban on entering NZ.
when she decided to withdraw her Immigration Minister had intervened exasperatingly.
the accompanying extreme measures
Partners with legitimate visas
application and re-apply.
to fix the situation and assured the
travelling for the first time to NZ
Affected partners seek of complete lockdown and strict
It may be recalled that the issue community of fairer treatment of
border controls and travel restrictions
deemed ineligible
compassionate action
of delayed and abrupt rejection of their partnership visa applications.
are affecting our communities in
However, sadly though, individuals
partnership visas by Immigration The Minister had then announced
Shoraya Talwar, one such partner
numerous ways, this small group
who have recently applied and got
New Zealand had long hassled a that INZ could potentially re-open
who is facing another bout of
of separated couples are feeling
General Visitor Visa approved to be
big segment of the Kiwi-Indian about 1200 applications previously
separation, the courtesy covid-19
double whammy for their prolonged
able to come to NZ and join their
community, which finally led the declined who would qualify under
enforced border-closure has been
separation after they had to endure
partners (citizens, residents, and
Immigration Minister Iain Lees- the new guidance, and there would be
trying to bring together most of such
through.
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The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
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SANDEEP SINGH
Sadly, it has taken the current Covid-19
related pandemic and global travel
restrictions to materialize the longcherished
dream of direct flights between New
Zealand and India as the first charter flight to
bring stranded kiwis home landed in New Delhi
in the early hours of Thursday, April 23.
The Air New Zealand’s Special flight NZ
1954 took off from Auckland Airport at 11 a.m.
(NZ Time) on Wednesday, April 22 and landed
at New Delhi International Airport, Terminal 3
in the early morning hours of Thursday, April
24 (NZ Time) after a non-stop travel of 15.5
hours.
The Air New Zealand’s Special flight NZ
1954 took off from Auckland Airport at 11 a.m.
(NZ Time) on Wednesday, April 22 and landed
at New Delhi International Airport, Terminal 3
in the early morning hours of Thursday, April
24 (NZ Time) after a non-stop travel of 15.5
hours.
The return flight is scheduled to depart from
New Delhi at 2.30 a.m. Friday, April 24 and it
is likely that that would also be a direct flight
back home.
Although, this is not a moment to read too
much from the events happening in the current
unprecedented environment of complete
lockdown in a vast majority of countries around
the world, yet it brings some satisfaction to see
a long held dream come to reality, even if for
ferrying stranded Kiwis back home.
At least, it demonstrates that capability was
never a challenge in running a direct flight
between the two countries.
The question was always about market
viability and the intent of the key commercial
players (Air New Zealand/Singapore Airlines
or Air India) operating in the route.
Anyway, the post-Covid-19 world, as we are
told by many experts busy in crystal-grazing the
future, is going to be remarkably different from
what we left before going into the lockdown,
especially with our border closure likely to
remain in place, and so the likely continuation
of global travel restrictions.
In fact the future of the entire international
aviation industry is also unclear in the
immediate future, despite our collective wishful
desire to return to normalcy at the earliest.
Yet it is the presence of capability (operating
direct flights over long distances) that is
important, as the Covid-19 affected world tells
us that intentions can change dramatically.
In that light this Air NZ special direct
flight to India augurs a lot of hope for the
future, especially for the broader Kiwi-
Indian community and the business travellers
who have always batted for a direct flight
between the two destinations, even if starting
conservatively twice of thrice in a week before
operating in full capacity.
Second expressions of interests for the
next Mumbai flight sent
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade’s designated travel agent has started
making contacts who have earlier expressed
their interest for the Mumbai flight. The
expressions of interest was open until 7.30 am
IST(2 pm NZT) on Thursday, April 23.
“The order of preference to be prioritised
for seats will be NZ citizens, NZ permanent
residents and then the third country nationals
will be considered in the event that there are
unfilled seats,” an email letter sent out to
stranded Kiwis said.
Priyanca
Radhakrishnan
Labour List MP based in Maungakiekie
Maungakiekie Office
09 622 2660
priyanca@parliament.govt.nz
Level 1 Crighton House,
100 Neilson St, Onehunga
(entrance via Galway St)
| | priyancanzlp
Authorised by Priyanca Radhakrishnan
Labour List MP, 100 Neilson St, Onehunga

6 NEW ZELAND
COVID-19 Special Coverage
Friday, April 24, 2020
The Indian Weekender
Covid-19 lockdown extension: How NZ
industries, politicians and public reacted
RADIO NEW ZEALAND
Organisations representing New
Zealanders in many types of work also
called for greater clarity of the rules,
including what they can do this week to prepare
for level 3, and whether those at high risk would
be supported to stay home.
This is some of the reaction so far.
Education
Educators have called on the government to
release the health risk information it has used
to decide that schools can reopen under level 3.
NZEI Te Riu Roa said the union had asked
the Ministry of Education to release the full
public health risk assessment that its guidelines
to the sector were based on so that educators
could be better informed.
Director General of Health Ashley
Bloomfield said today that Covid-19 did not
affect children and teenagers as much as others.
They had lower infection rates, were not as
unwell if they did get the virus compared to
other age groups, and did not tend to pass the
virus on to adults.
The Early Childhood Council also wanted
the Ministry of Health to show its working on
carrier transmission in young children.
Its chief executive Peter Reynolds said the
council would continue to call for centres to
stay shut until level 2 until it had the assurances
it needed.
“No one wants to become the next cluster and
put communities or vulnerable family members
at risk. We can’t find the evidence that it’s safe
to open - and there are several reported cases of
young children contracting the disease that are
hard to ignore,” he said.
“There’s a huge amount of anxiety across the
ECE community, who feel they’re being forced
to open their doors when it’s not safe to do so.”
The council was also concerned about a lack
of detail from the Ministry of Education on how
to keep bubbles of under-5’s apart. “Do we put
children in Zorbs?,” Reynolds asked.
Both NZEI Te Riu Roa and Auckland
Secondary Principals Association said it
expected most children to still be learning
from home.
National and ACT respond
National leader Simon Bridges said the
extension of level 4 showed the government
had not done the ground work to be ready to
move to level 3 this week.
“New Zealand is being held back because
the government has not used this time to ensure
best practice of testing and tracing and the
availability of PPE hasn’t been at the standard
it should have been.
“The rate of testing for the first half of
lockdown was low, work has only just begun
on surveillance testing to confirm whether
community transmission is occurring. Tracing
is the biggest challenge and experts have
identified major shortcomings in the methods
being used by the government.
“This is a real shame as businesses will suffer
further damage and that will lead to poor health
outcomes as a result of the huge stress this will
cause for a lot of people.”
ACT leader David Seymour said New
Zealand was spending another week in
lockdown because the government could not do
adequate contact tracing.
“Jacinda Ardern has said the Covid-19
transmission rate is now 0.48. So long as it’s
under 1, the virus is dying out.
"This shows the government has actually
been far too aggressive, at great economic and
social cost.
“The delay is really because the government
has failed to bring its contact tracing abilities
up to an adequate standard. It has nothing to
do with extra certainty, because there’s no
indication that this decision could change
if our test results deteriorate between now
and Monday.”
There now needed to be renewed focus on
the sectors that remained severely restricted at
level 3, he said.
“Sectors such as tourism, hospitality, some
retail, and event centres will now bear the
brunt of the cost for a wider public benefit. In
these circumstances there is a stronger case for
targeted support for those sectors which cannot
operate even at alert level 3.”
Unions
The Council of Trade Unions said it was
important workers at higher risk of severe
illness could stay at home and remain in their
safe bubble under level 3.
Its president Richard Wagstaff said the
government needed to provide workers and
employers with clear advice on what a shift to
level 3 meant for those at high risk.
“Working people need the following
assurances; that people can easily self identify
if they are high risk, that the essential worker
subsidy is extended to cover all employees so
that any employer can apply for it, and that
employers provide for increased Covid-19
related sick leave,” Wagstaff said.
“It is very important that no one is financially
penalised for taking steps to prevent the spread
of Covid-19. We all have our bit to do to
assist in the eradication of Covid-19 including
supporting those Kiwis who are at higher risk.”
Hospitality
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive
Julie White said level 3 restrictions would be
too limiting for many businesses to survive and
the government needed to step up with sectorspecific
support, particularly with rent relief.
“Even for those that can operate during level
3, it is very unlikely that their revenue
will cover costs like rent, and most
are already carrying debts from
losses they’ve been incurring since
tourist numbers started dropping in
January.”
Those businesses that could operate
under level 3 were doing their best to be ready,
she said.
“It will take a big commitment from
operators to pivot and put in place things like
distribution systems and contactless payments.
It will also take buy-in from staff - for example
baristas might have to become delivery drivers
- and it will take support from New Zealanders
patronising their local businesses, or it simply
won’t be viable for most of these businesses to
operate in these conditions.”
Industry
Employers and Manufacturers Association
chief executive Brett O’Riley said the move
to level 3 struck a good balance between New
Zealand’s health and economy.
He said companies with international
connections got an early start on crisis
management and business continuity so were
ready to go.
“For others, it’s now a matter of nailing
down their process to be most profitable with
what they can do, and ensuring their plan to
keep their people safe is watertight.”
While manufacturers and construction
workers would be pleased about the decision,
the retail sector was disappointed at the
restrictions under level 3. The retail sector must
operate on a contactless basis.
“Many are confident they can manage with
one in, one out policies and other management
measures such as registration, and we hope
the government is open to considering this,”
O’Riley said.
Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford said
the retail sector would struggle under level 3.
He told Checkpoint that online trading was
often only a fraction of a retailer›s normal
trade and about a quarter of businesses were
not capable of trading online.
Road Transport Forum
The Road Transport Forum said it was
disappointed businesses had to wait another
"It
is very
important that
no one is financially
penalised for taking
steps to prevent the
spread of Covid-19"
week before resuming under level 3.
Its chief executive Nick
Leggett also said more clarity
was needed on how businesses
could plan on being under
level 3, with the prime minister
having said the situation would
be reviewed again after two weeks in level 3.
“What happens then? Business preparation is
important, particularly around receipt of goods
for businesses to be able to open and managing
staff numbers.
“Like many businesses, particularly the small
and medium sized businesses, road freight
transport has suffered under the alert level
4 lockdown.
“Some of those businesses may not recover
and unfortunately that will mean hardship for
the business owners and the workers they will
have to let go.
"The longer the lockdown, the more
businesses that will fold and the more people
that will be left unemployed.”
However, he said many forestry, wood
processors, construction and manufacturing
companies could resume under level 3 which
“will mean a lot of freight moving”.
Forestry
The Forestry Owners Association said it
supported the level 4 restrictions which deemed
it a non-essential industry, but it was now time
to get back to work.
Its president Phil Taylor said there had been
a “collaborative process” to develop safety
protocols right through the supply chain.
“The New Zealand timber processing
industry has a whole month of virtually no
production which it needs to catch up on.”
“Some processors have already started
producing for essential industries, such as
making pallets for fruit exporters.
"But there will be thousands of work sites
around New Zealand which are anxious for new
timber supplies and construction workers keen
to get back on the job and earning incomes as
soon as they can.”
Taylor said the association was seeking
clarification from the government as to what
work it could do in the next week to prepare
for level 3.
The New Zealand public
The news was largely welcomed by New
Zealanders on Twitter, with many saying it
was a lightened-down version of level four and
encouraging each other to stay safe and follow
the rules.
Many also looked forward to takeaways.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
NEW ZELAND 7
Man shot dead by Police in Papatoetoe
identified as 43-year-old Kiwi Indian
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD AND SANDEEP SINGH
Police has officially released the name of the man who
was shot dead by Police on Monday night, as 43-year-old
Hitesh Navin Lal, a resident of South Auckland.
Police were called to a street in Papatoetoe on Monday 1 a.m.
after reports of public disturbance in the area.
Hitesh, as identified by Police, went on a rampage with his
machete damaging cars and powerlines.
He also used the machete to attack a number of houses by
smashing in windows. Immediately prior to Police arrival, the
man was at one address where he had smashed two large windows
and was in the process of smashing the Venetian Blinds.
The occupants were home at the time and were terrified
thinking that the man was going to gain access to the house and
attack them. The man was unknown to any of the occupants at
the address.
The first Police Officer arrived at this time and was able to
prevent the man from gaining entry to this address.
“The man turned his attention on the Police Officer, and despite
repeated requests from our officer to put down his weapon, he
has continued to advance on the officer and has been shot,” a
police spokesperson said.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this
difficult time. Victim Support and Police are providing them with
support.
Mr Lal’s family have asked that media respect their privacy at
this time and allow them to grieve privately.
“We have no significant update to provide at this time. The
officer involved is being well-supported by his colleagues, and
his welfare is a priority for Police,” a police media released read.
Hitesh called his cousin over a drink just a few hours before
being fatally shot by police
Hitesh is said to have had a family dispute over a property
in Ba, Fiji with his half-brother living there. His cousin Rajiv
Raja told the Indian Weekender that he was often upset about
the disputed property in Fiji and would get upset every time the
subject came into the conversation.
Last evening, around 6:30 p.m., he called me home for a drink
to which I refused saying its lockdown, and we should be staying
in our respective bubbles,” Mr Raja said.
“What I know from what happened after that phone call is that
Hitesh started drinking in his house and had a heated argument
with his half-brother again who is lives in Fiji.”
“A little later, Hitesh got agitated and started smashing things
inside the house. In a fit of rage, he picked a machete as well to
which his partner living with him asked him to leave the house.
“Once outside the house, he started smashing the machete
on to parked cars, windows and tried cutting the powerlines as
well,” cousin Rajiv Raja added.
Police media confirmed that they received thirteen separate
calls were made to 111 by fearful residents who were worried
and scared about the man’s behaviour brandishing a machete and
damaging things on the street.
Hitesh is survived by his wife and a daughter, who does not
live with him. His mother died a long time back, and his father
lives in Fiji.
Police dismiss suggestions of high-handed response
Police have sought to dispel the suggestions going on in several
social media posts that alleged a high-handed response leading
to the shooting of a machete-wielding man in South Auckland.
Earlier on Tuesday, The Indian Weekender reported public
on social media showing resentment on Police’s alleged high
handedness.
An unrelated person, Neil Patel has sparked some emotions
by putting a brazen post that raises a question on seemingly
high-handed police response to a situation - that was far less
threatening - to justify the use of firearms.
The social media post read - “Another Indian guy shot twice to
death in Papatoetoe. Police with unjustified reasons for shooting
to kill than to taser or fire to warn. Christchurch terrorist was
never shot or tasered at. Explains a lot how different coloured
criminals are dealt with in NZ. About time OUR COMMUNITY
seeks answers.”(sic)
The post was preceded by another related comment that said,
“Question is why the gun and not a taser. He was only smashing
windows of cars and not causing anyone bodily harm. Had he
hurt someone intentionally would have made sense for any
police to shoot at him. Seems like a biased act from the Police.
On the other note, the white supremacist was never shot or
tasered at when he killed 51 people in Christchurch, sounds like
a lot of non-white people are killed in the first instance than those
who are white. Police in NZ will NEVER be investigated, that’s
how thing roll here. Raises eyebrows, especially when he is shot
TWICE.”(sic)
The ensuing debate beneath this social media post by several
members of public shows that the views and opinions were
divided on both sides.
Arif Ali raised aspersions on Police actions saying, “Agree
on Police actions. It is questionable. My concern is the mental
health of the victim. Escalated by this lockdown. He needed
help more than he needed a bullet. This is not the first case
of such for Police but definitely a first how it ended. We are
staying home saving lives while Police are out there taking
them.”(sic)
Another member of public (on social media) seem to support
the argument by commenting “Self defence is not excessive
force reasonable force police could have done a warning shot
than shoot on the leg or something this wasn’t reasonable force
this was excessive force cop should be stood down and sent
back for training and have strict investigation if it was other
race it might not have been dealt like this.”(sic)
However, not everyone agreed with the alleged racist rant
of Mr Patel and came up with a spirited defence of the Police.
Counties Manukau District Commander Jill Rogers said that
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding
the shooting incident in Papatoetoe on Monday morning.
“As Police has previously said, we received multiple calls
in relation to the man’s behaviour which included using a
machete to damage cars and powerlines. He also used the
machete to attack a number of houses by smashing in windows.
Immediately prior to Police arrival, the man was at one address
where he had smashed two large windows and was in the
process of smashing the Venetian Blinds.
“The occupants were home at the time and were terrified
thinking that the man was going to gain access to the house and
attack them. The man was unknown to any of the occupants at
An old photo of Hitesh Navin Lal (right) with his cousin Rajiv Raja
(Image: Faceboook)
the address. The first Police Officer arrived at this time and was
able to prevent the man from gaining entry to this address.
“The man turned his attention on the Police Officer, and despite
repeated requests from our officer to put down his weapon, he
has continued to advance on the officer and has been shot.
“Our investigation continues, and we want to reiterate that this
is a tragic outcome and we are supporting all of those involved.,”
the press release attributed to Commander Jill Rogers said.

8 WORLD COVID-19 Special Coverage
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
Travel to be limited during Alert Level 3,
only essential: Auckland Transport
IWK BUREAU
The Government has announced that
New Zealand will be moving to Alert
Level 3 on Tuesday 28 April. While
some restrictions will be relaxed, many
lockdown conditions remain in place. People
are asked to only travel or use public transport
when their journey is absolutely essential.
While wearing of masks is not needed on
public transport, AT suggest that customers
consider using them as an added precaution
against the spread of COVID-19.
Under Alert Level 3, journeys on public
transport will continue to be free, but they’ll
still need to use a HOP card to tag on and off
- this allows us to monitor demand and make
adjustments to services if required. To make
contact tracing easy if needed, AT recommend to
register their HOP card by visiting the website.
Trains and ferries will run to a reduced
timetable. Buses will run to a near-normal
timetable to provide enough capacity to allow
two-metre physical distancing.
AT’s instructions to passengers travelling
in Level 3:
Plan ahead
If you do have to travel, visit our website and
use the Journey Planner. For bus and train
service updates in real-time, you can use the AT
Mobile app.
The AT Mobile app now has a feature that
indicates how many people are on a bus or train
service at any given time. This lets you know if
two-metre distancing is achievable before you
board.
School buses
All Auckland Transport school buses will
begin operating again from Wednesday 29
April. Buses will, however, have reduced
capacity due to the need for physical distancing
on board so we recommend that parents wait
with their child(ren) at the bus stop until they
can see if the bus has enough room on board for
their child(ren).
What to do when you travel on buses:
Cash purchases will not be accepted on board
during Alert Level 3. You must use a HOP card.
You must use the rear door to get on and off
buses.
NZ Blood Services
encourage Kiwi Indians to continue
Tag on and off using the HOP card reader
inside the rear door.
If you use a wheelchair or mobility device
or require driver assistance, you can still get on
and off using the front door.
Customers will not be able to use the first
row of seats behind the bus driver.
Please observe the signs on board which
indicate two-metre distancing.
Once a bus is at capacity, drivers will only
drop customers off.
Cleaning of public transport
The safety of our workers and customers
is a priority, so we’re making sure all public
transport is cleaned regularly. We’ve also
stepped up our regime to include antimicrobial
cleaning. You’ll find hand sanitiser stations at
many locations, and we encourage you to use
them.
Customer service centres
Some of our customer service centres will
stay closed for now. Please use self-service
options such as ordering an AT HOP card
online. Our call centres are still open, however,
and you’re welcome to phone us on 09 366
6400.
If you’re unable to access self-service options,
the following customer service centres will be
open but will have reduced staff numbers (see
our website for opening hours):
• Britomart
• Manukau Bus Station
• New Lynn
• Panmure
• Smales Farm
• Newmarket
On behalf of AT and all our hard-working
staff, thank you for your patience and
understanding.
We continue to support Government advice.
The best place to find the latest information
about the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand
is on the Government’s special COVID-19
website.
One final thing
Auckland has been quieter during the
lockdown, but under Alert Level 3 many freight
and construction vehicles will be returning to
our roads, so be aware of other road users while
you get to and from your bus, ferry or train.
donating blood in Alert Level 3
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
NZ Blood Services has
thanked the Kiwi Indian
community and people
identifying themselves as Indians
for their regular blood donations that
help the greater community in need.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender,
Marketing and Communications
Manager from NZ Blood Services,
Asuka Burge commended the Indian
community for their continuous
support and encouraged the
community to keep donating blood
even during Alert Level 3.
Ms Burge added that of the
110,000 blood donors registered
with NZ Blood Services, Indians
contribute roughly six per cent of all
donors which is a good figure given
Kiwi Indians comprise 5 per cent of
the whole New Zealand population.
NZ Blood Services is deemed
as essential services since the
lockdown and has been operational
in all its nine donation centres in the
last four weeks.
Ms Burge added that in the
initial days of the lockdown the
blood donation numbers declined
as people were unaware of the
services continued but soon through
social media messaging about
its ‘Essential Service’ listing, the
number of appointments went up.
“As for now, the stock with
NZ Blood Services is healthy as
the demand for blood for elective
surgeries have reduced now because
hospitals haven’t been doing
elective surgeries during this time,”
Ms Burge said.
NZ Blood Services, even during
this Alert Level 4 and transitioning
into Level 3 next week,
is encouraging
community members
to check their
eligibility on its
website and book
appointments, so
the flow of blood
donations continue as
the country has entered
into the winter months.
“Regular blood donations will
match the donors coming in and
the demand for blood we see,” Ms
Burge added.
Ms Burge affirmed that all its
blood donation centres, even mobile
centres practised every precaution
protocol given by the Ministry of
Health during this Covid-19 Alert
Level 4 lockdown.
“We now have a donor host to
every donor who comes to the
centre. They are immediately
checked if they are healthy and well
and if they have travelled in the last
28 days, and if they have been in
contact with a confirmed Covid-19
patient and then they are instructed
"We
particularly
monitor what blood
groups do we have in the
bank so that we know what
we need more in terms
of demand from the
hospitals"
inside to maintain social distancing.
“We have hand sanitisers not just
for our staff but also for the visitors,
all our beds are two metres apart,
the staff is geared in their PPEs,
and every single bed is cleaned after
every single donation,” Ms Burge
added.
As the shelf life of blood
collected in only 35
days, NZ Blood has
been cautious while
matching the demand
from the hospitals and
monitor the supply on
a daily basis so that
they can avoid by over
and under-collection of
blood.
“We particularly monitor what
blood groups do we have in the
bank so that we know what we need
more in terms of demand from the
hospitals,” Ms Burge added.
Ms Burge further added that
making all forms of donation, blood,
plasma and platelets is essential, but
the most demand from hospitals in
plasma.
“The blood donated can be
separated into red cells, platelets
and plasma, and one donation can
save three lives. But currently, NZ
Blood Services is encouraging the
community to donate plasma, and
they can be done through donation
centres only as it requires a special
machine for extraction.
“Plasma donors need to meet
extra criterions such as height,
weight and strong veins. Platelets
last for only seven days, and we
have a register for them as well
and collect them accordingly from
donors having high platelet count,”
Ms Burge added.
Ms Burge added that NZ Blood
Services is looking more for plasma
donors these days as they are in
more demand and they can be made
into up to eleven blood products and
has a wide-ranging treatment uses in
particular for people with immune
deficiency.
“Patients receiving plasma need
it for a long time and some for
a lifetime. The antibodies from
plasma can give those immunedeficient
patients immunity like
stronger people, and some even
require this transfusion every six
days,” Ms Burge added.
Ms Burge encouraged the
Kiwis, especially the Kiwi Indian
community, to continue donating
blood as it saves lives.
“Please donate blood as it saves
lives. Your blood can be used for
cancer patients, women giving
childbirth, in elective surgeries,
people with weak immunity and
there is a range of treatments where
your blood can be used for,” Ms
Burge appealed the Kiwi Indian
community.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
NEW ZELAND 9
Border closure to
continue even in
Alert Level 3: PM
Jacinda Ardern
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has reiterated that strict
border rules will remain in place at alert level 3.
Today Director-General of Health Dr Ashley
Bloomfield said of the six new confirmed cases of Covid-19,
three were from overseas travel.
Ardern said 2403 people are in government-provided
facilities. The number in quarantine is 97, with the remainder
in isolation.
“Regardless of moving to alert level 3, New Zealanders
returning home will continue to be quarantined and isolated at
alert level 3,” she said.
“We have given no end point.”
Update till Lockdown Day 29: 1451 total cases, 16 deaths
and 1065 recovered
Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield on
Thursday, April 23 announced three new cases, and two deaths
reported. The new cases reported comprise of two confirmed
and one probable.
Dr Bloomfield said that despite the three new cases, the total
number of confirmed and probable Covid-19 cases remains
at 1451.
“There were three cases we reported yesterday who were
confirmed cases off the Greg Mortimer ship, where people had
been repatriated from Uruguay, however we understand that
their original testing was done in Uruguay and we are checking
IWK BUREAU
$21.1 million to completely cut
transmission fees for 6 months $16.5
million to cut by 80% contribution
for NZ On Air screen content in 2020/21
$1.3 million for government
departments to purchase organisation
wide news service subscriptions
The Government has announced a
suite of initiatives valued at $50 million
that have been developed with the media
industry to help them get through the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“This package is about freeing up cash
in the short term to assist the industry
get through the immediate crisis and
dramatic drop in advertising revenue
experienced since the start of COVID
Alert Level 4,” Minister of Broadcasting,
Communications and Digital Media Kris
Faafoi said.
“The proposals in this package were
generated by the industry themselves in
a recent series of workshops to identify
means of delivering immediate support to
the sector. We have chosen the proposals
that have a relatively quick impact to get
support out the door as fast as possible.
“By cancelling transmission fees we are
freeing up cash the media companies
can use to help them in the short
term. This is in addition to the
wage subsidy and other tax
measures.
“Initiatives in this first
stage aim to provide some
immediate relief and allow
with the authorities there as to whether they have already
reported them to the WHO to make sure the World Health
Organisation totals are accurate,” Dr Bloomfield added.
A total of 1065 COVID-19 infected have recovered, 29
since Wednesday.
One of the deaths was of a woman in her 60s in Dunedin.
The second was a man in his 70s from Rosewood. This
brings NZ’s total number of COVID-19 deaths to 16.
Dr Bloomfield said one of the two new deaths was a
female patient in her 60s who died in intensive care in
Dunedin Hospital and had a underlying health condition.
He said arrangements were made for her family to be with
her last night as she passed away.
The second death was a
resident at Rosewood Rest
Home, who was in his
70s and passed away
in the hospital wing of
Rosewood, as he had
not been transferred to
Burwood Hospital.
He had an underlying
condition and while he had tested
negative for Covid-19, he was
treated as a probable case, Dr
Bloomfield said.
time for work to be done on longer term
strategies to ensure future sustainability in
New Zealand’s news media
“The media sector is only the third
sector, after primary health care and
aviation, to receive a specific pool of
funding over and above the wage subsidy
to help it get through the COVID-19
crisis.
“This support reflects the
essential role media play at
this time in delivering access
to reliable and up to date
news coverage and keeping
New Zealanders connected
while in lockdown.
"Regardless
of moving to
alert level 3, New
Zealanders returning
home will continue to
be quarantined and
isolated at alert
level 3."
Govt’s media support package delivers
industry request for assistance
"By
cancelling
transmission fees
we are freeing up cash
the media companies
can use to help them in
the short term."
“There is evidence New Zealanders are
turning to trusted news sources in record
numbers at this time so it is critical the
media is supported to keep doing the great
job they have been doing.
“We will continue to work with media
organisations to make sure assistance is
targeted and appropriate.
“However, I want to be very clear that
this first phase of support alone will not
be sufficient to see the sector through
a prolonged period of restrictions and
reduced advertising. A second package
of support is being developed and will
be submitted for the COVID-19 budget
discussions in May,” Minister Faafoi said.
Full details of the package are:
• $20.5 million to cut 100% of Kordia
TV/FM transmission fees for 6 months
• $600,000 to cut 100% of RNZ AM
transmission fees for 6 months
• $16.5 million to reduce, by 80%, media
organisations’ NZ On Air content
contribution fees for the 2020/21
financial year.
• $1.3 million to purchase central
government news media subscriptions
in advance for the 2020/21 financial
year and encouraging Crown entities
to increase their uptake of news media
subscriptions.
• $11.1 million for specific targeted
assistance to companies as and when
needed.
• Commitment to build on the Local
Democracy Reporting pilot as part of
longer term support
India suspends visas
granted to foreigners
till May 3
IWK BUREAU
The Government of India has suspended all existing
visas granted to foreigners and all incoming
passenger traffic into India through Immigration
Check Posts (ICPs) till May 3.
The rules will be applied to all except certain categories,
an order issued by the foreigners’ division of the Ministry
of Home Affairs (MHA) said.
The ministry decided to extend the suspension of
all existing visas granted to foreigners, except to those
belonging to diplomatic, official, UN or international
organisations, and employment and project categories, till
May 3 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The ministry further directed that all incoming passenger
traffic into India through any of the 107 ICPs shall remain
suspended till May 3, which is the last date of the second
phase of countrywide lockdown imposed to break the chain
of transmission of Covid-19.
Similar restrictions were earlier issued by the Home
Ministry when the first 21-day lockdown was announced
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the midnight
March 24.
Modi extended the lockdown for another 19 days on
Tuesday as the pandemic is still growing in India, claiming
452 lives and the number of active cases going beyond the
11,500-mark.
However, no such restriction would apply on vehicles,
planes, ships and trains carrying any goods and supplies,
whether essential or non-essential, the government order
said.
“Their crew, sailor, driver, helper and cleaner shall also
be subjected to thorough medical screening for Covid-19,”
it said.

10 NEW ZELAND
COVID-19 Special Coverage
Council Chief Executive Dawn
Baxendale takes pay cut
IWK BUREAU
Christchurch City Council
Chief Executive Dawn
Baxendale will take a 10
per cent cut in her salary for the full
2020/21 financial year.
The reduction in her pay
equates to a 20 per cent cut over a
six-month period.
Mrs Baxendale says she discussed
her decision with Mayor Lianne
Dalziel, who has also signalled that
she wants to take a pay cut. The
Mayor is expecting the Remuneration
Authority will give elected members
authorisation to do that, at the same
time as it gives authority to the
Prime Minister and Cabinet to take a
pay cut.
“The Council’s finances, as well
those of our Council Controlled
Organisations (CCOs), have been
severely impacted by the Covid-19
lockdown. Many of our ratepayers
are also suffering financial hardship.
This is the right thing for me
to do on a personal level,” Mrs
Baxendale says.
“I have the full support of my
family, recognising these are difficult
times for everyone.”
Mrs Baxendale says the Council
is now considering the impact that
the Covid-19 lockdown will have on
the Council’s Annual Plan 2020/21.
Savings are being looked for from
every part of the organisation.
“So much has changed in such a
short time and we are now having to
deal with an unprecedented financial
crisis, which directly impacts on the
finances of both the Council and that
of our CCOs.
“It is important that we address
the situation in a considered way and
in making decisions understand the
impact of that decision in the short,
medium and long term and what it
means for our levels of service.
“To put it simply, we have a very
complex financial conundrum and
we need to find savings right across
the organisation.
“We have to look at everything –
there are no ‘no-go’ areas. We are
working in a constantly changing
environment but we have been doing
detailed work for the past few weeks
so that we provide advice to elected
members that will help them to make
decisions on the Annual Plan and
how they shape next year’s Long
Term Plan.’’
Friday, April 24, 2020
The Indian Weekender
Kiwi Muslims look forward to a very different Ramadan this year
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
The Muslim community in
New Zealand will witness
a very different month of
Ramadan, perhaps, something they
might not have seen in their lifetime.
The holy month of Ramadan
this year will see mosques closed,
no gathering for Iftar parties, no
congregational prayers outside, or
in a community centre, and two
most important things missing- no
Taraweeh prayers at the mosque and
probably no Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at
the end of Ramadan as well.
Ramadan is the ninth month in
the Islamic calendar, a holy month
where Muslims all around the globe
observe fast from dawn to dusk for
30 days, make special prayers and
at the sight of the crescent moon on
the 29th or 30th night and observe
Eid-ul-Fitr the next day. The main
activity for Eid involves making the
Eid prayers that commemorate the
30 days of Ramadan fasting.
Fasting is obligatory and one
of the five pillars of Islam. Those
exempt include young children,
anyone who is sick, travellers,
women who are pregnant, nursing
or menstruating.
“For the first time in New
Zealand’s history, mosques will
be closed for the Holy month of
Ramadan, and this is one of the
most significant faith changes
for NZ Muslims, brought on by
COVID-19 this year,” president of
International Muslim Associations
of New Zealand (IMAN), Tahir
Nawaz told The Indian Weekender.
The significance of fasting and
making special prayers during
Ramadan is not just to abstain from
food and entertainment, but to also
strengthen the faith, take some time
for self-reflection and get closer to
the creator.
Muslims observe extended
prayers in the night (Taraweeh),
Zikr (Remembrance of Lord) and
recite the holy book Quran during
this month. However, this time,
Muslims will have to observe all
their prayers at home, including
Friday and daily evening Taraweeh
prayers, in their bubbles, with
their families.
“This year, those who are
experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
are exempt for fasting as it may
affect their recovery,” Mr Tahir said.
Speaking from IMAN, Mr Tahir
said that sadly, family and friend
gatherings will not take place, which
in normal times is an essential part
of Ramadan, to share blessings.
“Iftar (daily communal fast
opening meals) will likewise not
be able to take place. No tarawih
(late night prayers) in non-bubble
gatherings. Distribution of charities
(obligatory in Ramadan) will most
likely go towards COVID-19
causes,” he added.
Three Air New Zealand flights will bring
New Zealanders home from India over
the next week, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Winston Peters has announced.
“On 19 March, we advised New Zealanders
around the world that the window was closing for
them to return home and that they should consider
getting back to New Zealand immediately.
“India’s 25 March lockdown has recently been
extended to 3 May, leaving New Zealanders with
no commercial flight options to depart the country.
The decision to charter flights at huge expense
was not taken lightly, but the New Zealand
Government is seriously committed to assisting
New Zealanders to return home where all other
options have been exhausted.
“Our first flight will leave New Delhi on 24
April, arriving in Auckland on 25 April. A second
flight will depart Mumbai on Monday, 27 April,
arriving in Auckland on 28 April,” said Mr Peters.
A third flight is still being finalised but is
expected to depart New Delhi on Thursday, 30
April. New Delhi and Mumbai have been chosen
as departure points because the vast majority of
New Zealanders in India are located near these
centres.
“We are conscious that there are significant
numbers of New Zealanders currently in India
who are stranded a long way from New Delhi
and Mumbai, especially in southern and eastern
India. We are looking into flight options for
them, including with partners, from Chennai and
Kolkata,” said Mr Peters.
Muslims this year will not be
able to travel to Mecca to perform
Umrah (pilgrimage) as Saudi Arabia
too has closed its borders for both
international and domestic pilgrims
and ceased all prayers and activities
in Mecca.
“One thing that will remain the
same, however, is that the faith
of Muslims will remain steadfast;
indeed it will be fortified by
doing more Ibadah (Prayers),” Mr
Tahir said.
Ramadan is expected to begin on
Friday, April 24 or Saturday, April
25; the exact date will be announced
by moon sighting closer to
these dates.
Muslim leader appeals
community to have a more cohesive
home environment during Ramadan
Senior Analyst for Muslims based
in Wellington has appealed the
Muslim community to have a more
cohesive and friendly environment
at homes during Ramadan as
lockdown; Alert Level 3 will see
families staying together all day
Stranded New
Zealanders to
depart India for NZ
IWK BUREAU
MFAT will continue
to provide consular
assistance to any New
Zealanders who cannot
take these flights.
“This has been
an extraordinarily
complex operation.
Nearly 1300
registered an interest
in the flight, spread out
across the country. This
included a large number of
non-eligible people, which
added an additional layer of
complexity as MFAT worked
with relevant agencies to ensure
that only those who would be
allowed back into the country
were permitted on to the
flights,” said Mr Peters.
The Air New Zealand
flights will fly directly from
India to New Zealand, without
stops, avoiding any additional
difficulties around transit for New
Zealanders returning home.
The decision to use Air New
Zealand for flights helps meets the
NZ government’s strict health and
safety standards, and ensure
that the public health of New
Zealanders is maintained both
on the flight and when a charter
flight arrives back in NZ.
under one roof.
Analyst and president of
International Muslim Associations
of New Zealand, Tahir Nawaz
in an interview with the Indian
Weekender earlier this week asked
the Muslim community to observe
peace and happiness within families
during this Ramadan as stress and
anxiety are prone to be high during
fasting hours of the day.
“Families will be staying together
all day, some members of the
family will be working from home,
children might not go to the schools
too during this Alert Level 3 close
down, and when people are fasting
and hungry during the day, and in
these times anxiety and stress level
tend to go up.
“We request elders of the family
to engage themselves in activities,
especially with children, so that
stress level is down. Go out for a
walk, take a stroll to a park with your
kids, or your spouse but observe a
peaceful and happy environment
in the family as Islam means peace
and peaceful family environments
will bring more blessing to the
house and family members” Mr
Nawaz said.
Mr Nawaz appealed families
to use this time recite and learn
Quran and Hadith with family
members especially children, to
pray together, cook and clean
together, as even tasks as mundane
as cleaning together while fasting
is also considered as an act
of Ibadah (prayer) in the eyes of the
creator, Allah.
"We
are conscious
that there are
significant numbers of
New Zealanders currently
in India who are stranded a
long way from New Delhi
and Mumbai, especially in
southern and eastern
India"

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
NEW ZELAND 11
Alert Level 3: FAQs
for New Zealanders
observing ANZAC
Day and Ramadan
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
New Zealand will on Monday
night, April 27, 11:59 p.m.
steer into Alert Level 3,
but the social distancing protocol
and trade closures will apply to
most businesses.
Contactless businesses will be
able to operate and will under
strict regulation of maintaining
social distancing.
New Zealand Muslims will
start observing the holy month of
Ramadan, beginning Friday evening
when the moon is sighted. During
Ramadan, Muslims fast during the
day hours and open their fast with
family and friends with a meal
at sunset.
Muslims also gather for
congregational evening prayers
and Friday prayers, but due to the
Covid-19 pandemic, mosque around
the globe has closed its doors and
encouraged the community to stay
home and pray with the family.
New Zealand mosques too are
closed during this period, and Imams
and FIANZ have encouraged the
Muslims observing Ramadan to
continue staying in their bubble and
pray for the community.
The government on Thursday,
April 23, answered to some of the
frequently asked questions of the
communities especially surrounding
ANZAC Day commemorations on
Saturday, April 25, and the basic
do’s and don’ts during this new Alert
Level 3.
Q. How will ANZAC Day be
commemorated this year?
A. ANZAC Day commemorates
all New Zealanders killed in war and
honours our returned servicemen
and women.
ANZAC Day 2020 services –
including the National Services at
Pukeahu National War Memorial
Park and Atatürk Memorial – will
not be going ahead this year due to
the restrictions in place in response
to COVID-19.
This is the first time since Anzac
Day services began in 1916 that New
Zealanders are not able to gather
nationwide to mark the anniversary.
Instead, we’re encouraging New
Zealanders to find other ways to
remember and honour all those
who served and are still serving
New Zealand in conflict and
peacekeeping, including the Stand At
Dawn initiative.
The Ministry for Culture and
Heritage has ideas for how people
can safely commemorate ANZAC
Day this year, go to mch.govt.nz/
anzac-day.
Q. Can Muslims extend their
bubbles, or gather up to 10
people during Ramadan?
A. Unfortunately, it is not possible
to extend your bubble further to
bring in extra people to celebrate or
mark religious events.
Muslims are encouraged to
observe Ramadan at home, with their
own bubble.
Q. Can Muslims come together
for iftar (the meal to break the
fast at sunset) and isha (the
last prayers of the day)
A. You can come together within
your bubble for iftar and isha, but
unfortunately not with people outside
your bubble.
As with all religious groups,
gatherings for religious activity
present a very high risk of transmitting
COVID-19, even at Alert Level 3.
Muslims are encouraged to hold iftar
and isha within their bubble.
Q. Can mosques and other religious
venues open during Level
3 if social distancing rules are
observed?
A. Unfortunately no. All venues
must stay closed to the public under
Alert Level 3, including mosques and
other faith-based venues.
Workers from the mosque can go
into mosques and other religious
venues to work, e.g. to conduct online
religious services. Many places of
worship are catering for communities
using a variety of online methods.
Q. Can Imams, and other religious
leaders visit people and
perform last rites personally in
hospitals and hospice facilities
during Level 3? And can they
officiate at funeral gatherings
personally?
A. Guidance is being developed
about providing last rites under Alert
Level 3, and will be released soon.
Funeral directors will work with
Muslim communities to identify
people who can carry out ghusl
(ritual washing) and janaza (prayer
over the body), and will advise and
supervise them to ensure it is done in
a safe way.
Imams can officiate at funerals
during Alert Level 3. Please work
with your funeral director to
make sure that all Alert Level 3
requirements are met, including a
maximum of 10 people at the funeral.
Q. Will halaal butchers be able
to open?
A. Yes, halaal butchers can
open under Alert Level 3. Like all
businesses they must operate under
the requirements at Alert Level 3.
Halal butchers can take orders
online, or over the phone. And they
can deliver, or have their customers
pick up from outside the store.
Customers cannot enter the premises.
Like all workplaces, halal butchers
must operate safely.
That means meeting appropriate
public health requirements and
fulfilling all other health and safety
obligations.
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12 NEW ZELAND
COVID-19 Special Coverage
Friday, April 24, 2020
The Indian Weekender
'WHY MFAT COULD NOT ARRANGE FOR A MERCY
FLIGHT IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF INDIA,' ASKS
MANY FRUSTRATED STRANDED-KIWIS
SANDEEP SINGH
A
group
of about 107 Kiwis stranded in
different parts of the southern parts of
India are exasperated by the explicit
inability of the MFAT in giving them a fair
chance to catch the charter flight home.
As reported earlier, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade is undertaking an evacuation
plan in India - which by its own admission is
one of the most complex and comprehensive
evacuation plans for overseas stranded Kiwis
and had so far arranged for potentially three
flights catering the north and the central region
of India only - leaving nothing on the itinerary
for those stranded in the vast Southern region
of India.
The Indian Weekender has been in constant
contact with many such Kiwis stranded in the
southern part of India who are equally keen
to get back home, if not more than the others
who have been lucky enough to be stranded in
the northern or central regions of India and be
served by at least one charter flight back home
from proximity.
“It’s not fair that the Kiwis stranded in the
vast Southern region could not be offered an
option of at least one return flight from any of
the four prominent international airports in the
region,” Pooja Shah, one such Kiwi stranded in
Chennai asked exasperatingly.
Notably, the Southern region of India
has four prominent international airports -
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Andhra
Pradesh), Bangalore (Karnataka) and
Thiruvanthapuram (Kerala).
Pooja has been coordinating with most of
the other stranded Kiwis, primarily in these
four major cities in the Southern part of India,
told the Indian Weekender that they were
scattered all around the region 41 in Kerala,
26 in Tamil Nadu, 20 in Karnataka and 17 in
Andhra Pradesh.
“We could have easily travelled to any one
of these local regions if one of the special flight
homes could have been scheduled in this part as
well,” Pooja said.
Many stranded Kiwis coordinating within
themselves on social media have argued that
their numbers (107) are more than 61 stranded
Kiwis in Peru from where earlier MFAT has
arranged a similar mercy flight.
MFAT arranges for connecting busses for
stranded Kiwis from the deep south
Meanwhile, MFAT has reached out again
to several Kiwis stranded in the southern part
of Indi and have expressed their interest to
catch charter flights with details of the new
arrangement for a bus connection to the nearest
airport - Mumbai - from where a charter flight
home is scheduled.
“If you selected Bangalore or Hyderabad as
your closest airport: we will be running buses
from these cities to connect to the flight from
Mumbai.
"If accepted for the flight, our High
Commission in New Delhi will organise
transport from your place of residence to
Bangalore or Hyderabad to connect with these
buses. We understand that some people may not
wish to undertake such a long journey to the
airport. Please think about it.
"It’s not fair
that the Kiwis
stranded in the vast
Southern region could
not be offered an option
of at least one return
flight from any of the four
prominent international
airports in the region
"If you are in or near Bangalore or Hyderabad
and would like to be considered for a seat on
the Mumbai flight, please send a short email to
DM-CONS@mfat.govt.nz, including your EOI
application number,” the new email said.
This is not a viable option for many of us as
the bus journey from Chennai to Mumbai is 23
hours and from Kerala to Mumbai even more.
Many of us have infant, kids, a pregnant lady
and people with a recent heart and knee surgery
and taking such a long journey on the bus may
not be an option,” another stranded Kiwi said.
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The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
NEW ZELAND 13
Stand At Dawn, Anzac Day to be
commemorated in our bubbles, at home
IWK BUREAU
Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the
servicemen and servicewomen, past
and present, who have displayed
courage and self-sacrifice serving our country.
We can’t attend Anzac Day parades and
services during the COVID-19 lockdown, but
here are some ways to commemorate Anzac
Day at home.
Stand together, apart.
The call has come from across the Tasman to
‘Stand At Dawn’ on Anzac Day.
The Returned and Services Association
(RSA) and the New Zealand Defence Force
are responding to the call with New Zealand’s
Stand At Dawn at 6am on Anzac Day, Saturday
25 April.
They are asking Kiwis to join our Australian
friends to commemorate Anzac Day while
staying safely in our bubbles – in doorways or
windows, or from front porches or balconies.
At 6am, a virtual Anzac Day service will
begin on Radio NZ National, bringing New
Zealanders elements of a traditional Anzac
Day service including The Last Post. Those
who join Stand At Dawn can listen live on their
phones/devices.
District President of the Auckland RSAs
Graham Gibson says: “We will be delighted if
people stand together in their bubbles at home
to pay tribute to our fallen as the sun comes up.
We urge everyone to stay at home, away from
the street and observe physical distancing.
“This Anzac Day will feel different but the
sentiment will be the same.
"We are grateful to Auckland Council,
Auckland War Memorial Museum and SkyCity
for initiatives that we believe will inspire our
young people to carry the torch into the future.
“I know Kiwis will wholeheartedly pay
tribute to our men and women who served and
sacrificed. From the New Zealand Wars in the
1800s to those who died in Afghanistan, we
will remember them,” he says.
Teddies wear poppies this
Anzac Day
Teddy bears in windows have become a
beacon of unity in our neighbourhoods. For
Anzac Day, Auckland Council is inviting
families to make a poppy for their teddy bears
"I
know
Kiwis will
wholeheartedly pay
tribute to our men and
women who served
and sacrificed"
to wear, or dress the window
itself in something red.
In the week before and after
Anzac Day, bear hunts will
bring poignant new meaning.
As whanau walk with children
around the block and notice poppywearing
teddies in neighbourhood
windows, grown-ups can tell stories of family
war-time heroes and convey the significance of
this day for New Zealand.
To help explain what the red poppy means,
here’s an excerpt from the RSA website: ‘The
use of the red poppy – the Flanders’ Poppy – as
a symbol of remembrance derives from the fact
that the poppy was the first plant to re-emerge
from the churned-up soil of soldiers’ graves
during the First World War.’
Share a photo of your Anzac bear in the
window on Instagram: #AnzacBearAKL.
Landmarks light up to commemorate our
heroes
It’s for our heroes – past
and present.
Vector Lights will shine poppy-red on the
east side of Auckland Harbour Bridge (city
facing) from 7.30pm to midnight from Tuesday
21 to Saturday 25 April to commemorate Anzac
Day. Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath will also
light up on those evenings.
Auckland War Memorial Museum will shine
in a uniform display of red light from dusk on
Friday 24 April until dawn on Sunday 26 April
as a commemorative tribute to this important
day.
And, all four landmarks – the east side of
the bridge, Lightpath, museum and SkyTower
– will light up in unison from 3am to 7am on
Saturday 25 April, ushering in the dawn on
Anzac Day.
It is hoped that our hard-working essential
workers will be able to see them at dawn or in
the evenings as they travel to hospitals, clinics
and workplaces in the city.
Lay a digital poppy with Auckland War
Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki
Paenga Hira will commemorate Anzac Day in
2020, albeit in a different way.
The Dawn Service on the Cenotaph outside
the museum and installation of the Fields of
Remembrance will not take place. However,
while closed to the public, The Last Post still
plays daily prior to 5pm and the flags are raised
at dawn and lowered at dusk.
The museum will also mark Anzac Day
by lighting up in poppy red as a symbol of
commemoration and remembrance from dusk
on Friday 24 April until dawn on Sunday 26
April.
In absence of a physical gathering, the
museum’s Online Cenotaph will be a place for
people to come together, lay a virtual poppy
and leave messages for loved ones who have
served, as well as read stories about returned
service people.
The museum’s Commemorating Anzac Day
at Home online hub has Anzac Day specific
stories, an Anzac biscuit recipe, activities and
videos for the whole family to enjoy for free.
Live Webinar: New Zealanders at War –
Stories from the Military Collections
Hosted by Auckland Libraries in association
with Ancestry, New Zealand’s leading
historians, military and family-history experts
will give free live presentations online to the
public during Anzac Day week 2020 (20-24
April, 11am daily).
Police position on COVID-19 checkpoints
IWK BUREAU
Police is committed to ensuring our
communities are safe and feel safe.
Police understands that some small
and isolated communities feel they have a
particular vulnerability to COVID-19.
However, Police do not encourage
community checkpoints.
Police and other agencies remain
responsible for ensuring that people comply
with the restrictions under the different
COVID-19 Alert Levels.
Where communities have determined to
undertake checkpoints to prevent the spread
of COVID-19, Police is working with those
communities and other agencies to ensure
checkpoints are safe and not preventing
lawful use of the road.
Working in partnership with the local
authority, the local Civil Defence Emergency
Manager, local Iwi, community groups and
Police, we will assess whether checkpoints
are needed or if there are other solutions.
If COVID-19 checkpoints for vulnerable
communities are deemed necessary for the
overall safety and wellbeing of a community,
they:
• Will be operated by district Police
alongside community members
• Will be conducted in a safe manner,
according to Police operational guidelines
and practices
• Will be guided by the relevant alert level
status as set out in the Government’s
COVID-19 response
• Will not restrict access for people moving
through for legitimate purposes
• Police will continue to work with those
communities and local agencies in
Alert Level 3 and 4 to understand
their concerns and needs. Police
do not envisage a need for COVID-19
checkpoints to operate at Alert Level 2.
Every person in New Zealand has a right
to freedom of movement, including to travel
along the roading network and in any public
place, and this fundamental right may only be
restricted through the law.
Currently movement around our regions
must comply with the settings allowed under
COVID-19, set out at COVID-19.govt.nz.
We recognise that community efforts to stop
the spread of COVID-19 are motivated in
the interests of the wider
community.
However,
Police must
protect
people’s
fundamental
right to
freedom of
movement
around their
region
for
legitimate purposes.

14 NEW ZELAND
COVID-19 Special Coverage
Life Coaching for
Newcomers
Introduction to life coaching/ Goal Setting - Fri 8 th May – 11 am – 12 noon
Improving Self Confidence & Resilience – Fri 15 th May – 11 am – 12 noon
Stepping Out of your comfort zone – Fri – 22 nd May – 11 am – 12 noon
Beating Procrastination/Thinking out of the Box – Fri 29 th May –11 am–12 noon
Adjusting to life in NZ/ Dealing with challenges – Fri 5 th June – 11 am – 12 noon
8 th May, 15 th May, 22 nd May, 29 th May & 5 th June
Online ( Zoom ) Registration with full name and email compulsory.
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Vani ( Migrant Connect Administrator)
Email : settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz Text : 021 459 520
Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga / Eastern
Manukau offer free, face to face support to new
migrants.
CAB Pakuranga, Pakuranga Library Building,
7 Aylesbury Street, Pakuranga
Friday, April 24, 2020
The Indian Weekender
Royal Commission of Inquiry into
the attack on Christchurch Mosques
IWK BUREAU
The Royal Commission
welcomes a
Government decision
to extend the inquiry deadline
to 31 July 2020, allowing
for delays caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The Royal Commission of
Inquiry into the Christchurch
Mosque attacks has been
affected by the pandemic and
Alert Level 4 lockdown, at
a time when individuals and
organisations across New
Zealand and the globe are
dealing with extraordinary
challenges. Like all those who can work safely under Alert Level 4, the inquiry team has been
working remotely, to progress work on an authoritative, final report.
“While everyone at the Royal Commission is very much committed to getting the job done, there
are considerable limitations to what can be achieved remotely,” says Commissioner Sir William
Young.
“One of the main limitations we face is that we cannot access some parts of our draft report which
are currently stored on a secure and classified network,” says Sir William.
The Royal Commission is also in a natural justice process which includes seeking comment on
adverse findings, seeking consent to the use of quotes, fact checking and classification matters.
“As a part of that process we have sought feedback from hundreds of individuals and organisations
named in the draft report,” says Commissioner Jacqui Caine.
“Some of the individuals and organisations we have sent material to, have understandably had to
divert attention and resources to Covid-19 work. In addition, we have not been able to complete our
natural justice process in respect of those parts of our draft report that are on the secure and classified
network.”
The Royal Commission is therefore expecting some delays in these responses, which are vital
to the natural justice process. Commissioners sought an extension to the 30 April 2020 reporting
deadline and the Government has now confirmed a new date of 31 July 2020.
Along with other New Zealanders, the Royal Commission will continue to keep a close eye on
Government announcements regarding lockdown levels, with each level having a different impact
on the work programme.
Visit www.christchurchroyalcommission.nz for more information on the Royal Commission and
its work.
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The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
FIJI 15
COVID-19: Virus is still out there in our
communities, says PM Bainimarama
Fiji’s latest COVID-19 positive case goes
to show that the virus is still out there
in our communities, says Prime Minister
Voreqe Bainimarama.
“Our 18th case has been present in Fiji
for almost a month – while her transmission
risk is low, she was certainly not the only
unconfirmed coronavirus case in the country,”
Mr Bainimarama said.
He said the virus was a complex and
contagious one, and no matter the strength of
our safety nets, cases could slip through the
cracks, as in other countries.
“This virus is proving as stealthy as it is
unpredictable, but it can be beaten. Not by
some magic cure – but by keeping to the simple
strategy of physical distancing,” the PM said.
“The difference of two metres of physical
distance between us means the difference
Sunil Dutt and Lata Raj sell organic vegetables by the roadside in Nadi, Fiji .
Farmer upbeat amid struggles
Sigatoka vegetable farmer Sunil Dutt
believes people should not let the
tough times discourage them from
working hard to feed their families.
Perched along the Queens Rd in Malolo,
Nadi, Mr Dutt’s makeshift market stall is
filled with what he says is “his last supply
of fresh produce.”
“I lost everything in TC Harold. What
I’m selling now was my last harvest before
between victory and defeat in this campaign. It
means the difference between life and death for
vulnerable Fijians.
the cyclone hit. Once I finish selling these, I
will not come back here for another three or
four months,” he siad
He said the COVID-19 restrictions
had also placed a major burden on
his business.
“I try to keep my distance from all of
the major markets and just sell from this
stall on the side of the road.
“But that has also affected my business
“This weekend, aside from dozens more
arrests, we’ve received reports across the
"But
if people
keep crowding in
public places, gathering
socially, or otherwise
acting like these are
normal times, there’s
no question, we will
lose lives"
country of blatant violations of our
physical distancing directives.”
Mr Bainimarama said
too many Fijians were still
behaving as if the virus wasn’t
among us.
“Thank God, there are no
deaths due to the virus in Fiji.
“But if people keep crowding
in public places, gathering socially,
or otherwise acting like these are normal times,
there’s no question, we will lose lives.
“The possibility of a 24-hour curfew is not
off the table – the power to avoid that drastic
alternative rests with every Fijian watching,
listening to or reading this address. So,
please, do the right thing today, and spare us
I try to keep
my distance
from all of the
major markets
and just sell
from this stall
on the side of
the road.
because not many people stop at my stall.”
However, Mr Dutt believes his
struggles were nothing compared with
other families.
“I am still grateful despite everything. If
you can still work or still do things that put
food on the table then keep going.
“Everyone is struggling. All we can do
is work for the days ahead.”
– The Fiji Times
Relief supplies arrive for NZ, Australia
Government’s response efforts for
those affected by Tropical Cyclone
Harold and the present COVID-19
pandemic has been boosted with the
arrival of relief supplies, courtesy of the
Australian and New Zealand governments.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force flight
and a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
C-17A Globemaster brought in the muchneeded
humanitarian and disaster supplies.
Fiji’s Minister for National Disaster
Management Inia Seruiratu commended
both countries, saying the assistance by
both governments would greatly assist Fiji
during this time.
“We particularly are doing our best
now, to stabilise the situation in Fiji,” Mr
Seruiratu said.
“This donation will greatly assist
the Fijian Government in combating
COVID-19 and provide immediate
response to our families who have been
severely affected by TC Harold.”
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji
John Feakes assured Fijians yesterday that
“help is on its way to those affected”.
“Today’s delivery is proof we stand with
Fiji through these challenging times,” he
said.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji
Jonathan Curr said these were challenging
times and we ought to look after each other.
“This co-ordination between the three
governments in responding to this natural
disaster has been exceptional,” Mr Curr
said.
The supplies brought for TC Harold
response include hygiene kits, blankets,
kitchen kits, sleeping mates, tarpaulins,
solar lanterns, bed nets and others. Supplies
for COVID-19 response included personal
protective equipment (PPE) shoe covers,
gloves, isolation gowns, hand sanitisers,
masks and other things.
suffering down the road. “All of us need to
seize ownership over our health and by taking
responsibility for the laws designed to keep this
virus at bay. Don’t push the burden of recovery
entirely on the shoulders of our doctors, nurses,
and disciplined forces – they deserve far better
than anyone’s apathy or ambivalence.”
He said supermarkets, retailers, and
shops should have hand sanitiser available
and prominent signage instructing physical
distancing.
“Children should not be out and about – they
must stay home, as should the elderly.
“Social gatherings are banned, and the 8pm
to 5am curfew remains in effect. And all of us
should stay in our homes as much as possible.
“If you see someone violating our directives,
do not stay silent – pick up the phone and call
number 158 or the dial the police.”
COVID-19: Fiji declares
pandemic as a natural disaster
The Fijian Government has
declared the COVID-19
pandemic as a natural
disaster for the whole country.
In a Government Gazette dated
April 15, 2020, Prime Minister
Voreqe Bainimarama said the
declaration was made by Cabinet
in exercise of the powers conferred on them by section 17
of the Natural Disaster Management Act 1998 and on the
advice of the Emergency Committee. The declaration is
effective for a period of 30 days with effect from Wednesday,
April 15, 2020.
Mr Bainimarama said the Government made the
declaration because it was clear “we need to bring every
resource in Government to bear to take on the crises of
contagion and climate change before us”.
Fiji records one new confirmed case, totals 18
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has confirmed
Fiji’s 18th positive case of COVID-19.
The latest victim is a 51-year-old woman from Ba.
According to the Prime Minister, she traveled to Fiji from
USA on March 22. She was cleared after 14 days in isolation,
but later developed COVID-19 like symptoms.
Eight recover from COVID-19 as curve
continues to flatten
Eight out of the 18 patients who had contracted the
deadly COVID-19 virus in Fiji has now recovered.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been
briefed by the Minister for Health, Doctor Ifereimi
Waqainabete on the matter.
The Prime Minister says this means our recovery
rate is now at 44 percent. There are now only 10
active COVID-19 cases in the country.
52 tests were conducted last night and all came
back negative, which includes 23 sailors, who will
now go into home isolation. Three cases were tested
twice and have also returned negative samples on both
occasions.
COVID-19:
Fiji schools to
reopen in June
Schools were scheduled to
open next week Monday,
April 20, but that has
been extended.
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama said instead,
schools would not open until
June 15, 2020. Classes will resume on June 16, 2020. He
said this was an extension that recognised that this
virus would be part of our lives for the
foreseeable future, and we must plan
accordingly.
“The date schools reopen is subject
to change based on the situation on the
ground at the time,” Mr Bainimarama
said.
"The
date schools
reopen is subject
to change based
on the situation on
the ground at the
time"

Editorial
Exceptions to border
closure - An emotional
issue for stranded
temporary migrantworkers
Immigration New Zealand has received expressions of interest from 4356 people seeking an
exception from the border closure that is currently in place to prevent the spread of covid-19
virus in the country.
As of April 22, INZ has only approved 883 and have invited them to further apply for an
appropriate visa leaving a large number of visa hopefuls high and dry.
Majority of visa-hopefuls among them are likely to be the temporary migrant workers who were
living and working in NZ for years and were temporarily travelling overseas when they were
caught-up on the wrong side of the border closure.
Since March 20, the New Zealand border has been closed to all but citizens and residents, and
immediate family members travelling with them.
There are a limited number of exceptions for any other traveller wanting to enter (or re-enter in
case of temporary migrant workers) that INZ is considering on a case by case basis.
The Indian Weekender has been approached and is in constant contact with many such stranded
temporary migrant workers and their immediate families who had a life here in New Zealand with
homes, rents, bank loans, car loans, jobs and most importantly dreams of a Kiwi-life.
Unfortunately, the government is yet undecided on letting them in the country, unless they have
a critical reason to travel to the country.
Exceptions to the current border restrictions, which are set by the New Zealand government, may
be considered for Health and other essential workers, Citizens of Samoa and Tonga for essential
travel to New Zealand and Humanitarian reasons.
Given that this is a fast moving space with clarity emerging slowly on what actually constitutes
essential work for the immigration purposes, there has been much confusion and desperation
among these overseas-stranded temporary migrant workers.
The Indian Weekender has spoken to many such migrant workers who normally worked in NZ
in supermarkets, telecommunications, district health boards, primary industries and many more
sectors and businesses deemed as “essential services” have been denied exception to border closure.
Apparently there has been confusion around “essential services workers” and essential workers
for immigration purposes that needs to be further clarified.
For someone who was working as medical administrator in any District Health Board before
current lockdown, they can still work as essential services if they are in New Zealand.
However, for those who are stranded outside New Zealand they are not allowed back in the
country as they are not deemed as essential services for immigration purposes under current
Covid-19 lockdown environment.
Temp migrant workers faces multitude problems related to wage, employment and visa status
The temporary migrant workers are facing a multitude of problems ranging from wages,
employment status and most importantly visa status as most of their visas are related to employers
or the business they are currently working in, and in the current environment many of the businesses
are either falling apart or their future is bleak.
This is despite them living and working in New Zealand for quite some time and trying to build
a permanent life in this country.
There is lack of clarity or roadmap for them of what will happen if their current work visas expire
and they remain stranded overseas, except being repeatedly told to wait while the government
eventually decides on this important matter.
To be fair to the government, it already has a lot on the table, ranging from handling the public
health crisis to managing the lockdown and eventually preparing the country out of Alert Level 4
lockdown.
However, that should not be an excuse from failing to act decisively to safeguard the interests
of temporary migrant workers - who seemingly might be at the lowest level of skilled workforce
- but as the covid-19 lockdown tells us can be quickly turned into the most essential and the most
desirable workforce.
Anyway, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had said while addressing the Australian Prime
Minister Scot Morrison supporting the case of Kiwi workers in Oz that when the economy will
come out of this downturn “you will need a trained workforce,” it applies the same for New
Zealand workers.
Let’s not leave our trained temporary migrant workers out of the country and let them in the
country - where they were before the onset of border closure due to Covid-19 pandemic.
It is to say that while in New Zealand during the Alert Level 4 lockdown many businesses were
allowed to remain operational as “essential services,” the temporary migrant workers who usually
worked in those areas and were currently stranded overseas are still not being allowed back in the
country.
Thought of the week
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do."
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
24 April – 30April 2020
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
On-and-off
rain and
drizzle
21°
14°
Partly
sunny
23°
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24°
16°
Indian Weekender : Volume 12 Issue 6
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
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Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Parlty
sunny
Clouds and
sun
23°
15°
A touch o
dafr
23°
16°
This week in New Zealand’s history
24 April 1920
Prince of Wales arrives for New Zealand tour
Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Sunshine
and pactcy
clouds
24°
16°
A few
morning
showers
24°
17°
King George V’s son, Edward, Prince of Wales (who later reigned briefly as Edward VIII),
visited New Zealand partly to thank the Dominion for its contribution to the Empire’s war
effort. After arriving in Auckland aboard the battlecruiser HMS Renown, he spent four weeks
travelling the country aboard a lavishly appointed Royal Train and by motor coach, visiting 50
cities and towns from Auckland to Invercargill.
24 April 1922
New Zealand's first poppy day
A
total of 245,059 small poppies and 15,157 larger versions were sold, earning £13,166
(equivalent to more than $1.3 million in 2019). Of that amount, £3695 ($372,000) was sent
to help war-ravaged areas of northern France; the remainder went to unemployed New Zealand
returned soldiers and their families.
25 April 1915
Gallipoli landings
Each year on Anzac Day, New Zealanders (and Australians) mark the anniversary of the
Gallipoli landings of 25 April 1915. On that day, thousands of young men, far from their
homes, landed on the beaches of the Gallipoli Peninsula, in what is now Turkey.
25 April 1916
First Anzac Day
People in communities across New Zealand and overseas gathered to mark the first
anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. New Zealand observed a half-day holiday from 1
p.m. The mood was solemn; race meetings were postponed and cinemas stayed shut until late
afternoon.
25 April 1963
New Zealand medics start work in South Vietnam
On Anzac Day 1963, a six-strong New Zealand civilian surgical team arrived in Qui Nhon,
South Vietnam as part of the Colombo Plan assistance programme. Their deployment –
two years before New Zealand combat troops were sent – marked the beginning of this country’s
involvement in the Vietnam War.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
FEATURES 17
Plastics -- the saviour of billion
human lives from COVID-19
D.D. KALE
The deadly coronavirus
pandemic, that originated
from China, has so far killed
over 1.35 lakh people across the
world. The COVID-19 pandemic will
leave severe scars on the economies
across the world, as life has come to
a standstill post lockdown announced
by most of the countries. As per UN
estimate the pandemic has wiped $50
billion off global exports in February
alone.
In India, the first case of the
coronavirus was reported on 30
January 2020, originating from
China. As of April 16, 2020, the
Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare has confirmed a total of
12,380 cases and 414 deaths in the
country.
As the cases of COVID-19
positive patients are rising in India,
the demand for Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE), made from Single
Use Plastic (SUP), used in preventing
COVID-19 is rapidly increasing.
Considering the importance of
gearing up to meet the pandemic
of COVID-19, the government
should provide incentives to the
industry so that adequate supplies
are manufactured in the time bound
manner.
Many countries globally and India,
has made the use of mask, generally
made from SUP, mandatory to curtail
the spread of the deadly virus among
people. The SUP gears -- such as
mask, gown, coat, eyewear, gloves
- used by doctors, nurses and other
medical staff to avoid spread and
infection from deadly bacteria and
virus. In a few European countries
and the US many doctors and
medical staff fall prey to COVID-19,
while serving their duties.
The government, regulators,
environmentalist and citizens should
recognize the immense utility of the
plastic gears, that too made of SUP
and should do away with the thoughts
of blanket banning moves and instead
the industry should be encouraged
and provided with adequate support
to meet the unprecedented demand
increase.
The use of disposable masks,
gloves, gowns, goggles etc.are
proving to be the bigtime saviours
of human lives by preventing the
transmission of disease from one
person to another.
As per WHO modelling, an
estimated 89 million medical masks,
76 million gloves and 1.6 million
goggles will be required every
month. WHO has supplied around
half a million sets of protective
equipment to 47 affected countries,
but supplies are rapidly running out.
Even the US and European
countries seeing acute shortage of
PPE and they are looking outwards
to secure supply.
Even China, one of the largest
producer of PPE, witnessed shortage
of adequate Personal Protective
Gears. To save lives, people in China
have created makeshift alternate
safety gears which includes; plastic
water bottle jars, plastic sheets,
plastic laundry bags etc to keep
themselves safe.
The SUP protective gears should
be disposed-off systemically and
incinerated at high temperature, to
avoid any further spread of virus and
it will help redeem the bad name that
SUP is generally assigned with.
Since several decades, plastics has
been the only material convenient
and viable in medical field and has
once again come to the fore of human
kind in this pandemic to contain the
virus and saving so many human
lives.
Plastic plays pivotal role in
healthcare industry
Protective garments used by health
workers such as mask, caps, goggles
and gowns are generally made from
plastics and are used by health
professionals in such outbreaks to
reduce the risk of infection as it work
as a barrier from bacteria and virus.
Furthermore, IV bags and tubing,
IV Canula and Disposable Syringes
used for infusion of IV fluids are all
made from medical grade plastics
to avoid any contamination going
through the blood stream. The
disposable plastic syringes have
completely replaced alternative
options.
So far there are no alternative
material has proven at par with the
ease of utility and economics of
all these varieties of medical grade
plastics.
With increasing use of plastics in
healthcare industry, the government
and regulators should enforce right
disposal and recycling practices to
avoid contamination and spread of
COVID-19 infection.
Since plastics are very useful
material with immense utility the
future course should on SUPs should
be left to technically experts.
‘Lockdown an opportunity to reinvent
India’s top literature awards’
VISHNU MAKHIJANI
In the midst of the gloom caused by the
coronavirus pandemic and the countrywide
lockdown, there is at least one bright sport,
the administrators of Indias top two awards for
literature – the DSC prize that has completed a
decade and new entrant JCB Prize – say, adding
it gives them an opportunity to re-think and reinvent
to keep up with the changing times.
“COVID-19, along with its negativity has
also provided a huge opportunity to rethink
everything. It is a pause to think about the
direction and speed of one’s journey through
life, and literary prizes are no exception,”
Surina Narula, co-founder of the DSC Prize for
South Asian Literature, told IANS in an email
interview.
Literary prizes were once given as a gesture
of appreciation from patrons of the art. They
were not considered glamorous even a few
years back; it was only after the popularity of
the Jaipur Literature Festival that literature
became fashionable and came closer to the
masses.
The mystery of the writer was shattered
because one could meet them and becoming
like them became a possibility.
To this end, the DSC Prize was initiated in
2010 to enhance the telling of South Asian
literature to a global English reading audience.
The pandemic has severely affected
publishing, and literary prizes depend on the
publishing industry to enter the best books
published by them and the DSC Prize, being
open to authors and publishers from across
the world as long as the writing is about
South Asia, is “better insulated” against
a country specific publishing downturn,
Narula pointed out.
The prize receives more than 30 percent of its
entries from publishers beyond the subcontinent
from countries like the USA, the UK, Canada,
and Australia “and quite a few publishers from
these countries have already written to us
regarding entries that they wish to submit this
year”, she added.
Elaborating on the aspect of re-invention,
Narula said a Trust has been set up to do more
than just administer the prize; it aims to take
literature through its outreach programmes to a
wider audience including the underprivileged
and empower young men and women in the
region through the reading of South Asian
literature.
“There are inspiring stories of women
overcoming patriarchal challenges as well as
society battling poverty, war and displacement,
and these stories need to be told and shared.
After the tenth year we will see how the DSC
Prize can be a beacon of such social initiatives
through the activities of the Trust,” Narula said.
The virus might have halted people in their
tracks and given them a lot of time to think
but “I see literature becoming more important
to remind people of the world before the
pandemic, and perhaps show the inequalities
that are further going to arise due to self serving
governments around the world.
Literary prizes will always exist
because patrons will find ways of contributing
to society and also furthering their marketing
and philanthropic needs,” Narula noted.
Mita Kapur, Literary Director of the JCB
Prize, that has entered its third year, said the
pandemic and the lockdown, had provided “an
opportunity to re-invent several aspects of our
year-long calendar”.
“The lockdown has given us an opportunity
to build on the JCB Prize’s vision of creating
new readership, building on inclusivity within
the writers’ community and the publishing
industry to reach out to the rest of the world.
"The faith in literature being a bridge, story
telling that makes us survive makes the JCB
Prize carry on its work in the right spirit, being
socially conscious and sensitive towards the
times we are all facing,” Kapur added.

18 INDIA COVID-19 Special Coverage
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
PM Modi ranked
top among global
leaders in fight
against Covid-19:
Sitharaman cites survey
In the fight against the
novel coronavirus, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has
emerged as the most popular
among 10 global leaders, Union
Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman claimed.
As per a recent analysis done
by a US-based research firm, PM
Narendra Modi has secured the top
position, with an approval rating of
68, followed by Mexico’s Andres
Manuel Lopez Obrador, the United
Kingdom’s Boris Johnson and
Australia’s Scott Morrison. US
President Donald Trump was the
eighth position, with an approval
rating of -3.
Public opinion based approval
ratings of world leaders shown
India moves to
procure more
Covid-19 test kits
from Korean firms
Over the past few weeks,
several Indian agencies and
private companies have
sourced 4.5 lakh testing kits from
South Korea.
With Chinese testing kits having
come under the scanner, India
is stepping up procurement and
production of testing kits from South
Korean companies.
Officials on Tuesday said that a
South Korean company has agreed
to make and supply 5 lakh rapid
antibody testing kits at its facility in
Manesar, Haryana.
India’s ambassador to South Korea
Sripriya Ranganathan visited the
firm’s — SD Biosensor — facility
in north Chungcheong province
in South Korea and has tied up the
arrangements.
The company has decided to
manufacture these kits in a week,
and will make more in the next few
weeks. This comes as the Indian
Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) on Tuesday advised states
not to use the testing kits for the next
two days, stating that it will issue an
advisory after medical teams carry
out field validation of the kits.
Besides, India is procuring another
5 lakh coronavirus testing kits from
South Korea to meet their growing
demand in view of rising cases of the
infection.
The Indian embassy in Seoul inked
a deal with South Korean pharma
giant Humasis Ltd to procure the
kits, sources said. The company
is sourcing raw materials for
production of the testing kits from
India, officials said.
in the charts. @PMOIndia leads
#IndiaFightsCorona from the front.
Consistent high approval ratings for
@narendramodi.
Nation has confidence in its
leadership in an extraordinary
situation due a pandemic.
Canadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau was ranked
5th, followed by German
Chancellor Angela Merkel,
Brazils’ Jair Bolsanaro,
France’s Emmanuel Macron and
Japan’s Shinzo Abe.
“Prime Minister leads India’s fight
against coronavirus from the front.
"Consistent high approval ratings
for PM Narendra Modi. Nation
has confidence in its leadership
in an extraordinary situation due
Coronavirus update:Funds to India may drop by 23%
in 2020 due to Covid-19 crisis, says World Bank
As a result of the deadly
coronavirus pandemic,
which has resulted in a
global recession, remittances to India
are likely to drop by 23% from $83
billion last year to $64 billion this
year, the World Bank has said.
“In India, remittances are
projected to fall by about 23% in
2020, to $64 billion – a striking
contrast with the growth of 5.5% and
receipts of $83 billion seen in 2019,”
the World Bank said in a report on
impact of Covid-19 on migration and
remittances released on Wednesday.
Globally remittances are projected
to decline sharply by about 20%
this year due to the economic crisis
induced by the Covid-19 pandemic
and shutdown.
The projected fall, which would be
the sharpest decline in recent history,
is largely due to a fall in the wages
and employment of migrant workers,
who tend to be more vulnerable
to loss of employment and wages
during an economic crisis in a host
country, the bank said.
“Remittances are a vital source
of income for developing countries.
The ongoing economic recession
"Consistent
high
approval ratings for
PM Narendra Modi.
Nation has confidence
in its leadership in an
extraordinary situation
due a pandemic"
The Union Health Ministry said a total
of 19,984 people have been confirmed
positive for COVID-19 across the country,
and 3,870 people have been cured with a recovery
rate of 19.36%.
In the past twenty-four hours, 1,383 new cases
have surfaced and 50 new deaths have been
reported, said the ministry.
According to the Union Health Ministry, the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
has forwarded a protocol for using rapid
antibody test to all states, saying that
antibody rapid tests are largely to be
used as a tool for surveillance.
"Globally also, the utility of this
test is evolving and it is currently
being used for detecting the
a pandemic,”
Sitharaman tweeted.
Many Union ministers
and other party leaders also
tweeted about the highest approval
ratings of Modi amidst the global
fight against the pandemic, saying
the country has full confidence in his
leadership at the time of this crisis.
“Prime Minister Narendra
caused by Covid-19 is taking a
severe toll on the ability to send
money home and makes it all the
more vital that we shorten the time to
recovery for advanced economies,”
said World Bank Group President
David Malpass.
“Remittances help families
afford food, healthcare, and basic
needs. As the World Bank Group
implements fast, broad action to
support countries, we are working to
keep remittance channels open and
safeguard the poorest communities’
access to these most basic needs,” he
added.
Remittance flows are expected to
fall across all World Bank Group
Modi leads the world in
combating COVID-19.
"Ensuring safety and security for
the Indian people on one hand and
lending all necessary support to
other nations on the other, he has
been ranked number one amongst
world leaders in the fight against
the pandemic,” BJP president JP
Nadda said.
regions, most notably in Europe and
Central Asia (27.5%), followed by
Sub-Saharan Africa (23.1%), South
Asia (22.1%), the Middle East and
North Africa (19.6%), Latin America
and the Caribbean (19.3%), and East
Asia and the Pacific (13%).
In Pakistan, the projected decline
is also about 23%, totalling about
$17 billion, compared with a total
of $22.5 billion last year, when
remittances grew by 6.2%.
In Bangladesh, remittances are
projected at $14 billion this year, a
likely fall of about 22%. Remittances
to Nepal and Sri Lanka are expected
to decline by 14% and 19%,
respectively this year.
formation of antibodies in individuals. These test
results are also dependent on field conditions.
As noted by ICMR, these tests cannot
replace the RT-PCR test to diagnose
COVID-19 cases. The ICMR has
promised assistance to collect data
from various States to assess the scope
and extent of utility of these rapid
antibody test in field conditions.
Coronavirus
has mutated
into at least
30 variants:
China study
The Wuhan-originated novel
coronavirus that globally
killed around 180,000
people so far, has mutated into at
least 30 different genetic variations,
according to a new study in China.
The study conducted by professor
Li Lanjuan and others from Zhejiang
University in Hangzhou, was
published in a non-peer reviewed
paper released on Sunday. The
researchers have detected 30
different mutations out of which 19
were new and previously undetected.
The study revealed that
healthcare practitioners have vastly
underestimated the ability of the virus
to mutate. Incidentally, Dr Anthony
Fauci, the famous immunologist and
the leading member of the White
House Coronavirus Task Force, very
early on in his presentation about the
virus to US President Donald Trump
had stressed the rapid mutation of the
virus.
This characteristic of the virus,
makes it extremely challenging for
scientists to find a cure for the disease
Covid-19 attacking the respiratory
system, which the virus causes. The
Zhejiang university study shows
that different strains have affected
different parts of the world, which
will make it even more difficult to
develop a vaccine for it.
The research study is based on
the analysis of the strains from
11 randomly chosen coronavirus
patients from Hangzhou, which
were tested for their potency to
infect and kill cells. "Here we report
functional characterizations of 11
patient-derived viral isolates, all of
which have at least one mutation.
Importantly, these viral isolates show
significant variation in cytopathic
effects and viral load, up to 270-fold
differences, when infecting Vero-E6
cells," the paper said.
Corona count in India 19,984; 50 deaths in 24 hours
"All
citizens
are requested to
participate to help get
proper feedback on the
prevalence and distribution
of COVID-19 symptoms"
"The ICMR will keep advising the states on a
regular basis", said the Health Ministry.
The Centre will be conducting a telephonic
survey where citizens will be contacted on their
mobile phone from the number 1921. "This is a
genuine survey.
"All citizens are requested to participate to
help get proper feedback on the prevalence and
distribution of COVID-19 symptoms", said a
statement. Taking cognizance of attacks on doctors
involved in the fight against coronavirus outbreak,
the Cabinet has recommended an ordinance to
ensure the safety of the doctors under the Epidemic
Disease Act, 1897. The Home has Minister assured
deoctors and health workers that government
would leave no stone unturned in ensuring their
well-being and security.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Special Coverage
WORLD 19
Global hunger could double
due to COVID-19 blow: UN
The number of people facing
acute food insecurity could
nearly double this year to 265
million due to the economic fallout
of COVID-19, the United Nations’
World Food Programme (WFP) said.
The impact of lost tourism
revenues, falling remittances and
travel and other restrictions linked
to the coronavirus pandemic are
expected to leave some 130 million
people acutely hungry this year,
adding to around 135 million already
in that category.
“COVID-19 is potentially
catastrophic for millions who are
already hanging by a thread,” said
Arif Husain, chief economist and
director of research, assessment
and monitoring at the World Food
Programme (WFP).
“We all need to come together to
deal with this because if we don’t the
cost will be too high – the global cost
will be too high: many lost lives and
many, many more lost livelihoods,”
he told reporters at a virtual briefing
in Geneva. Husain said it was critical
to act quickly in order to prevent
people already living hand-to-mouth,
such as food vendors in Kenya, from
selling their assets as it could take
them years to become self-reliant
again.
In some cases, such as when
farmers sell their ploughs or oxen,
it could have knock-on effects for
food production for years to come,
he added.
“These were the people
we were concerned about
– those who were OK
before COVID and now
they are not,” he said,
adding he was “really
worried” about people
living in countries with
little or no government
safety nets.
“Acute food and livelihood crisis”
is category three of five UN phases
meaning a “critical lack of food
access and above usual malnutrition”.
Category 5 means mass starvation.
U.N. officials did not give a
geographical breakdown of the
growing needs, but said that Africa
was likely to be hardest hit.
WFP expects to need $10-
$12 billion to fund its assistance
programmes this year compared to
a record $8.3 billion raised last year,
Husain added. It plans to pre-position
food stocks over the coming months
in anticipation of growing needs.
Of those already deemed acutely
hungry, many are in conflict
zones such as Syria or in
countries badly hit by
the impact of climate
change, according to a
U.N. report.
Even before the
coronavirus pandemic,
desert locusts in east Africa
had destroyed crops and boosted
the number of people reliant on food
aid.
Doctors identify skin problems as another odd potential
symptom
Human trials
of a potential
COVID-19 vaccine
to begin in the UK
Human trials of a potential
vaccine for COVID-19 will
begin in the UK this Friday.
Oxford University Health
Secretary, Matt Hancock says they
hope that delivering this into the
body will enable the immune system
to fight off the real disease without
needing to become infected with
COVID-19.
Hancock says the plan is to test
it on around 500 volunteers by
mid-May and if that work proves
successful then they will give it to
more volunteers.
He says finding a vaccine is the top
priority and adds he is delighted that
they are going into human clinical
trials this week.
There are now more than 2.5
million COVID-19 cases worldwide
with 175,759 deaths.
The United States still has the
highest number of confirmed cases
with 805,980 and 44,240 deaths.
Australia has 6, 645 confirmed
cases with 71 deaths while there are
1,107 cases in New Zealand and 13
deaths.
Months after COVID-19
There have also been reported The World Health Organization
appeared on the world
cases of skin conditions such (WHO) chief called on the
stage, the deadly disease
as measles-like rashes or hives United States to reconsider
is still prompting medical mysteries,
associated with COVID-19. But,
its decision to freeze funding to the
and doctors have identified
complicating matters, these kinds of
organization, and hoped that the US
another odd potential symptom:
rashes are also commonly seen with
will once again support WHO's work
skin problems.
reactions to medications or in other
and continue to save lives.
Media reports a growing number
viral infections.
"The US has been supporting
of prominent dermatologists
Rosenbach said because these
WHO and it's number one donor (of
treating suspected and confirmed
are indeed common rashes, “there
WHO). We value that, we appreciate
coronavirus-positive patients are
doesn’t seem to be a helpful pattern,"
that," said WHO Director-General
reporting patterns and trends of skin
meaning it’s harder for doctors to
conditions, suggesting the skin could
tell whether coronavirus or a more
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
be a kind of window about what may Professor of Dermatology at the the weather.
mundane issue is to blame.
Having appreciated the US funding
be happening with COVID-19 inside Hospital of the University of Rosenbach said these findings Symptoms more commonly for helping build the national health
the body.
Pennsylvania says it has been so far have been reported to be associated with coronavirus include system in Ethiopia where he used to
Italian doctors published a series
of cases signaling a trend about the
skin in late March.
In that study, one in five patients
dubbed “COVID toes” by the
dermatology community because
frostbite-like areas of typically red
or purple discoloration can appear
seen more in kids and young
adults, which is a population that
can be asymptomatic or have mild
symptoms more frequently than
fevers, upper respiratory problems
like coughing, and fatigue. But more
unusual symptoms have been seen in
some cases, such as a lost of taste,
be the minister of health, Tedros said
he has also been a live witness as the
WHO chief of the US support to his
organisation.
had a skin issue, most commonly a on the feet can also be seen on the older individuals, though more kidney issues and blood clotting. "I hope the US believes that this
red rash or a hive-like eruption. fingers as well.
cases would have to be examined Experts suggested the blood is an important investment not just
According to ABC News, Dr. She says the discoloration doesn't to determine which population is clotting could be related to the skin to help others, but for the US to stay
Misha Rosenbach, Associate appear to have anything to do with affected by this condition.
issues.
safe also," he said.
Trump's executive order suspending entry of
"Drastic" and "damaging" is how
a top US immigration attorney
is describing Donald Trump's
latest executive order, which takes
a sledgehammer to the entry of
immigrants "who present risk to the
US labour market" and goes into
effect from midnight on April 23.
The executive order does not apply
to H1B workers in the United States.
The executive order applies to
three categories of "aliens". It bans
those who are outside the United
States on the effective date of the
order, which means 11:59 pm on
April 23, those who do not have an
immigrant visa that is valid on the
effective date and those who do not
have an official travel document
other than a visa, such as an advance
parole document.
With consulates closed, almost
all visa processing by the State
Department has been suspended for
weeks anyway.
"If you have been sponsored for a
green card through a family member,
you're now going to be banned for
60 days, unless you are a spouse
or minor child of a US citizen,"
Cyrus Mehta, New York based US
immigration attorney, said.
"If you are the spouse or minor
child of a green card holder, you're
banned. If you are the adult son or
daughter of a US citizen or adult
single son or daughter of a green
card holder, you're banned. If you
are the sibling of a US citizen, and
you waited 10 plus years to come in
and you are still waiting for a visa
interview at a consular post, you're
now banned."
Called "Proclamation
Suspending Entry of
Immigrants Who Present Risk
"These
were the
people we were
concerned about –
those who were OK
before COVID and
now they are
not"
immigrants 'drastic and damaging': Top US attorney
to the US Labor Market During the
Economic Recovery Following the
COVID-19 Outbreak," Trump's
latest executive order with a 16
word headline comes with a 60
day sunset clause, for now. Trump
said his decision is essential to
help Americans get back to work
in an economy ripped apart by the
coronavirus.
"This will ensure that unemployed
Americans of all backgrounds will be
first in line for jobs as our economy
"This
will ensure
that unemployed
Americans of all
backgrounds will be first
in line for jobs as our
economy reopens"
reopens," Trump said.
"If you read the
fine print, on day
50 of the 60
day period, the
President can
once again make
an assessment
WHO chief calls on US to
reconsider funding freeze
and decide whether to continue with
it," Mehta explained.
The few exemptions that exist now
are for spouses and minor children
of US citizens, people coming on an
immigrant visa as a physician, nurse
or other health care professional to
perform medical research related to
COVID-19.
The order also exempts people
approved under the EB5 immigrant
investor program who have invested
more than a million dollars to get a
foothold in the US.
"On the other hand, the spouse
of a green card holder or parent
of a US citizen has been banned,"
says Mehta. He says Trump's use of
authority under Section 212F of the
Immigration Act is a standout case in
American history.

20
SPORTS
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
Post-COVID world could
be a blessing in disguise
for Indian sports: Bindra
Kohli the most consistent
performer in ODIs: Rabada
Legendary shooter Abhinav Bindra
believes once the coronavirus pandemic
subsides, it could be a blessing in
disguise for Indian sports due to absence of
much foreign exposure.
"The post-COVID-19 world could be a
blessing in disguise for India. There may not be
so much foreign exposure and this may allow
India to build proper sporting infrastructure.
We need to build our own coaches and our own
support staff," Bindra said on Monday.
The entire sporting calendar has come to
a grinding halt across the world due to the
coronavirus pandemic. Major sporting events,
including Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon,
have either been postponed or cancelled.
Bindra, India's only individual Olympic gold
medallist, alongwith Nandan Kamath, lawyer
and managing trustee GoSports Foundation,
on Monday addressed the newly-appointed
"We need to look after athletes because
assistant directors and other senior officials of
the very nature of sport is that more will fail
Sports Authority of India (SAI) during a special
than succeed. It is important that athletes have
session.
backup plans in case their sports career doesn't
Bindra said that as sports administrators they
work out," he pointed out.
need to work towards creating an alternate skill
Bindra further said that sports administrators
development programme for athletes to ensure
need to understand the psychology of an athlete
their well-being in the long run.
India limited overs
vice-captain Rohit Sharma
India limited overs vice-captain Rohit
Sharma has said the presence of David
Warner and Steve Smith will make the
tour of Australia, scheduled later this year,
more challenging.
India bagged the 2018-19 Test series
2-1, their first in 71 years of touring
Australia but there was no Smith and
Warner as they were serving a one year
ball-tampering suspension.
"I was looking forward to the New
Zealand series but unfortunately, injury
(calf muscle) happened at the wrong
time," Rohit told ‘India Today'.
"I can't wait to go to Australia and play
the Test matches there. Australia in
Australia with those two guys will
be a different ball game," said
dashing opener Rohit.
On him opening the batting
in Tests, Rohit said he has been
ready for the job since the 2018
to be able to build them up because athletes
pass through different phases because of the
nature of sport and the probability of failure.
"An expert can give a larger overview of
the various elements that go into sporting
performance and that's where you will
understand where performance is built and
what are the various elements that go into
performance and then you will start to have
a better and deeper understanding of where
performance is built. Results at a competition
cannot be the only denominator when planning
for an Olympic Games or an Asian Games," he
added.
Bindra spoke at length on his experience as an
athlete and also on the future of sports in India.
"The one per cent (of athletes) makes all the
difference in sport, and as our sports ecosystem
starts maturing, we need to start focussing on
that one percent for all athletes," he said.
Stressing on the need to build a strong talent
identification and nurturing programme, he
added, "Getting foundations right is important,
a lot of work on that has already been started
with the Khelo India programme and also
emphasis placed on junior programme of
different sports.
Never met anyone quite like Dhoni: Hussey
Former Australia and Chennai Super
Kings batsman Michael Hussey said
that M.S. Dhoni and Murali Vijay
are the two batsmen that he likes batting
with towards the end of an innings and at the
beginning respectively among those he played
with at CSK.
Hussey would have been in the CSK camp
as their batting coach had it not been for the
postponement of the 2020 Indian Premier
League (IPL) due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He did a live video interaction on the Chennai
Super Kings' Instagram page on Thursday.
Hussey said the pair were his favourite
because they do well to level out his own
"panicky" nature in the middle. "Love batting
with Vijay at the top of the innings. I am a bit
Australia tour when the team management
gave him enough hints.
"I was told you might be opening in
Tests as well. It was two years ago. I was
preparing myself from then onwards," he
said.
"You wanted an opportunity, everybody
wants to be out there in the middle. I
wanted to play and not watch the game,"
he added.
"When the chance came along, I was
ready. There were some technical aspects
I needed to be aware of," he said.
"As a team, we are playing best cricket
"I
can't wait
to go to Australia
and play the Test
matches there. Australia
in Australia with those two
guys will be a different
ball game,"
right now, everybody wants to
take the game back to the
opposition. If it happens
(amid the COVID-19
pandemic), it will be a
great series to be part
of," he added.
panicky in the middle where Vijay likes to
stride around and be relaxed. I would tell him
come on Vijay concentrate, but he would go
about it at his own pace," said Hussey.
"MS is always very calculative. I would want
to finish the match as early as possible but MS
would say no because there is this bowler who
is coming up to bowl or someone else that
we need to see out," he said.
Hussey said that he has never met
anyone like Dhoni. "Don't think I've
met anyone like MS in that respect.
Yes he has got a calculating brain
but he has also got that unbelievable
power. He knows when he wants to
hit a six he can, which is something I
didn't have," he said.
South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada
heaped praise on India captain Virat
Kohli and called him as the most
consistent performer in the 50-over format of
the game.
He also named England all-rounder Ben
Stokes, Australia batsman Steve Smith and
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson as the
players whom he likes in world cricket.
Kohli is currently the top-ranked ODI
batsman in the world while he is placed at
the second spot in Test rankings led by Steve
Smith. Williamson is placed at the fourth spot
in this particular list.
"If you look at one day cricket, I'd say Virat
Kohli is the most consistent performer, he is
consistent in Test cricket as well. I even like
the work of Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Kane
Williamson," Rabada said during a chat show.
In normal circumstances, Rabada would have
been currently up against the aforementioned
big names of world cricket in the 13th edition
of the Indian Premier League (IPL), however,
due to coronavirus pandemic the tournament
has been postponed by the BCCI.
Rabada has been a revelation since making
his debut for South Africa a few years ago. He
has scalped 117 wickets in 73 ODIs and 197
wickets in 43 Tests for the Proteas and is the
leading fast bolwer of his country in all three
formats at just the age of 24.
No chance of further postponing
Tokyo Olympics: Games chief
There are no plans in place for a second
postponement of the Tokyo Olympics,
Games organisers have said.
The 2020 Olympics was postponed to July
23-August 8, 2021 due to the coronavirus
pandemic but several health experts have
questioned if it will be possible to hold the
Games even next year.
Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee president
Yoshiro Mori said in a teleconference that there
is "absolutely no" chance of postponing the
Games beyond the new time period.
Masa Takaya, the spokesman for the Tokyo
Olympics, said that there is "no B plan" in place
for a further postponement and the work is
progressing on the assumption that the Games
will start on July 23, 2021.
"We are working toward the new goal,"
Takaya said, speaking in English on a
teleconference call with journalists. "We
don't have a B Plan." Earlier, a leading health
expert had said that it is unfeasible to hold
the Olympics from July 23 unless a vaccine is
found for the coronavirus pandemic.
"If we do get a vaccine within the next year
then actually I think that (Olympics) is realistic.
The vaccine will be the game-changer -- an
effective, affordable, available vaccine," said
Professor Devi Sridhar.
"If we don't get a scientific breakthrough,
then I think that looks very unrealistic."

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020
FEATURE 21
ubi proximus or where to
for Nutrition post COVID19
Will this change the way we eat and drink to fill an old wine in a new bottle?
BY MALLIKA
JANAKIRAMAN
NUTRITION
STRATEGY
CONSULTANT
Navigate from point A
As I begin to pen my thoughts, let
me begin at the very beginning by
decoding what is said on COVID-19,
also known as novel coronavirus disease 2019
and map what we know from World Health
Organisation (WHO) and the U.S Centre for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Air borne - this respiratory illness can spread
from person to person
• Affects communities and humanity
throughout the world
• Any individuals at high risk for
complications and who need to take extra
precaution to safeguard their health can be
identified as -
• Older adults
• Individuals with serious chronic medical
conditions such as heart disease, diabetes
and lung disease
Pause at point B
Balance, variety and moderation in what
you eat and do and watch out for wisdom from
tradition, which goes beyond the much-hyped
Namaste.
Choose a variety of fresh foods every day
to get the vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre,
protein and antioxidants your body needs and
therefore-
Be basic: Making healthy choices from the
4 food groups to include fruits, vegetables,
legumes (e.g. lentils, beans), nuts and whole
grains (e.g. unprocessed maize, millet, oats,
wheat, brown rice or starchy tubers or roots
such as potato, yam, taro or cassava), and foods
from animal sources (e.g. meat, fish, eggs and
milk) to get all the nutrients you need each day
every day.
Plan to use what is available in your pantry
and refrigerator too visits to the supermarket
are neither so safe nor sensitive.
Balance your plate and make it easy by
counting your serves and portions the easy way
• Fill up colour with ½ your plate with
vegetables and fruits.
• Fuel 1/4th of your plate with breads and
cereals choosing wisely from whole food
options
• Fare well with protein to complete the
balance 1/4th
• of your plate.
• Forget not to hydrate yourself with at least
8 – 10 cups of water everyday
Build Immunity: While they are no magic
bullets to cure let the wisdom in traditional
foods bring new sense and sensibility to find
solace in times of crisis, chaos and confusion.
What harm can foods do in balance, I wonder?
A few foods often pop on a search as immune
boosters and while including them in your diet
is often a debate, at least a placebo effect is
a possible outcome in times where we don’t
know what we don’t know?
My pick personally and again in balance and
moderation would include - Ginger, Garlic,
Walnuts, Spinach. Broccoli, Kiwi fruits,
oranges, grapes, super berries, oats and the
list can go on Really is this not what we have
any ways from Italy to India and why then this
noise on bursting myths?
Power yourself with quality proteins, from
low fat and low salt options, guard yourself
with antioxidants rich fruits and vegetables and
sustain with energy from whole grain foods and
let essential fats do their work plus a boost of
probiotics cannot go wrong and occasionally
pep yourself with little treats!
Least to say, cook safe and do not overcook
vegetables and fruit as this can lead to the loss
of important vitamins
Be aware: Watch out for empty calories and
going slow on sugar, fat and salt to significantly
lower your risk of overweight, obesity, heart
disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of
cancer.
Makes sense as the vulnerable groups can
ignore their regular check ups or fail to test
their markers
Therefore, if you are immune compromised
or at risk due to any lifestyle related issues -
• Regularly monitor your blood sugar, blood
pressure to do a course correction in your
diet if required and be in control
• Eat moderate amounts of fat and oil
• Eat less salt and sugar and limit your daily
salt intake to less than 5 g (approximately 1
teaspoon) and use iodized salt
• Be careful not to consume too much
caffeine, and
• Avoid sweetened fruit juices, syrups, fruit
juice concentrates, and fizzy and still drinks
as they all contain sugar.
• Avoid eating out
• Wash you hands and keep your kitchen
Breathe Easy WHO on its website has
clearly crafted the need to be physically activity
to help both your body and mind. Being active
even at times of lock down can help
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Help manage weight and reduce the risk of
heart disease, stroke, type 2diabetes, and
various cancers.
• Improves bone and muscle strength and
increases balance, flexibility and fitness. For
older people, activities that improve balance
help to prevent falls and injuries.
• Also activity improves mental health and
can reduce the risk of depression, cognitive
decline and delay the onset of dementia -
and improve overall feelings of wellbeing.
A new meaning
at point C
Come to think of it, there are no magic
bullets. Let us open our minds to engage in the
tested and tried reliance on food and farmers.
Reflect for a moment on how for centuries in
crisis like scurvy and vitamin C, malnutrition
and protein energy, cholera and zinc to name a
few, food and its benefits have far out weighed
its value.
Do a total of at least 150 minutes of
moderate -intensity physical activity
throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes
of vigorous-intensity physical activity
throughout the week, including musclestrengthening
activities 2 or more days per
week.
Older adults with poor mobility should
do physical activity to enhance balance and
prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.
Times now for a mind shift change in the
way we adapt, address and account each day
for another lease of life.
Count on the trust in the fundamental belief
that, “Let Food be thy Medicine and Medicine
not thy Food” (Hippocrates) and open up your
eyes to this rage old vision and toast to the
known elixir for good health.
Caring for your health over wealth, caring
for the community beyond your family, caring
for the world beyond your country may be the
new found meaning of life for times to come.
ubi proximus in Latin or where from now
and will the Circle of life be our teacher like no
other and will the time to learn be right NOW?

22 FEATURES COVID-19 Special Coverage
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
Lock Down
FOZIA YUSUF
No doubt this pandemic has halted,
our daily routine, is not the norm
anymore, I haven’t dressed up in
days, but that’s another story, during this hard
times we have had a few daredevils take on the
fashion industry with creative ideas of maybe
what future fashion will venture into it. If are
to live in this strict lockdown rules were social
distancing is a norm.
Exploring the few trends that have
been taking social media by storm
Socks Are An Unexpected
Fashion Hero
With Couture season being cancelled,
people who were delighted to see the
fashions most extraordinary and sometimes
hideous designs won’t get the chance to explore
and feast their eyes but fear not thankfully
thanks to few creative individuals there has
been a solution to this problem.
#homecouture, the idea is anyone who has
the itch to dress up in fantasy can do so in the
comforts of their own home. Quarantine Diva’s
across the world have turned their pillows
and bedsheets into scouring- pad ball gowns,
toilet paper has deemed a luxury, and saucepan
fascinators, it’s amazed me to see such creative
outlook of fashion never in a million years I
thought I could wear my pillows.
Trash Fashion
Fashion Trends
Us” The trend may seem stupid to some, but it
has connected people around the world, using
Social Media Platforms, So many people have
lost their jobs, taken pay cuts, are unable to
see their loved ones or are dealing with other
stresses, that have have been weighed on people
with this global pandemic.
Lots of things have changed in so many
people’s lives and the only thing that has
stayed constant the Trash has to go out. I at this
point have felt a gleaming laugh lite my face
whenever I see such videos and posts, After all,
guys Laughter is the Best Medicine.
Superheroes Are In Fashion
showstopping outfits people are wearing to
work from home.
Exceptionally Proud of you ladies unlike me,
I need to get on to my matching lipstick and
nail polish to match my slippers go Polkadot
Havaianas.
Desi Divas
Lauren Bravo describes socks are the new
shoes as we are not going out most people
on Instagram and tik – tok and Facebook are
seen putting their best foot forwards what better
way to do this by modelling you stylish looking
socks. Socks have long been the shuffled back
in the fashion agenda but now we notice the
socks are finally climbing up this monstrous
ladder in this toppled world.
We get to see trendy fluffy socks gracing the
insta the thick, Hiking socks, little lace socks,
glittery neon babes, people are even dressing up
their socks.
DIY Home Couture
From Comic books to street hero’s, as part
of this adventures, fashionable drive why
should our kids be left behind does it feel like
Halloween in middle of Autumn, it’s nice to see
superheroes, picking mail, taking out the trash
, giving a smile and keeping the environment
clean I say shout out to all the creative
superhero’s who take on to social media in their
dress-up costumes to brighten a dimming light
at the end of the tunnel.
Go, avengers, I personally love superman
though. You never know kids you might meet
Iron man taking the bin out.
Dress To Nowhere
follow a bunch of makeup artists worldwide,
I and this trend to entertain people is my
favourite, by far in touch with desi roots oh how
I loved to dress in my desi outfit the colour. the
makeup pallets.
Thank you #MakeupBrushChallenge, where
it showcases makeup artist in lockdown and
after transform into desi divas, totally love
these videos on Tik-Tok and Insta, Facebook,
gives me inspiration to trial making videos with
my fellow makeup divas.
While there are many other trends, out there
and people cheering on each other, we do need
to make sure, human race prevails. And doesn’t
become pre-historic like our fellow dinosaurs.
We need to maintain social distancing. And care
and love for one another will help us prevail
in this difficult time. Will leave you with this
thought “Live and let live”.
There is only so much you can do while in
Quarantine, so many people are getting
excited about the basic things in life. It’s
become a fashionable trend on Tik- Tok and
Insta for people to dress up and Take out the
trash.
Many people are sharing out their funny
videos and photos on social media, and the
quote goes “The Trash Goes out More than
feel like celebrating the Women in lockdown
I who get all dresses up to go nowhere. I miss
going out and dressing up or even dancing to
music once in a while. What’s happening now
I work from home in a polyester durag and
oversized t-shirt believe I love comforts, but I
miss those days.
There is a lot of hashtag declines on insta but
hats off to people who dress formal. the trends
like #DontRushchallenge, which showcases

24
TIME OUT
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
CROSSWORD NO: 51
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS
SUDOKU NO: 51
HITORI NO: 51
Hitori – a logic puzzle with very simple rules and challenging solutions. Can you eliminate
numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column? Objective / Rules. Eliminate
numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column. Eliminate numbers
by marking them in Black. You are not allowed to have two Black squares touching
horizontally or vertically (diagonally is ok). Any White square can be reached from any
other (i.e. they are connected).
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE NO: 51
See how many differences you can find in the right or left photo.
1. Using only the letters in the words "EASTER EGG"
make a word that describes a wall in China.
.............................. ( One Word/5 Letters)
2. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG
make a word for what you might put into a car to
make it go.
.............................. ( One Word/3 Letters)
3. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG,
make a word for the direction that is opposite of west.
.............................. ( One Word/4 Letters)
4. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG
make a word for the raised platform on which a play
is performed.
.............................. ( One Word/5 Letters)
5. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG,
make a word that means how old something is.
............................... ( One Word/3 Letters)
6. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG
make a word that means to take a nap.
................................ ( One Word/4 Letters)
7. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG
make a word that means to guide the direction of a car
............................... ( One Word/5 Letters)
8. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG
make a word that means to welcome somebody.
.............................. ( One Word/5 Letters)
9. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG
make a word that describes a tall, woody plant, like
an oak.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ( One Word/4 Letters)
10. Using only the letters in the words EASTER EGG
make a word for a rodent.
............................... ( One Word/3 Letters)
Easter Bunny Colouring
Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with their
photographs for this page. E-mail us at reporter@indianweekender.co.nz

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020
ENTERTAINMENT 25
Inviting nominations for
The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2020
The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for
nominations, are as follows:
1. The nominee needs to have an undisputable
2. Should be nominated by a person of repute. Further,
the nominee.
3. The nominator has to provide their full contact
details. No anonymous applications will
be accepted.
4.
business, sports, art, culture, or any other
profession).
5.
‘The Indian Weekender Honours’ recognises individuals who have built a road to
glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on; who
have touched the lives of thousands and enriched the society with their being;
who have brought fame and respect to New Zealand and the Kiwi-Indian community.
The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the
community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2020.
We also invite nominations for Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year
and Kiwi Indian Community Service Exellence Award 2020.
Nominate Online: visit www.halloffame.co.nz
Post your nominations: Fill this form and post it to the address given below.
Indian origin, from any part of the world, who has
settled here in New Zealand. To be of Indian origin,
at least one of the parents of the nominee have to
be Indian, by blood, thereby making the nominee
of Indian lineage.
6. The nominee must have either a Permanent
Residency (PR), or Citizenship of New Zealand to
be eligible for consideration.
7. The nominee should have no prior convictions.
8. For minors, under the age of 18, parental consent
will be required.
9. The successful candidate will be required to attend
the ceremony in person. In case a person is not able
to attend, due to any unforeseen circumstances, the
jury will use its discretion.
10.
cannot be challenged.
ENTRY FORM: Nomination form for The Indian Weekender Honour s 2020 | Pleas e fill and pos t it to the addres s below
Nominator Details
Nominee Details
About the Nominee
Name of the nominator
Name of the nominee
For how long have you known the nominee?
Professional details of the nominator
Age of nominee
Please state your reasons for nominating the above person. You may mention the
achievements of the nominee in his/her profession.
Gender M F
Address & Contact number of nominator
Address & Contact number of nominee
Category
Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame
Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the year (16 to 35 years only)
Kiwi Indian Community Service Excellence Award
How according to you has the Nominee brought fame and respect to the Kiwi-Indian
community? (Add extra sheets to this form, if required)
Declaration by Nominator
the nominee for this application.
Yes
No
Nominee has accepted to appear in person
for the ceremony, if he/she gets chosen
for the nominated category for Kiwi Indian
Honours 2020.
Yes
No
I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge. I also
allow The Indian Weekender and the Jury to use the information provided for background
checks and to contact either me or the nominee for the purpose of getting any
more information.
Signed:
Date:
What to do next?
Please take a print out of this form, sign
and send / or email at:
Jury Panel, Kiwi Indian Honours 2019
Level1,133A Onehunga Mall,
Auckland 1061
(Add extra pages to this form if required.)
For details contact Indian Weekender on
09-217 3623 or go to:
www.indianweekender.co.nz
halloffame@indianweekender.co.nz

26
ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
Rani Mukerji
reveals the reason she fell in love with
Aditya Chopra and it is simply endearing!
Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra are one of the Bollywood couples who are not
active on social media. They are the ones who love to enjoy their private life
and keep their relationship low-key despite being one of power couples we have in
the industry. And one such couple is Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra. In fact Rani
Mukerji had earlier revealed that one of the reasons why she fell in love with Aditya is
because he is an extremely private person. Talking about the same to a news channel,
Rani had said that if feel Aditya was to be like Karan Johar, she would have not have
fallen in love with him.
According to her, Karan is everywhere, he is so social and he is the life of a party.
Every day he is doing something or the other. For her, she needs her family at home.
She revealed that she is a very family-oriented person and she would go mad if her
husband was working half the time and having a social life in the other half. She also
added that she is very happy and content that Aditya is not a social person. After his
work, he comes back home to her.
Elaborating further, she reportedly added that for her, after being in the industry
for so many years, he was one person she really respected.
According to her, it is very difficult to respect people in the fraternity as you know
the inside and out of everything. So, Aditya was one of those rare people whom she
really respected, who she still respects, because of his ethos, work pattern and the
way he is. She also added that because she too is a private person, it makes them a
really good couple because they are very happy going nowhere.
Vicky Kaushal: I was
never a 'horror-film
friendly' actor
Actor Vicky Kaushal tried out
the horror genre with "Bhoot
� Part One: The Haunted
Ship" earlier this year. He says
there was a time when he was not a
"horror-film friendly" actor.
The film tells the story of a young
shipping officer, Prithvi, grappling
with a personal loss. He takes it upon
himself to unravel the mystery of a
haunted ship.
"I was never a �horror-film
friendly' actor before doing 'Bhoot
Part One: The Haunted Ship'. I was
someone who would step out of
the room if a horror movie was on.
However, with this film, I was able to
overcome my fear," said Vicky.
"With this movie, the endeavour
has been to bring to the fans, a true
experience of the genre through a
genuine horror film which is not
just filled with thrills, but which is
honestly scary," he added.
It will now have its digital premiere
on Amazon Prime Video on April 22.
"I am happy that many more
viewers across the globe can now
stream the film and enjoy some edgeof-the
seat thrill, from the comfort
of their personal devices on Amazon
Prime Video," said the actor.
The Bhanu Pratap Singh directorial
also features Bhumi Pednekar and
Ashutosh Rana.
PRIYANKA CHOPRA'S homemade hair-pack
solution for the scalp
Priyanka Chopra has turned
beautician! The actress has
come up with DIY tips to take
care of your scalp and hair during the
quarantine days.
The actress shared a video on
Twitter where she can be seen
preparing a hair pack with yogurt,
egg and honey, the last one being
her "secret ingredient". Priyanka
suggested that this is a treatment for
those suffering from scalp-related
problems like dry scalp and dandruff.
Sharing the ingredients in a tweet,
she wrote: "Full Fat Yogurt, 1 tsp
honey, 1 egg. Let it sit in your hair for
30 min and rinse with warm water.
Disclaimer: while this works
wonders (for me), it doesn't smell
the best. You may need to shampoo
twice to remove all the yogurt, and
Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan is missing the
ritualistic thronging of fans every Sunday in front
of his bungalow, Jalsa. Over the past 38-odd years,
starry-eyed fans have crowded in front of his bungalow to
catch a glimpse of the actor, who would emerge for a few
moments to wave his hand at them.
The total lockdown owing to the COVID-19 pandemic
has put an end to the frenzied ritual for now, and Big B
seems to be missing it all.
"The Sunday does not mean the same as before ..
waiting for the time to arrive .. the security in place ..
that familiar sound of the step board being dragged into
position .. that familiar scream of the well wishers at the
gate as each domestic entrant enters and leaves premises
.. of the knowing that ehe' comes," blogged the actor.
"Ecstatic wild faces and mobiles recording the moment
.. those smiling hands and the designated positioning of
the ef that shall eventually find space inside the home ..
moments of connect with the familiar and the informed
Ef .. the ones on the buildings ahead .. precariously
positioned at vantage points .. the cheer and laments , the
letters of recommendations , the out of the country guests
.. numerous gift s and handicrafts from the near that have
come within .. photographs .. return wave at the opposite
balcony as you walk in the front door .. and its done," he
added.
Big B also misses giving autographs to fans and the
gifts that some of them brought for him.
"A while more and the pages for the autograph,
pictures writings etc., all done with the care
with which they have remained so sincere and
long, arrives.. their personal equation with the
maestro in tact they leave after this minuscule
formality .. the heart of the Ef be of subtle grace
then condition as usual."
Fans shared their inputs in the
comments section. A user wrote:
"Please do it on nick purely for our
entertainment."
Another fan shared inputs
regarding how to reduce the bad
smell caused by egg and commented:
"Using essential oil will reduce the
bad smell. Works like a charm."
Another fan quizzed: "What is the
remedy for gray hair?"
From theatre to television, cinema to digital platforms, veteran actor
Naseeruddin Shah is constantly proving his relevance as a performing
artist. Although there is nothing to prove as far as his skill as an actor
goes, he dsays that he wakes up every day to the new sun with the belief that
he has "something to give" to the audience.
"I think it is the suspicion that I still have function left to fulfil, I am not
done yet as an actor. I still have something to give (to the audience) and I
am lucky that people still want to watch me. I am lucky, and also the fact
that I love my work, I love acting. There is something about performing. I
can't explain the excitement, and I haven't got over it. I think I am obsessed
with acting. I think when I wake up tomorrow morning if I am unable to
perform, I probably will commit suicide. What is there in life without it?"
the 70-year-old actor said.
Shah is one of the most revered faces of parallel cinema and has also tasted
commercial success. Over the years, he has worked with the biggest of
filmmakers across genres, and he says he has always been supportive
of debutant filmmakers.
"When I interact with newcomer I have the example of people
like Habib Tanvir, Girish Karnad, Om Puri, Shyam Benegal,
Satyadev Dubey. When I was a youngster, they were ideals for
me. When one struggles, encouragement is needed, and these
people always guided us.
"Perhaps it is because of them, even in our darkest days, we
stayed hopeful and continued our struggle to become the actor
we are. So when I work with new actors and film directors, I
try and encourage the story that is worth telling," he said.
Asked if the politics of an on-screen characters matters to
him when he agrees to do a film, Shah said: " It is not always
the character but what the intention behind telling the story is
that matters the most."
Citing an example, the actor elaborates: " If the film
Khuda Kay Liye were about glorifying the Taliban I
would have not come on board to be part of the
story.
Coming from a very orthodox Muslim
family, as a child I was told that Islam is the
greatest religion and all non-Muslims are
kaafirs.
But those thoughts used to disturb me as a
growing adult. I was like, ‘but my friend KC
Singh is such a nice fellow, it was not his decision
to born a Hindu, so why would he go to hell?' We do
not choose our parents and the religion we are born into".
Why should music be banned?
All those questions were addressed in Khuda Kay Liye. So,
as an actor, I had to agree with the ideology that the story was
showing, not necessarily the character that I was portraying."
Amitabh Bachchan misses the crowds
outside his bungalow on Sundays
.. and that done they leave as do I inside the secure home
.. and the gifts that arrive kept away to be stored and
valued," he wrote.
"But none of that for the day today .. just the thoughts
and the reminders by the Ef on other platforms," concluded
the actor. The ritual of fans gathering outside his bungalow
every Sunday started sometime in the early eighties, at the
peak of Big B's superstardom as Bollywood's Angry
"But
none of that
for the day today
.. just the thoughts
and the reminders
by the Ef on other
platforms"
Naseeruddin Shah:
I am not done yet as an actor
Young Man.
The veteran actor reminisced about the
same in a tweet posted in January this year.
"And the Sunday well wishers at Jalsa gates
.. my gratitude ever .. Every Sunday from
the year 1982 .. almost 38 years non stop ..
no words to describe my affection," he wrote.
"When
one struggles,
encouragement is
needed, and these people
always guided us. Perhaps
it is because of them, even in
our darkest days, we stayed
hopeful and continued our
struggle to become the
actor we are."
SRK claims he
Shah Rukh Khan claims he is not a
superstar but a king! The actor who
is often referred to as Bollywood's
"Badshah" was at his sarcastic best while
interacting with fans on Twitter in an
online session titled "#asksrk" session on
Monday.
A user tweeted to Shah Rukh Khan
hinting that perhaps the superstar should
retire now. The tweet reads: "Decline is
inevitable in a life cycle. When/how do u
know its right time to change careers/call
quits if u are a superstar?? #asksrk"
To this, SRK replied: "Wouldn't
know....try asking a superstar. I am just a
King unfortunately."
The actor also revealed how he is using
the lockdown period to spend quality
time with his three kids. Responding
to a fan asking how he is spending the
Urvashi Raut
Urvashi Rautela doesn't like being put
a box as a screen personality, and ad
that she is trying out different genr
as an actor.
Her new song, "Beat pe thumka",
wedding number in the upcoming film "Virg
Bhanupriya", is part of her constant effort to t
something that is not regular, she says.
How different is the song from other weddi
songs? "The best part about 'Beat pe thumka'
it is not a regular song that we see these day

in
ds
es
a
in
ry
ng
is
s.
The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020
ENTERTAINMENT 27
is not a superstar but a king
lockdown period, Shah Rukh replied:
"Inspite of contributing to the population
boom, having three kids to be with is a
treat. They r in all shapes and sizes, so
the day goes by being with them each for
a couple of hours. Then spend rest of the
day cleaning up their toys!"
SRK also shared the lesson this
It's very much like a nineties song, which is
kind of rare to listen to in 2020. It has an old
and classic vibe to it," Urvashi said.
The former beauty queen, who has
featured in movies like "Hate Story 4" and
"Pagalpanti", said: "As an actor, I'm
trying different genres and different
styles and exploring my versatility. I
don't agree with people's notions of
putting women in a box.
In this song, you'll see me doing
Alia, Ranbir living together to Salman Khan's
song, news that hit headlines during the lockdown
The Coronavirus lockdown has brought
about a lot of things to the fore and while
we have all been at home during this time
of crisis, a lot of news has made it to the headline
from time to time. The entire country has come
together against the pandemic and we are all
trying to do our bit to make sure that we fight this
together, and get through this. Meanwhile, it has
also been interesting in the sense that a lot of news
has made it big and how.
So we thought of listing down some of the most
talked about headlines during the Coronavirus
lockdown, and while we bet there are many, we
have listed down 8 of them for you. Here's a list of
8 news pieces that made it to the headlines during
this lockdown:
Alia and Ranbir living together
Not only have we managed to infer from all
the photos and the kind of buzz that has been
doing the rounds that the two of them are living
together after all, but in fact, Alia's mother, Soni
Razdan, did go on to confirm the reports about the
same. Fans of the two are happy about this and are
in fact looking forward to seeing at least one photo
where Ranbir is not just the photographer but also
inside it.
Kartik's monologue Pyar Ka
Punchnama style
Kartik did get popular post that one monologue
that he had in the film and that later on became
ongoing pandemic has taught him.
Replying to a fan, he tweeted: "That we
all need to slow down a bit. Look and
feel life and nature a bit more than just
seeking instant gratification 24/7."
He also uttered words of prayer for the
world to tide over the pandemic soon.
"Hope we overcome the virus...faster
than the number of movies I have done.
Insha Allah"
Shah Rukh concluded Monday's
session with a message for his fans on
how to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Thank you all for #AskSrk Need to
get back to doing nothing. Please stay at
home. Physical distancing. Hygiene. And
respect all who r doing amazing work
on ground. Just Love a lot more and do
nothing...because ‘Jo kuch nahi karte
woh kamaal karte hain," he wrote.
kathak. I want to have different varieties
catering to different genres."
"This will help me to connect with all the girls
who'll be getting married as it has
the special nineties vibe to it,"
Yami Gautam: 'Vicky Donor' taught
me to be fearless in my choices
Actress Yami Gautam gets
nostalgic looking back at
her Bollywood debut film
"Vicky Donor", which opened eight
years ago on this day. She says the
film that dealt with sperm donation
and infertility, taught her to listen
to her instincs and be fearless in her
choices.
"What made the film so memorable
is the team that collaborated together.
It was one of the most memorable
shoots in terms of learning team
collaboration. Everybody was so
energetic, giving and supportive of
each other," she recalled.
Yami shared that the film led her
she added and shared that
her look has been inspired
by the "Nimbooda" song
that was picturised
on Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan.
sort of a must-do for him thereon. None the less,
when the lockdown had just been announced and
people were not abiding by the rules, he went on
rant mode in the monologue style. In fact, if that is
not enough, the actor also went on to rap in another
of his posts and both of them did receive a lot of
love. And currently, he is also doing a series on his
Youtube channel titled Koki Poochega where he
has been interacting with people who have come in
direct touch with COVID 19 in any form.
Kangana Ranaut's sister Rangoli
Chandel's Twitter account suspension
This is something that happened rather recently
and has grabbed a lot of eyeballs. Rangoli is
often in the news for speaking her mind out, and
this time around, it looks like she took things too
far as Twitter is concerned, thereby leading to her
account getting suspended. She did, however, get a
lot of support too, apart from the bashing.
Deepika cooking with Ranveer
Singh and her lockdown series
Deepika Padukone was amongst the first few
celebrities to have started her series which
she called productivity in the time of COVID 19
and while everyone had a fun time at it, the best
part was when she got cooking along with Ranveer
and all the fun they had while at it.
Photos and videos all have our attention and
rightly so, it rightly makes it to the list here.
Tiger and Disha living together
Another couple who managed to grab our
attention is that of Tiger and Disha.
The two have been in the news for the longest
time now, however, there isn't much that has been
to root for roles that have substance.
"It helped me explore myself as
an actor. I remember the process of
preparing for 'Vicky Donor'. We had
workshops and we were so thorough
with the script. After packing up we
would sit with Shoojit da (Sircar)
and Juhi (Chaturvedi) and work
on upcoming scenes. It taught me
to listen to my instincts and be
fearless in my choices. It was a pathbreaking
script. I credit the film for
strengthening my desire to be part
of such stories that have depth and
impact," she said
She said the film's director Shoojit
Sircar was one of the main reasons
Urvashi enjoyed shooting for the song.
"My character is very 'chulbuli' and out of
the box, and is excited as she is finally getting
married. I'm playing a character who is very
excited like every young woman about her
marriage, she's dancing and enjoying with her
friends to the fullest," she said.
"I had a great time shooting with my
choreographer Shabina Khan. It was quite
tough as the jewellery and lehenga were
quite heavy," she added.
known. None the less, the two always attend movie
screenings, often with each other, and as it turns
out, they are living together right now.
Salman and his farmhouse escapades
Salman Khan has been sharing videos while he
is at his farmhouse.
However, what did grab our attention is this
video where rumored girlfriend Iulia Vantur is on
an interview and Salman enters while she is at it,
leaving her blushing of sorts.
Another reason why bhaijaan has grabbed the
attention all over the internet is for his song that
he released a day back and it is everywhere now.
Lockdown with the Johars
Karan Johar is here with season 2 of the series
during the lockdown as well and it basically
features his twins Yash and Roohi along with
mommy Hiroo Johar.
Together, they all are seen having a fun time
while at it and we are totally entertained.
Shah Rukh Khan's Twitter chat
Shah Rukh Khan has been in the news constantly
for all the good work he has been doing to lend
his support given the crisis we are dealing with,
but recently, he did a Twitter chat with his fans and
he got asked all sort of questions, and to some of
them, he had the wittiest replies ever, for example,
how when should one call it quits?
We love SRK for everything that he is, don't we?
why she had said yes to the movie.
"I had watched 'Yahaan' and I
thought it was a beautiful film. When
I had just heard the concept of 'Vicky
Donor' and I had auditioned for it, my
instincts said 'I wish I get this part'.
The concept was so fresh and the
script was so funny," Yami recalled.
"Not many newcomers get to play
such roles. When I got the part I was
so happy and I knew it was going
to be something special. I was very
fortunate to have been directed by
Shoojit da in my first film. He is so
passionate and calm; he effortlessly
takes you through the journey of the
world that he creates," she added.
ela: I don't agree with the notion of putting women in a box
"As
an actor, I'm
trying different genres
and different styles and
exploring my versatility.
I don't agree with people's
notions of putting
women in a box"

28
FEATURE
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
Lemon-garlic shrimp and grits
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup instant grits
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined,
tails intact
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus wedges for serving
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley
Directions
• Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan
over high heat, covered. Uncover and slowly whisk in
the grits, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Healthy cooking
• Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring
occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the Parmesan and 1 tablespoon butter.
• Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
• Cover to keep warm.
• Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large
skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp, garlic and cayenne, if using, and
cook, tossing, until the shrimp are pink, 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons water, the
lemon juice and parsley; stir to coat the shrimp with
the sauce and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the grits among shallow bowls and top with the
shrimp and sauce.
• Serve with lemon wedges.
Chicken Fingers w
curried ketchup
Ingredients
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• 2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 1
3/4 pounds), cut into 1-inch-wide strips
• 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• Juice of 1 lime
Directions
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Set a rack
on a baking sheet and mist with cooking spray.
• Whisk the eggs, mustard, 1 teaspoon curry
powder, the cumin and 1 te
shallow bowl. Mix the panko w
curry powder in another bowl
• Dip the chicken strips in t
letting the excess drip off, th
panko. Place the chicken on t
all over with cooking spray.
• Bake until golden brown and
about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring about 1 in
boil in a large pot with a steam
in place.
• Add the broccoli, cover and s
tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Mix the ketchup, lime juice a
1/2 teaspoon curry powder in
• Serve the chicken strips w
ketchup and broccoli.
Broccoli-Walnut Pesto with Pasta
Spicy Kale and Corn Stuffed Chic
Ingredients
and the garlic in a food processor; a
• 1/3 cup walnut halves
the broccoli, basil, broth, nutmeg,
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and mashed
• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus pepper flakes if using, 3/4 teaspo
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
a few sprigs, for garnish
salt and the lemon juice, and pu
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
until just combined. Slowly drizzle
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups chopped raw broccoli florets the oil through the feed tube with
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
and tender stems (about 4 ounces) processor running and puree unti
• 1 pound spaghetti, cooked
• 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth slightly chunky sauce forms, scrap
• 2 cups jarred marinara, warmed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg down the sides of the bowl as need
Directions
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, Add 2 tablespoons of the cheese a
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet optional
pulse until incorporated.
with parchment and coat with cooking spray. Cook • Kosher salt
• Cook the pasta in a large pot
the frozen collards in a large bowl in the microwave • Juice of 1/2 small lemon (1 tablespoon) salted water according to the packa
according to package instructions. Let cool slightly. • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup
• Add the beef, black beans, Italian seasoning, garlic, • 3 tablespoons freshly grated the cooking liquid.
Eat-your-veggies
egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to the Parmigiano-Reggiano, Romano or • Toss the pasta with the pesto in the
collard greens.
grana padano cheese
pot or a mixing bowl, along with so
Italian meatballs • Mix with your hands until just combined. Mix with • 10 ounces whole wheat or tri-color of the reserved cooking liquid. A
A
your hands until just combined. Scoop mounds of fusilli
the remaining cooking liquid if need
mp up spaghetti night with these clever veggiepacked
meatballs. Convenient frozen collards
the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the Directions
and additional salt to taste.
prepared baking sheet.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. • Transfer the pasta to individual bow
and canned black beans are easy to sneak into the mix.
• With damp hands, roll the mounds into balls and space Spread the nuts out on a small baking and sprinkle with the remaining
Ingredients
them evenly apart on the baking sheet. Bake until pan and toast lightly, about 5 minutes. tablespoon cheese. Chop the remain
• 2 cups frozen chopped collards
completely cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes.
Set aside to cool.
walnuts and scatter on top. Garn
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• Serve the meatballs with warm pasta and sauce.
• Pulse together 1/4 cup of the walnuts with basil leaves and serve.
Ingredients
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 5 1/2 ounces frozen chopped kale (about 2 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 1/3 cup frozen whole kernel corn
• 2 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
• Four 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast
halves
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
• Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large skillet over
medium heat. Add the kale, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon
salt and cook, stirring, until the kale is softened and
the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add the corn and cook, stirring, until warmed
through, 2 to 3 minutes more.
• Transfer to a bowl to cool slightly, and then stir in
the cheese.
• Insert a thin paring knife into the thickest part of
the chicken breast and cut down the side to make a
3-inch pocket. Repeat with the remaining chicken
breasts. Then evenly stuff with the kale mixture.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high
heat until very hot, 3 to 4 minutes. Rub the chicken
breasts with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and
sprinkle with a total of 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4
teaspoon pepper.
• Add all 4 chicken breasts to the skillet and cook
until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Then lower
heat to medium. Continue cooking, turning once
halfway through, until just cooked through, about
14 minutes more.
• Insert a small paring knife
chicken to test for doneness
remain, cover the skillet and c
opaque.
• Transfer the chicken and any b
into the skillet onto 4 plates. St
together in a small bowl and th
• Cook, stirring, until thickene
Remove from the heat, stir in
season with salt and pepper. S
over the chicken.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 24, 2020
FEATURE 29
every day
ith
Lighter Takes
& Easy Tips
Oven Fried
Chicken
aspoon salt in a
ith 1/2 teaspoon
.
he egg mixture,
en coat with the
he rack and mist
cooked through,
ch of water to a
er rack or basket
team until crispnd
the remaining
a small bowl.
ith the curried
dd
red
on
lse
in
the
l a
ing
ed.
nd
of
ge
of
dry
me
dd
ed
ls
1
ing
ish
Teriyaki
Hens with
Bok Choy
Ingredients
• 2 Cornish game hens (about 1
1/2 pounds each), halved
• Kosher salt and freshly ground
pepper
• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and
sliced
• 2 small red chile peppers, halved
(remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 bunch scallions
• 1 grapefruit, halved
• 1 medium head bok choy, thinly
sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds,
toasted, for garnish
Directions
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
F. Season the hens with salt and
pepper and place skin-side up in
a roasting pan. Roast until the
skin is slightly crisp, about 25
minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the soy
sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar,
ginger, 1 chile pepper and 1/4
into the top of the
. If any pink areas
ontinue to cook until
its of filling that fell
ir the broth and flour
en add to the skillet.
d, about 2 minutes.
the lemon juice and
poon the pan sauce
cup water in a pot. Cut half of
the scallions into large pieces,
and zest and juice half of the
grapefruit; add to the pot.
• Simmer, stirring occasionally,
until thick and syrupy, about 20
minutes. Brush the hens with a
few tablespoons of the sauce and
continue roasting until golden,
about 8 more minutes.
• Peel and segment the remaining
grapefruit half and place in
a bowl.
• Thinly slice the remaining
scallions and mince the
remaining chile pepper; add
to the bowl along with the bok
choy, sesame oil, and salt and
pepper to taste.
• Place half a hen on each plate.
Stir any pan drippings into the
remaining sauce and drizzle
over the top. Serve with the bok
choy salad and garnish with
sesame seeds.
ken Breasts
Ingredients
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary, plus 2 whole
sprigs
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 pounds bone-in skinless chicken legs and thighs
• 2 slices whole wheat bread, (3-ounces)
• 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
• Finely grate 1 teaspoon of zest from the lemon; set
aside. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into a medium
bowl. Whisk in the milk, sugar, and cayenne until the
sugar and cayenne are dissolved. Add the sprigs of
rosemary and garlic.
• Pierce each chicken piece several times with a fork,
add to the milk mixture, turning to coat well. Cover,
and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Lay the
bread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake, turning a few times, until the bread is crisp and
dry, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cool completely.
• Break into large pieces and pulse in the bowl of a food
processor until it forms coarse crumbs.
• Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. In a
shallow dish combine the bread crumbs with the corn
meal, Parmesan (if using), chopped rosemary, reserved
1 teaspoon zest, and season with salt and pepper.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and top with
a wire rack. Coat the rack well with nonstick cooking
spray.
• Working with one piece at a time, remove the chicken
from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
Press into the bread crumb mixture until the chicken
is well coated and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining chicken and crumbs. Mist
the chicken with nonstick cooking spray.
• Bake until the chicken is crisp and a thermometer
inserted into the thickest part registers 160 degrees F,
about 50 to 55 minutes.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients
then cut the chicken crosswise into 1/2-inch strips.
• 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves In a large bowl, combine the hot sauce and the oil,
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper hot sauce (or other hot add chicken and toss until the chicken is well coated.
sauce), plus more to taste
Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet and broil until
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
it is cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes, turning
• 2 hearts Romaine, cut into 1-inch strips (about 8 cups) once.
• 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• In a large bowl combine the Romaine, celery, shredded
• 2 carrots, coarsely g rated
carrots and scallions. Toss with the dressing. Divide
• 2 scallions, green part only, sliced
the greens between 4 plates, top with the chicken.
• 1/2 cup Blue Cheese Dressing, recipe follows
Serve with extra hot sauce.
• Blue Cheese Dressing:
• Blue Cheese Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Yield: 3/4 cup
• 1/4 cup lowfat buttermilk
• Fold a full sheet of paper towel into quarters and put
• 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
it into a small bowl. Spoon the yogurt onto the paper
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
towel and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
drain and thicken.
• 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
• In a medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk and thickened
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
yogurt into the mayonnaise until smooth. Add the
Directions
vinegar and sugar and continue to whisk until all the
• Preheat the broiler. Put the chicken between 2 sheets ingredients are well combined.
of waxed paper and pound with a mallet or hammer • Stir in the blue cheese and season, to taste, with salt
so the chicken is an even thickness of about 3/4-inch, and pepper.

30 FEATURES COVID-19 Special Coverage
Friday, April 24, 2020 The Indian Weekender
Huawei P40 Pro+
(Plus) vs Samsung
Galaxy S20 Ultra:
Battle of the ‘premium’
smartphones
Huawei has just unveiled its brand-new
camera-centric smartphones, Huawei
P40, P40 Pro and the P40 Pro Plus.
In the trio, the Huawei P40 Pro Plus is the
company’s more powerful smartphone of 2020
and was also one of the most anticipated one
not only because of its processing prowess but
for camera specs as well.
With as many as seven cameras in total, the
P40 Pro Plus has nothing but Samsung’s recently
launched Galaxy S20 Ultra as the only worth
competitor for now.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra is also the company’s
camera-centric flagship of the year that comes
with top of the line specifications.
So, for those who are dying out of curiosity
to know which one is better in terms of
specifications, here’s a comparison.
Cameras
We have to start with the cameras this
time because of the smartphones are being
heavily marketed for their photography and
videography prowess.
The Huawei P40 Pro Plus has a total of
seven lenses with five at the back and two at
the front. At the back you have a 50-megapixel
with f/1.9 aperture and OIS + 40-megapixel
ultra-wide camera (f/1.8) + 8-megapixel super
zoom camera with 10x optical zoom and f/4.4
aperture + 8-megapixel telephoto camera with
f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3x optical zoom + 3D
sensor.
At the front you get a 32-megapixel camera
and an IR depth sensor for better selfie portraits.
On the other hand, you have Samsung Galaxy
S20 Ultra that has four cameras at the back
including a powerful 108-megapixel (f/1.8)
sensor with hybrid 10x zoom and 100x digital
zoom (same as P40 Pro Plus) + 12-megapixel
ultra-wide-angle camera (f/2.2) + 48-megapixel
telephoto camera (f/3.5) and a VGA depth
vision camera.
At the front, there’s just one camera with a
40-megapixel sensor with f/2.2 aperture.
Display
On the display front, the Galaxy gets the
edge over P40 Pro Plus.
The Huawei P40 Pro Plus has a 6.5-inch
OLED screen with 2640x1200 pixels resolution
and 90Hz refresh rate. Samsung Galaxy S20
Ultra has a slightly taller 6.9-inch screen
with Dynamic AMOLED screen and QHD+
(3200x1440 pixels) resolution screen. It also
has 120Hz display refresh rate.
Performance
As for the performance, while Huawei P40
Pro is powered by company’s own Kiri 990 5G
processor, Samsung has used the old formula
of launching smartphones with two different
processors.
While the India and other select regions get
the one with Exynos 990, which also supports
5G, other Galaxy S20 Ultra variants get the
Snapdragon 865 processor versions. Although
both are top of the line processors, we are yet to
see which one performs better in rea life usage.
RAM and storage
When it comes to RAM and inbuilt storage
variants, both the smartphones come in just one
model.
While you can get the Galaxy S20 Ultra in
three iterations including 12GB or 16GB RAM
options and 128GB or 512GB inbuilt storage
options, the P40 Pro Plus can be purchased
in 8GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB inbuilt
storage.
Battery
Backing the Huawei P40 Pro Plus is a
4200mAh battery with the support for 40W
fast charging tech. Galaxy S20 Ultra on the
other hand includes a slightly larger 5000mAh
battery with support for wireless charging and
PowerShare feature.
Price
Since both the smartphones are powerful and
fall in the ‘premium’ category, they cost more
than ever. The starting price of the Galaxy S20
Ultra Rs 92,999. Since the P40 Pro Plus has
not yet launched in India, its European price is
EUR 1399 which roughly means Rs 1,15,000.
24 April – 30 April 2020 | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
You will be much in demand on the social front. A
heart-to-heart talk with lover will prove most
gratifying and help strengthen the loving bonds. Much
fun awaits those who are planning a short vacation.
Those surveying for accommodation are likely to find
a suitable one. An important task will be completed
in a timely manner. Team members are likely to keep you motivated at
work. You are likely to derive much pleasure from a hobby. Lucky No.:
7 / Lucky Colour: Magenta
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
You gain much by interacting with others on the
academic front. Much effort is required to bring
positivity back into your life. Analyse all aspects of a
complicated issue at work before you give a decision.
Your desire for some monetary perks may not be
immediately fulfilled. Finding a client for selling property may not be as
easy as it seems. Those finding themselves drifting apart on the marital
front will manage to come together. Health remains satisfactory. Lucky
No.: 6 / Lucky Colour: Orange
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
You are set to enjoy the week. This is an excellent time
to catch up on things that you were lagging behind in
on the academic front. New opportunities are likely to
come your way on the professional front. Keeping a
close watch on the market may translate into big bucks
for some speculators. You may find a family elder
much more receptive to your ideas and even let you have your own way.
Health remains satisfactory. Lucky No.: 1 / Lucky Colour: Sky Blue
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
Someone may give you a helpful tip regarding a
financial matter. You may be too late to make amends
for something you have committed at work. There is a
good chance of getting hauled up by a senior for those
erring on the professional front. Some differences may
crop on family front that may leave a bad taste in the
mouth. You needn’t show off your monetary strength or those around
you are certain to lighten your wallet this week. Lucky No.: 9 / Lucky
Colour: Peach
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and
fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is
available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact
at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com
LEO (JUL21-AUG 20)
You may be required to complete something this
week at work, before you are let off. Someone who
had helped you professionally may put you in a spot
by seeking reciprocation. At work, you will have to
learn to give the due where it rightfully belongs. You
will manage to curtail extra expenses on the home
front. Remaining active will be the key to your good health. Lover may
appear extra nice, but it won’t be unconditional! Lucky No.: 4 / Lucky
Colour: Yellow
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
You may have to cater to someone whom you are
trying to avoid. Those heavily into fitness may require
a break before they burn themselves out. This is not
the week to take things lightly at work. You can be
blamed for something you have not done. Parents or
a family elder will be supportive of your endeavours.
The importance of conserving money can finally dawn upon you. Don’t
travel by road, if you have a better option. Lucky No.: 3 / Lucky
Colour: Forest Green
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
There is someone who wants to approach you, so
appear approachable! You are likely to find things
easing a bit at work. A good deal is in the offing for
those in the creative field. Business brings profits
as you implement new ideas to attract consumers.
Joining a gym or starting a new exercise regimen is
on the cards for some. A family youngster is likely to put your mind
completely at ease by doing your bidding. Lucky No.: 7 / Lucky
Colour: Sandy Brown
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
This is not the best time to change things on the home
front, so postpone your ideas. You may be in for a
hectic time at work. Those feeling stuck in a groove
may manage to bring positive changes in their work
sphere. Tactful handling of a family issue will avoid
confrontation. This is the time to influence a family
elder for something that you want done. This week may find you
improving your love life! Lucky No.: 2 / Lucky Colour: Teal
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
You may find yourself under piles of work, but you
will manage somehow. Some differences are likely to
crop up with other members on the home front and
are likely to spoil your week. You may have to cater
to some relations at the expense of your other plans.
You will manage to win over the one you desire, as
you turn on your charm. Some pending work at home may keep you
involved. Health remains satisfactory. Lucky No.:6 / Lucky Colour:
Rust
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
Things are likely to move smoothly on the professional
front. If you are good at something, don’t feel shy of
announcing it to the world. You will be able to enhance
your career prospects by doing so. A marital problem
facing someone in the family may be resolved by you.
Taking the plunge may be on the minds of those in a
long-term relationship. Travelling and meeting those you had neglected
will help in building bridges. Lucky No.: 8 / Lucky Colour: Turquoise
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
There is a sudden rise in your popularity at work. You can organise
something on the social front with self-promotion in
mind. You will succeed in your attempts to shield
your family life from outside interference. Those
eligible may begin bride or groom hunting in right
earnest. Romantic ties are likely to get strengthened
as you make efforts towards this end. Those planning
a vacation are likely to welcome the change. You will manage to keep
yourself financially secure. Lucky No.: 4 / Lucky Colour: Navy Blue
Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
You may be required to accompany someone to
someplace. Buying a new car or two-wheeler is on the
cards for some. Plans for overseas travel are likely to
materialise. Property will give good returns. Current
residence is likely to be renovated. You are likely to try
for a breakthrough in whatever you are engaged in on
the professional front. Improvement on the academic front is foreseen
and will motivate you to put your nose to the grindstone. Lucky No.: 3
/ Lucky Colour: Red

Protect yourself from the spread of COVID-19