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<ul><li>The <keyword id="8902449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-pandemic">COVID-19 pandemic</keyword> has cost women over $800 billion in lost income in the last year, according to a report by Oxfam International. </li><li>The civil rights organisation belives that women have been more likely to drop out of the work force than men due to 'care responsibilities.'</li><li>The United Nations estimates that an additional 47 million women worldwide will fall into extreme poverty in 2021 because they are overrepresented in sectors worst hit by the pandemic </li></ul> Gender equality was uneven even before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the crisis has diverged the disparity in incomes between men and women even further. The COVID-19 crisis cost women over $800 billion in lost income. According to <a href="https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/covid-19-cost-women-globally-over-800-billion-lost-income-one-year?utm_campaign=fullarticle&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=inshorts">Oxfam International</a>, that’s more than the combined gross domestic product (GDP) of 98 countries. Globally, women lost more than 64 million jobs last year. That’s a loss of 5% for women, compared to a 3.9% dip for men. And it may not even reflect the true extent of the pandemic’s economic impact. “This conservative estimate doesn’t even include wages lost by the millions of women working in the informal economy — domestic workers, market vendors, and garment workers — who have been sent home or whose hours and wages have been drastically cut,” said Gabriela Bucher, the executive director of Oxfam International, in a statement. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Women are ‘shock absorbers’ of sexist social norms" comment="subhead" text="Women are ‘shock absorbers’ of sexist social norms">Women are ‘shock absorbers’ of sexist social norms</cmsannotation> According to Oxfam International, women have been more likely than men to drop out of the workforce or reduce their hours during the pandemic, largely due to ‘care responsibilities’. Even in countries where men’s unemployment rate outpaced that of women, more women left the labour market entirely in 2020, according to data collated by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (<a href="https://unctad.org/news/gender-and-unemployment-lessons-covid-19-pandemic">UNCTAD</a>). <div type="image" title="Screenshot_2021-04-29 Gender and unemployment Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic UNCTAD" msid="82311836" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Female participation rates saw a bigger dip than male participation rates&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “As care needs have spiked during the pandemic, women — the shock absorbers of our societies — have stepped in to fill the gap, an expectation so often imposed by sexist social norms,” said Bucher. The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the trend that already existed in the system. Before the virus hit, women and girls were already putting in an estimated <a href="https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/worlds-billionaires-have-more-wealth-46-billion-people#:~:text=The%20world's%202%2C153%20billionaires%20have,WEF)%20in%20Davos%2C%20Switzerland.">12.5 billion hours</a> of unpaid care work daily. The estimated value of that contribution is $10.8 trillion every year — more than three times the size of the global tech industry. It is due to these biased social norms, McKinsey estimates that women’s jobs are <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/covid-19-and-gender-equality-countering-the-regressive-effects#">1.8 times</a> more vulnerable to the COVID-19 crisis than men’s jobs. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The impact of the pandemic on women may worsen in the time to come" comment="subhead" text="The impact of the pandemic on women may worsen in the time to come">The impact of the pandemic on women may worsen in the time to come</cmsannotation> The trend of income loss represents a grim picture of what the future may look like for women all over the world. The <a href="https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/8/press-release-covid-19-will-widen-poverty-gap-between-women-and-men">United Nations</a> estimates an additional 47 million women worldwide will fall into extreme poverty in 2021 because they are overrepresented in sectors worst hit by the pandemic — this includes tourism, domestic workers, and restaurant employees. "Economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is having a harsher impact on women, who are disproportionately represented in sectors offering low wages, few benefits and the least secure jobs,” said Bucher. This trend is not restricted to the developing world but is also present in some of the richest countries, <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/essay/why-has-covid-19-been-especially-harmful-for-working-women/">like the US. </a> “My husband is out of work. My employer dismissed me from my job before lockdown. I could not sleep because of tension and hunger,” Chan Banu, a 25-year old unemployed domestic worker in Bangladesh’s capital city, Dhaka, told Oxfam. <div type="image" title="20210114083023pm_7024_edited" msid="82311871" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Chan Banu, 25, is an unemployed domestic worker in Dhaka&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Another unemployed domestic worker in Dhaka, 28-year old Aklima, had a similar story to tell. “We have had no work since the lockdown. It’s been three months. We are struggling to find a way to make a living. Everyone is in stress. There is no one to give loans. Domestic workers like me have no savings,” she told Oxfam. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/covid-19-vaccine-india-needs-a-separate-queue-for-second-dose/articleshow/82304003.cms">India may end up wasting millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses if there is no separate queue for second shots</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/cowin-website-is-back-up-after-an-early-crash-finding-a-vaccination-slot-may-still-be-difficult/articleshow/82291583.cms">CoWIN website is back up after an early crash⁠ — finding a vaccination slot may still be difficult</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-vaccine-price-sc-wants-the-indian-government-to-explain-about-covishield-and-covaxin-pricing/articleshow/82272913.cms">Supreme Court wants the Indian government to explain vaccine pricing — and clarify how many doses it will need as coverage expands from May 1</a>

COVID-19 cost women over $800 billion in lost income — more than the combined wealth of 98 countries

<ul><li>“Deadlines can wait. First, let me take care of my <keyword id="6354774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mental-health" source="Orion">mental health</keyword>!” said no advertising employee ever. In this industry, you are expected to be available 24*7 even though the job doesn’t require saving lives (I did ask around just to be sure).</li><li>With the impending third wave of coronavirus, it is exhausting to be creative, ‘ahead of the curve’ right now when every third person you know is positive.</li><li>We are all anxious and struggling to keep going but are scared to admit it. When you are in the business of ideas, it is a little more challenging to keep going.</li><li>So, we decided to check in with a few Creative Officers of Advertising agencies, who are expected to hold the whole family together.</li><li>They told us about their struggles, how they are finding the strength to keep going and shared a few tips on how we can deal with the impending wave from a both business and personal perspective.</li></ul>“Work-life balance? What’s that?” a 24-year-old copywriter, a friend, laughed when I asked him how is agency life is treating him and whether he has mastered the art of work-life balance in two years. I was almost embarrassed to have asked that question and realised that we have normalised inhuman working hours to an extent in which having a work-life balance is every agency employee’s pipe dream. I was going to ask him how he’s taking care of his mental health now that his mother has tested positive, but I decided to sit that one out. Well, let’s be realistic! Do advertising people have time to go to therapy or join a Zumba class or just be alone with their thoughts? People from the industry often say, some even with a generous dose of condescension, that ‘if you are not willing to be available 24*7 and clock at least 16 hours a day, you are not cut for the job.’ The person who does prioritize a personal task over work, is often frowned upon. With work from home, the stress levels, urgent deadlines, demanding clients and high pressure have all increased manifold. And when our country is preparing itself to face another possible wave of COVID-19 and its several mutations, it is becoming increasingly challenging for everyone to focus on work and continue leading normal lives inside our houses. Advertising agencies bear the additional responsibility of coming up with optimistic campaigns that drive change and raise awareness. Despite facing the blues of working in isolation and pressure to overperform in a dismal atmosphere, ad agencies are increasingly pushing their boundaries to come up with empathetic, change-making campaigns to help our country. These people in the business of ideas are expected to pitch new ideas almost every day. However, it is exhausting to be creative, ‘ahead of the curve’ right now when every third person you know is positive. Just when we started believing that life might be back to normal again, the universe took us back to square one. While one might argue that our medical industry does have better resources to support our citizens today than it did till last year, mentally, how can we find hope and do this all over again? How can we remind each other that this is temporary -- that holding on to hope is important more than ever before? Thankfully, there are a few optimists among us who are reminding us to keep it at and holding the whole family together. In the advertising ecosystem, it is the Creative Officers and their team members. Reminding us how there’s always light at the end of the tunnel, Titus Upputuru, Creative Head, Taproot Dentsu, Gurgaon and National Creative Director, Dentsu One took us back to our childhood days. He said, “In childhood, I remember the days when the electricity would go off and there were no back-ups or inverters, we children used to simply put candles in the darkness and make giant shadows on the walls with our hands. We would create barking dogs, flying eagles, and trunk raising elephants, all with our hands and sometimes feet. So to me, dark times are an opportunity to innovate. The dark homes helped us children to innovate and create magical things. If the lights hadn’t gone, maybe we were just watching Doordarshan.” Upputuru has seen a few of his loved ones lose their battle to the virus in the past two years. “The first time Covid happened, I became a little restless. I just knew that I wasn’t going to be chained; so I wrote songs, collaborated with artists, created content with Instagrammers. Second time was really trying. I lost three cousins and one uncle and aunt in a matter of 3 weeks and we were continuously attending funerals over zoom. Every week someone would disappear from those zoom calls and we were all wondering who will be next. It was quite heart-rending. I wrote ‘Lohe ke Gubbare’ (Balloons of Iron) about a little boy who was desperately seeking an iron ‘balloon’ for his dying mother at the hospital. So darker times push creativity in many ways,” he shared. Upputuru’s faith gave him hope and comfort to keep going. He also decided to spend his free time upskilling. “In current times, one can also upskill. Last year, I did a full digital course and learnt about digital marketing. The great thing was it was not just lectures – although there was a handsome measure of those – we also had to collaborate with teams across the world, across different streams and resolve real-time marketing issues on digital platforms. It was terribly exciting and it did keep me sufficiently occupied when the workload had become lesser due to the business impact. My go-to always has been to spend quiet time with God. I read Bible the first thing in the morning. There is so much wisdom and guidance that one can get on one’s knees. Also, I like to talk to God and have conversations. These conversations often help me to let go of things one can’t do much about. And yes, I do take care of my body with daily exercise. It’s important as the human body was meant to farm in the sun, hunt in the jungles, and fight as soldiers. But modern-day lifestyle, especially in current times, forces us to only sit or lie down," said Upputuru. After two years of living in the constant fear of catching a deadly virus, Garima Khandelwal, Chief Creative Officer, Mullen Lintas has learned to find comfort and joy in small wins. She said, “The pressure to be creative is a constant, while the scenario has been challenging, now for 2 years in the running. We all are coping with it every day, keeping the ball on the output, and for us a lot of what was taken for granted in how we worked or collaborated has changed forever. Yes, there are days that are low, but it’s all part of a day that comes to an end every day, and that is the thing to remember. With a “This too shall pass,” I look for small joys in everyday and cherish them. It’s okay to not be okay some days and days that are just about okay are okay too. What really comes into play is to deal with empathy. We had an unfortunate experience of being stuck at the Taj during 26/11. It was a tragedy the world knew about, but to live through it, and coming out luckily seemingly unhurt, it still played out for a long time after we got back home safe. I draw this parallel because for once we all are going through the exact same scenario, while some are dealing with more hardships than others. It’s not normal for anyone and it’s important therefore to be empathetic towards self and to others. My escape has been to go back to simpler times, a lot of things I remember my grandmother used to be busy with when I was growing up. With family, spending time in home improvement, all things I was always too busy for, I have found comfort in. Don’t worry about how and when things will go back to how it used to be but take each day as it comes. It’s all about living In the moment and honoring them with gratitude. Don’t hesitate in seeking help. We often underestimate the overwhelming nature of what we set out to do in a day, and we could do with a little help, just to understand better for ourselves how to deal with all of it.” DDB Mudra Group’s Chief Creative Officer, Rahul Mathew found a companion in his dog. “I don’t think there would be anyone who hasn’t struggled through these times. Over the past two Covid waves, the lucky ones have found antidotes to keep it together. My most potent antidote has been my dog. Having him around makes it easy to transition from high pressure to extreme joy. There’s also a practise I started many years back, to identify one optimist in your life (work or otherwise). And to have regular conversations with that person, especially when you feel your emotions sagging. Because as maligned as the word is today, being positive is the one thing we all need to be,” said Mathew. “In this business, there’s always pressure on the person to be creative. We’re only as good as the engagements, disruptions and unexpected work that we put out on a regular basis. The damage a pandemic does or did, is put pressure on the culture of creativity. It really tests how strong or weak the culture really is. A strong culture rearranges itself to protect its core of creativity and ones creating it. While a weaker one often succumbs to the pressures of the every day, by exposing its core to chaos and panic. It’s really a test of our belief in creativity as agency leaders. You’re only as strong as the people beside you. And I feel that’s the key to making it through the toughest of times. Both professionally and personally. We need to dig deeper into the connections we have with our people. And protect the ones who are core to what we do. Because it’s they, who in turn will keep us going,” added Mathew. Mukund Olety, Chief Creative Officer, VMLY&amp;R India said that the agency has hit a rhythm, working in a ‘come what may’ model. “Covid has tested our resilience. But creativity is a bug that flourishes in the toughest of conditions. If history is any guide, the most difficult periods have been followed by the most creative ones. The constraints have not just pushed brands to explore new mediums and create new kinds of work but also encouraged creatives to develop new ways of working. The initial few months were of course tough but now we have become well-versed in reacting and adapting to the changing situations. Creative folks thrive off each other’s energy. And it’s important to fuel that energy even while working remotely. Yes, now we are having more planned conversations than unplanned bumping into each other in the corridor ones – and sometimes those agenda-less corridor conversations can be super productive. We try and bring that same spontaneity even in virtual rooms. I encourage people to turn their cameras on during a brainstorm. It makes a difference and of course makes those long spells of silence more palatable. Every Friday, we have Fearless Friday sessions where all the creatives get together. It’s a platform to discuss and share whatever they like. And lastly, one important way to keep your team motivated and going is to genuinely empathize and care. It shows when you do. It reflects in the work,” said Olety. For an industry that is built around deadlines and deliverables, advertising people have found themselves at the intersection where moments of magic meet the point of serious stress, time and again. And as the country looks at the third wave of COVID-19, advertising folks advise you to listen, acknowledge and act upon what an individual may be going through in these trying times.

How to stay creative when you feel dejected: Advertising industry’s Creative Officers share some tips

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The last time the US experienced this level of new <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> cases was during the 2020-21 winter surge.</li><li>There has been a 648% increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the US since July 1.</li><li>Several Southern states with low <keyword id="54639" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="vaccination">vaccination</keyword> rates have experienced surges that are stretching their hospitals' resources.</li></ul>In an interview on Fox <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">News</keyword> Sunday, National Institutes of <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword> Director Francis Collins said that the US may soon reach 200,000 new cases of COVID-19 a day, a level of transmission last seen during the winter surge."That was January, February, that shouldn't be August. But here we are with the Delta variant, which is so contagious, and this heartbreaking situation where 90 million people are still unvaccinated, who are sitting ducks for this virus, and that's the mess we're in," <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nih-director-collins-unvaccinated-americans-sitting-ducks-delta-variant">Francis told host Chris Wallace</a>.The country registered more than 140,000 new cases of COVID-19 on August 13, <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailytrendscases">according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. Since July 1, there has been a 648% increase in the number of new cases reported in the US, <a href="https://www.insider.com/southern-us-states-surges-in-covid-19-2021-8">partially due to surges in Southern states</a> with low vaccination rates like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.Several health care systems have been so inundated with severe COVID-19 cases that they have either had to ration or run out of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-judge-parents-children-icu-bed-hospital-covid-2021-8">ICU beds</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/florida-county-asks-residents-to-use-911-sparingly-amid-covid-surge">ambulances</a>, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/southern-us-states-surges-in-covid-19-2021-8">hospital staff</a>.A handful of hospitals throughout <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greg-abbott-out-of-state-medical-personnel-covid-19-2021-8">Texas</a> and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/mississippi-hospital-puts-beds-parking-garage-cope-with-covid-19-surge-2021-08-13/">Mississippi</a> have had to set up overflow tents for additional patients due to recent influxes of COVID-19 patients.

National Institutes of Health director predicts US will see 200,000 new daily COVID-19 cases in coming weeks

<ul><li>The study, published in the journal <keyword id="3617514" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="jama-cardiology">JAMA Cardiology</keyword>, found that the number of <keyword id="6393690" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-transplants">heart transplants</keyword> performed in the US dropped 26 per cent during the pandemic.</li><li>The drop in transplants was similar across regions and occurred even in areas with <keyword id="9645216" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="lower-infection-rates">lower infection rates</keyword>.</li><li>At the beginning of the pandemic, clinicians had to weigh the risks of exposing medically fragile patients with heart failure, though well enough to remain at home, to SARS-CoV-2 infection with the risks of delaying a life-changing surgery.</li></ul> Researchers have found that the number of heart transplants is declining sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic, even in areas with lower infection rates. The study, published in the journal JAMA Cardiology, found that the number of heart transplants performed in the US dropped 26 per cent during the pandemic. The drop in transplants was similar across regions and occurred even in areas with lower infection rates. "We were surprised to see a decline in heart transplants in other parts of the country, where there were far fewer COVID-19 cases at that time," said study researcher Ersilia DeFilippis from Columbia University in the US. "Our data show that this pandemic has had far-reaching impacts on the care of our patients with <keyword id="8294989" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="advanced-heart-failure">advanced heart failure</keyword> are receiving," DeFilippis added. At the beginning of the pandemic, clinicians had to weigh the risks of exposing medically fragile patients with heart failure, though well enough to remain at home, to SARS-CoV-2 infection with the risks of delaying a life-changing surgery. The research team found that many clinicians reacted by taking their patients off the waitlist-- a measure typically pursued when a patient encounters a health issue that temporarily or permanently disqualifies them for transplantation. It was expanded during the pandemic to include patients at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to accommodate transplant centres that deferred acceptance of donor organs due to the pandemic. They found that waitlist inactivations increased 75 per cent during the pandemic, driven largely by the Northeast. At the same time, 37 per cent fewer people were placed on heart transplant waitlists during the pandemic, with the most significant decreases occurring in the Northeast, the Great Lakes region, and the <keyword id="6444246" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="southwest">Southwest</keyword>. In addition, the researchers found that the availability of donor's hearts decreased by 26 Aper cent during the Covid-19 period compared with the pre-Covid-19 period. "It is possible that limited access to testing for donors as well as restrictions on organ procurement organizations may have contributed to the decrease we observed in donor recovery," DeFilippis said. Next, the researchers plan to study the impact of these changes on patient survival while on the transplant waitlist and post-transplant survival. "As the pandemic continues, we must be mindful of the effects of these delays on our patients," the study authors noted. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/dil-bechara-kissing-booth-2-and-other-movies-you-can-watch-on-netflix-amazon-prime-disneyhotstar-this-week/slidelist/77142498.cms">Dil Bechara, Kissing Booth 2 and other movies you can watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+Hotstar this week</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/work-from-home-effect-these-companies-are-shelling-out-for-employees-power-bills-internet-cost-and-more/articleshow/77139229.cms">WFH effect – These companies are paying for employees' power bills, internet cost and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/mukesh-ambani-is-now-the-fifth-richest-person-in-the-world-according-to-forbes/articleshow/77105843.cms">Mukesh Ambani is now the fifth richest person in the world, according to Forbes</a>

Heart transplants declined sharply during Covid-19 pandemic

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US hit another <keyword id="11896136" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pandemic" source="Orion">pandemic</keyword> milestone this week as the <keyword id="11893994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19" source="Orion">COVID-19</keyword> <keyword id="6397442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="death-toll" source="Orion">death toll</keyword> surpassed 700,000.</li><li>Southern states with low vaccination rates experienced high COVID-19 transmission over the summer.</li><li>Despite the availability of the vaccines, 67% of adults are fully vaccinated, according to the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-total-admin-rate-total">CDC</a>.</li></ul>The COVID-19 death toll in the US surpassed 700,000 on Friday, with approximately 2,000 new deaths being reported each day, according to data compiled by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/covid-cases.html">The New York Times</a>.The emergence of the more-transmissible Delta variant fueled case surges throughout the summer, <a href="https://www.insider.com/southern-states-account-70-orders-for-monoclonal-antibodies-covid-2021-9">particularly in Southern states</a> with <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2021-09-02/delta-surge-hits-southern-states-the-hardest">low vaccination rates</a>.From setting up <a href="https://www.mrt.com/coronavirus/article/Tent-arrives-to-help-with-ER-overflow-16423174.php">patient overflow tents</a> to enlisting <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/florida-hospitals-order-mobile-morgues-covid-19-death-overflow-2021-8">mobile morgues</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greg-abbott-out-of-state-medical-personnel-covid-19-2021-8">out-of-state medical personnel</a>, some <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/southern-states-spike-coronavirus-cases-hospitalizations-but-few-lockdowns-2020-6">Southern governors</a> tried to keep their hospital systems afloat while simultaneously banning mask mandates and relaxing lockdown restrictions.According to the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community">Centers of Disease Control and Prevention</a>, almost every state in the country is currently experiencing "high" community transmission of COVID-19.Hospitals throughout the US have experienced severe staffing shortages and influxes of COVID-19 patients, with many frontline workers quitting due to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/poor-work-environments-ptsd-causing-nurse-shortage-not-anti-vaxers-2021-9">exhaustion, post-traumatic stress disorder, and poor work environments</a>."The stress of working in a COVID ICU, and all the death that I've had to see, altogether, it has really set me back; I'm often very anxious, and angry," Sarah Chan, a registered nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital in New York, told Insider's Allana Akhtar. "So much death weighs heavy on me."As of last week, COVID-19 has killed more Americans than the influenza pandemic of 1918-19, during which there was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-19-killed-more-americans-than-1918-19-spanish-flu-2021-9">no flu shot to protect against infection</a>. As of Friday, 67% of US adults were fully vaccinated, according to the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-total-admin-rate-total">CDC</a>.Approximately 70 million eligible Americans remain unvaccinated, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/01/1042592683/covid-cases-are-falling-but-the-u-s-is-on-the-brink-of-700-000-dead">NPR</a> reported. The White House and public health officials continue to encourage Americans to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-variant-covid-vaccine-effectiveness-protection-pfizer-moderna-astrazeneca-2021-7">get the shot</a>.

COVID-19 death toll in the US surpassed 700,000 following a surge in transmission over the summer

By Amit Kumar Das New Delhi, Apr 22 () Ace Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh on Wednesday said that the COVID-19 pandemic-forced lockdown and suspension of tournaments will be "tough" on the young players whose careers are still at nascent stage. The coronavirus outbreak, which has killed over 1.5 lakh people and infected more than 2.5 million globally, has brought all sports, including golf, to a halt. In India, nearly 600 people have died so far and over 19,000 infected, forcing the suspension of the Professional Tour of India. "It will be toughest for the players who are starting off because they are waiting to prove themselves, they want to win tournaments, they want to make a livelihood," Jeev, a four-time European Tour champion, told . "These young golfers who have just turned professionals want to make money, want to be on tours but they don't have an opportunity to do that. We have already played for many years and even now going to the senior tour but for players who are in their 20s, they are not able to train." Rahul Bajaj, who won a team silver in golf at the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010, believes players after the 30th position in order of merit of PGTI will face difficult times if things don't return to normal soon. "If it goes on for too long then the pro tour will suffer. If things becomes normal and the virus is under control even then it will be difficult to organise tournaments and arrange sponsors because corporates are suffering right now," said Bajaj, who had won a silver at 2010 SAF Games. "We are in difficult times and I don't think it will be easy for players to make ends meet in these times. There are some players who are better off, have good career earning which will help them to sail through this time." He said it will be particularly tough for a huge number of aspiring players who are in the middle or lower rung. "They might not have a lot of money in their bank account and might suffer. If you go past the 30th position in order of merit in PGTI, they might not have the saving to see through this time." Patna-based golfer Aman Raj, who had finished second at Golconda Masters Golf championship in February, said it will get tough for some players if the pandemic is not brought under control soon and tournaments don't resume."We are all jobless at the moment for a few months but it is same for everyone, few have played well and earned some money to sustain themselves but someone who has just started and depending on golf, it will affect them," said the 24-year-old, who qualified to play in the PGTI tournaments in 2016. "If this thing doesn't come under control and tournaments doesn't start beyond August then it will be a problem," added Raj, who is placed fourth in the PGTI Order of Merit. The Asian Tour had suspended tournaments until the end of May in line with the US PGA and European Tours, in which the last completed event was the Qatar Masters. Among the top events, the Masters was postponed from April to November, while the PGA Championship was deferred from May until August, and the US Open moved from June to September. ATK PDSPDS

COVID-19 pandemic tough on young golfers: Jeev

Lucknow, The Yogi Adityanath-led government in <keyword id="6357713" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh">Uttar Pradesh</keyword> has emerged as the <keyword id="10620394" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="fifth-largest-exporter">fifth largest exporter</keyword> of <keyword id="6390251" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="goods">goods</keyword> during the <keyword id="8902449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-pandemic">Covid-19 pandemic</keyword>. Goods like <keyword id="13726" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="rice">rice</keyword>, <keyword id="6375143" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="medicines">medicines</keyword>, <keyword id="183803" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="carpets">carpets</keyword>, silk, fertilisers, <keyword id="31653" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sugar">sugar</keyword>, <keyword id="25284" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="toys">toys</keyword> and fish from the state have been exported abroad. The state government made efforts under its 'ease of doing business' policy to offer big concessions to the exporters so that all the products could be easily shipped abroad. According to the latest data released by the Central government, Uttar Pradesh outpaced many states, including Telangana, Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal, in terms of exports during the pandemic. During the pandemic, between April 2020 and November 2020, goods (including milk, flour, sugar, artificial flowers, rice, silk etc.) worth ₹72,508 crore were exported from Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, from April to November 2020, exports of flour, bakery and milk were doubled. Between April and November 2020, food grains worth ₹1054.20 crore were exported from Uttar Pradesh. According to export-oriented traders, black rice from Chandauli district in Uttar Pradesh is in huge demand in foreign countries. Nepal, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries have received a large number of ODOP products from Uttar Pradesh. The state's exports have been steadily increasing since the formation of the Yogi Adityanath government. In 2017-18, goods worth ₹88,967.42 crore were exported from the state. Products worth ₹1,14,042.72 crore and ₹83,999.92 crore were exported in 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. Uttar Pradesh has now started working towards developing the 'Make in UP' brand. For this, preparations are underway to develop each district as an export hub. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/home-first-finance-company-hffc-is-set-to-launch-its-1153-crore-ipo-on-january-21/articleshow/80341439.cms?upcache=2">Warburg Pincus-backed Home First Finance Company to launch ₹1,153 crore IPO on January 21</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/top-ten-likely-global-risks-in-2021-according-to-the-world-economic-forum/slidelist/80346013.cms">From climate action failure to monopoly in the tech world — the world needs to wake up to these global risks in 2021, says the World Economic Forum</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indian-government-budget-dilemma-curb-the-sale-of-cigarettes-or-let-the-over-12-billion-tobacco-industry-provide-the-much-needed-cash/articleshow/80340422.cms">Indian government’s budget dilemma – curb the sale of cigarettes or let the over $12 billion tobacco industry provide the much needed cash</a>

UP emerged as fifth-largest exporter of goods during COVID-19 pandemic

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An <keyword id="11910053" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="alabama" source="Orion">Alabama</keyword> couple who opposed <keyword id="11893994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19" source="Orion">COVID-19</keyword> vaccines on <keyword id="11894124" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="youtube" source="Orion">YouTube</keyword> died from the disease, <a href="https://www.al.com/news/2021/09/alabama-pickers-couple-known-for-reselling-and-vaccine-opposition-both-dead-of-covid.html">AL.com reported</a>.</li><li>In a video, Dusty and Tristan Graham said the vaccine was "technically not" a vaccine.</li><li>The couple's channel had 10,000 subscribers before it was removed from YouTube, Social Blade said.</li></ul>An Alabama couple who posted videos opposing COVID-19 vaccines on their YouTube channel, "Alabama Pickers," died from the disease three weeks apart, <a href="https://www.al.com/news/2021/09/alabama-pickers-couple-known-for-reselling-and-vaccine-opposition-both-dead-of-covid.html">AL.com reported</a>. Dusty and Tristan Graham, of Huntsville, Alabama, ran a YouTube page together where they would post videos showing them travel around the state to find vintage items, the report said. They would then sell the items on eBay under the name <a href="https://www.ebay.com/str/bama4348">bama4348</a>. The couple's YouTube channel appears to have been taken down, but one of their last videos was reposted to the channel "Vaxx Mann." The channel belongs to the website sorryantivaxxer.com, a site dedicated to sharing social-media posts from people who publicly opposed the <keyword id="8764262" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid" source="Orion">COVID</keyword> vaccine and subsequently died from the disease."I've got my own passport. It's called the Bill of Rights," Dusty Graham <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZQ0_-tLo68">said in the video</a>.In the video, Dusty Graham said the <keyword id="11896806" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19-vaccine" source="Orion">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword> was "technically not" a vaccine and called it an "immunity therapy.""I don't know guys. Here's the deal: It's been a year. I haven't had it yet," Dusty Graham said, before the couple listed a series of other illnesses they'd recovered from. They mentioned that Tristan Graham was a survivor of childhood bone cancer. The couple's channel had about 10,600 subscribers before it was removed, <a href="https://socialblade.com/youtube/user/alabamapickers">Social Blade</a> said. Tristan Graham died on August 25 in her sleep, AL.com reported. Last week, the couple's daughter, Windsor, wrote in a since deleted Facebook post that her father was being moved to a ventilator."I want to thank everybody that reached out to check on my brother and I," she wrote, as quoted by AL.com. "For now, it's just waiting and praying his body relaxes."Dusty Graham died on Thursday, a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-expenses-for-tris-from-alabama-pickers?utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer&amp;fbclid=IwAR0SjFxAuntHOj-pFRH9PkHk_wk9u4h26_YaznGhszmdevqK8BSAnmvYlZYK8BSAnmvYlZY">GoFundMe page</a> set up to help the couple said.Dusty Graham started the GoFundMe page from the intensive care unit two days after his wife's death, AL.com reported. The page has raised about $23,000 to help the couple's two children cover medical and funeral costs.

An Alabama couple who trashed vaccines on their YouTube channel died from COVID-19 within 3 weeks of each other

Panaji, <keyword id="826" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>'s <keyword id="53865" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-industry">tourism industry</keyword> may have suffered a loss of between ₹2,000 to ₹7,200 crore and job losses in the range of 35% to 58% on account of the <keyword id="8902449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-pandemic">Covid-19 pandemic</keyword>, an official report said. The report 'Coping with COVID-19: Survival and Revival of Goa's Tourism Industry' compiled by <keyword id="10458902" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-goa-tourism-ministry">the Goa Tourism Ministry</keyword> and consultancy firm KPMG Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd, also said that the state tourism industry directly contributes 16.43% revenue towards the <keyword id="2284783" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Gross-Domestic-Product">state Gross Domestic Product</keyword> (GDP) and approximately 35% of state's population is directly employed by the tourism sector. The report was based on a survey conducted by the Goa Tourism Ministry and KPMG which involved reaching out to 600 respondents. The objective of the survey was aimed at examining the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism industry in Goa and also offers recommendations to allow tourism stakeholders to "survive, revive and thrive". "This survey was really a ground-breaking initiative as, for the first time, it covered the tourism industry in a very comprehensive manner, from upscale starred hotels to guest houses, from shacks to taxi drivers, independent guides, freelancers, etc," a statement issued by the Goa government said. The data collected from the survey, will be utilised for mitigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, the statement added. Goa is regarded as one of the top beach and nightlife tourism destinations in the country and attracted nearly eight million <keyword id="10459644" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourists-last-year">tourists last year</keyword>. The Covid-19 pandemic has however severely impacted tourist footfalls to Goa this year. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ikea-india-cfo-says-she-still-has-3500-crore-to-be-spent-in-india-the-pandemic-has-changed-targets-but-not-the-investment-plan/articleshow/79790938.cms">INTERVIEW: Ikea CFO says she still has ₹3,500 crore to be spent in India⁠— the pandemic has changed targets but not the investment plan</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/india-will-produce-300-million-doses-of-the-russian-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-next-year/articleshow/79795341.cms">India will produce 300 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine next year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-mrs-bectors-food-specialities-ipo-allotment-status-online/articleshow/79808672.cms">Mrs Bectors Food Specialities IPO allotment: Here’s how to check share allotment status</a>

Goa tourism suffered loss of ₹2,000-7,200 crore due to COVID-19, says Official report

Photos show how countries around the world are preparing to distribute COVID-19 vaccines as the pandemic rages with ferocity

<ul><li>As the country continues to grapple with the second wave of coronavirus pandemic, healthcare and frontline workers are racing against time to contain its spread.</li><li>In this fight against coronavirus, a few <keyword id="31174" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="brands">brands</keyword> have stepped forward to help our country deal with the crisis.</li><li>From amplifying requests on Twitter to donating money to government bodies, here’s how brands are trying to do their bit.</li><li>This is a regularly updated list to track how brands are helping India. </li></ul>As of April 27, there are 17.3 million+ active COVID cases in India. Several health institutions have run out of beds and oxygen supply and have kept the patients on a long waiting list. Our social media feeds are full of appeals for help, looking for plasma donors, oxygen concentrators or ICU beds. As India’s healthcare system continues to be under pressure, citizens have taken to Twitter to help each other out during these testing times. Indian corporations, multinational brands and young home-grown start-ups have also stepped forward to do their bit and help the country survive this phase. Tech giants Tech giant Amazon has come forward to donate 10,000 oxygen concentrators to India. Google's Sundar Pichai has announced that the company will be donating a relief fund of Rs 135 crore to UNICEF and the non-profit Give India for medical supplies, supporting high-risk communities, and grants to help spread critical information about the deadly virus. Microsoft’s Satya Nadella said that the company will continue to use its voice, resources, and technology to aid relief efforts, and support the purchase of critical oxygen concentration devices. FMCG FMCG Giant P&amp;G announced that it will contribute towards the vaccination of over 5 lakh Indian citizens by pledging Rs 50 crore in partnership with the government and local authorities in India. It will also continue to extend its support to the broader community through the donation of products, in-house manufactured masks and sanitizers especially to aid frontline and essential workers who are tirelessly working to combat the spread of COVID-19. The company will continue to leverage its advertising and brand voice responsibly to increase awareness on health, safety and hygiene measures among consumers and the community. FMCG giant Amway is donating US $1 million (approx. Rs 7.50 crores) to support the COVID relief efforts. The donation amount will be used to facilitate COVID-19 resources such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators among others, to accelerate the <keyword id="8764728" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID 19</keyword> relief work. Mankind Pharma also pledged to donate a sum of Rs 100 crore for the families of deceased doctors, police officers, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers. Marico Limited has donated sanitizers worth Rs 1 crore across various cities to frontline professionals including government <keyword id="6411917" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="organisations">organisations</keyword>, police, hospitals and health staff. The distribution of these kits has already begun in Tamil Nadu and the FMCG giant will continue to expand its reach to include more beneficiaries across multiple states. Start-ups Delivery platforms Zomato and Dunzo have assured help to India as it continues to fight a ravaging crisis. Foodtech platform Zomato and its NGO Zomato Feeding India rolled out a priority delivery feature for Covid-19 emergencies, including oxygen, Chief Executive Officer Deepinder Goyal announced on Twitter. It is aiming to raise Rs 50 crore. Dunzo has opened its social media platform to those who need their request amplified. CRED’s Founder Kunal Shah announced that the platform will be sourcing 1 billion litre of oxygen for India. In association with NGO Milaap, every 10,000 CRED Coin will go towards 1,000 litre of oxygen. Another payment platform Paytm claims to have sourced supplies of different sizes of oxygen concentrators and is raising ₹10 crore to donate them to health institutions across the country. It has already collected ₹1 crore. <a href="https://info.coindcx.com/crypto-covid-care/" data-type="tilCustomLink">CoinDCX</a>, an Indian cryptocurrency exchange platform, allows you to donate your cryptocurrencies. It is donating the collected funds to Help Uday Foundation to provide Care Kits to Fight Coronavirus and Donate Dry Ration to families struggling with hunger in Covid Second Wave. International brands Mobile brands Xiaomi and OnePlus have also come forward to help ease the burden off India’s healthcare system. Xiaomi has pledged Rs 3 crore for relief efforts and OnePlus is amplifying the appeals of those facing COVID-19 emergencies and seeking help on Twitter. Vivo, another smartphone brand, announced donation of Rs 2 crore to aid COVID-19 relief efforts and help acquire Oxygen concentrators. The Walt Disney Company and Star India have pledged financial support of Rs 50 crore towards the ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts in India. The proceeds will be utilized to aid relief efforts and towards the procurement of critical healthcare equipment, including oxygen concentrators, BiPAP, and ventilators along with setting up oxygen plants across hospitals. Indian corporations The Tata Group announced that it is importing 24 cryogenic containers to transport liquid oxygen and help ease the oxygen shortage in the country. Its subsidiaries like Tata Steel are also supplying 200-300 tons of Liquid Medical Oxygen daily to various State governments and hospitals. Honda India Foundation will be setting up temporary COVID Care isolation centers and Oxygen Production Plants. A 100-bed facility is being created at Honda’s warehouse facility in Manesar in Haryana and another 50-100 bed facility at the Government Girl School in Tapukara, Rajasthan. These temporary COVID-19 care centers are expected to commence operation from May 17 onwards. Similar isolation centers are being explored in other locations. The foundation is also working with State Governments to set up Oxygen Production Plants in the districts of Kolar (Karnataka), Gautam Budh Nagar (Uttar Pradesh), Alwar (Rajasthan) and Manesar (Haryana). Last but not the least, Reliance Industries is donating 100 tonnes of oxygen to worst-hit COVID states in India.

From CRED to Google, here’s how brands are helping India fight against COVID-19

<ul><li>Few would have predicted the <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> pandemic would upend the <keyword id="6357440" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stock-Market">stock market</keyword> at the beginning of 2020, including Wall Street forecasters, who issue their predictions near the start of every year.</li><li>It's no surprise then that a review of Goldman Sachs' forecast for 2020 show that just two out of their 10 predictions were correct.</li><li>Here are the investment bank's predictions from the start of 2020 and how they actually compared to the reality of an unprecedented year.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestgest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>The COVID-19 pandemic upended Wall Street's forecasts for 2020, with a massive decline in the stock market followed by a strong recovery and surge higher that few saw coming.The wild ride for <keyword id="31671" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="markets">markets</keyword> in 2020 was highlighted in a note by Goldman Sachs on Monday, with the firm reviewing its predictions at the start of the year and comparing them to what followed after the coronavirus buffeted markets.The questions put into perspective the previous reality investors operated in prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the answers serve as a reminder that even the most well-informed predictions are vulnerable to the chaos of a black swan event.Here are the 10 questions Goldman Sachs posed at the start of the year and their answers as the market enters the last stretch of 2020.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/investing-strategy-brexit-uk-equities-fund-managers-market-strategists-2020-12?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestgest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From Wall Street heavyweights to boutique investment firms, we break down what 7 fund managers and market strategists think about Brexit as the 'midnight hour' approaches.</a>1. Will the average US tariff rate increase meaningfully?Goldman Sachs' answer: No Verdict: CorrectTariffs were at the top of mind for investors at the start of 2020 after a tit-for-tat trade war between the US and China escalated throughout 2018 and 2019. Even the US and Europe exchanged tariff increases in 2019. But the COVID-19 pandemic upended the idea of imposing tariffs on countries as economic survival amid stay-at-home orders became the number one priority. The average US tariff rate declined to 2.7% today from 3.1% at the end of 2019, according to Goldman Sachs.2. Will additional federal fiscal stimulus be enacted before the 2020 election?Goldman Sachs' Answer: No Verdict: IncorrectThe COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic collapse spurred Congress to pass trillions in fiscal stimulus, including direct paychecks to Americans.3. Will business investment accelerate?Goldman Sachs' Answer: Yes Verdict: IncorrectA trade deal between China and the US in early 2020 led analysts to believe that less trade uncertainty would spur investment by businesses, but little did they know a global pandemic would boost uncertainty to record highs. 4. Will growth accelerate above 2%?Goldman Sachs' Answer: Yes Verdict: IncorrectEasing trade war tensions and benign market conditions should have helped spur US GDP growth to above 2%. Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic led to GDP falling an estimated 15% at the bottom in April, according to Goldman Sachs.5. Will the economy enter recession in 2020?Goldman Sachs' Answer: No Verdict: IncorrectA deep but brief recession hit the US economy in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a wave of stay-at-home orders and business restrictions, crippling the economy. 6. Will the unemployment rate fall below its 50-year low of 3.4%?Goldman Sachs' Answer: Yes Verdict: IncorrectThe US unemployment rate surged to 14.7% from 3.5% in just two months as the labor market cratered in the first few weeks of the pandemic. Even further, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the true unemployment rate hit 19.5% after correcting for a classification error, Goldman highlighted. The unemployment rate has since fallen to 6.7% as of November.7. Will wage growth continue to pick up?Goldman Sachs' Answer: Yes Verdict: IncorrectPrior to the pandemic, job growth was double the pace of trend for labor supply growth, meaning workers were in demand. With workers being in demand, their leverage to negotiate higher wages increases. That was a prime environment for wage growth to continue rising in 2020, but a surge in unemployment quickly suppressed that scenario.8. Will core PCE Inflation accelerate meaningfully?Goldman Sachs' Answer: Yes Verdict: IncorrectA collapse in demand due to economic uncertainty amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a steep drop in inflation from February to April, according to Goldman. But core inflation could mount a strong bounce in 2021, with Goldman expecting an inflation rate above 2% next spring, the note said.9. Will the Fed cut again?Goldman Sachs' Answer: No Verdict: IncorrectThe Fed was one of the first to act in terms of providing monetary stimulus to the economy, with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell cutting the Federal Funds rate to near 0% on March 15. And while the Fed has remained opposed to the prospect of negative interest rates to further stimulate the economy, the central bank also does not expect interest rates to increase until at least 2023.10. Will the Fed formally adopt average inflation targeting?Goldman Sachs' Answer: Yes Verdict: CorrectAfter nearly two years of study, the Fed decided in August to recalibrate its inflation targeting to a 2% average.

Goldman looks back on how the COVID-19 pandemic upended Wall Street's predictions for 2020

<ul><li>A recent study by Deloitte found that India ranks highest among 18 countries in terms of anxiety during the second wave of the pandemic.</li><li>We are constantly living with the fear that someone close to us or someone we know might succumb to the virus.</li><li>A lot of agencies have upgraded their policies to help their <keyword id="6357081" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="employees">employees</keyword> navigate through this tough period and to push them to take care of their <keyword id="6354774" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mental-health">mental health</keyword>.</li><li>From switching to 4 work days a week to hiring full-time, in-house counselors, here’s how they are helping their employees tackle burnout and take care of their mental health.</li></ul>Do you also feel your heart racing when you receive a call from a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while? Or when a friend, who usually texts, suddenly calls you now? You are not alone. We are all either grieving someone’s loss or feeling anxious that we might have to, soon. It is no secret that the second wave of COVID-19 has had a severe impact on our collective mental health. We are feeling dejected or overwhelmed with the huge spike in cases everyday. As of today, there are 2.33 crore active cases in India. And people who are clinically diagnosed with mental illness such as Obsessive-compulsive Disorder, depression, autism, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have found their struggles quadrupled. Many COVID survivors, who do have the privilege to find an ICU bed and pay for oxygen cylinders, are facing survivors' <a href="https://theswaddle.com/survivors-guilt-is-hitting-covid19-survivors-in-india-complicating-their-grieving/">guilt</a>. A recent survey by Deloitte titled Global Consumer Tracker’ found that India ranks highest among 18 countries in terms of anxiety during the second wave of the pandemic with 21% of consumers in India anxious, followed by Chile at 16%. The ad industry has also been impacted severely. This week, we lost a young star from the advertising world, Syed Mohammed Talha Nazim, to COVID. Social media is still flooded with pleas for oxygen and ICU beds. At such a time, it is becoming increasingly challenging to focus on work and continue leading normal lives inside our houses. Ergo, there is an urgent need for improved, empathetic and caring HR policies and counselling sessions at the workplace. It is critical to prioritise employees’ mental well-being rather than seeking updates on their daily tasks. Advertising agencies bear the additional responsibility of coming up with optimistic campaigns that drive change and raise awareness. Despite facing the blues of working in isolation and pressure to overperform in a dismal atmosphere, ad agencies are increasingly pushing their boundaries to come up with empathetic campaigns to help our country. Lately, thanks to #<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/detoxwork/">Detoxwork</a>, many agencies have been called out on LinkedIn for forcing their employees to be available 24*7 and meet deadlines. While it is extremely saddening to read those stories, it is no surprise that we continue to sustain our toxic culture. Over the years, the advertising industry has normalised inhuman working hours. In 2017, Tadashi Ishii, CEO, DAN Japan, had to resign after the suicide of an overworked junior employee. It did raise some questions back then but the topic was brushed under the carpet as always. This time, in India, we have lost two lives to advertising's work stress. They were<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/advertising/ad-agencies/news/cheil-india-comes-under-criticism-for-allegedly-asking-employees-to-work-from-office/articleshow/82308605.cms"> forced to come to office</a> as India observed a national lockdown. Even those who are working from home -- are overworked, constantly in-between calls, they do not have the time for their families even if they sit right next to each other. However, there are a few agencies that are prioritising their employees’ wellbeing. We reached out to a few digital and creative agencies to find out what measures they have taken to help their employees look after their mental health and asked to share a few tips on what we need to do as an industry to make sure we don't forget our teams' mental health amidst a crisis, and here is what they said: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Virat Tandon – Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group:" text="Virat Tandon – Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group:">Virat Tandon – Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group:</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Virat Tondon lintas" msid="82574512" hostid="261"></div> Health and wellbeing of our people is the need of the hour and our priority. A COVID war-room with all the leadership across the agency and different offices, HR and Admin teams, has been created to keep a lookout for providing help – with a hospital bed or oxygen or any other assistance. Employees well-being and recovery is tracked by the HR team. Our Panel doctor is available for any assistance and has conducted sessions for employees giving guidelines on prevention and the first response to be taken. The Lintas Employees Welfare Trust released a Covid Care package in September 2020 that included financial assistance and counsellor support for employees who need to cope with stress or have mental illness issues. Our focus has been to let people take care of their health, their loved ones, without feeling the pressure of work deliveries. People spend a very large part of their lives with the organisation they work for. It Is their second home and it’s natural to have that level of compassion for them and do the most you can do. Their health and wellbeing directly impact not only the quality of their lives but also impacts the quality of their work and output. Everyone knows that in theory and should attempt to put it into practice. Leaders need to take the necessary steps and put this belief into action. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Aditya Kanthy, CEO and MD, DDB Mudra Group:" text="Aditya Kanthy, CEO and MD, DDB Mudra Group:">Aditya Kanthy, CEO and MD, DDB Mudra Group:</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Aditya Kanthy" msid="82574492" hostid="261"></div> The first thing we have to do is normalise the conversation around mental health. And the pandemic may well be a tipping point, where people have realised the importance and seriousness of this challenge. Mental and emotional support is crucial in these times. We started on our journey before the pandemic in early 2019 by bringing on board India’s leading Employee Assistance Provider. In this program, licensed counsellors champion mental health recovery through awareness, education, and empowerment of our people. This was perhaps one of the industry’s first such initiatives. Not only us but DDB as a network globally has also done meaningful work on this subject. So, we have learnt a lot from their experiences as well. It guides our approach – which is to take as full a view as possible. We understand that while counselling helps, we have to do more to make a serious dent. In a situation where many of us have friends and family who are going through the worst phase of the pandemic, on-ground support resources for those who have contracted COVID-19 can alleviate a great deal of anxiety. This includes quick and verified access to medical help, comprehensive insurance, flexible leave policies, and better balance of work and life. On an industry level, at the cost of sounding repetitive, our first step is to acknowledge the problem and talk openly about it. When C-suite leaders champion the cause, it makes the conversation accessible, real, and addresses the stigma attached to mental health issues to a large degree. Peer support plays a huge support too. At the DDB Mudra Group, we make a visible effort to do so with our #justask meets, where anyone in the company can talk to me candidly and anonymously if they feel so, about any issue that’s affecting their work life. Secondly, we also have to be cognizant that a person’s quality of life beyond work, is directly linked to their mental health. So, let’s respect boundaries between work and home and acknowledge people’s lives outside the workplace. One way we do that at the Group is by valuing empathetic leadership and using that as a performance indicator. Each business leader is responsible for ‘people’ metrics just as much as Human Resources is. Everyone with a responsibility for other people is involved in this process. Finally, it also helps to bring clients into the conversation. They too are looking to work with partners who are dealing with this issue as progressively as possible and there is much to learn from them too. And that partnership is crucial to making progress on this subject. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Gautam Reghunath, Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Webchutney:" text="Gautam Reghunath, Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Webchutney:">Gautam Reghunath, Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Webchutney:</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Gautam Reghunath" msid="82574485" hostid="261"></div> As agencies, we attempt to maintain reputations as fun, dynamic places to work, but beneath the surface, it’s obvious that many of us are often grappling with various cultural and personnel issues including burnout, overwork and more. People need to know it is ok to be vulnerable and that having trouble with your mental wellbeing does not mean someone cannot do their job capably. It is in the interest of the workplace for every office to provide policies or through their actions show that it is okay for people to speak their truth. Our key aim over the last few years has been to normalise conversations around mental health and one of the first steps was to include it as a permanent official part of the agenda at all our executive committee and quarterly leadership meetings. It starts from the top and sets the tone for all decisions through the year. As our primary actionable measure, we’ve engaged with the Hank Nunn Institute (HNI) as our partner for mental health support services for around two years now. HNI’s trained professionals are available to all employees who can schedule their time anonymously, for free and without the office’s intervention, to discuss either personal or professional aspects of their life. Some weeks are packed, some are not, but what’s important for us is for everyone here to know that it’s okay to seek out someone to talk to if you feel the need to. The teams at Webchutney have also been experimenting with a few employee-sourced ideas on how we can be better to ourselves around areas of mental health &amp; work pressure. Along with planned down-times, we recently piloted our first ever winter break last December where the entire agency with the support of our clients shut shop for two whole weeks. It’s obvious that work-load management has a direct impact on how happy and satisfied we are at work. We’ve tried to turn timesheets, often loathed at agencies, into a tool to have open honest conversations around work timings and over-work. All team leaders who have colleagues clocking over 50+ hours a week have to mandatorily schedule discussions around reasons for this overtime with the CEO every fortnight. Outlier weeks are normal, but we’ve seen a drastic improvement in workload management purely because we’re all discussing this honestly &amp; frequently. Our industry is built around deadlines &amp; deliverables. It’s full of talented people who know what it’s like to find themselves at the intersection where moments of magic meet the point of serious stress. Our learnings with all these measures have been many and the focus on mental health resources aside, for creativity to really thrive, our need to adapt and change has never been more obvious. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Akshay Gurnani, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Schbang:" text="Akshay Gurnani, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Schbang:">Akshay Gurnani, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Schbang:</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Akshay gurnani" msid="82574545" hostid="261"></div> It's empathy that is the need of the hour - from our employers to our clients. It's important for us to listen, acknowledge &amp; act upon what an individual may be going through in these trying times. It's important to also understand how we as an organization can help our team members better. We have an in-house therapist who is accessible to aid our employees, free of cost for as many sessions as they would want. Whether it be automating processes that help in increasing the efficiency of work for all our teams to sending out automated monthly reports, we have been pushing our teams to not take up any work on weekends. Mental health is a priority thus 2 mental health leaves have been assigned to teams to avail anytime in the year. We have ramped up hiring to reduce workload and ease out hiring gaps across teams. We have aligned our clients with the situation at hand and aligned them on how we can create better synergies in these difficult times. Our leaders need to be able to ask the right questions to the clients to comprehend briefs better &amp; reduce the number of reworks. It's imperative to have honest conversations with clients and push back on timelines, owing to the fact that currently our teams are facing resource crunches due to either them or their families being affected by COVID19. We have sent out emails to our clients informing them to expect delays and this has been received quite positively. Digital Marketing is not a "life or death" industry. One less or a delayed post will not affect anything, this is something that clients need to realise and accept. Using the reach of the brand pages, we would like to talk about a message that's more important than selling a product under these times. It's important to come together as a community to urge people to register for vaccination, adopt double-masking, staying indoors, etc. This is the time to show more empathy towards agency partners as well. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Roopa Badrinath, Chief Talent Officer, Wunderman Thompson, South Asia:" text="Roopa Badrinath, Chief Talent Officer, Wunderman Thompson, South Asia:">Roopa Badrinath, Chief Talent Officer, Wunderman Thompson, South Asia:</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="roopa badrinath" msid="82574562" hostid="261"></div> At Wunderman Thompson, we recognized the importance of mental health from the time WHO declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. As a company we have been communicating openly about the importance of mental health to ensure that the stigma attached with it is addressed with honesty. Mental Health has a deep impact on how we think, feel and act and impacts our relationships with our family members, friends and colleagues. It impacts our mood and our general behaviour. Behavioural changes is a natural reaction to the stress, fear and anxiety that people are feeling as a reaction to the threat posed by COVID-19. It is important to acknowledge that it is normal to feel that way and focus on ways to reduce the stress inducers. The pandemic has created a lot of anxiety around personal health, family health, children’s education and relevance of skills in a changed world to name a few. One of the critical things that we realized early on is the need for empathy and trust driven leadership style. Leaders were constantly reminded about empathy and kindness and were encouraged to have regular check-ins with their team members. Once the initial euphoria of WFH evaporated and the lines between home and work started getting blurred, we constantly and consistently reminded our people to set up a routine and stick to it; draw boundaries for themselves; take breaks in a normal work day just the way they would while in a physical space. We encouraged all our team leads to ensure that their team members took time off from work even if they were going nowhere. As is evident from all the global reports, women have borne the maximum brunt due to the pandemic. Their care giving, household and online schooling responsibilities multiplied manifold. Teams were sensitized to be mindful of this and have flexible options for setting up meetings. We launched an all-women Employee Resource Group (ERG) which will be run for the women and by the women of Wunderman Thompson. This group has taken upon itself to launch several initiatives in the next couple weeks to help women navigate the additional challenges thrown at them. As a company we recognized that sexual harassment can be a reality even in a virtual workplace and ran workshops on sensitizing employees about virtual sexual harassment; how to recognize and report the same. To ensure that employees seek help we are constantly reminding them about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where they can reach out to trained counsellors in the strictest of confidence to address their mental well-being issues. This service is available even to the family members of employees. We are confident that all the curated health and wellness programs like compassion meditation, mindfulness hacks – dealing with anxiety, building meaningful connections, staying positive, harnessing the power of sleep that were offered to employees last year will hold them in good stead to deal with the current situation. Currently all employees have access to a COVID stress management program which offers Meditation, Yoga, Breathing Exercises, self-care, Gratitude Session to name a few.

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