‘COVID-19: INDIA’S WAR AGAINST THE VIRUS’, Chronicles Story of Country's Fight Against the Deadly Virus

Covid 19 Flight Documentary

* Actor Manoj Bajpayee to narrate the special documentary in Hindi while Writer-Director-Actor Gautham Vasudev Menon will narrate in Tamil

* The documentary will drop on Discovery Plus on 16th July at 8:00 pm; Discovery Channel and Discovery Channel HD will premiere it at 8:00 pm on 20th July

Discovery Plus, India’s first aggregated real-life entertainment streaming app, is all set to stream an exclusive documentary which will provide a rare glimpse into all the key steps being taken across the country to battle the Coronavirus pandemic. Titled ‘COVID-19: INDIA’S WAR AGAINST THE VIRUS’ the Discovery Plus special will follow both, the global and the Indian timeline, of how the virus spread and shine light on key developments that have taken place ever since India’s first Coronavirus victim was detected in Kerala.

Extensively shot during the period of lockdown, ‘COVID-19: INDIA’S WAR AGAINST THE VIRUS’ will traverse across the nation mapping the pandemic and tell the story through interviews with subject matter experts, front line workers, patients, migrant workers, and others working tirelessly behind the scenes to arrest the spread of this deadly disease. The film will also shed light on the innovations and the way technology is being used to combat the virus. The Hindi voiceover for which will be provided by Bollywood star Manoj Bajpayee and the Tamil voiceover by celebrated writer, director, actor Gautham Vasudev Menon.  The documentary, available in 7 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali, will drop exclusively on the Discovery Plus app, available on Android, IOS, Fire TV and on web, at 8:00 pm on July 16.  Following that, the documentary will premiere on July 20 at 8:00 pm on the Discovery Channel and Discovery Channel HD.

The documentary features scientists, doctors, ministers and government officials on the forefront of the Coronavirus battle including: Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Govt of India, K. VijayRaghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Bill Gates, Co-Chair and Trustee, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, World Health Organization, South-East Asia Region, Satyendra Jain, Health Minister, Govt of Delhi, K. K. Shailaja, Health Minister, Govt of Kerala, Rajesh Tope, Health Minister, Govt of Maharashtra, Economist Arun Kumar, Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, Chief, AIIMS Trauma Centre, Delhi, Dr. Atanu Basu, Deputy Director, National Institute of Virology, Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin, Chairperson, Delhi COVID-19 Task Force, Journalist Sanket Upadhyay, along with Sonu Sood, the Bollywood actor who has extensively worked on ground to help the migrant workers during the pandemic.

“Meaningful Cinema, meaningful projects have always endeared me, and I believe specials like Covid-19 India’s War Against The Virus are relevant not just for today but will continue to engage our future generations as well,” said, recipient of two National awards, Manoj Bajpayee. “This is an important story and needs to be told in an impactful manner. I and proud to be part of this monumental project and target to bring all my experience into play for the narration in Hindi language.”

“The fact that we all have been directly impacted by the pandemic makes this project different from others I have been part of. You almost relive part of your life as the reels go by but at the same time the documentary shines light on so much that you weren’t aware of.  That is why documentaries, as an entertainment tool, in my view, will always have a special pride of place,” said, Writer-Director-Actor Gautham Vasudev Menon. “It is a valiant effort. I could not have asked for a better debut as a narrator, especially in my mother tongue Tamil, and coincidentally this marks my first documentary ever. I urge everyone to watch it along with your family.”

“Discovery has been at the forefront of bringing international documentaries on Covid-19 to help Indian audiences understand deeper perspectives. This latest original, shot extensively during lockdown, captures key moments, developments that shaped India’s fight against Covid-19 over the past few months,” said, Megha Tata, Managing Director – South Asia, Discovery. “There’s more at work than what meets the eye as new challenges unfold every day with pandemic raging fire; our attempt is to bring it all together with a line-up of prominent experts and officials to provide a comprehensive view for our discerning audiences.”

The collection of Covid19 related documentaries on Discovery Plus continues to grow. The other 3 documentaries which explore this deadly disease include ‘Invisible Killer’, ‘Pandemic Covid-19’ & ‘The Zoo: Covid-19 & Animals’. Users can download the application to stream these shows.

‘COVID-19: INDIA’S WAR AGAINST THE VIRUS’ will premiere on Discovery Plus on 16th July 2020 followed by Discovery Channel and Discovery Channel HD on 20th July 2020 at 8.00 pm

Livinguard Technologies Introduces Face Mask that Inactivates 99.9% of COVID-19 Virus

With the development of medication to combat the novel coronavirus still in the works, it has become imperative to find an immediate solution for this global pandemic. After conducting more than 65,000 experiments and filing more than 100 patents, Swiss hygiene company Livinguard, with operations also in India, as well as Germany, USA, Singapore, Japan, and South Africa, has come up with a revolutionary and first of its kind face mask, that can directly inactivate bacteria and viruses, including 99.9% of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. While most masks available across counters or open markets are preventive in nature, Livinguard face masks are protective and prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading, benefiting both self and others in close proximity. The globally patented technology was invented by Mr. Sanjeev Swamy, an entrepreneur of Indian origin, who also heads the company.

Researchers from the Free University of Berlin at the Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health have been able to demonstrate that textiles treated with Livinguard Technology can reduce very high amounts of SARS-CoV-2 particles by more than 99.9% within a few hours. "The textiles in these masks can thus continuously inactivate the exhaled viruses and can make handling these masks even safer overall," says Professor Uwe Rösler. "In addition, such textiles could also help to reduce hygienic issues in other general and medical areas, even beyond COVID-19." The masks were launched today in India through a virtual press conference where the founder joined from their Swiss headquarters.

Mr. Sanjeev Swamy, Founder, Inventor & CEO, Livinguard Technologies said, “The World Health Organization estimates 89 million medical masks will be required every month throughout the pandemic. Providing superior quality of daily life has always been our aim. Our mission is to provide hygiene suited for the modern world, hence the reason that we chose to conduct our tests at the FU Berlin, who is renowned for their highest standards; and we are honored to be able to introduce Livinguard masks in India. With the number of cases rising in the country daily, it has become crucial to find an answer to the problem. The unique characteristics of Livinguard masks will provide users with an unprecedented level of security. Fine Hygienic Holding in the Middle East is one of our biggest users, as well as millions more across Singapore, Japan, Germany and China. I am confident that we will have similar success in India too.”

He further added, “Livinguard’s current focus is to apply this Technology to solutions that lessen the health risk and economic impact of the crisis by enabling people to protect themselves, return to work, and take back their lives. Since our product is washable and reusable, and mostly made from cotton, the mask is eco-friendly and sustainable. Our research shows that if a million people use one reusable Livinguard mask 210 times, we can save 36,000 tonnes of waste. It is also cheaper than a regular mask because one will need 210 masks to compare with one of ours.”

One of the most respected science leaders of India, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, said “This scientific breakthrough of deactivating SARS-COV-2 virus on contact with the mask, authenticated fully by world’s top universities, is a global game changer. Every effort should be made so that every Indian benefits from this unprecedented paradigm shift in this provision of safety, security & sustainability, going far beyond the current pandemic.”

The principle underlying the Livinguard Technology is empowering the textile surface with a strong positive charge. When microbes come in contact with fabric, the microbial cell which is negatively charged, is destroyed leading to permanent destruction of the microorganism. Unlike heavy metal-based solutions, such as silver, zinc and copper, this novel technology has been found to be safe for both skin and lungs. Moreover, Livinguard Technology destroys continuously and allows users to reuse the mask up to 210 times with no compromise on safety or efficacy. Livinguard AG believes that the future is tied to sustainable solutions that treat our world kindly. The Livinguard Face Mask not only harnesses powerful coronavirus killing technology but also minimizes waste and uses resources efficiently, thereby offering a unique solution for an overheated supply chain.

The Livinguard mask comprises 3 layers that give 5 levels of protection. The unique patented Tripellent Technology on the Outer layer offers 3 levels of protection - Livinguard Antiviral and repellent coating on the outside of the fabric, Livinguard Antiviral Technology bonded into the fabric itself and Livinguard Antiviral and repellent coating on the inside of the fabric. Non-woven industry-standard filters in the middle layer channels viruses for destruction to the outer or inner layers. Sandwiched between disinfecting fabrics, it is protected from biological contamination, allowing the mask to be safely washed and reused. Denser than the outer layer, and also treated with Livinguard Antiviral Technology, the fabric of the inner layer provides powerful inactivation of coronavirus. Odour free and quick drying with low humidity, the soft and stretchy fabric gives a comfortable fit for the mouth and nose. This specially treated fabric has 36 billion positive charges per cm2.

The Livinguard mask can be washed up to 30 times with undiminished efficacy of its protective properties. If used daily and washed weekly under normal usage conditions, the mask can be used for 6 months, effectively replacing the need for single-use masks. The mask can be used for extended periods and reused before washing because the fabric covering the filter media continuously destroys microorganisms upon contact. This significantly diminishes the risk of transferring them to the user and to other surfaces. The mask is proven to be non-toxic and safe for use. The masks are being used by frontline COVID warriors across the world. Depending on the type of mask required, the cost is INR 1490-1990 only.

Livinguard is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Innovators Community. Arnaud Bernaert, Head of Health and Healthcare, World Economic Forum commented, “The World Economic Forum is happy to have Livinguard join our Global Innovators community. We are delighted to work with Livinguard as their innovation holds the potential to greatly advance the world's response toolkit in the fight against COVID".

Free computer security software from Microsoft released

Microsoft has released free software that people can use to protect computers against viruses, spyware and other malicious codes in arsenals of cyber criminals.

Microsoft Security Essentials is available for download at microsoft.com/security_essentials and is built on technology that the global software giant uses in computer security programs it designs for businesses.

"With Microsoft Security Essentials, consumers can get high-quality protection that is easy to get and easy to use, and it won't get in their way," said Amy Barzdukas, general manager for consumer security at Microsoft.

"Consumers have told us that they want the protection of real-time security software but we know that too many are either unwilling or unable to pay for it, and so end up unprotected."

Microsoft hopes that the free software will be broadly adopted, particularly by those who have not been vigilant about protecting computers from hackers, and thereby "increase security across the entire Windows ecosystem."

More than 90 percent of the computers worldwide run on Windows operating systems made by the US technology firm.

"Microsoft is helping to reduce some of the barriers that constrain consumers from running (anti-virus software)," said IDC security analyst Jon Crotty. "Microsoft is focused on the challenges that prevent consumers from running up-to-date anti-virus software today, particularly in emerging markets where there is a growing prevalence of malware."

Security Essentials is designed to run behind the scenes, defending machines against infection by malicious computer codes.

The real-time nature of the software means it is automatically kept up-to-date regarding viruses.

Computer security specialty firm Symantec downplayed the Microsoft offering, saying it is lightweight and isn't tuned for new forms of attack being used by hackers.

Symantec referred to Security Essentials as a stripped-down version of an old Microsoft OneCare product that got poor ratings.

"From a security perspective, this Microsoft tool offers reduced defenses at a critical point in the battle against cyber crime," Symantec said of the free offering that competes with Norton products sold by the firm.

"Unique malware and social engineering tricks fly under the radar of traditional signature-based technology alone -- which is what is employed by free security tools such as Microsoft's," it said.

Agencies