Five intellectual fashion statements from history that anticipated today’s dark academia trend

Creating with a quill pen dipped in ink, sitting down in the flickering of candlelight in a guide-lined research, and classic tweed paired with knitted jumpers and brogues have all become the height of manner for autumn 2021.

Recognized as dark academia, this pattern has introduced the hallowed halls of historic universities to the electronic worlds of TikTok and Instagram. On Instagram, the tag #darkacademia now has above 1 million posts, and Grazia has named the aesthetic as autumn 2021’s most significant trend. The TikTok era has keenly embraced the tweedy cosiness of scholarly life.

Centred all over an idealised working experience of researching at European and North American universities, this romanticised life-style of learning emphasises awareness, culture and literature. In vogue, it is expressed as a result of a hybrid of historicism and Victoriana, classic place dress in and thrifted garments.

But this is not the initially time that dressing to look intelligent has been in vogue. Accomplishing intellectualism via gown has been on trend for hundreds of years. In this article, we will investigate 5 of the most mental manner traits in background.

1. The Bluestockings

The term “bluestocking” came to be used as a derisive expression for intellectual women of all ages, but its origins are far more stylish.

The Blue Stocking Society was founded in the 1750s in England by Elizabeth Montagu, identified as Queen of the Blues, along with other girls of the Georgian elite. Unsurprisingly, there experienced been few prospects for women of all ages to talk about classical literature, politics, and philosophy in the glittering ballrooms and drawing rooms of 18th-century England. Disappointed at women’s intellectual starvation, this group of modern ladies fulfilled to talk about these subjects.

Blue stockings were part of the calm, casual dress in that the team wore to their gatherings. Unlike the glimmering sheen of the white or black silk stockings of significant vogue, the rustic simplicity of blue worsted wool stockings was viewed as informal and intimate, and a image of their rejection of the sartorial anticipations of significant society.

1 bluestocking, the novelist Frances Burney, recalled that a potential attendee who did not have modern clothes suited for a official night event was explained to: “Don’t intellect gown! Arrive in your blue stockings!”

2. Dressing Like a statue

In the course of the 18th century, the classical worlds of ancient Greece and Rome ended up rediscovered by Europe’s mental elites.

Woman in dress with green umbrella.
Women of all ages left their hoops guiding for formless attire that evoked the drapery of neoclassical dress.
Wikimedia

From architecture to literature, neo-classicism turned the style. Assignments like the excavation of Pompeii ignited the European creativity about this romanticised classical past. Encouraged by the recovered statues of girls dressed in elegant drapery, modern girls cast off their stays and hoops to mimic these classical 50 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}-nude statues.

This instead impractical drapery was transformed into the respectable, high waisted, white muslin robes common to modern day audiences as a result of Jane Austen productions. Resembling a tall, column-like statue was all the rage.

3. Romanticism

From billowing shirt sleeves to tousled locks of hair, the sartorial aesthetic of the Passionate poets like Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats is evoked in dark academia by itself. Romanticism championed ideals more than convention and is epitomised by the melancholy, intelligent, and brooding Byronic hero archetype.

The gothic and historically impressed aesthetics of Romanticism unfold to trend, which adopted attributes this kind of as medieval slashing (a procedure in which the outer material is reduce to reveal one more vibrant silk beneath) and Tudor-esque neck ruffles. These fantastical variations, which reimagined and sentimentalised heritage, distribute from an mental want to overthrow neoclassicism in favour of resplendent Renaissance background.

4) Dress reform and inventive costume

The late 19th century observed a series of intellectual revolutions in costume, which turned down the limitations and formality of Victorian higher manner. In the 1850s, women’s legal rights activist Amelia Bloomer commenced a development among the ladies reformists of carrying large dishevelled trousers, now recognised to us as bloomers.

Baggy trousers could have quickly gone out of design and style, but Victorian intellectuals continued to invent new fashions that mirrored their tutorial rules.

Painting of women at a gallery.
This portray contrasts women’s inventive dress (remaining and appropriate) with trendy apparel (centre).
Wikimedia

Spearheaded by the pre-Raphaelites, artistic gown, also known as Künstlerkleid, termed upon intimate medievalism and rejected the structured drapery of Victorian superior vogue. In line with the hand-crafted aesthetics and ethics of the Arts and Crafts motion, the manner was for flowing free robes and gothic trimmings. The aim was to seem like you had stepped out of the pre-Raphaelite portrait of an Arthurian lady.

5) Philosophes

In the early 20th century, French philosophers and common playwrights alike propelled the turtleneck into the highlight as the anti-institution, intellectual garment of the age. From Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face to thinker and accidental style icon Michel Foucault, the turtleneck was the epitome of cerebral design.

More recently embraced by Apple co-founder Steve Employment, the cleanse strains of the turtleneck used sartorial simplicity to both of those counter and embody the busy mind. Sharp and smooth dressing mirrored modern day innovation and creative genius.

In 2021, dark academia is equally comforting and clever. For a generation that grew up awaiting their letter from Hogwarts, but who now obtain themselves studying on the web, it is possibly unsurprising that today’s youthful persons have made their imagined landscapes of turrets, tweed and tea in the online area of social media.

Starting a Business | CHAT News Today

By incorporating your small business, you are creating a separate and unique lawful entity. It even has its personal tax return.

If this business is however just a facet hustle for you, it could possibly make more sense to retain it easy and straightforward and operate as a sole proprietor. When tax time comes all-around in April, you will report your company activities on your normal tax return and spend tax on your internet organization profits.

Really don’t Neglect About Area Guidelines and Laws

Sadly, just mainly because you have a good plan for a business does not suggest that you can run it promptly. If you operate inside the City of Drugs Hat, you will need a organization license to work. Of course, even if you operate a household primarily based small business you nonetheless have to have a small business license.

On best of that, you may possibly have to have to get hold of permits. For occasion, if you are installing an outside signal, you need a signal allow. You might have to have an occupancy allow if you are arranging to renovate the space or adjust its use.

Be Conscious of GST Prerequisites

I consider it is good to say that the the vast majority of us are common with GST. We know that if we buy one thing for $100 that a $100 invoice does not slash it. We are going to will need yet another $5 to go over the GST. On the exceptional occasion, we uncover ourselves getting a item or a services that will be exempt from GST such as the rent we pay out for our residence.

If you are starting up your small business or if just executing it on the facet, you could not will need to sign up for GST. The normal rule of thumb for GST is that if you make fewer than $30,000 about four consecutive calendar quarters, you are not demanded to register.

Sometimes, even even though you do not need to have to sign up for GST, you may want to if you know that you are likely to be crossing that threshold within the 12 months. Far better to get your rates in location so you don’t surprise your shoppers with an more 5{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} 4 months down the line!

Keep Your Business enterprise & Private Life Independent

It is vital to have a apparent separation of your individual and company cash. Nothing will be more aggravating than on the lookout by way of your lender statements up coming year and hoping to try to remember if that Costco order was for your organization or your individual groceries.

Open up up a separate lender account for your company transactions and if possible, attain a different credit rating card as nicely. When you go to Costco and have a mix of business and individual goods, do two separate transactions! You will not be the 1st particular person who does this and your long run self will thank you.

That’s a Write Off, Proper?

Most likely a single of the most typical misconceptions of new small business house owners is that the moment you start off a small business, everything is now a deduction. Soon after all, that haircut that you obtained was to make you presentable, which is going to provide in additional business enterprise, correct?

Private costs are continue to just that – personalized! Nevertheless, you will be capable to deduct bills that are operate-connected these kinds of as business provides, licences, accounting costs, and perform relevant travel. Ask your self how this price tag is becoming utilized in your business. Would a further human being (who wasn’t working a business) however have that charge?

If you choose to start out a organization, there are wonderful sources out there for you. Never wait to arrive at out with an e mail to me and talk to any queries that you could have.

What channel is Dodgers vs. Giants on today? Time, TV schedule for the 2021 NLDS Game 5

They’re the two second-most magical words in sports: Game 5.

The Dodgers and the Giants took 162 games to decide who would come who with the NL West, and on Thursday night, the Los Angeles-San Francisco feud comes to a definitive end in 2021 as the teams meet in San Fran for a winner-take-all Game 5.

Los Angeles turns to Julio Urias for his second start in the NLDS, throwing five innings of one-run ball in Game 2, which the Dodgers would go on to win 9-2. On the other side, the Giants turn to Logan Webb, who looks to continue his breakout season: Webb threw a monster Game 1, pitching 7 2/3 innings of shutout baseball in the shutout win.

MORE: 2021 MLB playoff bracket

The Dodgers’ offense has been wishy-washy this postseason: They were shutout twice in four games vs. the Giants, with the bats waking up for 16 runs total in their two wins.

Los Angeles will hope for one more day where the bats look alive, while San Francisco hopes that the 24th meeting between the bitter rivals in 2021 will turn in their favor.

What channel is Dodgers vs. Giants on today?

  • TV channel: TBS
  • Live stream: TBS App

TBS continues its coverage of the NL side of the MLB Postseason with Game 5 airing on the network on Thursday.

TBS will also play home to the NLCS, though times for the series are dependent on who emerges from Game 5.

Dodgers vs. Giants start time

  • Date:  Thursday, Oct. 14
  • First pitch: 9:07 p.m. ET | 6:07 p.m. PT

First pitch for Dodgers vs. Giants is scheduled for 9:07 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 7.

Julio Urias will throw for the Dodgers, while Logan Webb is expected to take the bump for the Giants in the decisive Game 5. 

MLB playoff schedule 2021

National League

Wild card

Date Game Result
Wednesday, Oct. 6 Cardinals @ Dodgers 3-1, LA

Division Series

TBS will handle the broadcast for all NLDS games in both series.

Date Game Result TV channel
Friday, Oct. 8 Dodgers @ Giants, Game 1 4-0, SF TBS
Friday, Oct. 8 Braves @ Brewers, Game 1 2-1, MIL TBS
Saturday, Oct. 9 Dodgers @ Giants, Game 2 9-2, LA TBS
Saturday, Oct. 9 Braves @ Brewers, Game 2 3-0, ATL TBS
Monday, Oct. 11 Giants @ Dodgers, Game 3 1-0, SF TBS
Monday, Oct. 11 Brewers @ Braves, Game 3 3-0, ATL TBS
Tuesday, Oct. 12 Giants @ Dodgers, Game 4 7-2, LA TBS
Tuesday, Oct. 12 Brewers @ Braves, Game 4 5-4, ATL TBS
Thursday, Oct. 14 Dodgers @ Giants, Game 5 TBD TBS

Championship Series

TBS will continue its National League playoff coverage with coverage of every NLCS game.

The Braves secured their spot in the NLCS, and depending on who takes the Dodgers vs. Giants series, they could either start on the road or at home.

Date Game Start time TV channel
Saturday, Oct. 16 TBD @ TBD, Game 1 TBD TBS
Sunday, Oct. 17 TBD @ TBD, Game 2 TBD TBS
Tuesday, Oct. 19 TBD @ TBD, Game 3 TBD TBS
Wednesday, Oct. 20 TBD @ TBD, Game 4 TBD TBS
Thursday, Oct. 21 TBD @ TBD, Game 5* TBD TBS
Saturday, Oct. 23 TBD @ TBD, Game 6* TBD TBS
Sunday, Oct. 24 TBD @ TBD, Game 7* TBD TBS

*If necessary

American League

Wild card

Date Game Result
Tuesday, Oct. 5 Yankees @ Red Sox 6-2, BOS

Division Series

MLB Network and FS1 will carry all the ALDS games, until potential Game 5s, which would be broadcast exclusively on FS1.

Date Game Result TV channel
Thursday, Oct. 7 Red Sox @ Rays, Game 1 5-0, TB MLB Network/FS1
Thursday, Oct. 7 White Sox @ Astros, Game 1 9-4, HOU MLB Network/FS1
Friday, Oct. 8 Red Sox @ Rays, Game 2 14-6, TB MLB Network/FS1
Friday, Oct. 8 White Sox @ Astros, Game 2 12-6, HOU MLB Network/FS1
Sunday, Oct. 10 Rays @ Red Sox, Game 3 6-4, BOS MLB Network/FS1
Sunday, Oct. 10 Astros @ White Sox, Game 3 12-6, CHI MLB Network/FS1
Monday, Oct. 11 Rays @ Red Sox, Game 4 6-5, BOS MLB Network/FS1
Monday, Oct. 11 Astros @ White Sox, Game 4 10-1, HOU MLB Network/FS1

Championship Series

FOX and FS1 will split coverage of the ALCS.

The Red Sox and Astros kick off the ALCS on Friday, Oct. 15. It’s the Astros’ fifth-straight appearance in the ALCS.

Date Game Start time TV channel
Friday, Oct. 15 Red Sox @ Astros, Game 1 8:07 p.m. FOX
Saturday, Oct. 16 Red Sox @ Astros, Game 2 TBD FOX
Monday, Oct. 18 Astros @ Red Sox, Game 3 TBD FOX/FS1
Tuesday, Oct. 19 Astros @ Red Sox, Game 4 TBD FS1
Wednesday, Oct. 20 Astros @ Red Sox, Game 5* TBD FS1
Friday, Oct. 22 Red Sox @ Astros, Game 6* TBD FS1
Saturday, Oct. 23 Red Sox @ Astros, Game 7* TBD FOX/FS1

*If necessary

World Series schedule

Every World Series game will be on FOX.

Date Game Start time TV channel
Tuesday, Oct. 26 TBD @ TBD, Game 1 TBD FOX
Wednesday, Oct. 27 TBD @ TBD, Game 2 TBD FOX
Friday, Oct. 29 TBD @ TBD, Game 3 TBD FOX
Saturday, Oct. 30 TBD @ TBD, Game 4 TBD FOX
Sunday, Oct. 31 TBD @ TBD, Game 5* TBD FOX
Tuesday, Nov. 2 TBD @ TBD, Game 6* TBD FOX
Wednesday, Nov. 3 TBD @ TBD, Game 7* TBD FOX

*If necessary

Chip crisis dashes industry’s hopes for post-pandemic sales recovery

Hopes that 2021 would get well considerably of the vehicle revenue misplaced to the pandemic in 2020 are fading as the semiconductor scarcity carries on to deliver widespread manufacturing unit stoppages.

Final month, IHS Markit, which many automakers use as their benchmark for generation forecasting, mentioned it was trimming its manufacturing forecast by 6.2 percent, or 5 million models, to 75.8 million for 2021.

“The outlook for Q4 now reflects heightened danger as challenges to the provide chain – generally semiconductors – continue to be entrenched,” IHS analyst Mark Fulthorpe wrote. 

In its most new observe to investors, IHS mentioned that 9.5 to 11 million models could be shed about the comprehensive yr. In contrast to before statements from automakers and analysts anticipating a recovery in the next fifty percent of 2021, IHS explained Monday that the disruption could go on into the 1st 50 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of 2022. 

“H2 2022 could be the stage at which we appear for the stabilization of source, with restoration initiatives now setting up only from H1 2023,” the observe reported. “We are extending the window for possible disruption and delaying additional the position at which we believe a meaningful recovery can get started.”

In Europe, IHS estimates that some 1.1 million models were misplaced in the first 50 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}. 3rd-quarter decline estimates have been lifted to 729,000 units from 666,000 units, mostly thanks to creation halts at Stellantis and Volkswagen. 

That determine does not contain up to 50,000 “incomplete” cars developed at VW that are missing important components that need to be added prior to they can be sold, IHS claimed.

On the need facet, LMC Automotive mentioned at the conclude of September that it was slicing its global light car forecast by 6 million units, to 81 million vehicles. In June, LMC had forecast need of 87 million cars for the calendar year.

“The hope of a return to pre-pandemic circumstances and a whole restoration in early 2022 has all but evaporated,” the analyst reported.

LMC also famous that foreseeable future auto demand could endure from current disorders, in which automakers have prioritized larger-margin types and emissions-compliant (and high-priced) EVs, foremost to higher rates and a scarcity of reduce-end automobiles on showroom flooring. 

“The absence of automobile availability and the increase in pricing might have pushed a range of shoppers in a lot of countries out of the new motor vehicle market place,” LMC reported, “creating them to both hold on to an existing car for extended, invest in a employed motor vehicle, or acquire out a lease, rather of acquiring/leasing a new car.”

LMC now expects world mild motor vehicle sales of 85 million models in 2022, a fall of 8 percent from its 2nd quarter forecast, and 94 million units in 2023, a decline of 3 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} from the second quarter.

October 13 News Updates: Air India Unions raise concerns about cash, leave, medical benefits, accommodation of employees & arrears

!1 New UpdateClick here for latest updates

Wrap Up: All you need to know

  • Wipro Q2 consolidated profit rises by 17{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} to Rs 2,930.6 cr, revenue up at Rs 19,667.4 cr
  • Infosys Q2 net profit up 11.9 pc at Rs 5,421 crore; revenue rises 20.5 pc to Rs 29,602 crore: Co filing
  • Govt scraps basic customs duty on crude varieties of palm, soyabean and sunflower oil till March 31; also cuts agri cess
  • Govt withdraws travel advisory that added COVID-19 related additional checks, restrictions on those arriving from the UK
  • Shardul Thakur replaces all-rounder Axar Patel in India’s main squad for T20 World Cup. Patel placed in list of stand-by players: BCCI
  • Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by 3 wickets in second IPL qualifier, set up title clash with Chennai Super Kings
  • Cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in India has crossed 96 crore with more than 32 lakh jabs administered today
  • All colleges and universities in Maharashtra can conduct physical classes from October 20
  • Delhi records 31 fresh COVID-19 cases, zero death; positivity rate at 0.05 per cent: Health bulletin

Deity at Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Temple decorated with gold

IBM in talks with states to expand ‘SkillBuild’ initiative in India

IT company IBM on Wednesday said it is in talks with several states in India to expand its ‘SkillsBuild’ initiative.

Government of Puducherry declares holidays on October 15 and 16 for govt, govt-aided and private schools on account of Vijayadasami in the UT and Karaikal regions.

IPL2021, Qualifier 2: Kolkata Knight Riders (136/7) beat Delhi Capitals (135/5) by three wickets, to face Chennai Super Kings in the final

36 IPS, 14 PPS officers transferred in Punjab

Mexico tells WHO to act without “ideology” on certifying COVID-19 vaccines

Mortal remains of Sepoy Vaisakh H reaches Thiruvananthapuram

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry says 1,183 of 1,224 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants being funded by PM Cares Fund have been commissioned across country so far

Air India Unions have demanded that employees should be allowed to stay in airline flats till monetization or at least for a year as Tatas are giving a one-year employment guarantee

Air India Unions in a joint letter to Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation raise concerns about cash, leave, medical benefits, accommodation of employees & arrears

Ghaziabad: Many people feared injured after a bus falls from Bhatia Modh flyover; Police present at the spot, rescue operation underway

Israel FM Lapid, with Blinken at his side, says his country ‘reserves right’ to use force on Iran

Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO) has reported that the total capacity of units under outage due to low coal stocks has reduced from 11 GW on 12th October to 6 GW on 13th October: Ministry of Power

BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore send air tickets to Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, ask them to visit their party-ruled Rajasthan, where atrocities have been allegedly committed on Dalits

National Commission for Schedules Castes chairman Vijay Sampla directs officials to take swift action against those who thrashed a Dalit man to death in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district

Blue Origin capsule lands on Earth after space flight with Star Trek’s Shatner

Telangana logs 184 cases, 1 death; 2 Cr people have got first dose of vaccine

Letter from Delhi Police received with names of 32 jail officials found prima facie complicit in the Unitech matter

Out of 32 personnel, 30 regular employees suspended & 2 contractural employees terminated: Prison officials

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi for evaluation of fever; his condition is stable: AIIMS officials

India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage crosses 96.78 crore with more than 32 lakh vaccine doses have been administered till 7 pm today: Government of India

Priyank Kanoongo re-appointed as chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights for a period of three years

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya claims searches conducted by Income Tax officials on premises linked to family members of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar are ‘biggest’ such raids in India

The maximum demand of Delhi was 4707 MW (peak) and 101.5 MU (Energy) on 12 Oct. As per the information received from Delhi DISCOMs, there was no outage on account of power shortage, as the required amount of power was supplied to them

– Ministry of Power

India’s COVID-19 vaccination will cross landmark of 100 crore vaccine doses in a few days; country will produce over 28 crore doses in October

– Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that on death due to COVID19, the state government will give a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the kin of the deceased: Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Office

“Unsung Heroes of Odisha”

Tamil Nadu reports 1,280 new COVID19 cases, 19 deaths and 1,453 recoveries in the last 24 hours

active cases 15,650

COVID19: Himachal Pradesh reported 139 new cases, 68 recoveries and one death during the past 24 hours

Former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh tells Bombay HC that ED initiated proceedings against him in alleged money laundering case based on claims made by those people who themselves are accused of “heinous offences such as murder and extortion”

4 held with 66 grams of heroin in separate incidents in J-K’s Kathua

Former PM Manmohan Singh admitted to AIIMS with fever and weakness

Media Reports

At least 108 Yemen rebels dead in strikes south of Marib: Saudi-led coalition

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested five more terror operatives in J&K terrorism conspiracy case during raids at two places in Srinagar earlier today: NIA

‘Samajwadi Vijay Yatra’ reaches Kanpur

President appoints the 14 advocates and judicial officers as judges of the Telangana High Court, Orissa HC and Kerala HC

Mumbai reports 481 new cases, 3 deaths and 461 recoveries in last 24 hours

COVID-19: Delhi reports 31 new cases, 58 recoveries and zero deaths in the last 24 hours; active cases 338

US consumer prices rose 5.4 percent annually in September: govt

COVID-19; 357 new positive cases, 438 recoveries and 10 deaths have been reported in Karnataka, today

Active cases 9621 and total positive cases 29,82,089

Lakhimpur Kheri violence case: Ankit Das sent to judicial custody till 22nd October

COVID19: 11,079 new cases, 123 deaths and 9,972 recoveries reported in Kerala today

Active caseload stands at 97,630

Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane in Sri Lanka

Colleges in Maharashtra to re-open from October 20, reported ToI quoting Higher and technical education Minister Uday Samant.

NCB says it has spoken to MEA for identification of foreign nationals allegedly involved in the VIP drug bust case

Reports TIMES NOW

Cruise ship raid case: A Mumbai Court adjourns hearing for tomorrow on bail applications of Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha

President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir on Oct 14 & 15

The coal target which was given to us by Power Ministry was 1.9 million tonnes/day & after 20th it was 2 million tonnes/day. Today, we’ve supplied 2 million tonnes of coal. I can assure that there’ll be no shortage of coal for electricity production

– Union Coal Min Pralhad Joshi

An earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale occurred at East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh at 1610 hours: National Center for Seismology (NCS)

Putin says ‘very important’ to ‘stabilise’ gas market

Shardul Thakur added to India’s main T20 World Cup squad

All-rounder Axar Patel, who was part of the 15-member squad will now be on the list of stand-by players: BCCI

India was one of 1st countries recognising Armenia’s independence & established diplomatic ties. Today, we did comprehensive review of our bilateral relations & discussed regional & multilateral issues. We agreed on road map for future cooperation

– EAM Dr S Jaishankar in Armenia

Rajnath Singh to address SCO webinar on Role of Women in Armed Forces

Session on ‘Historical Perspective of Women’s Roles in Combat Operations’ will be chaired by Dy Chief of IDS (Medical) Lt General Madhuri Kanitkar

Gold gains Rs 63; silver jumps Rs 371

Gold in the national capital on Wednesday rose Rs 63 to Rs 46,329 per 10 grams amid rally in international precious metal prices, according to HDFC Securities. Silver also jumped Rs 371 to Rs 60,788 per kg, from Rs 60,417 per kg in the previous trade.

Infosys Q2 net profit up 11.9 pc at Rs 5,421 crore; revenue rises 20.5 pc to Rs 29,602 crore: Co filing

Maharashtra Cabinet announces a package of Rs 10,000 cr to the farmers affected by heavy rains and floods

Rs 10,000/hectare assistance for agriculture, Rs 15,000/hectare for horticulture& Rs 25,000/hectare for perennial crops; aid to be provided up to a limit of 2 hectares land.

Mindtree Q2 PAT at Rs 398.9 cr vs Rs 343.4 cr QoQ

Infosys board approves dividend of Rs 15/share

Reports ET NOW

Wipro Q2 consolidated profit rises by 17{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} to Rs 2,930.6 cr, revenue up at Rs 19,667.4 cr

It’s good that Devendra Fadnavis still considers himself as CM. I congratulate him. After being CM for five years, Fadnavis still feels he is holding the post. I lacked this trait. I had served as CM (of Maharashtra) four times. But I don’t even remember

– NCP chief Sharad Pawar

Is there truly no COVID-19 in Turkmenistan? Experts weigh in

Turkmen women wearing traditional dress demonstrate how to fumigate a house with the smoke of burning wild rue (known locally as yuzerlik) in Ashgabat on December 11, 2020. – In tightly-controlled Turkmenistan, which still insists it has no virus cases, the pandemic has led to a boom in a herb whose Turkmen name translates as “medicine for a hundred illnesses”. Wild rue — known locally as yuzerlik — has for millennia been popular in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia as a panacea for sickness and ill fortune. But in Turkmenistan strongman leader and ex-dentist Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has gone a step further. In March he ordered wild rue burning on a “systematic level”, trumpeting the bacteria and infection-killing qualities of its faintly intoxicating smoke. (Photo by Igor SASIN / AFP) (Photo by IGOR SASIN/AFP via Getty Images)Share on Pinterest
Turkmen women wearing traditional dress demonstrate how to fumigate a house with the smoke of burning wild rue, known locally as yuzerlik, in Ashgabat on December 11, 2020. In Turkmenistan, the pandemic has led to a boom in an herb whose Turkmen name translates as ‘medicine for a hundred illnesses.’ (Photo by IGOR SASIN/AFP via Getty Images)
  • COVID-19 has been present in nearly every country in the world.
  • However, the Turkmenistan government claims that there have been no cases or deaths there. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeated these claims.
  • Experts argue that the WHO needs to do more to investigate the situation.

Since its emergence toward the end of 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has spread around the world. Cases of COVID-19, which is the disease that SARS-CoV-2 causes, have officially been reported in almost every country — as have deaths to the disease. To date, there have been more than 4.8 million confirmed deaths globally.

A small number of countries have reported no cases or deaths. One of these countries is Turkmenistan. The WHO’s official statistics reflect the statistics provided by the country’s government.

However, reports from the country suggest that Turkmenistan has not miraculously escaped the effects of the pandemic. Like the countries it shares a border with, such as Iran and Afghanistan, it has experienced waves of infection — despite the government denying this.

Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.

Speaking with Medical News Today, Prof. Luca Anceschi — a professor of Eurasian Studies at the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom and an expert on Central Asia — said that like in North Korea, the authoritarian government was attempting to uphold an image of ushering in a golden age for the country.

For the government, a global pandemic does not fit into this picture, so it denies it.

“Turkmenistan and North Korea are similar in the sense of being very authoritarian regimes, run by people who have a very eccentric approach,” said Prof. Anceschi. “They are also extremely isolated states, using their borders as a control mechanism to stop the access of new ideas that could be destabilizing.”

“Like North Korea, in Turkmenistan, the government has control over the media, and on top of that, there is a particular narrative that the government has been putting out for the last 15 or 20 years about Turkmenistan living in this golden age, and the golden age is there because the government brought it with it.”

“That makes the eruption of a pandemic impossible […] because it would challenge this narrative. We have seen the same with [HIV] and [AIDS], which is another illness [that] was never publicly acknowledged in Turkmenistan. It is characteristic of this regime to hide these kinds of situations,” said Prof. Anceschi.

This analysis was also backed up by Dr. Jason Klocek, an assistant professor in politics and international relations at the University of Nottingham in the U.K. and an expert on state repression. Dr. Klocek has also lived in Turkmenistan for 2 years.

Dr. Klocek told MNT that, “[i]n many ways, the Turkmenistan government’s denial of COVID-19 cases is in line with long standing policy.”

“For more than a decade, the government has also claimed there are no people living with [HIV or AIDS] in the country. And a series of outbreaks, including the bubonic plague, were reported by civil society organizations in the early 2000s but denied by government officials.”

“Add to this the fact that the current president, Gurbanguly Berdimuahamedow, has used the image of a healthy nation — coupled with his previous dentistry career — to bolster his legitimacy. Admitting there is a COVID-19 outbreak could undermine that authority,” said Dr. Klocek.

According to Prof. Anceschi, the Turkmenistan government’s denial of COVID-19 in the country has created difficult conditions for people living there.

“It has been very difficult [for people living in the country] because Turkmenistan has had waves of infection, even last year.”

“Turkmenistan shares a border with Iran, which at one point was very significantly hit [by COVID-19], and with Afghanistan, which also has some problems. And, in general terms, all of Central Asia has infection rates as high as everywhere.”

“What is very difficult is the fact that there has been no considered effort to recognize this pandemic, which means no international cooperation. If public health is a human right, which it is, then that’s a lot of human rights violation that the government has perpetrated.”

“So, what can you do? The government at the beginning was saying that [COVID-19] doesn’t exist, and then it said it does exist but we have things like natural cures, and then, of course, people were dying.”

“What is incredible is [that the government’s messaging] is very dissonant: On the one hand, you have the fact that the government does not accept the fact that there is a pandemic, and then on the other, you start to see guidance for use of masks, hand-washing, and compulsory vaccination. So, the idea is that they don’t acknowledge the virus, but it is there.”

– Prof. Luca Anceschi

For Dr. Klocek, a key issue is the limited access to the country that makes getting detailed information on the COVID-19 situation difficult.

“The number of infections and the scale of their consequences are difficult to assess from outside the country,” said Dr. Klocek.

“Reports from civil society groups both within and outside the country suggest that the number of infections remains high and [that] hospitals are currently overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. Individual reports of [citizens with the infection] are starting to surface via various media outlets.”

“The Turkmenistan government has also recently imposed additional travel restrictions in areas of the country where a high number of people are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.”

“Sadly, and similar to past outbreaks in the country, the extent of those suffering on the ground may not be known until it is too late to act,” added Dr. Klocek.

For Dr. Klocek, there has been too little focus on the situation in Turkmenistan from the international community.

“The international community has been largely silent [regarding the government’s claims]. There was a brief uptick in interest during the summer of 2020, when the WHO sent an observation team. But the visit was highly scripted, and the team could not confirm the presence of COVID-19 in the country.”

“[The team] did, however, express concern about ‘increased cases of acute respiratory disease or pneumonia of unknown cause’ and advised the country to carry out measures ‘as if there is coronavirus in the country.’”

“A Turkish diplomat also died of an illness with coronavirus-like symptoms in July 2020, but Turkish authorities remained silent on the matter, including the Turkmenistan government’s refusal to let the diplomat return to Turkey for treatment.”

“Since the summer of 2020, relatively little attention [had been] paid to the situation in Turkmenistan until the WHO’s regional director for Europe, [Dr.] Hans Kluge, traveled to Ashgabat this month.”

“A number of civil society organizations have tried to use the recent visit to put pressure on the WHO to make a formal statement about the situation in Turkmenistan. They are still waiting for a reply,” noted Dr. Klocek.

Prof. Anceschi said that the WHO had a responsibility to not simply repeat the government’s claims that there have been no cases of COVID-19 or related deaths.

“The WHO is as guilty as the regime. I understand that we live in the real world and you need to maintain access to a regime as intractable as Turkmenistan. However, as the WHO, you can’t just pretend that nothing is happening. Being cooperative with the regime means no one is safe.”

“The thing that is surprising is the totally pro-government line we got from the WHO. I tried to contact the WHO. They never replied. Other colleagues have had the same experience.”

“As I understand, in prior epidemic contexts — the avian flu or SARS-CoV-1 — [the WHO] would get back to you within 1 hour. They have been totally uncooperative with disseminating the truth.”

“The problem is that when you create a context in which this information [is] false, you have a further disservice: On top of not providing access to human rights in terms of public health, you also disseminate fake news. And [the WHO is] guilty of this. No one believes that Turkmenistan does not have COVID-19.”

“Now […] the government is making vaccination compulsory [and] running a campaign about washing your hands — what more do the WHO need to say there is a problem in Turkmenistan?”

“This consistent policy of sticking to the government line when the government is corrupt and has a tradition for disseminating fake data — I don’t understand why the WHO keeps being like this. It’s a very big credibility hit,” argued Prof. Anceschi.

On October 8, 2021, the government of Turkmenistan hosted an international forum on infectious disease control and health diplomacy. In it, the WHO’s Dr. Kluge said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown unequivocally the fundamental importance of health for worldwide prosperity and security. There is a demonstrable need to rethink global governance structures, the relationship between the private and public sectors, and the values upon which our nations and societies operate.”

Dr. Kluge also stressed the importance of transparent communication, met with Turkmenistan government officials, and introduced the new WHO representative to Turkmenistan, Dr. Egor Zaitsev, to national officials. According to the WHO’s official page, the meeting explored further opportunities to strengthen the collaboration between the WHO and Turkmenistan.

For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.