It feels like Armageddon. Except, it’s not the Nuclear Armageddon that the world had feared – it’s microbial. And no one quite knows how to deal with it.
As we brace for what’s to come, we’re also trying to come to terms with the devastation COVID-19 has already brought. It’s been a surreal month – thousands have died, stock markets have nosedived, businesses have shut, people have got laid off, and the wheels of world economy have started to screech – as social distancing has become the order of the day. It’s a downward spiral – and this, doomsayers warn, is just the beginning.
Or not. It’s hard to say.
Let’s get a bird’s-eye view of the impact of the Novel Coronavirus so far.
First, the human impact
International students have been one of the worst hit. Many universities, world over, have asked students to move out of their rooms and dorms. NYU recently sent an e-mail to undergraduate students asking them to vacate their dorms in case beds are needed for Coronavirus patients. As panic spreads, institutions are preparing for the worst.
The problem is – international students have nowhere to go. Their only option is to leave the countries they are studying in and return home. But that’s not possible for millions of students, who cannot return home for a variety of reasons – from visa statuses to financial ones, not to mention the travel restrictions. Parents are in a quandary – should they force their children to return somehow or ask them to stay where they are? It’s a devil-and-the-deep-blue-sea choice. Flying is fraught with risk and staying is scary. And then there’s the ultimate worry – what if the student falls ill in a foreign land?
Universities too are facing a tough choice – many are racing to set up the online infrastructure, especially for final-year students, who need to complete their degrees. But the shift is turning out to be a big challenge for the universities and students alike. In the United States alone, more than 150 universities (including universities like NYU, MIT, Yale, Princeton and UCLA) have gone virtual, moving classes online.
Here’s what the scenario looks like for students in the U.S.
At TC Global, we’re in constant touch with our students and partners. Our aim is to ensure our people are mentally and physically sound, and by keeping our lines of communication open, we are able to be a support to them. One of our students wrote to us telling us about the situation in the U.K. She said, “thanks a lot for reaching out to me. Yes I am in regular contact with the university and they have cancelled face to face lectures. I still have some of the modules left to be completed and it seems they won’t be completed anytime soon. The virus is spreading at a rapid rate. There have been around 800 cases in UK out of which 80 are from Scotland, where I am studying. I have been keeping an eye on the UK government’s news report for the virus. There have been 6 cases in the county where I am studying. I have a lot of questions about this current situation and I am scared about my education as it seems it is going to massively affect it. It really means a lot for you guys to reach out to me. Thank you so much. I am glad I chose TC Global”
It’s the case everywhere. As fears of Coronavirus mount, institutions seem to be left with no choice but to reduce collectiveness. This, coupled with travel bans, has left thousands out in the cold. Distress stories are pouring in from everywhere – of students and travelers stranded all over the world. Like students from Maharashtra who are in Singapore and unable to find flights back to India. Or, students from Kerala who are stuck in the Philippines, Malaysia and Italy airports due to flight cancellations. To fight Coranvirus, the Philippines is looking at a shutdown, and has asked all international travelers to leave within 72 hours.
World over, as countries shut down and airlines cancel flights, families are being torn apart. Thousands find themselves stranded, unable to travel to be with each other – parents, siblings and children are scrambling to travel to return home, but are simply not able to.
In Europe, which has been the sharpest rise in Coronavirus cases outside of China, travel restrictions are not only causing chaos for people but also upsetting trade. Australia and New Zealand are the latest countries to announce that they are stopping all foreigners from entering their countries, no matter where they had travelled to, and their own returning citizens would have to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Never before has the world shut its doors so tightly.
Unemployment, cutbacks, recession and jobs losses
It’s not a pretty picture. The Chief of International Labour Organization has warned that Coronavirus is “no longer a global health crisis, it is also a major labour market and economic crisis that is having a huge impact on people,”
And the impact will be felt across the board, not only in fields of hospitality, travel and tourism – though these will be the hardest hit. The World Travel and Tourism Council says that the COVID-19 pandemic could cut 50 million jobs worldwide in the travel and tourism industry. What’s worse is that it could take months, even years to recover, even after the virus recedes (and no one can say when that will be)
And yes, global recession seems like a reality. Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs have now declared that this is well on its way.
Free Falling..
COVID-19 has also sent stock markets world over into complete turmoil – the FTSE, Nikkei and Dow Jones Industrial Average have fallen steeply. This month the Dow actually saw its biggest decline in one day since 1987. The free fall has promoted regulators in many countries, like Spain, France, Italy and Belgium to ban short selling in some stocks. However, that, warn some could make the situation worse.
Closer home, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex and NSE Nifty have seen their biggest ever single-day sell in absolute terms. After the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and the U.S. imposed a travel from European countries, the Sensex crashed 2,919 points, seeing one of its worst falls.
Give me some good news
Ok, so there’s hope. Coronavirus is on a steady decline in China. Only one new case was reported this week, travel has begun, parks have opened and the last of the Coronavirus hospitals has now closed in Hubei – since there are not enough cases to keep it open. If cases in the epicenter of the disease are down, it’s a matter of time before the rest of the world manages to beat it too.
This too shall pass
The world is doing all it can – collectively – to beat the beast. It’s important not to lose steam and keep taking all precautions. Social distancing is a must, as is washing of hands. At TC Global, we’re doing our bit. We’ve gone completely virtual. Our students and partner interactions are all taking place digitally, and almost our entire workforce is now working from remote.
Ironically, as Coronavirus is causing the world to shut its physical doors, it’s opening virtual ones. COVID-19 has given the last push to the way we work, and made the world more borderless than ever before. The future of work has arrived.
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Terms of Service
Last revised date: January 1st, 2020
"TC Global", "we", "our" or "us" refers to the Company, The Chopras Global Holdings PTE Ltd. and its affiliates. "You" or "your" refers to the user or customer accessing our website and services.
Applicability
These Terms govern your access and use of our website [https://tcglobal.com/]. By accessing or using our website in any way, including as an unregistered website visitor, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy (also available on the website). These Terms apply to your use of our website, and the content made available on or through the website. Other services offered by us may require you to execute separate agreements or agree to other terms as applicable.
We reserve our right to change or revise these Terms at any time by making changes on our website. We encourage you to revisit and review these Terms and stay informed of any changes. Your continued use of the website following the posting of any changes to the Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.
Legally binding
These Terms constitute a legally binding contract. The Terms shall be in effect as on the date you use or access any of our services.
Content
The text, images, videos, audio clips, software and other content generated, provided, or otherwise made accessible on or through the website (collectively, "Content") are contributed by us and our licensors. The Content is protected by international copyright laws. We and our licensors retain all proprietary rights in the website and the Content made available on or through the website, and, no rights are granted to any Content. Subject to these Terms, we grant each user of the website a worldwide, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-transferable license to use (i.e., to download and display locally) Content solely for viewing, browsing and using the functionality of the website. Any commercial or promotional distribution, publishing or exploitation of our services or content related to our services is strictly prohibited.
All Content is for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right, but do not have any obligation to monitor, remove, edit, modify or remove any Content, in our sole discretion, at any time for any reason or for no reason at all.
Third Party Products and Services
Our services may contain links to third party information, websites, products, services or resources that are not owned or controlled by us. We do not endorse any such third party content. If you access or use such third party content through our services, you do so at your own risk. You agree that we have no responsibility arising from your access to or use of any such third party information, websites, products, services or resources.
Limitation of Liability; Disclaimer
To the extent permitted by law, we and our affiliates, successors and each of our and their employees, assignees, officers, agents and directors (collectively, the "TC Global Parties") disclaim all warranties and terms, express or implied, with respect to the website, Content or services (including third party services) on or accessible through the website, including any warranties or terms of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement and any implied warranties, or arising from course of dealing, course of performance or usage in trade.
In no event shall the TC Global Parties be liable under contract, tort, strict liability, negligence or any other legal or equitable theory with respect to the website for (a) any special, indirect, incidental, punitive, compensatory or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever (however arising) or (b) damages in excess of (in the aggregate) INR 2,000/-.
Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of India without regard to or application of its conflict of law provisions or your state or country of residence and the courts of New Delhi shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
Miscellaneous
Severability - If any term, condition or provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal in whole or in part for any reason, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the parties. The validity and enforceability of the remaining terms, conditions or provisions, or portions of them, shall not be affected.
Waiver – If you fail to exercise or enforce any provisions or rights under these Terms, it will be deemed as a waiver of future enforcement of that or any other provision or right.
Contact Information
If you wish to provide us with any comments, feedback, or suggestions you may send it to [feedback@thechoprasglobal.com] or by post at [No. 3, Shenton Way #10-05, Shenton House Singapore - 068805].
Privacy Policy
The Chopras Global Holdings PTE Ltd. and its affiliates (“TC Global”, “we”, “our” or “us”) care about your privacy. We are committed to maintaining your trust by protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy (‘Policy’) describes the information we gather on our website or through our website services, applications, or other services as well as any offline products, programs or courses, how we use such information, and the steps we take to protect such information. By visiting our website, using our online services, by downloading our mobile app, or by purchasing or using our services, you accept the privacy practices described in this Policy.
. The Information We Collect
We collect different information depending on our engagement with you and the requirements of applicable law as described below.
When you use our website, you provide us data through a variety of ways. This information includes your name, number, e-mail and service interest. We also collect information regarding your profile.
We collect the information: (a) that you provide to us directly; (b) that your parent, or guardian provides to us; (c) about your use of our services, and (d) If you opt in to certain features or depending on your device settings, we obtain geo-location data.
. Usage of the Information
We use the information we collect to operate our business and provide you with quality service. The extent of our usage is contingent on which services you use, how you use them, and any preferences you may have. Illustratively, we use your information to:
Provide services and improve your experience: We use information about you to respond to your queries, comments and concerns, provide customer and technical support, and operate and maintain the services.
Improve our services and customer support: We use the information to understand and analyze the usage trends and queries received from you to improve our services and support.
Send emails and other communications: We may also send communications to notify you of new information and improvements in our services.
Comply with applicable law: We use the information to comply with our legal obligations and enforce our legal rights, such as, among other things, to exercise contractual rights, to comply with financial reporting obligations in accordance with applicable law.
. To Whom We Disclose Information
We disclose your information in limited circumstances to members of TC Global, our service providers, and other end users, in order to provide our services and to improve your experience. Where required by applicable law, we will only share your information with particular third parties with your consent.
In exceptional circumstances, we may share information about you with a third party if we believe that sharing is reasonably necessary to (a) comply with any applicable law, regulation, or court order, (b) enforce our agreements, policies and terms of service, (c) defend ourselves against any claims or allegations, and (d) protect TC Global from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use or activity.
. How to Access Information
You may request details of personal information we hold about you under applicable law. You may object to our use of your information (including for marketing purposes), or to request the modification, restriction or deletion of your information. If you wish to do so, please contact us via our contact details provided below.
. Security
We follow generally accepted industry standards to protect the information submitted to us, both during transmission and once we receive it. TC Global takes reasonable steps endeavoring to use appropriate technical or organizational measures to protect your information, including against unauthorized or unlawful processing and accidental loss, destruction, or damage.
Whilst we will endeavor to maintain security, given the nature of communications and information processing technology, we cannot guarantee that information, during transmission through the Internet or while stored on our systems or otherwise in our care, will be absolutely safe from intrusion by others.
TC Global is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the personal data contained in the information provided by you and stored on its servers nor is TC Global responsible for the manner in which users collect, handle disclosure, distribute or otherwise process such information.
. Collection of Information from Children
Generally, our online services are not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children except as permitted under applicable law.
If we become aware that a child under has provided us with information, we will delete such information from our files or obtain parental consent in accordance with applicable law.
. Third Parties
This Privacy Policy does not apply to services provided by third parties. We display advertisements and other content from third parties or partners that link to third-party websites that we do not own or operate. We provide links to these third-party sites as a convenience to you. They are not intended as an endorsement of or referral to the linked services. The linked services are subject to their separate and independent privacy statements, notices, and terms. Additionally, third parties may sell goods or offer services at our facilities or in combination with our services. We are not responsible for that third parties’ services or their privacy practices.
We cannot control or be held responsible for third parties’ privacy practices and content. Please read their privacy policies to find out how they collect and process your information. We are not responsible for the data collection, privacy, and information sharing policies and procedures or content of such third-party websites.
. Transferring Your Data
TC Global is headquartered in India, and has operations, entities and service providers in India and other parts of the world. As such, we and our service providers may transfer your personal information to, or access it in, jurisdictions (including India) that may not provide equivalent levels of data protection as your home jurisdiction. We will take steps to ensure that your personal information receives an adequate level of protection in the jurisdictions in which we process it, including through compliance with applicable law.
. Changes to our Privacy Policy
Please revisit this page periodically to stay aware of any changes to this Policy which we may update from time to time. We will post any changes by a notice on our homepage or by sending you an email notification.
Your continued use of the website following the posting of any changes to the Website Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.
. Contact Us
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, concerns or complaints about this Policy, our practices, or are interested in excising your rights. You may email us at [feedback@thechoprasglobal.com] or contact us at our mailing address below:
[No. 3, Shenton Way #10-05, Shenton House Singapore - 068805]
. Country-Specific Terms for India
Indian law defines ‘ sensitive personal information’ to mean information relating to: (i) passwords; (ii) financial information such as bank account/credit card/debit card details; (iii) physical, physiological and mental health condition; (iv) sexual orientation; (v) medical records and history; (vi) biometric information; (vii) any details relating to the above clauses as required for providing you with access to TC Global’s platform; and (viii) any of the information received under above clauses for processing, stored or processed under lawful contract or otherwise. Unless otherwise specified in the Privacy Policy, ‘personal information’ will include ‘sensitive personal information’ as well. By using our platform and TC Global services, you will be deemed to have consented to TC Global’s collection, disclosure and transfer of your personal information. By way of illustration, you will have provided us such consent by your conduct if you choose to share your personal information while using the TC Global platform, such as by including sensitive personal information in your content or by providing sensitive personal information in your registration information.
While transferring personal information collected from individuals in India, we will ensure that it is transferred to entities that offer at least the same levels of data protection as adhered to by us.