Europe’s top rice producer Italy has seen consumption of the staple rise throughout the coronavirus pandemic, putting even pasta in the shade. It’s not just popular at home either — China itself has even signed a deal to import Italian rice. The Chinese have their eyes on varieties used to make typical risotto dishes. Spread over 220,000 hectares (545,000 acres) and cultivated by 4,200 producers in all, Italian rice production totals an annual 1.5 million tonnes.
COVID-19 may begin with digestive symptoms in children as a rare inflammatory syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease was reported in some children in Europe and US. Earlier, it was believed that children are mostly asymptomatic carriers of the virus. The disease is might begin with diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, not cough.
Famous writer and poet Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has announced to write a script like Turkish drama “Ertugrul Ghazi’. The Turkish series has received overwhelming response from the Pakistani viewers. During an interview the writer told that he will be writing a similar script and also has talked to actor Humayun Saeed.
The textile industry in Faisalabad has resumed operations despite the lockdown. An owner of a power loom said that the industry was reopened after taking into account the financial woes of workers. He said factory owners will only be able to pay their employees if business continues. Some industrial units are screening their workers for the coronavirus and making sure they follow the SOPs issued by the government as well.
An Iranian warship was accidentally hit by a missile during exercises in the Gulf of Oman, killing 19 sailors, amid tensions with the US in the waterway. The friendly fire incident involving the Konarak vessel occurred on Sunday afternoon near Bandar-e Jask, off the southern coast of the Islamic republic. One report said the vessel had sunk after being hit by a missile fired by another Iranian warship.
Former world champion Amir Khan has said he won’t fight behind closed doors if boxing resumes during the coronavirus outbreak. British officials are looking at July as a possible return date for bouts, without spectators in venue. Amir added that even though there is big money but he won’t be able to do so as he needs fan base.
The five-day Kalash spring festival of Chilim Jusht will be a low key event this year in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. The festival is scheduled to start from May 12 in the three valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur. The festival heralds the arrival of spring season in the valley after a harsh winter of five months.
Google honoured late Pakistani journalist and screenwriter Saadat Hasan Manto on the occasion of his 108th birthday with a doodle on Monday. The illustration, made by Lahore-based guest artist Shehzil Malik, features Manto scribbling something on a page with a pen in his hand. One of the finest fiction writers of Soth Asia, Manto was born on May 11, 1912, in Samrala in the British Indian state of Punjab.
Veteran writer, comedian, actor and poet Athar Shah Khan passed away this Sunday in Karachi. According to reports, the artist – who had been dealing with a prolonged illness – suffered a stroke. Known as Jaidi, he had remained a prominent figure in the industry since he began his career in Radio Pakistan. Jaidi leaves behind a widow and four sons.
The Turkish television series Ertugrul has become a super-hit across Asia as Pakistan television channel PTV is trying to make the most out of this. It is mobilising fans and viewers to break a YouTube world record. The show gained a strong fan base in the country after Prime Minister Imran Khan had urged people to watch it.