April 2020
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8:48 AM


Chris Evas as Steve Rogers and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger
For many fans, Steve Rogers’ enduring bond with Bucky Barnes is one of the most important parts of the MCU franchise. So, there was definitely some disappointment when he bequeathed Captain America’s shield to someone else in Avengers: Endgame since Bucky seemed to be his natural successor. Sebastian Stan has now offered some good rationale for why that was actually an act of kindness, though and has shed some light on what it means for Bucky Barnes’ future.
Steve and Bucky have been through a lot of ups and downs. Yet, at the end of Avengers: Endgame, we see an elderly Steve offering his shield to Sam Wilson and not his lifelong best friend. Sure, he and Sam are close, too -- but some fans felt that Bucky deserved it more. However, Sebastian Stan doesn’t agree -- in fact, he feels like Steve and Bucky's fates were exactly right for both their characters:
That’s where I felt like the character was at the end of Avengers: Endgame. It’s also what he wanted for Steve. Like anybody that ends up traumatized by a war experience, he was affected by it for the rest of his life. So, what felt like a desire there was for a restart — for him and for Steve in a way. It didn’t necessarily feel like the shield was gonna be that. Steve going back in time and saying, “I’m gonna take something for me now. I’ve been here for all these guys, and I’ve done the best I could. I’m just a man, and I’m going to go back and try to live my life.” I feel that is something that Bucky would want for his best friend, and at the same time, Steve is saying to Bucky, “You’re going to go and do that, too. I’m not going to put this thing on you. We’re both going to live our lives — the lives that were actually taken from us back in the ‘40s when we enlisted.” So, that’s where I felt they were at the end of the movie.
I don’t think there’s a desire or any conflicted thoughts about taking on that mantle. Sam, to me, was always the clear man to take on that mantle for numerous reasons, which also comes with so much more baggage that’s going to be explored in the show.
In other words: Steve’s decision to give Sam the shield wasn’t just a kind gesture toward Bucky, it could also end up making for some more interesting stories. We’ll see what that all amounts to when the series hits Disney+.
And those who may feel they need to rewatch Bucky, Sam and Cap's fateful scene from the closing moments from Avengers: Endgame can stream the film on Disney+ now.
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8:40 AM
The cast of Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Joe and Anthony Russo are no strangers when it comes to the moviegoing experience. Aside from directing two of the biggest films of all time, they’re also lifelong film fans who have been hitting the theaters for years. Now, with audiences currently being refined to their homes, the Russos are opening up about the possibility of their Marvel films being used to draw people back to the movies.
The Russo Brothers stopped by our ReelBlend podcast to talk about their latest film, Extraction, and to discuss their past work. While chatting, the pair were asked about the idea of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame being re-released in cinemas once the public is allowed to return. Not only does Joe Russo believe this would be a great way to welcome audiences back to the theaters, but he and his brother would consider it to be a career highlight:
The theatrical experience is a community experience. Perhaps the most touching moment of our entire careers was a few weeks ago when the lockdown started, and Endgame was trending on social media because everyone was posting videos of opening-night screenings in their theaters with audiences really emotionally connected to the material. For us, that's really the strength of the theatrical experience is that it combines audiences, and it combines you globally. To have been a part of movies that did that, on that scale with that level of emotional connection from the audience, was really very touching, and will be the highlight of our careers. So, using those films to get people back into the theaters? We would be ecstatic. I mean, any opportunity for people to go back and share in those stories together is one that we would support.


With the one-year anniversary of Avengers: Endgame having just passed, everyone (including those directly involved in making it) is feeling sentimental when looking back at the film's debut. On the one hand, its opening night was certainly a profitable evening for Marvel Studios and Disney but, on the other, it was a chance for fans to fellowship and celebrate the end of an era.
Russo’s love of the cinema can’t be understated. Joe Russo previously revealed that when he was a kid, he once spent an entire day in a theater watching back-to-back showings of The Empire Strikes Back. Given this, one can see why the brothers wouldn’t mind using their work to encourage go to the movies once they’re able to.
As of right now, all major theater chains remain closed, and it’s difficult for analysts to predict when we might see them reopen. Cinemark’s Sean Gamble is hoping to get things back up and running in July, but there are still a number of obstacles that stand in his way of doing so.
I think most of us, especially Marvel fans, would agree that Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame would be a strong way to reopen theaters. Both films added up to a unique cinematic experience, and you can bet there are plenty of people out there who are more than ready to see them on the big screen again.
Be sure to look out for ReelBlend’s full conversation with Joe and Anthony Russo when it becomes available this week.
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5:04 AM

Inzamam-ul-Haq said India's batsmen had better batting records than Pakistani batsmen but played for their places in the team, whereas Pakistani batsmen played for the team's cause.

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Inzamam ul Haq played for Pakistan between 1991 and 2007. (File Photo/Reuters)
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq, speaking about the differences between the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams during his time, said that there was a lot more cohesion within his team and that Indian batsmen used to play for individual records.
“During my playing days, India’s team had a superior batting record on paper. But even if we made a 30 or 40, it used to be for the team. When one of them got a 100, it wasn’t for the team, it was for himself. That was the difference between us,” Inzamam said in a conversation with Ramiz Raja on the latter’s Youtube channel.
Inzamam was speaking about the need for having a coach and a captain being on the same page and the need to back players even if they fail. He went on to say that if individual players feel that their places in the team are in danger, they would start playing for themselves and lose sight of the team’s needs.
Recalling how Imran Khan backed him even when he had poor performances to show, Inzamam said Pakistan’s success at the 1992 World Cup is proof that the team-first approach worked.
“Imran Khan was not a very technical captain, but he knew how to get the most out of his players. He backed the young players, he backed the players he believed in and this made him a great captain,” said Inzamam.
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4:54 AM

Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq opened up on Shoaib Akhtar's proposal of a bilateral series between India and Pakistan and backed R Ashwin, R Jadeja to play 100 Tests.

Reuters Photo

HIGHLIGHTS

  • I was surprised when Ashwin was sidelined from one-day cricket: Saqlain
  • Saqlain feels India and Pakistan should resume their cricketing rivalry
  • I am pretty confident that Ashwin and Jadeja will end up playing 100 Tests each: Saqlain
Pakistan spins great Saqlain Mushtaq fails to understand how a proven performer like Ravichandran Ashwin has been kept out of India's limited-overs set-up, saying a successful Test bowler is bound to succeed in the shorter formats.
Ashwin, a regular in the IPL, has been kept out of the shorter formats since July 2017. The same was the case with Ravindra Jadeja but he is back playing all three formats, largely because of his all-round abilities.
"Class is permanent whether you are a finger-spinner or wrist-spinner. Your skills, game reading abilities matter a lot. I was surprised when Ashwin was sidelined from one-day cricket," Saqlain, the inventor of 'Doosra', told PTI.
"He knows how to get the batsman out in the five-day game, which is much tougher than limited-overs cricket. Anyone can do the containment job but someone who knows how to take wickets can contain also. He knows both. How can you keep him out? You have to back your best players."
Seeking more variety, the selectors had opted for wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal after the 2017 Champions Trophy. They both have established themselves in limited-overs cricket but have not featured in the eleven together since the 2019 World Cup.
Though Ashwin remains India's number one spinner at home, he is not a sure starter in overseas Tests. He was benched for the two-Test series in the West Indies last year, drawing a lot of attention and more recently, played a Test in New Zealand in the two-match series with Jadeja playing the other one.
"They sidelined Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh) at the expense of Ashwin back then. After Ashwin, you have tried many off-spinners but none of them has been of his class.
"In fact, I was surprised when a great like Bhajji was dropped. Both Ashwin and Bhajji have different styles and could have easily played together in the playing eleven. If two right-hand pacers can play regularly, why not spinners?" asked Saqlain.
"Such was Bhajji's class that he could have easily taken 700 Test wickets (ended at 413 wickets in 103 Tests," he said referring to Harbhajan, who is in the twilight of his career and plays only the IPL.
Saqlain was part of a world-class bowling attack but now Pakistan doesn't have spinners of his pedigree. The 43-year-old feels India, who is much stronger than Pakistan at the moment unlike his times, still possess quality spinners despite the departure of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan.
"The spinners you have are pretty good actually. Kuldeep has been impressive, Ashwin and Jadeja have been doing well consistently. They are world-class bowlers. In fact, Pakistan is struggling a bit on that front. Yasir Shah has done well but his form has dipped recently. Shadab is still a work in progress.
"I am pretty confident that Ashwin and Jadeja will end up playing 100 Tests each," said Saqlain.
Like his former teammates Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi, Saqlain also feels India and Pakistan should resume their cricketing rivalry.
Akhtar's proposal of an India-Pakistan series to raises funds for the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in both countries had attracted criticism from big names like Kapil Dev. India did not need the money, Kapil had said.
However, Saqlain downplayed the financial factor.
"What do you call sportspersons? You call them heroes and what is their job? Their job is to do good deeds. Winning and losing is part of the game. Cricket is not war. That is why I feel cricket should be played between the two countries.
"To say that Pakistan cricket will suffer because of not playing India is the not right way to look at this. The bigger picture is that the game should be promoted on both sides. And if we do play, there is a possibility of relations improving."
He recollected an experience that made him realize the power of sport.
"Sachin and Shane Warne had organized All-Stars matches in America (in 2015). You won't believe I saw a flag with colors of both India and Pakistan flags. An Indian and Pakistani were holding that together.
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4:51 AM

India Today League PUBG Mobile Invitational Final Day Live: U Mumba eSports have added their name to the winner's list with their maiden Chicken Dinner in the competition on Day 4. TSM Entity continues to lead the overall standings and look set to bag the top prize unless Team SouL and the rest can spring up a surprise going into the final match on Sunday.

India Today Gaming Photo

HIGHLIGHTS

  • TSM ENTITY win Chicken Dinner in Match 1 of Day 4
  • Team SouL won the Chicken Dinner in Match 2 to make a strong comeback
  • The winner will receive the coveted cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh
Hello and Welcome to live updates of the crucial final day of India Today League PUBG Mobile Invitational where teams will look to give a final push to gain a massive lead in the points table and clinch the unprecedented prize money.
India Today League PUBG Mobile Invitational: When and where to watch live streaming of Day 4 action
5.10 pm IST: Team Element ESports win Chicken Dinner in the final match of India Today League PUBG MOBILE Invitational. TSM Entity has won the tournament thanks to their massive lead in the standings.
4.57 pm IST: It's all happening in the final match!
The action so far in match 4:
4kingzod kills MGZedshadow
4Kingantash kills MGZedmazkash
4kinganyash kills MGZedRonak
believe kills vs crawl
4kingguru kills mgzedthedude
MGZ eliminated
CeltzMJ kills TSMentJonathan
4kingzod kills DRVampier
4kingantasti kills DRmavi
RVNG. Akshay kills BbitTROYE
4:25 pm IST: Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner for U Mumbai eSports! First of the tournament for UME with 5 kills in Match 3.
TSM Entity has extended their lead with 30 points and 16 kills in Match 3 ahead of UME, who got the Chicken Dinner but were 5 points behind the leaders. GodLike and Team Tamilas performed well and grabbed 3rd and 4th spots with 15 and 10 points respectively.
India Today Photo
4.10 pm IST: Team Tamilas get 3 more kills while Team SynerGE has been eliminated. 14 teams are still left in Match 3 with Zone No. 4 about to get underway.
3:57 pm IST: Team Fnatic become the first squad to be eliminated in the match. Not the start they were looking for in this penultimate match of the final day.
3:55 pm IST: Match 3 begins. 1st Blood vs crawl Kills FNCxFrancy
3:50 pm IST: TSM ENTITY retains top spot despite horror show in Match 2 - Overall table
TSM ENTITY has jumped to 218 points after Match 14, thanks to their Chicken Dinner in Sanhok on Sunday.
They are well set to win the grand prize in India Today League PUBG Mobile Invitational, considering they have a 63 point-lead over SouL.
SouL made a good comeback with a Chicken Dinner in Miramar but it's not going to help them displace TSM ENTITY.
Meanwhile, just 11 points of separate SouL and 3rd-placed Team IND. Fnatic is 4th 135 points and Powerhouse has 127 points.
3:40 pm IST: Day 4, Match 2 points table: Team SouL make a strong comeback with 27 points
Team SouL picked up 27 points from Match 1 after their disappointing start to the day. With 7 skill points in Miramar, they are back in the business.
Team 8bit came 2nd with 25 points, 11 kills, and 14 place points.
Team IND has done just enough to stay in the top 5 of the overall table with 15 points in Miramar. 5kill points and 10 place points.
Horrible show from TSM ENTITY as they finish with just 1 point - 1 kill and 9 place points.
3:28 pm IST: Team SouL win Chicken Dinner in Match 2 in Miramar. They have made a strong comeback after being eliminated as early as 16th in Match 1.
It's a crucial win for SouL in Miramar. They now have added spice to the competition. They should be back in the 2nd spot.
SouL had a 4 vs 1 battle with 8bit in the end. They won the Chicken Dinner with 7 kills. 8bit had 11 kills and finished 2nd. Team IND was eliminated at the 18th spot with 5 kills.
We're in for a thrilling finish.
3:20 pm IST: TSM ENTITY gets eliminated early. They took the chicken dinner in Match 1 but their campaign in Miramar ends early. Nonetheless, they have a sizeable lead over the rest of the pack. At the end of 19 minutes, 12 teams are left in the battlefield.
3:12 pm IST: Orangerock gets eliminated 1st in Match 2 in the Miramar Map. A stunning show of charge from 8bit. A big setback for Orangerock who were trying to consolidate their spot in the top 5.
3:05 pm IST: Match 2 underway in Miramar. Early fights expected in the map, say the shoutcasters.
3 pm IST: Disastrous start from Team SouL to Day 4
Team SouL did well in Sanhok on Saturday to make a comeback and finish 2nd on the overall points table. However, after a disastrous start to Day 4, they are unlikely to push the TSM ENTITY for the title. With 1 place point and o kill points, they have finished last on the points table of Match 1 in Sanhok.
2:57 pm iST: POINTS TABLE - Match 1, Day 4: 33 points for TSM ENTITY from Match 1
TSM ENTITY has taken 33 points from Match 1 of the final day. Keep in mind, they already had a 57-point lead over the chasing pack at the end of Day 3.
Meanwhile, Megastars took 22 points from the match with 8 kill points and 14 place points.
Team Tamils have reached the 3rd spot of the Match 1 points table with 12 kill points and 7 place points.
Fnatic and Celtz complete the top 5. Despite staying in the pool of final 3 teams, Powerhouse manages just 12 points because of only 2 kill points.
2:50 pm IST: While TSMentCLUTCHGOD got 2 kill points, TSMenZGOD and TSMenNeyoo got a combined tally of 9 kill points. They don't have TSMenGHATAK today but that hasn't stopped them from dominating the field.
2:45 pm IST: What a finish to match 1! TSM ENTITY wins another Chicken Dinner. It's their 3rd of this tournament. They have extended their 57-point lead further. They are well set to win India Today League PUBG Mobile Invitational unless some miracle happens.
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10:58 AM


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Medical personnel from Riverside University Health System hospitals administer a coronavirus test to an individual during drive-through testing in the parking lot of Diamond Stadium, March 22, 2020, in Lake Elsinore, CA. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
  • The recent coronavirus outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
  • Known as SARS-CoV-2, the virus has resulted in more than 2.5 million infections and 170,000 deaths.
  • The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a respiratory illness called COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 has now been reported on every continent except Antarctica.
  • Keep up to date with the latest research and information about COVID-19 here.
Across Europe, conspiracy theorists have set fire to dozens of 5G towers. Despite the lack of evidence, these individuals believe that 5G is helping the virus spread. At a time when communication is more important than ever, officials in Europe and the United States are monitoring the situation closely.
To date, around 50 cell towers and telecommunication installations have fallen victim to these individuals in the United Kingdom. Similar attacks have appeared in the Netherlands, Iceland, Belgium, and Cyprus.
In the U.K., one attack focused on a tower supplying voice and data traffic to a field hospital in Birmingham. Nick Jeffery, CEO Vodafone U.K. wrote:
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10:33 AM
Mahmudul Hasan
Thousands of restaurant workers in Dhaka and across the country are set to get no salaries for April as the shuttered establishments have either laid them off or sent them on leave without pay amid the coronavirus outbreak.
It is one of the first sectors in Bangladesh to get affected badly by the global health crisis, as the presence of customers has started thinning out since late February.
And the countrywide shutdown from March 26 to flatten the spread of coronavirus, whose presence was confirmed in Bangladesh on March 8, simply deflated them.
The correspondent visited the capital's Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, and Jigatola areas on Saturday. The areas are home to about 800 restaurants, according to restaurant owners, and 99 percent of them were bolted shut.
A handful was open for takeaway through Foodpanda, Uber Eats, Pathao Food, and Shohoz Food.
For most of the restaurant staff, the coronavirus outbreak and the ensuing shutdown has been a cruel joke.
"I have no money to run my family. Now I have to rely on relief," said a restaurant worker, who has been laid off recently.
The government has recently unveiled plans to transfer Tk 2,000 in cash each to about 40 lakh families whose breadwinners have lost jobs because of the shutdown. Hotel and restaurant workers are said to be among the would-be beneficiaries.
"I heard that the government will help restaurant workers. But we haven't received any formal request from the authorities to hand over the list of workers," said Rezaul Karim Sarker Robin, general secretary of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owner's Association.
He urged the government to increase the allocation as well as draw up a list of employees in consultation with restaurant owners so that none is left out.
The number of foodservice establishments is estimated to be about 60,000, including hotel, restaurant and sweetmeat makers, where more than 15 lakh people are working, according to the association and the sector's insiders.
In Dhaka alone, there are about 10,000 restaurants that employ about 3 lakh people, 90 percent of which are now unemployed, according to Robin.
Although the owners are not able to provide salaries, many are buying them essentials like rice, lentil, oil, and potato, he said.
Robin urged the government to take immediate steps to provide cash to those workers as Ramadan and Eid are approaching.
Ashfaq Rahman Asif, managing director of Tarka Restaurant, 128 East and Tahari Avenue, sees a grimmer outlook for the restaurant business in the coming months.
"The problem will not be solved very soon as safety concerns would continue to hurt the business," he said, adding that with zero business, one can't pay space rent, VAT and other service charges.
Tarka and Tahari Avenue are still open for takeaways and home delivery but since the beginning of April, their frequency has nosedived despite taking all kinds of safety measures.
Many restaurant owners have demanded the government exempt them from paying utility bills and the 15 percent VAT on rents.
However, leading global chain restaurants are open and have maintained their full roster of staff.
Seven KFC outlets in Dhaka, one each in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar are open from 11 am to 4:30 pm and eight Pizza Hut outlets in Dhaka and one in Cox's Bazar are open from 12 pm to 4:30 pm.
There is no dine-in service available at the outlets right now; only takeaway and home delivery.
The brands take orders through online platforms and direct calls and customers can pay through credit cards and the mobile financial service provider bKash.
All three outlets of another global pizza chain Domino's in Dhanmondi, Uttara and Banani have been open from 10 are to 5 pm during the pandemic.
"Domino's Pizza made its name by pioneering home delivery service across the globe. So, in this crisis moment, we are confident to serve the customers properly as we follow stringent food safety, hygiene protocol, and own delivery system," said Ahmed Rajeeb Samdani, managing director of Golden Harvest Group, which runs the Domino's chain in Bangladesh.

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