China smartphone market underwent its highest decline in the January-March period due to the impact of coronavirus pandemic and Huawei was the only smartphone player that achieved positive growth (year-on-year), a new report said on Wednesday.Smartphone sales in China fell by 22% (YoY) and 24% (quarter-on-quarter) in Q1 2020, according to Counterpoint's Market Pulse-Monthly Smartphone Sales Tracking service.The top five -- Huawei, OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi and Apple - accounted for a record 93% of the market, up by six percentage points compared to last year.The market share of Huawei rose to near 40 per cent during the COVID-19 crisis."The drastic fall in Q1 China market was primarily dragged down by the dismal sales of smartphones in February (negative 35%), when the country was severely impacted

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of Coronavirus infections in India.Despite that, almost half of the residents in the state continue to go to their offices, according to Covid-19 mobility report by Google. The report reveals that 47% employees in Maharashtra went to work between March 15 and April 26.The State Police helped companies to shift the equipment from office premises to employees’ residence.Overall, there was a 40% decline in people visiting their places of work. Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of Coronavirus infections in India. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total infections in the state stood at 12,974, including 548 deaths, as on May 4, 2020. Despite that, almost half of

Oklahoma begins a multi-phase reopening of state businesses on Friday.Small business owners are feeling the pressure of unpaid bills — and the risk of infection — as they await government loans and support funds."Everyone is cautious about opening," one small business owner told Business Insider.Another said: "I want to go back to work tomorrow. I'm tired of this."Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Small-business owner Sandra Dickson faces a seemingly impossible choice.A massage therapist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dickson is among the 20.6% of Americans who are jobless. She opened a beauty and wellness spa just weeks before the coronavirus pandemic. It's been shut down for at least as long as it was open. In that time, Dickson has "received no income," she told Business Insider.

President Trump signed into law a $484 billion coronavirus relief bill that includes another $310 billion in funds designed to provide relief to small businesses.The Small Business Administration will resume accepting loan applications through the Paycheck Protection Program on April 27.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.President Donald Trump signed into law a $484 billion coronavirus relief bill on April 24.The bill includes $310 billion in new funds for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was put in place to provide aid for small businesses.According to a statement released by Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the SBA will begin accepting PPP loan applications again on Monday, April

Fine dining is no longer on the table during the pandemic, meaning that America's top chefs and restaurants have had to get creative with their resources.We talked to three top fine dining restaurant owners about what they're doing to get their businesses through the pandemic, and each perspective was vastly different.Naomi Pomeroy, Hugh Acheson, and Mark Canlis share what they did when the pandemic hit, what they're doing with their staff, what they're doing with their time now, and what they think the future will be like for the restaurant industry.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Fine dining is no longer on the table. Sometimes it's at your doorstep, and sometimes it's on a curb in Atlanta. Sometimes it's just unavailable.For fine dining restaurants, which often rely on

US banks earned $10 billion in two weeks processing the loans from the government scheme to protect small businesses from financial ruin during the coronavirus crisis, according to an NPR report.The rescue plan worth $349 billion offered businesses loans of up to $10 million to thousands of US companies and were guaranteed by the federal Small Business Administration.The banks charged a transaction fee of 5% on loans worth less than $350,000, while on loans worth between $2 million - $10 million, the cost was 1%.The banks defended the massive windfall of loan transaction fees, saying that processing the loans involved complicated vetting procedures.Treasury Department guidelines are less rigorous than for regular loans, and the taxpayer provides the funding, so there is little risk for the

The grandson of Ruth's Chris Steakhouse founder Ruth Fertel blasted the company on Twitter, saying its actions conflict with what his grandmother would have wanted.On April 23, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse announced that the company will return the $20 million it received in small business loans from the federal government.Rien Fertel wrote on Twitter that his grandmother would have done more to give back with the money and power that the chain has now.This is the story of Ruth Fertel, the child genius, horse trainer, and single mother of two who founded the steakhouse chain with no restaurant experience.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Ruth's Chris Steakhouse recently came under fire for soliciting $20 million from the small business loan program. Soon after, the upscale steak

Around half of all US workers can earn more money collecting unemployment instead of their current jobs.The federal government ramped up unemployment benefits by $600 a week until the end of June, bringing the average weekly total to $978 a week — or $20 more than what many workers earned before the pandemic.Labor experts said the generous benefits are helping keep people home and tamping down the spread of the virus, which is what they were designed to do.But it could complicate efforts by businesses to hire in the short-run.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Nearly half of all American workers are set to earn better pay from unemployment than their current jobs, according to The Wall Street Journal.Under the $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus law that Congress approved last

The US government added a second round of $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). But small business owners who haven't applied for PPP loans yet, may be too late to receive any funding. Bankers, lawyers, and consultants said the volume of already approved loans will be enough to tap out the second round of funding.If you don't get government loans and funding, there are still a few other options available to small businesses.Click here for more BI Prime content.If you were hoping to get your loan application into the second round of stimulus funding for small businesses, the chances are stacked against you. But you could turn to tax relief or private companies, local governments, and organizations offering grants and resources to small businesses hurt by the pandemic.Late last

Alexis Dent is a freelance writer based in upstate New York whose company, XO Juliet, offers custom wedding vow writing services.By mid-March, her business all but dried up as spring and summer weddings began getting canceled because of the pandemic.Dent recognized there was a new need for eulogies to meet the rising number of funerals for people who passed away from COVID-19. "When I get a new order, I take a moment of silence," says Dent. "Every order for the past month has been a notification that someone is gone too soon."Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.One afternoon in February, I was staring out the window, experiencing writer's block after getting off the phone with a client who'd ordered wedding vows. It had been a long afternoon of writing, and I needed a change

The Elzarka family has owned Beninni, a men's formal wear store in Hayward, California, for 30 years. The shop was forced to shut down in the coronavirus lockdown, and has tried and failed to get government assistance loans through the coronavirus relief package.Shady Elzarka, whose dad founded the store, struggled to access either the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance (EIDL) and relief from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).Elzarka for weeks heard nothing from the Small Business Administration, through which he applied for an EIDL, or from Bank of America, where he applied for the PPP loan.Meanwhile much larger companies did not struggle to access government funding, some of which public pressure forced them to hand back.After Business Insider contacted Bank of America for

Christina Stembel founded her floral company, Farmgirl Flowers, in her dining room in 2010, using her personal savings and a cash-back credit card to cover business expenses.The company has since blossomed into a thriving startup that employed almost 200 staff members prior to the coronavirus.However, as the pandemic causes economic fallout worldwide, Stembel told Business Insider that the future of her company is uncertain.She said the process of applying for the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program, a government fund meant to help small businesses through the coronavirus pandemic, was frustrating and fruitless."I know that the intention of this program is to help small businesses, so let's change it to make sure this money does fall into the hands of small businesses," she said.Visit

The Federal Reserve announced Thursday it will expand its Main Street Lending Program to include mid-sized companies and those with greater leverage.The central bank expanded program eligibility to businesses with 15,000 employees or $5 billion in revenue, up from the 10,000 employee and $2.5 billion limits.The Fed didn't provide a start date for the relief program, adding that it would be announced "soon."A separate aid program for nonprofit organizations is under consideration, the Fed said in a release.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.The Federal Reserve is widening its Main Street Lending Program to include more mid-sized businesses seeking loans amid the economic downturn.The central bank announced Thursday it will expand credit eligibility to firms with up to 15,000

Jonathan Ross is one of the 300 master sommeliers in the world: He is an educator for the Guild of Sommeliers, an examiner for the Court of Master Sommeliers, and sits on multiple wine investment advisory boards, as well as founded Micro Wines.He says that although the alcohol industry is booming for large retailers, small businesses are struggling to find ways to stay afloat.Many smaller retailers and restaurants are turning to creative ways of staying open, including virtual tastings, delivery, and designer happy hours.Support your local restaurants and wine sellers now if you want them to survive this lockdown period.Click here for more BI Prime stories.With a substantial amount of lockdown time under our belts, people around the world have found creative ways to remain social, active,

Some Georgia restaurants are pushing back against the state's loosened restrictions, saying it's still not safe to reopen.120 Atlanta-area restaurants joined forced to form the "#GAHospitalityTogether" initiative and released a statement committing to not reopening their dining rooms until it's safe to do so."We agree that it's in the best interests of our employees, our guests, our community and our industry to keep our dining rooms closed at this time," the statement reads.Still, some chain restaurants have already reopened their dining rooms this week.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Georgia allowed restaurants to reopen dining rooms on Monday, but some restaurants are pushing back against the idea that it's safe to do so.Over 120 Atlanta-area restaurants banded together

When your company gets a PPP loan, it can affect you in several ways.First, you can still receive a paycheck if you choose not to return to the office — but this can affect your unemployment benefits.You're unlikely to get furloughed or laid off if your company received a loan, but it may decrease your pay rate — that said, some employers may choose to give raises to employees to entice them to come back to work.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.You've probably read a lot about the government programs designed to help businesses stay afloat in an economy devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. If your employer has received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, that's good news. But you probably still have many questions: Will you be going back to work, when, and for how long?

75564832Plagued by bankruptcy filings, food poisoning incidents, and millennial disdain, buffets were struggling well before the coronavirus pandemic began.From 1998 to 2017, the number of buffet restaurants decreased by 26% while the number of overall restaurants grew by 22%.That decline may well be made worse by trends that are accelerating across the food industry: towards faster, more convenient, to-go options.Buffets will also have the hardest time convincing diners that they're safe after the pandemic— and rebuilding consumer trust will be key to restaurants' recovery.But buffets may have a chance if they expand takeout and delivery options, and pivot to cafeteria-style service.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating for restaurants

The Paycheck Protection Program is a key component of the federal government's response to the economic devastation caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.After the initial $350 billion allocated for the small business loans at the heart of the program was exhausted in just two weeks, Congress appropriated an additional $320 billion in funding.A recent Small Business Administration report shows where that second round of funding has gone so far.While the first round largely went to more rural states on a per-capita basis, much of the $175 billion from the second round that was dispersed as of May 1 has gone to larger, harder-hit states.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.The novel coronavirus has ravaged the US economy, with more than 33 million Americans filing for unemployment

The Opera house has been lit up in galactic-inspired designs (pictured), surreal snakeskin and multi-coloured digital patterns, with one stage of the sequence looking as though Jackson Pollock has taken to the landmark with his famous abstract paintbrush.

The stunning 'reptilian' Opera House was captured in photographers taken by local snapper Richard Hirst, as the city's Vivid Festival kicked off on Friday.

Controversial former Smiths singer Morrissey has banned meat from being served backstage when he performs at Vivid at the Sydney Opera House in May.

Simeon Bartholomew - the singer of the band whose Kings Cross gig was shut down at 9:30pm for a noise compliant - has opened up on his disillusion with Sydney’s 'doomed' nightlife.

He's the 80s pop icon who is lending his industry expertise as a coach on The Voice Australia.

A burst of brilliant colours and vibrant illumination burst to life in Sydney as the 10th anniversary of Vivid Festival kicked off on Friday.

Solange Knowles is setting the record straight about a recent call for extras to join the musician on stage at 2018 Vivid Live festival for free. Solange is now claiming the person who posted it was misinformed.

Samba Widhyastuti, 59, was arrested at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris last month - three years after her 25-year-old boyfriend Florent Gregoire, from Nantes, disappeared.

Mako Vunipola was 'gutted' at missing out on a 60th Test cap due to England's decision to stand him down over the coronavirus scare. He played for Saracens on Saturday instead.

Scotland earned an emphatic victory over France as Les Bleus saw their chances of a first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2011 end at Murrayfield.

EXCLUSIVE: The Six Nations television rights auction has been put on hold due to the mass postponements caused by the coronavirus outbreak this week. Broadcasters were expecting feedback.

Europe's premier rugby competition is set to be postponed indefinitely at an EPCR board meeting on Monday. The Champions Cup quarter-finals were scheduled for early next month.

As of Sunday night, most clubs were still gathering their players for training on Monday morning, despite the impending news.

CHRIS FOY - WORLD OF RUGBY: Very few sports have the monetary resilience to withstand this crisis and rugby certainly isn't one of them.

Gallagher Premiership club Leicester Tigers are no longer up for sale. The Tigers issued a statement on Wednesday confirming an end to the formal sale process.

WILL KELLEHER: The RFU have prematurely ended all rugby in England at all levels - aside from the Premiership - in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

EXCLUSIVE: Saracens might be saved from Premiership relegation in a doomsday scenario where a clutch of clubs go bust due to a lack of income during the coronavirus chaos.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Only seven days ago, Jack Nowell still had a note in his diary earmarking this weekend as the time for him to return to Exeter's starting team.

The RFU fear they will lose up to £50m in revenue during the coronavirus pandemic without the use of their prize asset, Twickenham stadium.

When Luke Doherty took himself to a retreat in the mountains to learn about Buddhism, little did he know his techniques would be used to help guide rugby players through the stresses of a pandemic.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY WILL KELLEHER: Life in the lockdown is exacting enough for everyone - but not many have as many balls to juggle as Gareth Steenson.

CHRIS FOY: There has been a polarised response to the news that Eddie Jones will remain England's head coach until the 2023 World Cup. Many people are delighted. Others are aghast.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Last month, Guy Thompson had just finished his morning session in Oadby when his world was turned on its head.

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney has also said that the Marriott hotel adjoining the stadium could be used to accommodate doctors and nurses, and the north car park for drive through testing.

WORLD OF RUGBY: When the RFU released their annual report, the document contained an opening page which stated: 'Our purpose: to encourage rugby, and its values.' 

Premiership Rugby are desperate to finish the current suspended season before it starts the next, which will put pressure on the 2021 Lions tour.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: World Rugby has found itself at a revolutionary crossroads after Agustin Pichot launched a late bid to challenge Bill Beaumont in the presidential elections.

Multi-million pound losses are expected among the Home Nations if the autumn internationals cannot go ahead due to coronavirus - which could send rugby into financial meltdown.

Bill Beaumont or Agustin Pichot, the rivals standing next month to lead World Rugby, must be shocked into a drastic overhaul of the game following the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Scottish Rugby Union this week proposed reductions ranging from 10 to 25 per cent over a five-month period for all players earning more than £50,000 in response to the coronavirus outbreak.