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California’s Bird Flu Crisis: A Growing Threat to Livestock and Public Health

December 28, 2024, 3:34 pm

California is currently facing a severe outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, which has significantly impacted both its livestock and human populations. As of December 2024, the virus has affected a large portion of the state’s dairy operations, leading Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on December 18.

The outbreak has been particularly devastating for California’s dairy industry. The H5N1 virus has caused high mortality rates among poultry and has also infected dairy cows, leading to severe economic losses. Infected cows experience a range of symptoms, and even those that survive may suffer long-term health issues, reducing their productivity.

Human cases of H5N1 have also been reported, primarily among individuals with direct exposure to infected livestock. As of late December 2024, there have been 65 confirmed human cases nationwide, with 36 in California. Most of these cases have presented mild symptoms, and patients have been treated with antiviral medications. However, the first severe human case in the U.S. has been reported, involving a patient in Louisiana.

In response to the crisis, state and federal agencies have intensified surveillance and containment efforts. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has been conducting rapid disease detection and implementing biosecurity measures to prevent further spread. Despite these efforts, the outbreak continues to pose a significant threat to both animal and public health.

In humans, H5N1 infection can range from mild symptoms, such as conjunctivitis and mild respiratory issues, to severe conditions like pneumonia and encephalitis. The virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. While human-to-human transmission remains rare, the situation is being closely monitored for any changes.

Health officials advise the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing. Farm workers and those in close contact with poultry or dairy operations are encouraged to use personal protective equipment and follow biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of infection.

The worsening bird flu crisis in California highlights the urgent need for vigilant public health measures and cooperation between government agencies, the agricultural sector, and the public. Ongoing research and surveillance are critical to control the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.

Tea Bags Could Be Brewing More Than Just Flavor—A Microplastic Crisis

December 28, 2024, 1:44 pm

Tea Bags Release Billions of Harmful Microplastics, Study Finds

In recent years, the environmental impact of plastics has gained significant attention. We have seen a rise in the use of alternatives to plastic straws, bags, and containers in an effort to reduce plastic waste. However, a new revelation from a study has raised concerns about an everyday item many people use without second thought: tea bags. According to the study, tea bags, which many consider an eco-friendly alternative to loose-leaf tea, may actually be releasing billions of microplastics into our tea.

While plastic pollution in the ocean and the environment has long been a focus of environmentalists, this new finding takes the issue into people’s homes. Tea bags, often seen as a convenient and environmentally sound option, could be contributing to microplastic pollution in a way that most consumers are unaware of. This revelation has prompted new concerns regarding how microplastics are affecting not just the planet, but our health as well.

Understanding Microplastics

Before diving into the specifics of how tea bags release microplastics, it’s important to understand what microplastics are and why they are a concern. Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that measure less than 5 millimeters in size. These particles are often the result of larger plastic items breaking down over time, but they can also come from products that are intentionally designed to be small, such as synthetic fabrics or cleaning products. Microplastics have become ubiquitous in the environment, found in oceans, rivers, and even the air.

The problem with microplastics is that they can easily enter the food chain. Marine life often mistakes microplastics for food, ingesting them. These plastics can then travel up the food chain, eventually ending up in the fish and seafood that humans consume. Beyond the environmental impact, scientists have raised concerns about the potential health effects of ingesting microplastics, which could affect human health over time.

The Study: Tea Bags and Microplastics

The study, conducted by researchers at McGill University in Canada, specifically looked into the amount of microplastics released from tea bags when they are steeped in hot water. The findings were alarming. The researchers discovered that one single plastic tea bag, particularly those made from a form of plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), could release up to 11.6 billion microplastic particles and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into a single cup of tea.

To put this in perspective, it’s estimated that an average person drinks several cups of tea per week, potentially ingesting billions of microplastic particles over time. The scale of microplastic contamination from tea bags alone is staggering and poses new questions about the safety of many household items that contain plastic.

Why Are Microplastics in Tea Bags?

Tea bags are commonly made from a type of plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is also used in the production of plastic bottles and food packaging. While many tea bags may appear to be made from paper or other natural materials, a significant number of tea brands use plastic in their bags to help maintain shape and durability. The plastic is typically used to seal the bag and make it resistant to breakage during handling or steeping.

In some cases, even tea bags that appear to be paper may contain plastic fibers, which are used to make the bags more resilient. This is especially common in “silk” or “nylon” tea bags, which are often marketed as a higher-end product. These synthetic fibers are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. When steeped in hot water, the plastic components in these bags break apart, releasing tiny particles into the tea.

How Do Microplastics Enter the Body?

When tea bags release microplastics, these tiny particles enter the water and are consumed along with the tea. Given that microplastics are extremely small, they can be ingested without the drinker even realizing it. The particles are small enough to be absorbed by the body and enter the bloodstream, which raises significant concerns about the long-term effects of consuming plastics on a regular basis.

Microplastics have been found in a variety of foods and beverages, including bottled water, beer, honey, and salt. However, the amount of microplastics in tea, especially when steeped in plastic tea bags, appears to be particularly high. This is because tea bags are designed to break down when in contact with hot water, releasing particles from the plastic as they dissolve. This constant release of microplastics during every cup of tea significantly increases the amount of plastic we might be ingesting daily.

Health Implications of Microplastic Consumption

The potential health risks of consuming microplastics are not yet fully understood, but emerging research is raising concerns about their impact on human health. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, studies suggest that microplastics may be harmful in a variety of ways.

Toxic Chemical Leaching: Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and plastic additives, which are embedded in the plastic. When ingested, these chemicals can be released into the body, potentially leading to a range of health issues, from hormonal disruptions to organ damage.
Inflammation and Immune Response: Some studies have suggested that the presence of microplastics in the body can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
Cellular Damage: There is also concern that microplastics can cause damage to cells, particularly those in the digestive system. The tiny size of microplastics allows them to penetrate tissues and disrupt cellular functions, which could contribute to long-term health complications.
Potential Carcinogenic Effects: Some research has raised the possibility that certain types of microplastics could be carcinogenic, especially when exposed to high temperatures, as is the case with tea bags. Though this link is still being studied, it highlights the potential for microplastics to contribute to the development of cancer over time.

While much of the research into the health effects of microplastics is still in its early stages, the growing body of evidence underscores the need for greater awareness about the potential risks of consuming plastic-laden food and beverages.

The Impact on the Environment

The environmental implications of microplastic contamination are far-reaching. Microplastics have already been found in rivers, oceans, and even the air. They can travel vast distances, affecting ecosystems around the world. As microplastics continue to enter the food chain, they accumulate in the bodies of marine life, including fish and shellfish, which are consumed by humans. This increases the likelihood of plastic entering the human food supply, posing a threat to public health on a global scale.

In addition to the health risks posed by microplastics, the production of plastic tea bags is also a contributing factor to the broader plastic waste crisis. Plastic tea bags, like other plastic products, take hundreds of years to break down, and as they accumulate in landfills and the environment, they exacerbate the global plastic pollution problem.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics?

The discovery of microplastics in tea bags has sparked a call for more sustainable and safer alternatives. While it is not always possible to avoid microplastics entirely, there are several steps consumers can take to reduce their exposure:

Opt for Loose-Leaf Tea: One of the easiest ways to avoid microplastics in tea is to switch to loose-leaf tea. Loose-leaf tea is typically sold without the need for plastic tea bags, and it does not release microplastics when steeped. Consider investing in a reusable tea infuser or strainer to brew your tea.
Choose Plastic-Free Tea Bags: If you prefer the convenience of tea bags, look for brands that advertise plastic-free or biodegradable bags. Many companies now offer tea bags made from plant-based materials, such as cotton, hemp, or cornstarch, which do not release microplastics when steeped.
Be Mindful of Packaging: In addition to avoiding plastic tea bags, it’s important to consider the packaging of tea products. Opt for brands that use eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable paper or glass containers.
Support Legislation and Research: Advocating for regulations that limit the use of plastic in food and beverage products can help reduce the overall prevalence of microplastics. Supporting research into the health effects of microplastics can also help inform future policy decisions.

The revelation that tea bags can release billions of microplastic particles into your cup of tea is alarming, but it also presents an opportunity for change. By being more mindful of the products we consume and their environmental and health impacts, we can make more informed choices. Whether it’s switching to loose-leaf tea or supporting brands that prioritize sustainability, there are steps we can all take to reduce our exposure to microplastics and help protect both our health and the planet. The tea industry, like many others, has a responsibility to move toward more sustainable alternatives, and consumers must continue to push for transparency and better choices.

Bangladesh: Implications for Regional, Global Security

September 12, 2024, 3:21 am

Introduction: The recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5th August 2024 has thrown Bangladesh into chaos, raising concerns that go beyond its borders. The crisis, marked by protests and violence, has been worsened by police brutality, enforced disappearances, and the involvement of groups like Jamaat e Islami. Hasina’s increasingly autocratic tendencies in her later years of leadership drew uncomfortable parallels with her father’s governance. As Bangladesh grapples with these issues, the impact on South Asia and the global community is significant.

Political Unrest and Governance Challenges: The unrest stemmed from discontent over the government’s job reservation policies, particularly a controversial quota system favoring families of veterans from the 1971 war. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision to reduce this quota, protests continued, fuelled by dissatisfaction with Hasina’s administration. This discontent is deeply rooted in Hasina’s undemocratic governance style, which became more pronounced in her final years in office.

Since her second term, Hasina sought to centralize power, suppressing opposition voices and burdening dissenters with legal cases. Her administration cracked down on political opponents, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader, Khaleda Zia, whom Hasina imprisoned on charges widely seen as politically motivated. Hasina’s obsession with the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War permeated her policies, from reserving government jobs for war veterans’ descendants to invoking freedom struggle memories in her rhetoric against political adversaries.

Jamaat’s role in the recent protests has been significant. The group infiltrated the protests using its network of schools and colleges, which served as breeding grounds for its ideology, allowing Jamaat to mobilize young people and transform spontaneous demonstrations into a coordinated movement against Hasina’s government. Jamaat infused the protests with religious and communal elements, consolidating opposition to Hasina along religious lines. Slogans like “Hasina, Bharoter Dalal” (Hasina, India’s stooge) polarized the protests by insinuating that her government favored India and Hindus over Bangladesh’s Muslim population.

The government’s harsh reactions, including banning Jamaat e Islami and its student wing, and the arrests and use of force against protestors, ironically played into Jamaat’s hands. Measures like enforcing curfews, shutting off internet access, and resorting to live ammunition escalated tensions, drawing criticism from both local and global corners. This heavy-handed approach solidified the perception of oppression, triggering increased radicalization among opposition groups and solidifying Jamaat’s position as a leading force against Hasina’s leadership.

Impact on South Asia and Beyond: The unrest in Bangladesh presents a challenge not only for the South Asian region but also for the global community. The recent removal of Sheikh Hasina and the potential emergence of groups like Jamaat e Islami, which has opposed Bangladesh’s core democratic principles, have raised concerns among religious minorities and progressives. Jamaat’s possible involvement in government has created doubts about the resurgence of extremist elements in Bangladesh, especially given Jamaat’s ties to organizations such as Harkat ul Jihad al Islami (HuJI) and Jamaat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

The thought of Jamaat e Islami regaining power raises concerns about Bangladesh potentially becoming a breeding ground for extremist activities once more. This is especially worrisome for South Asia, as the resurgence of such groups could spark similar movements in neighboring countries, reigniting cross-border terrorism. The spread of these extremist ideologies could disrupt efforts to combat terrorism and impede economic progress, particularly in areas like India’s northeastern region.
The current political unrest in Bangladesh, if not managed, could jeopardize peace and stability in the region and hinder the region’s potential to become a manufacturing powerhouse in Asia. Projects like Padma Bridge Rail Link, the 400KV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur tri-country transmission lines, and the transshipment terminals at Chittagong and Mongla ports are essential for enhancing connectivity and trade within South Asia. However, instability within Bangladesh may lead to project delays or cancellations, especially if a new government influenced by Islamist factions proves less cooperative with neighboring partners.

Policy Recommendations for the International Community: The transition of power to an interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus in Bangladesh presents challenges. The top priority now is to disarm the protestors to prevent any formation of armed groups. This disarmament effort should also involve addressing grievances in a sincere manner, akin to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. It is crucial to have a fair investigation into abuses of power during Hasina’s time in office, conducted openly to avoid the distrust seen in Lebanon after their civil war.
Subsequent free and fair elections are essential for allowing citizens to freely express their political preferences. The interim government needs to stand against anti-secular narratives and safeguard minority rights to prevent a refugee crisis with wide-reaching regional consequences.

The involvement of the international community plays a significant role in reinstating democratic processes. Heavy-handed external interventions often lead to backlash and foster anti-foreign sentiments. Therefore, it is important to handle diplomatic relations with Bangladesh thoughtfully, encouraging open dialogue while avoiding escalating tensions.
Supporting civil society is also crucial. In South Sudan, non-governmental organizations played key roles in maintaining social unity during periods of change. Collaborative efforts among South Asian countries on counterterrorism are vital, especially considering Jamaat e Islami’s involvement in extremist activities. Nations like India and Myanmar must work together with Bangladesh to prevent the kind of fragmented approaches seen in Iraq and Libya that allowed extremism to flourish.

Ensuring economic stability is another key aspect. The current crisis poses a threat to important infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge Rail Link or ongoing negotiations on river water sharing between Indo-Bangladesh or Myanmar and Bangladesh. International financial institutions should collaborate closely with Bangladesh to ensure the continuity of these projects and promote economic inclusivity as a means to counter extremism.
Lastly, preparations should be made by the global community for a potential refugee crisis by taking lessons from humanitarian efforts seen in Syria. Effective aid delivery in Bangladesh can be ensured through remote management and strong local partnerships.

Conclusion: The current political unrest in Bangladesh fuelled by Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule and the resurgence of Islamist factions brings forth risks not only to the country’s stability but also to regional and global security. It is essential for world leaders to closely monitor this situation to prevent further turmoil and encourage a peaceful resolution. Stability in Bangladesh is crucial for maintaining security in South Asia, highlighting the pressing need for humanitarian support for peace and reconciliation.

Author is Assistant Editor, International Studies Quarterly (Sage Publications)

Recovering from Financial Crisis – Three Proven Steps to Recovery

December 22, 2023, 10:17 pm

The cost-of-living crisis has been a difficult time for many in the UK, and has again illustrated how easy it is for the average Brit to slip into financial hardship. You yourself might have noticed your coffers drying up in recent months, and may even be worried about paying your next bill. Recovery from such hardship is possible, though, and the steps are simple.

The State of the Nation

First, it is important to understand that financial crisis is not a unique or wholly individual crisis to weather. Indeed, a majority of us in the UK are directly and tangibly struggling with the affordability of modern living at present, with the recent revelation that nearly 13 million UK adults are struggling to pay their bills – and that the number of people experiencing such financial hardship has increased by two-thirds since 2017. The light at the end of the tunnel, nationally speaking, is somewhat distant, but this doesn’t mean you can’t take the reins on a personal level.

#1 – Define Your Situation

It is understandable that you might be looking sidelong at your present financial situation; addressing the specifics of a stressful situation is unpleasant, to say the least. But looking head-on at your situation is the only way you can build a workable plan for getting out of it. This means taking stock of everything, from your monthly expenditure to the breadth and depth of your debts.

Unavoidably, the best way to do all this is through creating a spreadsheet. With a little bit of Excel or Google Sheets know-how, you can build some tables that reflect your monthly income and outgoings, and that track the debts you currently have. This information is crucial for working out how to create more wiggle-room for solving your financial problem.

#2 – Address Debt Sources

If you have any active sources of debt, for which you are liable to repay plus interest each month, then these should be your priority. Existing debts make financial planning harder, and wick away any potential your expendable income could have.

Your approach should be to minimise your debt before approaching longer-term ideas about stability. Bad credit debt consolidation loans are useful tools here, as you can bring all your debts into one place – satisfying your current lenders and ensuring future repayments are simple. You can also do this regardless your credit score.

#3 – Make Savings

Whether you are addressing your debt or thinking about longer-term security, you will need to batten the hatches on your spending. There are many ways you can do this, from budgeting for more frugal weekly shops to re-negotiating better utilities deals or subscriptions. Whatever angle you choose to take with this, your medium-term goal should be to put money aside for an emergency fund. Emergency funds help absorb the shock of unexpected costs, and can be vital for preventing you spiralling back into financial hardship.

Internet ban extended till 15 June in Manipur, amid crisis

June 11, 2023, 1:12 pm

Manipur Government has extended the ban on internet services in the crisis-hit state for another five days till 15 June.

OFFICIAL ORDER RELEASED BY MANIPUR GOVERMENT:
“The internet ban has been further extended for another five days to curb the spread of false news, rumours and misinformation through social media platforms which have the potential to disturb law and order situations in the state”, stated an official release. According to the statement, the internet ban has been extended till 3 pm on 15 June.

Manipur Government works towards restoring peace and harmony:
DR Sapam Ranjan, the minister of information and public relations for Manipur, stated on Saturday that no unfavourable incidents have been recorded from any area of the state in the previous 24 hours, indicating that normalcy has returned to the state.Speaking to the media, the minister announced that 349 relief centres are currently running throughout Manipur.Manipur has experienced interethnic conflict, with the Chief Minister N Biren Singh estimating earlier this month that 60 people have died as a result of the fighting. During the unrest, houses have also been set afire, and fresh incidences have been recorded from several regions of the state.The state administration has recovered 990 weapons out of the total 4,537 that were stolen, the minister added.

Central Government forms PEACE Committee :
For the fourth day in a row, security forces conducted joint combing operations in sensitive Manipur districts, recovering 22 weapons amid the fallout from violence and ethnic clashes. A Peace Committee led by the Governor has also been established by the central government to support peace-building efforts among the state’s many ethnic groupings.

Pakistan reeling from its worst economic: Report

May 31, 2023, 6:53 pm

Pakistan is grappling with severe economic and political turmoil that has had a profound impact on the population, despite the persistent efforts of the coalition government to address the situation, as reported by the media.

According to the media report, the Ministry of Finance in Pakistan has cautioned about the challenges stemming from uncertain economic conditions, both domestically and externally. These challenges include elevated inflation rates and the need to repay external debts amidst reduced foreign exchange inflows.

In its monthly outlook bulletin, the ministry predicted that the inflation rate for May would range between 34-36 per cent. The media report quoted the ministry stating, “Pakistan’s economy registered a provisional GDP growth of 0.29 per cent in the fiscal year 2022-23, facing numerous hurdles due to the uncertain external and domestic economic environment.”

The ministry further acknowledged that despite monetary tightening efforts, the persistently high trajectory of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was primarily driven by rupee depreciation. Additionally, the country faced the burden of external payments due to reduced foreign exchange inflows.

The report anticipated that inflationary pressures observed in April would persist in May. The potential factors contributing to rising prices included flood damages, disruptions in supply chains, macroeconomic imbalances resulting in currency devaluation, and political uncertainties.

However, it was noted that improvements in the global supply chain would eventually alleviate domestic prices in the upcoming months. Global commodity prices witnessed a decline of 14 per cent in the first quarter of 2023, reaching roughly 30 percent below their peak in June 2022 by the end of March.

Death toll rises to 413 in Sudan fighting: WHO

April 24, 2023, 1:44 pm

The World Health Organisation (WHO) claimed that children are paying a high price in the current Sudan crisis, with at least nine reportedly dead in the fighting and more than 50 seriously injured, according to Turkish news agency Anadolu. WHO stated that so far, 413 people have died in the ongoing conflict.

At a UN press briefing, WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris stated that 413 people have died and 3,551 have been injured in the fighting, according to estimates from the Sudanese government. The conflict involves the nation’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been going on for a while.

She claimed that 11 attacks on medical facilities had been confirmed, including 10 since 15 April.

“The Sudanese Ministry of Health reports that 20 healthcare establishments have stopped working.” Additionally, 12 healthcare facilities are at risk of closing, according to data from the Ministry of Health, said Harris.

According to the WHO spokeswoman, this has an impact on “all those people who need care, and this is not only the people who have been injured in terrible fighting but also the people who were needing treatment before and are continuing treatment.”

At the same press conference, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said that “clearly, as always, the fighting takes a devastating toll on children.” “As of right now, there have been reports of at least 50 injuries and the killing of nine children.” “Those numbers will continue to rise as long as the fighting continues,” he added.

Elder said large numbers of people are trapped and do not have access to electricity, as Anadolu reported.

“They’re terrified of running out of food, water, and medicines,” he said, adding, “One of our grave concerns is around hospitals that have come under fire.”

After petrol, LPG price hikes in Pakistan

April 16, 2023, 4:24 pm

On Sunday, The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority announced a hike in Liquefied Petroleum Gas prices in Pakistan, as per news reports.

The price of LPG was hiked, according to an OGRA notification, to 10 Pakistani Rupees per kilogramme. According to a news report, the new LPG price has been set at PKR 229 per kilogramme. According to the notification, a household LPG cylinder now costs PKR 120 more. According to the news report, the cost of the commercial cylinder has also gone up by PKR 450.

According to the news report on Sunday, Ishaq Dar, the finance minister of Pakistan, revealed that the federal government has decided to increase the price of petrol by PKR 10 per litre for the following 15 days.

While the prices of high-speed diesel and light diesel oil stayed unchanged, the cost of petrol jumped to (PKR) 282 per litre. According to the news source, the price of kerosene oil has also increased by (PKR) 5.78 per litre.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s Finance Division, the increase in petroleum product prices is due to “increased petroleum costs in the international market and currency rate variance.”

In the absence of higher social spending, the lower-middle-income poverty rate is expected to rise to 37.2 per cent in FY23. Considering poor households’ dependency on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing and construction activity, they remain vulnerable to economic and climate shocks.

Balochistan facing medicine, injection shortage amid epidemic

April 12, 2023, 5:35 pm

Poor people of all ages are being affected by the out-of-control leishmania outbreak that has expanded to one of the regions of Balochistan, Pakistan. The local hospitals don’t have enough medicine and injection supplies due to the unexpected surge in the number of affected people.

The health officer of Kalat district, Dr. Nasrullah, said that more than 600 leishmaniasis patients have been registered. He further added that since the number of affected individuals has increased, the quantity of medical supplies provided by the government is insufficient. They have appealed to the Health Department and government officials in this regard but have not received any response regarding that matter. He advised the government that if the disease is not controlled timely, it is liable to spread to other regions as well and affect large numbers of people. The rapid spread of this sandfly-borne disease can be attributed to last year’s flood situation.

After failing to anticipate the situation beforehand after the floods, the government is now on the back foot and is asking for help from international organisations like WHO and UNICEF. A free ration camp was organised by many organisations, foundations, and non-governmental organisations to help the port city of Gwadar, Balochistan. Wherein 500 needy people who were selected to receive the ration package were asked to leave the package and return home empty-handed after the photo session was over. According to locals, they felt very disrespected and mocked by the administration.

‘World is in a state of crisis’: PM Modi at Global South Virtual Summit

January 12, 2023, 11:43 am

Referring to various global challenges arising out of conflict, war and terrorism among others, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the world is in a state of crisis and it is difficult to predict how long this state of instability will last.

PM Modi raised concerns during his opening remarks at the Voice of Global South virtual summit about the cost of food, gasoline, and fertiliser, the impact of COvid on the economy, and the occurrence of natural disasters brought on by climate change.

“It is clear that world is in a state of crisis,” he said in presence of several leaders of various developing countries.

He added that it is difficult to predict how long the “state of instability” will last.

“We, the Global South, have largest stakes in the future…Most of global challenges have not been created by the Global South, but they affect us more,” he said.

PM Modi said India has always shared its developmental experience with our “brothers of the Global South”.

As India begins its G20 Presidency this year, it is natural that our aim is to amplify the voice of the Global South, he said.

The two-day summit is being hosted by India in order to bring together nations from the Global South and provide them a forum to discuss issues such as food and energy security brought on by the situation in Ukraine.

The majority of the “Global South” comprises nations in South America, Africa, and Asia.

The theme of the inaugural leaders’ session is “Voice of Global South – for Human-Centric Development” while the leaders’ concluding session will be on “Unity of Voice-Unity of Purpose”.

Ten sessions are planned for the summit, six of which will take place on Friday and four of which will be held on Thursday. Leaders and ministers from 10 to 20 different nations are anticipated to attend each session.

Joshimath Crisis: Angry locals protest against NTPC, Malari Inn hotel will be razed first

January 10, 2023, 12:13 pm

Authorities will start demolishing hotels and homes in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday. This town has developed cracks as a result of landslides and subsidence. Malari Inn and Mount View hotels, which have more cracks, will be razed, according to officials.

Angry locals in Uttarakhand are protesting over National Thermal Power Corporation ( NTPC)-related constructions close to the Joshimath area.

“In the 1960s, there were just 30 shops in the town and 400 families used to live here. And town has a population of more than 25,000. Over the years, the burden on the town has grown and it has now caused danger to Joshimath’s very existence,” said locals of Joshimath.

Malari Inn will be the first to be demolished and that it will be brought down in a ‘step-wise,’ according to Manikant Mishra, a senior official with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), who spoke to news agency ANI.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court turned down a request for an immediate hearing regarding the Joshimath land collapse occurrences and scheduled the case for hearing on January 16.

The top court said that everything which is important need not come to the apex court, adding that there are democratically elected institutions working on it.

The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, would oversee the demolition work, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will be sent to support the local administration.

Joshimath, which has a population of more than 25,000, serves as an overnight halt for tourists travelling to the shrines at Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib and other tourist destinations. As a result, there have been too many hotels and resorts built nearby, which experts believe is to blame for the town’s most severe land subsidence to date.

The attempt at evacuation comes as the government of Uttarakhand works on a strategy to rehabilitate the afflicted residents, who are suffering from fear and anxiety and facing an uncertain future.

In the meantime, a bulletin was released by the Chamoli District Disaster Management Authority regarding landslides in the Joshimath region.

The bulletin said that cracks have been noticed in a total of 678 buildings in the town and in view of security, about 81 families have been temporarily displaced from the region.

Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt reached ‘sinking’ town Joshimath in Uttarakhand on Tuesday. He held discussions with the administrative officials at the Army base regarding the situation in the town, reported ANI.

In accordance with Section 23 of the Uttarakhand Disaster Mitigation Management and Prevention Act, 2005, Ranjit Kumar Sinha, secretary for disaster management, has issued a notification in this regard. The decision was made based on the advice of a professional team that is assessing homes in Joshimath.

“As per the recommendation of the expert committee, municipal area of Joshimath in Chamoli district has been declared as disaster affected with regard to landslide and land subsidence activities,” Sinha said on Sunday.

The Uttarakhand government has declared Joshimath’s all nine municipal wards as “landslide-subsidence zone” under the disaster management act, and started evacuation of residents from these areas, officials said on Sunday.

Cash aid for Afghanistan’s poor families announced by UNICEF

December 5, 2022, 3:40 pm

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has announced cash aid for 1,00,000 poor Afghan families in order to help them survive the upcoming winter. The locals in Afghanistan are in a crucial need of help so that they can meet their daily household needs.

UNICEF tweeted a video on December 4, in the video a mother of five daughters and three sons said that she is afraid of the upcoming winter. The family frequently faces food shortage and their house is in dire need of repairs.

She continued by saying that she also required money, clothes, carpets, coal, firewood, and a mattress in order to endure the impending winter, which is always a source of concern for her. According to the Khaama Press, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office UK, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the German Foreign Office are supporting the cash assistance being given to the needy Afghan family.

More than 20 million people in Afghanistan are reportedly experiencing food shortages, according to a report from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which was cited in the Khaama press. More than 34000 malnourished children had been admitted to hospitals across Afghanistan, according to a different World Health Organization (WHO) report, and 19 million Afghans experience severe food insecurity.

According to a report by The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 4.6 million people have received such cash assistance (UNHCR).

In the past, India had also given aid to Afghanistan; on February 26, a shipment of humanitarian relief consisting of 2,500 tonnes of wheat from India was delivered to Jalalabad, Afghanistan, via Pakistan. On March 3, a second convoy of 2,000 MTs of wheat bearing humanitarian aid from India departed Attari, Amritsar, for Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

Additionally, on March 8, India delivered the third shipment of 40 trucks carrying 2,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan across the Attari-Wagah border.

India had already given Afghanistan 13 different batches of medical aid. Essential medications, medical/surgical supplies, such as paediatric stethoscopes, mobile sphygmomanometers with paediatric blood pressure cuffs, infusion pumps, drip chamber sets, electrocautery, nylon sutures, etc., were included in the help. The same was given to administrators of the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.