Latest news with #Bal
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
New Covid-19 variants are not serious threats: Top scientist
New Covid-19 variants are not serious threats: Top scientist Jun 6, 2025 Credit: Getty Images As India sees a rise in Covid-19 cases, leading Indian immunologist Dr. Vineeta Bal has said that the new variants currently in circulation are not serious threats. Dr. Bal, former scientist at the National Institute of Immunology, told that new mutations of the virus are spreading, they are not causing alarm like Delta. Several parts of India are reporting an increase in Covid-19 cases, largely due to new sub-lineages of the virus. However, experts believe that this uptick is not linked to a rise in severity of illness or deaths. Most deaths are said to be because of underlying conditions. Dr. Bal explained that the current wave of Covid-19 is very different from what India experienced during the Delta wave in 2021. "Back then, the virus was new to our immune systems, and the population had not been exposed to it before. That led to widespread severe illness and a major public health crisis,' she said. New virus Widespread vaccination and natural infections have helped build community-level immunity across most of the population. Community immunity "We are now continuously managing new variants as they emerge. This doesn't mean the virus is gone or harmless, but the level of threat is quite low," she said. New variants: Mild cases As Covid continues to shift toward an endemic stage, Dr. Bal said that it is unlikely that any new variant now will cause major illness or high fatality rates. The government has advised the public to practise hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and avoid crowded places when unwell. Hygiene protocol
India Today
5 days ago
- Health
- India Today
New variants are not serious threats: Top Indian scientist amid Covid-19 surge
As India sees a rise in Covid-19 cases, leading Indian biologist Dr. Vineeta Bal has said that the new variants currently in circulation are not serious to Dr. Bal, former scientist at the National Institute of Immunology, while new mutations of the virus are emerging and spreading, they are not causing the kind of alarm seen during earlier waves like parts of India are reporting an increase in Covid-19 cases, largely due to new sub-lineages of the virus. However, experts believe that this uptick is not linked to a rise in severity of illness or deaths. The majority of fatalities being reported now are in elderly patients or those with serious underlying conditions, particularly individuals who are still facing health complications from previous VIRUS TODAY IS NOT THE VIRUS OF 2021Dr. Bal explained that the current wave of Covid-19 is very different from what India experienced during the Delta wave in 2021.'Back then, the virus was new to our immune systems, and the population had not been exposed to it before. That led to widespread severe illness and a major public health crisis,' she told the situation has changed drastically. Widespread vaccination and natural infections have helped build community-level immunity across most of the population.'Most people have either had Covid or received at least one vaccine dose, if not both. That has made a big difference in how the body responds to the virus now,' Dr. Bal IS NOW LIKE THE FLUAccording to her, Covid-19 has entered a phase similar to seasonal influenza, new variants appear from time to time, but serious outcomes are limited to high-risk groups."We are now continuously managing new variants as they emerge. This doesn't mean the virus is gone or harmless, but the level of threat is quite low," she CAUSE FOR PANIC, BUT STAY ALERTDr. Bal highlighted that while the new variants are more transmissible, they are not currently causing large-scale severe disease."A new variant can still be virulent, but because our population has some level of immunity, the impact is much lower," she also stressed the importance of keeping high-risk individuals protected, including those with chronic conditions, seniors, and people who were severely affected in previous WITH AN ENDEMIC VIRUSAs Covid continues to shift toward an endemic stage, Dr. Bal urged people to adjust their expectations and response. "If your community built immunity during 2020 to 2022, either through vaccination or infection, it is unlikely that any new variant now will cause major illness or high fatality rates," she a previous interview with former AIIMS chief and renowned pulmonologist Dr. Randeep Galeria said that Covid is now endemic, meaning the virus is here to stay and will keep changing just like the influenza (flu) Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said last week, that the severity of infections is mild and there was no cause for worry."People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions," he InMust Watch
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First Post
14-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Baloch leaders declare independence from Pakistan, urge India and UN for recognition
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, was once part of the princely state of Kalat before being annexed by Pakistan in 1948 read more Repression became the modus operandi to check dissent, peaceful protest, and equal representation. Militarism characterised the Pakistani state in Balochistan. Representational image/Reuters Baloch nationalist leaders have issued a symbolic declaration of independence from Pakistan, reigniting tensions in the region and drawing renewed attention to the long-standing insurgency in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan. Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist and writer, shared a series of statements on social media last week proclaiming the formation of a 'Republic of Balochistan' and calling on the Indian government to establish a Baloch embassy in New Delhi. He also appealed to the United Nations to recognize the declaration and provide funding for basic state functions, including currency and passport issuance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'A possible announcement soon should be done as the collapse of the terrorist Pakistan is near,' he posted on May 9. 'We request India to allow Balochistan's official office, and embassy in Delhi.' His comments were accompanied by images of people waving Baloch flags and maps depicting an independent Balochistan. The posts come amid growing calls from Baloch leaders for greater international engagement and support, particularly from India. Armed group claims coordinated attacks The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan, claimed responsibility for 71 coordinated attacks across 51 locations in recent days as part of what it called 'Operation Herof.' The group said it targeted Pakistani military and intelligence facilities, police stations, mineral transport vehicles, and major highway infrastructure. In a statement issued on May 11, the BLA said a 'new order has become inevitable' in South Asia and warned that Pakistan's military setbacks and use of religious extremism had created lasting instability. The group rejected Islamabad's overtures for ceasefire talks, describing them as a deceptive tactic, and urged regional powers, including India, not to place trust in Pakistan's intentions. 'The BLA is neither a pawn nor a silent spectator,' the group said. 'It will not rest until Pakistan is dismantled as a terror-exporting state.' Historical grievances and human rights concerns Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, was once part of the princely state of Kalat before being annexed by Pakistan in 1948. The move triggered the first of several insurgencies, with nationalist groups demanding greater autonomy or independence. Successive military operations by the Pakistani state have led to repeated cycles of rebellion and suppression. Human rights organizations have documented reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the targeting of civilians. The recent killing of prominent Baloch rally driver Tariq Baloch, allegedly under a 'kill and dump' policy, has further inflamed tensions and drawn criticism from international rights advocates. Gwadar Port and strategic interests Balochistan's strategic importance stems from the presence of the deep-water Gwadar Port, a critical node in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While CPEC has brought billions of dollars in Chinese investment to Pakistan, local communities say they have been excluded from its benefits and forced off their lands without proper compensation. The port and surrounding areas have been the target of repeated attacks by Baloch insurgents, some of which have directly threatened Chinese personnel working on infrastructure projects. India's role and diplomatic signals In recent weeks, Baloch activists have intensified their outreach to India. Mir Yar Baloch called for the renaming of the historic Jinnah's House in Mumbai to 'Balochistan House,' framing it as a symbolic gesture of support. Social media campaigns have circulated similar demands and messages of solidarity with India. While the declaration of independence remains symbolic and lacks formal international backing, it has significant implications for regional stability. Analysts warn it could embolden other separatist movements within Pakistan and further complicate efforts to stabilize Balochistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pakistani government has yet to issue an official response to the latest developments.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
As infertility rises, experts stress need to battle stigma, misinformation
Infertility is on the rise in India: now the statistics are also showing it. A 2023 research paper, 'Surging trends of infertility and its behavioural determinants in India' published in Plos One, found that the rates of infertility in couples in India was 22.4% in 1992-93, surged to 25.3% in 2005-06 and then further spiked to 30.7% in 2015-16. And unlike what is commonly believed, men contribute to infertility issues about 40 to 50% of the time. What is behind these rising rates? Doctors point to changing lifestyles, obesity and unhealthy diet choices are some major factors. Understanding infertility Infertility is generally termed as the inability to conceive a child through a normal conjugal relationship between a couple for over a year. Doctors say that globally, the quality of sperm has been decreasing, which is one of the major contributing factors to the rise in infertility. Another major factor is the fact that couples now, in general, start planning their families later than they did in earlier generations, which potentially decreases their chances of conception as the sperm quality declines in the male partner with age, while the egg reserve reduces in the female partner. Runa Bal, professor at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital who has worked with infertility issues for a long time, says addiction to various substances as well as sedentary lifestyles are also contributing factors. 'Be it addiction to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or sitting in one position for long hours inside the office -- all of these add to the problem of infertility. Working in a heated area can also reduce sperm quality in men,' Dr Bal further added. That is why she says that a semen sample test is the first step in understanding infertility issues in couples, because it is a non-invasive test, unlike the ones performed in women. Experts also noted that rising lifestyle issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can also decrease the chances of pregnancy in a couple. Sujay Das Gupta, director of clinical service, Genome - The Fertility Centre, a private fertility clinic in Kolkata, said that rising awareness among people may also be a factor behind rising number of cases. 'Couples are now open to the idea of visiting an infertility clinic and speaking to an expert. Five years ago, this was still a hush-hush topic, and so, we are also seeing and diagnosing more people now,' Dr Gupta added. He underscored the need for couples to not be misinformed, and to consult an expert if they were unable to conceive through normal sexual intercourse after one year. Infertility facts and figures Infertility affects millions of people – and has an impact on their families and communities. Estimates suggest that approximately 17.5% of the adult population -- roughly one in every six people of reproductive age worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime. In the male reproductive system, infertility is most commonly caused by problems in the ejection of semen, absence or low levels of sperm, or abnormal shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm. In the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by a range of abnormalities of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and the endocrine system, among others. Equal and equitable access to fertility care remains a challenge in most countries; particularly in low and middle-income countries. Fertility care is rarely prioritized in national universal health coverage benefit packages. Source: World Health Organization Combating the blame factor There are many instances even now, Dr. Gupta said, where relatives and families ask whose 'fault' it is for the couple being unable to get pregnant. He pointed out that counselling in these cases was important, in order to explain to families that there was no 'fault': often, it was merely a medical condition in one partner, much like common medical disorders such as hypertension or diabetes. It is the women who most often bear the burden of not being able to conceive, say doctors who have extensively handled infertility issues. 'This adds to anxiety and depression among women, making conception harder. In our experience we have seen that when a couple adopts a child and gets rid of the anxiety, within a year or two they also become biological parents because their mental health becomes better,' Dr Bal added. In many cases women are the first to approach doctors, because the load of 'starting a family' and bearing a child remains on their shoulders due to societal mores. Doctors said that many couples also insist that their family remain in the dark if the pregnancy was achieved through IVF. Lack of work-life balance Experts highlighted that with hectic work lives, a lot of couples do not find time to have a regular conjugal life, which makes conception difficult. Clinics have also reported that many couples go through several rounds of infertility tests only to later reveal that they have not had sexual intercourse in over five years or more. Atreyee Chatterjee, chief embryologist, Genome - The Fertility Centre says that with changing social structures, better education and awareness, men have become open to the idea that even a male partner can have issues and can be a contributing factor in infertility. 'Couples, especially women start to become reclusive when they cannot conceive, and relatives keep asking them about it. We constantly urge family members to not do this because we never know the trauma couples have already survived and how many rounds of IVF they have failed. It can add to their trauma,' Ms. Chatterjee added. She noted that in her years of experience she has observed a consistent decline in the sperm quality, which also affects conception even through IVF. As a solution, experts said that better mental health, reducing work pressure, balanced diets, increased physical activity, and a focus on a better lifestyle can play a major role in battling infertility issues and help in natural pregnancy through conjugal relationship between couples.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Conservative candidate seeks to play giant killer against Mark Carney
When Nepean's Barbara Bal watched Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre describe in a now-famous video why it felt like everything in Canada was broken, she immediately identified with the sentiment. 'I personally felt that what Pierre said was explaining what I was feeling,' says Bal, an Ottawa police staff sergeant and mother of three. It was November 2022 and Poilievre enumerated a litany of Canadian problems: a 40-year high in inflation, a doubling of house prices, soaring grocery bills, along with rising crime, homelessness, tent cities and drug overdose deaths. As a veteran police officer, Bal had seen firsthand the devastation and misery wrought by fentanyl in Ottawa. She worried about her children's ability to someday buy a home. Bal decided to get involved: to help Poilievre fulfill his promise to put the country 'back on track.' 'I just wanted a better future for my children,' says Bal, who won the Conservative nomination for Nepean in August 2023. At the time, it was widely expected her principal opponent would be incumbent Liberal MP Chandra Arya, a backbench MP who had held the seat for a decade. But Arya was unceremoniously dumped by the Liberal Party just days before newly-minted Prime Minister Mark Carney triggered an election. Carney, a Rockcliffe resident, stepped into the breach as Nepean's Liberal candidate. It meant Bal was suddenly in one of the nation's most-watched electoral ridings, facing a Liberal candidate with a massive political profile: Carney would be on the news every day during the campaign. Bal says none of it has altered her strategy, which involves amplifying Poilievre's campaign platform while selling herself to voters. 'My strategy is to tell everyone in Nepean why I'm the best choice to represent them,' she says. 'I'm the local candidate. I know Nepean. I know the people, and they know me, and when the election's done, I'll still be here, regardless of what happens.' Married to another Ottawa police officer, Bal has lived in Nepean since 2001. She has been involved in her children's school councils, the Fallowfield Community Association, the Nepean Minor Hockey Association and Barrhaven's Scottish Rugby Football Club. 'I know the community,' she says. 'They're going to see me shopping at Costco on the weekends.' Bal has also used her personal story to highlight for voters how she differs from Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor educated at Harvard and Oxford universities. Bal grew up as the oldest of 10 children on a dairy farm in southern Ontario, where she learned the value of hard work. Her father was an immigrant from the Netherlands. Her life's trajectory changed in high school when she overheard some classmates talking about their experience in the Canadian Armed Forces reserves. The boys bragged about how they had spent the weekend running 10 kilometres and throwing hand grenades. 'I'm like, 'Oh, I want to try throwing a grenade,'' Bal remembers. She joined the Royal Canadian Artillery as a reserve member, and over the next 10 years, rose from gunner to master bombardier to lieutenant, finishing her military service as a gun position officer. 'That decade shaped my life,' she says. Bal earned a degree in English and sociology from Hamilton's Redeemer University and an MBA from the Royal Military College of Canada, and launched a career as a police officer in Halton Region. Now a decorated staff sergeant with the Ottawa Police Service, Bal has worked as a patrol supervisor, recruiting officer and criminal investigator. In 2015, she settled a human rights complaint against the police service, which triggered a force-wide gender audit that found women were disadvantaged by maternity leaves and less likely to be promoted. In canvassing during this election, Bal says, she has heard deep concerns about crime: the continuing scourge of car thefts in Barrhaven and the four recent homicides in Nepean. She believes the Conservative plan to bolster the border with 2,000 new agents, Canadian Forces troops and better surveillance and scanning equipment can stem the flow of guns and fentanyl into Canada. 'When Pierre (Poilievre) says we can stop the illegal guns, that is something that is achievable, and that is something that is near and dear to me,' she says. From her experience, Bal says, she believes the Liberal government's embrace of safe supply – permitting the prescription of pharmaceutical-grade opioids and stimulants to addicts – is wrong. Many of those drugs, she says, end up being sold on the street. 'It's toxic compassion: It's morally and ethically wrong, and we can do better,' argues Bal, who favours better treatment and rehabilitation. In parts of Nepean, Bal says, she has also encountered desperation among new homeowners, fearful that higher interest rates and government layoffs could spell financial disaster. She met a couple in Nepean with a $5,000-a-month mortgage, a new baby, and a lot of worries. 'They said they can barely afford it, and if anything happens – if she gets sick, if he gets sick – they don't know what they're going to do,' Bal says. Others have told her about working regular overtime shifts to afford mortgages and rent payments. (According to RBC, the average household now needs to allocate 55.9% of its income to cover its mortgage payments.) The Conservatives say they will sell 15 per cent of the federal government's 37,000 buildings for affordable housing, and make homes more affordable by cutting the federal GST on new homes of up to $1.3 million. 'We've got to make life more affordable so that owning a house is still part of the Canadian dream — and is not as out of reach as it feels now,' says Bal. During her door-to-door canvassing, Bal says, she has frequently met Nepean voters worried about their job security as civil servants. The public service increased in size by 43 per cent during the past nine years of Liberal government. A federal spending review has raised the possibility of job redeployments, attrition and layoffs. Bal denounced the bloated bureaucracy as a source of waste and government debt, but said the Liberal approach to downsizing is misguided. It's 'tragic,' she says, that the Liberal government plans to lay off 3,300 employees of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada over the next three years when there are backlogs for residence visas and citizenship applications. She said a Conservative government would reduce the size of the civil service through a strategic approach to attrition, not layoffs. Each year, 17,000 public servants retire or leave their jobs, she noted. 'Our plan is to look at each one of those positions, and if it's a needed position, you fill it. If it's a position number that's not needed, you eliminate it, and move the resources somewhere else.' Bal noted that advance polls opened Friday and encouraged Nepean residents to 'vote, vote, vote.' Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Everything you need to know about voting in Nepean Nepean Conservative files police report alleging stolen signs
