Latest news with #IDSA
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan's Ayub Khan sought US help to annexe Kashmir after Indus Treaty in 1960
A new book reveals Ayub Khan's attempt to gain US support for capturing Kashmir after the Indus Waters Treaty. Khan linked water rights to territorial claims. He warned that US aid to India would be wasted without resolving the Kashmir issue. Kennedy offered a compromise, but Khan insisted on securing water resources. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Following the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, the then Pakistani President Ayub Khan sought US President John F Kennedy 's support to capture Kashmir from India, a new book on the treaty has 'Trial by Water: Indus Basin and India-Pakistan Relations ', author Uttam Sinha, an expert on international water issues and IDSA senior fellow, recounts how, in July 1961-months after signing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)-Khan arrived in Washington, already bristling over America's generous aid to a reception in his honour at Mount Vernon, tastefully arranged by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Ayub's displeasure was clear. In protest, he had suspended CIA's covert flights from airbases in East Pakistan, which supported Tibetan rebels, as well as U-2 flights over China from West Pakistan.A private garden walk with Kennedy thawed the frost. Ayub agreed to reopen the airbases; Kennedy, in turn, promised that the US will not supply any military equipment to India, according to the later in the Oval Office, Ayub, like a campaign general, spread out maps to press Pakistan's security concerns. The first showed Indian troop deployment-of the 1.5 million soldiers, only 15% faced China, while 85% were positioned against Pakistan. The second detailed 80,000-90,000 Afghan troops on the western border, armed with Soviet-supplied equipment. The third mapped Pakistan's thin defences against both neighbours. Throughout, Ayub insisted that without Kashmir, "Pakistan would be up the gum tree" if attacked from India or Afghanistan, Sinha pointed out in his and his advisers doubted the alarmism but recognised Kashmir as the litmus test of Indo-Pak peace. Kennedy proposed a compromise that the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru might accept. Ayub's answer was calculated. India could keep Jammu, but Pakistan needed "some miles" across the Chenab to secure water resources . His logic was simple-if the Indus Treaty gave Pakistan rights to the western rivers, and those rivers flowed from Kashmir, adjoining territories should belong to suggested Nehru, politically spent and out of touch with Kashmiris, was now ready for settlement. Without resolving Kashmir, he warned, US aid to India was wasted. Kennedy countered that US assistance was aimed at keeping India free from communist influence, not to buy loyalty, Sinha pointed out in his the meeting closed, Ayub made one final ask-if Kennedy's effort to sway Nehru during the latter's planned November 1961 Washington visit failed, and Pakistan returned to the UN over Kashmir, would the US back it?"Yes," Kennedy replied - an episode that, as the book makes clear, showed how deeply water and territory were entwined during the Cold War era's South Asian book also recalls how Nehru faced internal criticism over the IWT. He was described as an umpire in a cricket match-was how one MP described the PM during a fiery Lok Sabha debate on the treaty in November and December 1960. The charge, recorded in the book, captured the frustration of parliamentarians who believed India was giving away too much, too the treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, and debated in the House on November 30, the mood was anything but celebratory. Criticism came from across the political spectrum, including even the Congress benches. Ashok Mehta of the Praja Socialist Party famously called it a "second partition."
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Pakistan's Ayub Khan sought US help to annexe Kashmir after Indus Treaty in 1960
A new book reveals Ayub Khan's attempt to gain US support for capturing Kashmir after the Indus Waters Treaty. Khan linked water rights to territorial claims. He warned that US aid to India would be wasted without resolving the Kashmir issue. Kennedy offered a compromise, but Khan insisted on securing water resources. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Following the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, the then Pakistani President Ayub Khan sought US President John F Kennedy 's support to capture Kashmir from India, a new book on the treaty has 'Trial by Water: Indus Basin and India-Pakistan Relations ', author Uttam Sinha, an expert on international water issues and IDSA senior fellow, recounts how, in July 1961-months after signing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)-Khan arrived in Washington, already bristling over America's generous aid to a reception in his honour at Mount Vernon, tastefully arranged by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Ayub's displeasure was clear. In protest, he had suspended CIA's covert flights from airbases in East Pakistan, which supported Tibetan rebels, as well as U-2 flights over China from West Pakistan.A private garden walk with Kennedy thawed the frost. Ayub agreed to reopen the airbases; Kennedy, in turn, promised that the US will not supply any military equipment to India, according to the later in the Oval Office, Ayub, like a campaign general, spread out maps to press Pakistan's security concerns. The first showed Indian troop deployment-of the 1.5 million soldiers, only 15% faced China, while 85% were positioned against Pakistan. The second detailed 80,000-90,000 Afghan troops on the western border, armed with Soviet-supplied equipment. The third mapped Pakistan's thin defences against both neighbours. Throughout, Ayub insisted that without Kashmir, "Pakistan would be up the gum tree" if attacked from India or Afghanistan, Sinha pointed out in his and his advisers doubted the alarmism but recognised Kashmir as the litmus test of Indo-Pak peace. Kennedy proposed a compromise that the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru might accept. Ayub's answer was calculated. India could keep Jammu, but Pakistan needed "some miles" across the Chenab to secure water resources . His logic was simple-if the Indus Treaty gave Pakistan rights to the western rivers, and those rivers flowed from Kashmir, adjoining territories should belong to suggested Nehru, politically spent and out of touch with Kashmiris, was now ready for settlement. Without resolving Kashmir, he warned, US aid to India was wasted. Kennedy countered that US assistance was aimed at keeping India free from communist influence, not to buy loyalty, Sinha pointed out in his the meeting closed, Ayub made one final ask-if Kennedy's effort to sway Nehru during the latter's planned November 1961 Washington visit failed, and Pakistan returned to the UN over Kashmir, would the US back it?"Yes," Kennedy replied - an episode that, as the book makes clear, showed how deeply water and territory were entwined during the Cold War era's South Asian book also recalls how Nehru faced internal criticism over the IWT. He was described as an umpire in a cricket match-was how one MP described the PM during a fiery Lok Sabha debate on the treaty in November and December 1960. The charge, recorded in the book, captured the frustration of parliamentarians who believed India was giving away too much, too the treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, and debated in the House on November 30, the mood was anything but celebratory. Criticism came from across the political spectrum, including even the Congress benches. Ashok Mehta of the Praja Socialist Party famously called it a "second partition."
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Feinstein Institutes' Dr. Douglas F. Nixon Named Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America
BUSINESS WIRE)--For his contributions to immunovirology research, Douglas F. Nixon, MD, PhD, director of Northwell Health's Institute of Translational Research at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, has been named a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). For over 30 years, Dr. Nixon has been a leading figure in immunovirology research, spanning clinical research, human immunology, basic virology and molecular biology. A pioneer in the study of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) – often called 'junk DNA' or 'dark genome' that does not code for genes – Dr. Nixon investigates their influence on neuroimmunological, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. As the leader of the Institute of Translational Research, Dr. Nixon heads a team whose research aims to accelerate the development of treatments for a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, other viral infections and mental health disorders. 'I am honored to be elected a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of my colleagues and mentors who have inspired and supported me throughout my career,' said Dr. Nixon. 'I am eager to contribute further to the critical mission of the society, advancing research and clinical care in infectious diseases for the benefit of patients worldwide.' Dr. Nixon has built a distinguished career in immunology and virology, earning degrees from University College London, the University of London, and the University of Oxford. His work spans biotech, academia and research institutions, including Rockefeller University, the Gladstone Institute, UCSF, George Washington University, Weill Cornell, and now at the Feinstein Institutes. With over 330 publications and continuous National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for 25 years, Dr. Nixon's accomplishments include the Elizabeth Glaser Scientist Award, an NIH R37 merit award and fellowships in the American Society for Clinical Investigation, National Academy of Inventors and American Academy of Microbiology. He also led NIH initiatives focused on AIDS vaccine research and HIV cure research, which has earned him widespread recognition. 'Dr. Nixon's election as a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America is a high honor that reflects his exceptional scientific leadership,' said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. 'His groundbreaking work in ancient DNA is transforming how we understand the origins and evolution of infectious diseases and is paving the way toward more effective treatments.' The IDSA is a global community of over 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts who tackle infectious disease challenges ranging from microscopic microbes to widespread outbreaks. Driven by science, a commitment to health equity and a spirit of inquiry, IDSA members work to protect individual, community and global health by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Fellowship in IDSA is one of the highest honors in the field of infectious diseases, recognizing distinguished clinicians and scientists from the U.S. and around the world whose contributions continue to move the field forward. This year, the IDSA is welcoming 167 Fellows during its annual meeting in the fall. Dr. Nixon recently published research in Trends in Immunology that showed the five senses – sight, smell, taste, touch and sound – play a key role in the immune system. He calls this 'shared immunity,' and explains that the body can communicate and share immune benefits with others, even across generations. This research significantly expands the understanding of the complex interplay between the senses, the immune system and the environment though genetics and generational evolution, offering potential new directions for future research and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance immune defenses. About the Feinstein Institutes The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit and follow us on LinkedIn.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India Maldives Relations: ‘India & Maldives…Importance Of Geography'
'India & Maldives…Importance Of Geography' Sujan Chinoy Updated: Jul 22, 2025, 21:01 IST IST Chief of IDSA argues Modi's visit to the island will put Muizzu's pivot on India on firmer grounds Modi's state visit to Maldives on Friday, which will reaffirm the traditionally close and friendly relations between the two countries, stands out for several reasons. It's his first visit since Mohamed Muizzu became president in Nov 2023, and he'll be the guest of honour at the country's 60th independence day celebrations. This year also marks 60 years of India's diplomatic ties with Maldives. Although Muizzu was associated with the so-called 'India Out' campaign before the presidential election, Maldives' official readout after his first meeting with Modi, on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai in Dec 2023, expressed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation and people-to-people contact. The two sides also agreed to set up a core group.
Medscape
18-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
IDSA Issues Updated Guidelines on Complicated UTIs
The Infectious Diseases Society of America's (IDSA's) updated guidelines for management and treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) include a streamlined classification and new advice on antibiotics. The guidelines, published on the IDSA website, specifically address complicated UTIs (cUTIs) and expand recommendations for men, both of which had not been emphasized in the existing IDSA guidelines on UTIs (last updated in 2010). 'IDSA's new guidelines are intended to support clinicians from many different disciplines with the latest scientific knowledge on how to manage complicated UTIs,' said lead author Barbara Trautner, MD, co-chief of the Infectious Diseases Division at Washington University in St. Louis, in an IDSA press release announcing the guidelines. Since 2010, many antimicrobials have emerged for cUTIs, which are now defined as an infection beyond the bladder in women or men, including pyelonephritis, febrile or bacteremic UTIs, catheter-associated UTIs, and prostatitis. Although prostatitis is now part of the definition of cUTIs, management is not specifically addressed in the new guidelines, the authors wrote. Uncomplicated UTIs are defined in the new guidelines as infections confined to the bladder in afebrile women or men. 'The guidelines provide a welcome update and clarity to treating a commonly encountered infection,' said Neil Skolnik, MD, professor of family and community medicine at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, in an interview. 'This is one of the few guidelines that I have seen where I don't actually think there will be barriers to implementation,' he said. Go Early, Then Easy, on Oral Antibiotics Notably, the recommendations suggest algorithms for the use of antibiotics, including a four-step process to assess illness severity, resistance risk factors, patient-specific considerations, and, for septic patients, consideration of local antibiotic susceptibility (the antibiogram). For patients who started on parenteral therapy but are improving and able to take oral medication, switching to oral antibiotics for the remainder of the treatment period is recommended if an effective oral option is available, according to the guidelines. An earlier switch to oral treatment would reduce costs and the risk for catheter-related adverse events, the authors noted. The guidelines also recommend a relatively short duration of antibiotic use for patients with uncomplicated UTIs who are improving: either 5-7 days of a fluoroquinolone or 7 days of a non-fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Simple Updates to Treat Complicated Cases 'I was thrilled to see the updated guidance from IDSA, as they represent the most important and credible organization that gives guideline-based recommendations on infectious diseases, of which UTI is an important one,' Skolnik said. 'I was not surprised that pyelonephritis was reclassified from uncomplicated to complicated UTI,' Skolnik told Medscape Medical News . 'In fact, I was surprised that it was considered uncomplicated in the previous guidelines,' he noted. An important point about the updated guidelines is the emphasis on individualized treatment of complicated UTIs, recognizing that treatment depends on the severity of illness, risk factors for having resistant uropathogens, patient-specific considerations, and the local antibiogram, Skolnik said. For example, the recommendation for patients with sepsis resulting from a UTI 'places a higher value on providing early, appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy to prevent mortality while deferring stewardship considerations to definitive therapy,' Skolnik noted. 'For patients who are less severely ill, antibiotic stewardship becomes more important,' he said. Skolnik said he was pleased to see the inclusion of 'good old trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole' as a preferred oral agent for patients with complicated UTIs without sepsis who do not require intravenous therapy. 'I was also happy to see that fluoroquinolones are still first line in this population, and amoxicillin-clavulanate or oral cephalosporins still are recommended as reliable alternative agents,' Skolnik told Medscape Medical News . These antibiotics are widely used in primary care, he added. However, for complicated UTIs, 'it is particularly helpful to have duration of antibiotic treatment clarified as 7 days total duration, rather than a longer course, as many clinicians currently treat for 10-14 days,' he noted. The new guidelines were developed by a panel of experts, including physicians and pharmacists, with review by multiple medical organizations, including the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists, American Academy of Family Physicians, Society of Hospital Medicine, American Urological Association, American Society for Microbiology, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada, and European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
