Latest news with #ShashankJoshi
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Present Covid variant is like Omicron's great-grandchild, nothing to worry about: Dr Joshi
Nagpur: The ongoing rise in Covid-19 cases across India is not a cause for concern and should not create panic, said Dr Shashank Joshi, Padma Shri awardee and former chief of the Maharashtra Covid-19 Task Force, on Friday. Speaking to TOI during his visit to Nagpur for the 12th edition of Hello Diabetes Academia (HDA), Dr Joshi dismissed the current surge as a 'seasonal wave,' triggered by climate change and minor viral mutations. "This variant is the great-grandchild of the Omicron strain — mild, self-limiting, and largely harmless for the general public," Dr Joshi said, adding that the virus is behaving like other seasonal respiratory infections seen during monsoon transitions. "There is no reason to panic," he emphasized. "Healthy individuals may get infected, but will recover due to existing natural immunity. Hospitalisations are not rising, there is no oxygen requirement, and deaths only occur in case of patients with extreme comorbidities or severely compromised immunity." Dr Joshi urged people to treat seasonal flu, cold, or cough with proper medical attention and not ignore symptoms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 年最紓壓的農場遊戲！無需安裝 東加：島嶼農場 立即播放 Undo "If someone tests positive for Covid-19, wearing a mask is a responsible step, but home isolation is not necessary. Most cases are self-resolving," he said. He stressed that the medical fraternity is not worried and the healthcare system remains robust and well-prepared. "Climate change is driving a number of respiratory infections. Covid-19 is just one of them and needn't cause extraordinary concern. Our country has built strong immunity through vaccination and prior exposure." While in Nagpur for the HDA conference, Dr Joshi also touched upon the rising burden of diabetes and obesity, the core focus of the three-day scientific gathering. "Obesity is now the primary concern of doctors across the country," he said. "Visceral fat, which is the fat surrounding internal organs, is a bigger problem among Indians than general obesity. Women with a waist size above 80 cm and men above 90 cm are at high risk for diabetes," he warned. Meanwhile, diabetologist Dr Sunil Gupta, who is leading the conference, said that while scientific sessions began on Friday, the formal inauguration of the 12th Hello Diabetes Academia is scheduled for Saturday. The conference has brought together over 100 experts from across India to discuss the latest developments in the fields of diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic care. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Increase in thyroid cases attributed to greater awareness, improved diagnostics
MUMBAI: Close to 50 million Indians, mainly women, suffer from thyroid disorders in India, and the numbers seem to be going up every year in metro cities such as Mumbai, according to statistics available from govt agencies and diagnostic laboratories. The National Family Health Survey-4 found that 1.8% of the women in Maharashtra had goitre or other thyroid disorders in 2015-2016, and the number went up to 2.1% three years later in the NFHS-15. The all-India figure also shows an increase from 2.2% to 2.7% in the same period. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai However, senior endocrinologist Dr Shashank Joshi from Lilavati Hospital in Bandra said that the rising numbers are more a function of greater awareness and better access to thyroid diagnostic tests. "Autoimmunity is rising across the world, and India is no exception, but the rise in thyroid disorder numbers is merely a reflection of more awareness and diagnosis," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Autoimmunity is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, tissues, or organs. Autoimmune thyroid disorders—hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) or hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis)—are the most common autoimmune diseases in the world. Dr Joshi, who is the immediate past President of the Indian Thyroid Society, said modern women multitask and are vulnerable to work- and family-related stressors that make them prone to thyroid problems. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that regulates metabolism and hormones. Due to disorders, the thyroid could become underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism)—both conditions affect one's mood, weight, energy levels, and heart health. The most common symptoms are weight changes (gain or loss), temperature sensitivity (cold or heat intolerance), changes in heart rate, and skin and hair changes. Other symptoms can include mood swings, digestive issues (like constipation), and menstrual irregularities. "The most important point is that thyroid disorders are treatable conditions, so early detection is the key," said Dr Joshi. May 25 is observed as World Thyroid Day, and this year's theme is "focus on early detection and treatment." Doctors said that modern diagnostics make it easier than ever to detect thyroid issues early and guide the right treatment. Gynaecologist Dr Rajashri Tayshete Bhasale from Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, wanted to highlight the role of diagnostic advances in better detection rates. 'Artificial intelligence is not the future of thyroid care—it's already here. AI tools can now detect abnormalities in seconds, interpret lab results, and even predict flare-ups. But awareness and timely medical consultation remain key,' she said. Meanwhile, the American Thyroid Association has noted that although several autoimmune diseases have been associated with cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune thyroid diseases—and particularly hypothyroidism—have to date not been officially included among the risk factors for non-communicable diseases.
Al Jazeera
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
What can be learned from the latest conflict between India and Pakistan?
Feelings of relief and hope are sweeping India and Pakistan. The latest flare-up in hostilities that killed at least 60 people across the two countries has come to a dramatic halt after four days. Nearly 30 countries including the United States are reported to have been involved in getting the ceasefire agreed. The administration of US President Donald Trump, which announced the truce, has proposed a new round of talks at a neutral venue to try and end the bitter rivalry. A dispute over divided Kashmir, India's accusation that Pakistan is backing terrorist attacks inside its territory, and differences over the sharing of river water are all issues that have been festering for decades. So are both sides at last ready to negotiate? Presenter: Cyril Vanier Guests: Walter Ladwig – Senior lecturer in International Relations at King's College London Elijah Magnier – Military and political analyst Shashank Joshi – Defence editor of The Economist newspaper
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
India Launched Dozens Of Israeli-Made Harop Attack Drones, Pakistan Claims
As the conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbors escalates, Pakistan claims it destroyed more than two dozen Israeli-made Harop drones launched by India, including during an attack on an air defense system in Lahore. India claims it destroyed that system, but did not acknowledge the use or loss of any Harops. Each side also accuses the other of launching missile attacks. You can catch up on the initial outbreak of open hostilities in our previous coverage here. Before moving forward, we must note that the situation is very murky and a flood of blanket claims and assumptions are emanating from both sides, which has overrun social media. So we have to deal with claims as such until we have more comprehensive proof. 'Pakistan Armed Forces have so far shot down 25 Israeli-made Harop drones,' the Pakistani Defense Ministry claimed in a statement. 'Debris of Israeli-made Harop drones is being recovered from various areas across Pakistan.' Video emerged on social media purporting to show Harop drone remnants recovered by Pakistani forces. #Pakistan / #India : Indian Forces (#IAF) have struck the #Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in # by the debris —the attack appears to be carried out with an #Israel-made IAI 'HAROP' Loitering Munition. — War Noir (@war_noir) May 8, 2025 In addition, a video was posted on X claiming that Pakistani forces used what appears to be an Oerlikon GDF-002 30mm twin autocannon short-range air defense system (SHORAD) to defend against those drones. The War Zone cannot independently verify these claims. #Pakistan / #India : Pakistani Forces attempting to shoot down Indian Drones over # Pak Forces use what appears to be 35mm Oerlikon GDF-002 / Type 90 Twin Autocannons. — War Noir (@war_noir) May 8, 2025 The Pakistani military previously said one drone attacked a military target near the eastern city of Lahore, causing damage and wounding soldiers, the Times of Israel noted. India sent Israeli Harop drones to multiple locations, including the two largest cities of Karachi and Lahore, and their debris is being collected, Pakistan military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, according to the publication. 'Indian drones continue to be sent into Pakistan airspace…(India) will continue to pay dearly for this naked aggression,' he said. Looks like India is expanding its attack by targeting Pakistani air defence systems. If there was any prospect of avoiding Pakistani retaliation yesterday, there certainly isn't today. — Shashank Joshi (@shashj) May 8, 2025 Indian officials said their forces carried out a response to Pakistan's attacks on its military installations, but did not offer specifics on what weapons were used. 'Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defense Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan,' the Indian Defense Ministry (MoD) said in a statement on Thursday. 'Indian response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defense system at Lahore has been neutralized.' Operation SindoorPakistan's Bid to Escalate Negated- Proportionate Response by — ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 8, 2025 While India did not say what it used to attack the Pakistani air defenses, it makes some sense that it would use Harops. Made by Israel Aircraft Industry (IAI), these loitering munitions are often used as Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD) weapon systems, designed to home in on an enemy's radio frequency-emitting air defense sensor capabilities. Armed with a 50-pound warhead, the Harop uses its camera system and operator to track and engage moving targets or its radiation seeker to sniff out and attack radar sites on its own. It can even be equipped for both missions at the same time, so that if a radar site were to go offline after being detected, the Harop can fly to its location and use electro-optical targeting to locate and kill it. It can also hit many other kinds of ground targets — moving or static — as well. Harop can fly for about six hours or about 600 miles after being launched by a truck- or ship-mounted canister. Once in the air, it can be operated by man-in-the-loop control or it can go about its mission autonomously. Harop was put to use with devastating results by the Azeris in the spring of 2021, during fighting with the Armenians. The attack drone supposedly hit a bus full of soldiers, killing six and destroying the bus. You can read more about them in our story here and here. Though India made no mention of the Harops, officials in New Delhi said its integrated air defense and counter-unmanned aerial systems grid 'came into action Wednesday night and took down several Pakistani armed drones, loitering munitions and missiles that were targeting 15 military installations, including IAF bases in Pathankot and Srinagar,' the Indian ThePrint news outlet reported on Thursday. India used its Russian-made S-400, indigenous Akash and several other surface-to-air missile systems, as well as integrated counter-drone systems that included hand-held jamming devices, to thwart 'Pakistan's escalatory military action,' the publication reported. 'The 'debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks,' the MoD statement said.' The primary targets of the Pakistan missiles and drones were the '[Indian Air Force] stations in some of these locations and radar stations in some,' ThePrint posited, citing its sources. 'Ever since the launch of Operation Sindoor, the air defense systems were put on high alert along the western sector, they added.' India's S-400, Akash see their first action They took down several Pakistan missiles, armed drones, loitering munitions What was Pakistan targeting and how India tracked them? Details below — Snehesh Alex Philip (@sneheshphilip) May 8, 2025 Casualties are starting to mount as the two sides trade drone and missile volleys and fighting intensifies along the Line of Control in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region. Overnight developments along the India-Pakistan border: missile/drone incidents reportedly attempted by both sides after India struck terror-linked targets in Pakistan yesterday, many attempts thwarted by both, several LoC sectors report intense artillery exchanges as well — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 8, 2025 It appears that Jammu city, in Indian-administered Kashmir, came under attack Thursday, an Indian Army spokesperson told CNN. 'We don't have any more details. At this point, we are trying to ascertain the situation. A blackout is in place,' the spokesperson said. 'Loud explosions—bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected,' Shesh Paul Vaid, former director general of Jammu and Kashmir police, said in a post on X, and he added there is currently a blackout. Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions—bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected. Fret not—Mata Vaishno Devi is with us, and so are the valiant Indian Armed Forces. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) May 8, 2025 The city of Jammu, Indian-administered Kashmir, is now reportedly under drone attack from Pakistan, with Indian air defenses active in and around the city. Jammu is one of the dual capitals of the Indian-administered region. — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 8, 2025 Air raid sirens were activated in Islamabad, Pakistan, but it is unclear if there was any attack there. BREAKING: Sirens sounding in the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad — Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) May 8, 2025 'A Pakistani military official said at least 31 civilians were killed Wednesday in what India dubbed 'Operation Sindoor,' which New Delhi said targeted 'terrorist infrastructure,'' CNN reported. 'On the Indian side of the de facto border that divides Kashmir, cross-border Pakistani shelling has killed at least 16 people, India's defense ministry said.' Meanwhile, Pakistan said it has killed 40 to 50 Indian soldiers along the de facto border in Kashmir, the network reported. So far, U.S. military officials have declined to comment on this conflict. On Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. 'The Secretary emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications,' he said, according to a readout provided by spokesperson Tammy Bruce. 'The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism.' The Indian government has said its latest strikes were retaliation for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians in Kashmir last month. Pakistan denies any involvement in that incident. This is a developing story. We will update it as more news comes in. Contact the author: howard@
Irish Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
How will Pakistan respond to India's missile attack?
India has conducted what it has described as 'precision strikes' in neighbouring Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, days after it blamed Islamabad for a deadly attack on the Indian side of the contested region that killed 26 people. At least 26 civilians were killed and 46 injured by the Indian strikes, according to Pakistani officials. The Indian government claimed that nine non-military targets had been hit, in what it called 'Operation Sindoor'. The military operation by India represents yet another bloody chapter in the decades-long simmering conflict over Kashmir, often called the Switzerland of India because of its lakes, forests and snow-capped mountains. READ MORE The contested nature of the territory means that Kashmir is one of the most militarised zones in the world. To understand what happened this week – and why – it's necessary to look back to 1947 when Pakistan and India became independent from Britain and when both claimed Kashmir. Shashank Joshi, defence Eeditor with The Economist magazine, explains the background and explores the fears of further hostilities in one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.
